PBA Round 5 (Regular Season): NLEX RW keep a leadership position

The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked NLEX RW as it allowed them to take a leadership position. NLEX RW defeated 10th ranked Hotshots in Makati City 87-74. NLEX RW looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Hotshots helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) stepped up and scored 26 points and 9 assists for the winners and Australian Anthony Semerad (196-1991) chipped in 22 points and 10 rebounds. Power forward Ian Paul Sangalang (201-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. NLEX RW have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Hotshots at the other side keep the tenth place with two games lost. Hotshots will play next round against strong North Port trying to get back on the winning streak. It will be a derby game for which supporters look forward to, where their team will face at home their local rival from Pasig City - North Port. NLEX RW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Important game to mention about took place in Manila. Leader SM Beermen (4-0) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 4th placed Ginebra Kings (3-3) 95-92 on Friday evening. Guard Jaymar Perez (188-1993) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and June Mar Fajardo accounted for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Naturalized German forward Christian Standhardinger (206-1989, college: Hawaii) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists for Ginebra Kings in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. SM Beermen have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Ginebra Kings at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with TNT Tropang and Blackwater. SM Beermen will play against Terrafirma Dyip (#4) in Makati City in the next round. Ginebra Kings will play at home against Blackwater and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Manila (derby !!!) between Meralco Bolts and Terrafirma Dyip. Sixth ranked Meralco Bolts (3-4) got a very close home victory over their close opponent Terrafirma Dyip (4-3). Meralco Bolts managed to escape with a 3-point win 86-83 on Wednesday evening. The best player for the winners was Kier Quinto who scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Juan Tiongson produced a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Meralco Bolts went down to eighth position due to points difference, which they share with Rain or Shine. Loser Terrafirma Dyip dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. Meralco Bolts will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Terrafirma Dyip will play against the league's second-placed SM Beermen (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5: winless FiberXers were destroyed by Rain or Shine on the opponent's court 110-90. TNT Tropang unfortunately lost to North Port in a home game 96-112. Rain or Shine managed to beat Blackwater on the road 110-103. Meralco Bolts were defeated by TNT Tropang on its own court 90-92. Ginebra Kings were beaten by Terrafirma Dyip in Makati City 91-85.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 22 points and 6 rebounds by Javier Gomez De Liano of Terrafirma Dyip.



Meralco Bolts - Terrafirma Dyip 86-83

A very close game took place in Manila (derby !!!) between Meralco Bolts and Terrafirma Dyip. Sixth ranked Meralco Bolts (3-4) got a very close home victory over their close opponent Terrafirma Dyip (4-3). Meralco Bolts managed to escape with a 3-point win 86-83 on Wednesday evening. Meralco Bolts looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was Kier Quinto (188-1994) who scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Guard Chris Newsome (187-1990, college: Georgetown, KY) chipped in 7 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Guard Juan Tiongson (178-1991) produced a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and American Stephen Holt (193-1991, college: SMC) added 20 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Four Terrafirma Dyip players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Meralco Bolts went down to eighth position due to points difference, which they share with Rain or Shine. Loser Terrafirma Dyip dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. Meralco Bolts will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Terrafirma Dyip will play against the league's second-placed SM Beermen (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Meralco Bolts: Q.Kier 18+7reb+4ast, N.Torres 15+5reb, R.Almazan 14+3reb, C.Newsome 7+8reb+8ast, J.Mendoza 7, B.Aaron 7+3reb+4ast
Terrafirma Dyip: J.Tiongson 20+10reb+6ast, S.Holt 20+4reb+5ast, G.De Liano Javier 11+5reb+1ast, A.Ramos 11+4reb+3ast, S.Mark 6+1reb, G.Isaac 4+4reb+1ast

Rain or Shine - FiberXers 110-90

Rather expected game in Manila where bottom-ranked FiberXers (0-6) were crushed by ninth ranked Rain or Shine (3-4) 110-90 on Wednesday. Rain or Shine looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by FiberXers' players. The best player for the winners was Beau Belga (198-1986) who had a triple-double by scoring 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Center Leonard Santillan (195-1996) chipped in a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Forward Justine Arana (201-1999) produced 20 points and 9 rebounds and guard Alec Stockton (188-1998) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Five Rain or Shine and four FiberXers players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Rain or Shine have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Meralco Bolts. Loser FiberXers still closes the standings with six games lost. Rain or Shine will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FiberXers will play against Phoenix (#11) and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: B.Belga 25+12reb+10ast, L.Santillan 23+11reb+2ast, C.Andrei 15+1reb+13ast, I.Shaun 15+1reb, G.Mamuyac 10+2reb, N.Demusis 6+1reb
FiberXers: A.Justine 20+9reb+2ast, W.Schonny 14+1reb+2ast, S.Alec 13+5reb+4ast, S.Bryan 12+8reb+1ast, D.Los Santos John 7+2reb+4ast, M.Aljun 7+4reb+3ast

TNT Tropang - North Port 96-112

Very predictable result in Makati where fourth ranked North Port (4-1) defeated 9th ranked TNT Tropang (3-3) 112-96 on Friday. North Port dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to TNT Tropang's 36. North Port forced 19 TNT Tropang turnovers and outrebounded them 53-41 including 16 on the offensive glass. North Port looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Arvin Tolentino (195-1995) who scored 29 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward John Calma (198-1997) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds. Roger Ray Pogoy (189-1992) produced 34 points (!!!) and forward Calvin-John Oftana (195-1996) added 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. North Port have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to third place. Loser TNT Tropang dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Ginebra Kings and Blackwater. North Port's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Pasig City to the arena Hotshots.
Top scorers:
North Port: A.Tolentino 29+8reb+5ast, C.John 22+13reb, J.Munzon 14+2ast, F.Cade 9+8reb+3ast, B.Allyn 7+1reb+2ast, W.Navarro 6+5reb+1ast
TNT Tropang: R.Ray Pogoy 34+2reb+2ast, A.Kim 18+3reb+1ast, C.Oftana 13+9reb+4ast, H.Galinato 7+11reb+1ast, M.Kib 6+1reb+1ast, G.Khobuntin 5+3reb+1ast

Ginebra Kings - SM Beermen 92-95

Important game to mention about took place in Manila. Leader SM Beermen (4-0) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 4th placed Ginebra Kings (3-3) 95-92 on Friday evening. Strangely Ginebra Kings outrebounded SM Beermen 58-37 including a 24-12 advantage in offensive rebounds. Guard Jaymar Perez (188-1993) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and center June Mar Fajardo (210-1989) accounted for 14 points and 10 rebounds. Naturalized German forward Christian Standhardinger (206-1989, college: Hawaii) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 17 rebounds and 6 assists and guard Maverick Ahanmisi (188-1991, college: Minnesota) added 16 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Ginebra Kings in the defeat. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. SM Beermen have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Ginebra Kings at the other side dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with TNT Tropang and Blackwater. SM Beermen will play against Terrafirma Dyip (#4) in Makati City in the next round. Ginebra Kings will play at home against Blackwater and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
SM Beermen: J.Perez 18+4reb+10ast, T.Celedonio 15+8reb, J.Mar Fajardo 14+10reb+1ast, M.Tautuaa 12+5reb+1ast, T.Romeo 11+1reb+4ast, J.Rodney Brondial 8+4reb+1ast
Ginebra Kings: J.Aguilar 17+4reb, M.Ahanmisi 16+10reb+2ast, S.Pringle 15+5reb+3ast, C.Standhardinger 14+17reb+6ast, M.Jamie 14+7reb+4ast, L.Tenorio 8+9reb+3ast

Blackwater - Rain or Shine 103-110

There was an upset in Caloocan City where 4th placed Blackwater (3-3) was defeated by ninth ranked Rain or Shine (3-4) 110-103 on Saturday. Rain or Shine looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was center Leonard Santillan (195-1996) who scored 28 points and 7 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). Beau Belga (198-1986) chipped in 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Rey Suerte (192-1994) produced 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and forward Jeth Troy Rosario (201-1992) added 10 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Rain or Shine have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Meralco Bolts. Blackwater lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Ginebra Kings and TNT Tropang. Rain or Shine will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Blackwater will play against Ginebra Kings (#6) in Manila and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: L.Santillan 28+7reb+3ast, B.Belga 21+7reb+4ast, C.Jhonard 16+4reb+1ast, C.Andrei 12+4reb+4ast, G.Mamuyac 8+3reb+8ast, N.Demusis 7+4reb
Blackwater: S.Rey 20+5reb, R.Nambatac 13+3reb+2ast, K.James 11+4reb+1ast, J.Troy Rosario 10+8reb+1ast, J.Casio 9+1reb+2ast, T.Frederick 9+6reb+3ast

NLEX RW - Hotshots 87-74

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked NLEX RW as it allowed them to take a leadership position. NLEX RW defeated 10th ranked Hotshots in Makati City 87-74. NLEX RW looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. 27 personal fouls committed by Hotshots helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) stepped up and scored 26 points and 9 assists for the winners and Australian Anthony Semerad (196-1991) chipped in 22 points and 10 rebounds. Power forward Ian Paul Sangalang (201-1991) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and power forward Russel Escoto (198-1992) scored 13 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. NLEX RW have a solid series of four victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Hotshots at the other side keep the tenth place with two games lost. Hotshots will play next round against strong North Port trying to get back on the winning streak. It will be a derby game for which supporters look forward to, where their team will face at home their local rival from Pasig City - North Port. NLEX RW will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Top scorers:
NLEX RW: B.Robert 26+3reb+9ast, A.Semerad 22+10reb+1ast, R.Herndon 9+8reb+2ast, B.Amer 6+3reb, M.Angelo Miranda 6+1reb+3ast, F.Dominick 6+6reb
Hotshots: R.Escoto 13+3reb+2ast, I.Paul Sangalang 13+10reb+1ast, A.Barroca 10+4reb+4ast, J.Laput 8+7reb, J.Jalalon 6+8reb+4ast, P.Lee 5+4reb+4ast

Meralco Bolts - TNT Tropang 90-92

There was a small surprise in Manila where ninth ranked TNT Tropang (3-3) edged 6th ranked Meralco Bolts (3-4) 92-90 on Sunday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when TNT Tropang made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was forward Calvin-John Oftana (195-1996) who scored 26 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Kelly Williams (201-1982, college: Oakland) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Aaron Black (185-1996) produced 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American Clifford Hodge (196-1988, college: HPU) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Five TNT Tropang and four Meralco Bolts players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. TNT Tropang moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Ginebra Kings and Blackwater. Loser Meralco Bolts dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. They share it with Rain or Shine. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: C.Oftana 26+9reb+1ast, J.Castro William 15+6reb+1ast, H.Galinato 11+6reb, K.Williams 11+13reb+1ast, R.Ray Pogoy 11+4reb+2ast, G.Khobuntin 8+2reb
Meralco Bolts: C.Hodge 16+5reb, B.Aaron 16+8reb+4ast, M.Allein 11+5reb, C.Banchero 10+3reb+2ast, Q.Kier 9+2reb+2ast, R.Almazan 8+5reb+1ast

Terrafirma Dyip - Ginebra Kings 91-85

There was a minor upset in Makati City where 4th placed Ginebra Kings (3-3) were defeated by sixth ranked Terrafirma Dyip (4-3) 91-85 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was guard Juan Tiongson (178-1991) who scored 25 points and 4 assists. American Stephen Holt (193-1991, college: SMC) chipped in a double-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists. Naturalized German forward Christian Standhardinger (206-1989, college: Hawaii) produced 21 points and 7 rebounds and center Japeth Aguilar (206-1987, college: WKU) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Terrafirma Dyip moved-up to fourth place. Loser Ginebra Kings dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with TNT Tropang and Blackwater. Terrafirma Dyip will meet league's second-placed SM Beermen in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ginebra Kings will play against Blackwater and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Terrafirma Dyip: J.Tiongson 25+4reb+4ast, G.De Liano Javier 22+6reb, S.Holt 12+11reb+6ast, K.Carino 12+5reb, G.Isaac 9+7reb+3ast, S.Mark 7+1reb+1ast
Ginebra Kings: C.Standhardinger 21+7reb, J.Aguilar 18+5reb+2ast, L.Tenorio 11+2reb+5ast, M.Jamie 10+4reb+4ast, O.Sidney 9+12reb+4ast, V.Rolfe Pessumal 6+2reb