PBA Round 5 of Regular Season

PBA is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 5 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise of round 5 in PBA was guest NLEX RW's (4-1) road victory over Ginebra Kings (#7) 89-86 on Wednesday evening. Warriors had a 33-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) who scored 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Forward Xyrus Torres (183-2000) chipped in 11 points and 4 assists. Guard Scottie Thompson (188-1993) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. NLEX RW 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 two games lost. They share it with Rain or Shine. NLEX RW are looking forward to face Meralco Bolts (#8) in Manila in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Ginebra Kings will play at home against Blackwater and are hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked FiberXers (4-3) against seventh ranked Kings (3-2) on Saturday night. Host FiberXers were crushed by Kings in Makati 85-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of FiberXers. Center Japeth Aguilar (206-1987, college: WKU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Jamie Malonzo contributed with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Justine Baltazar (208-1997) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for FiberXers. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ginebra Kings moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Rain or Shine. FiberXers at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Ginebra Kings will play against Blackwater (#10) in Caloocan City in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. FiberXers will have a break next round.
The game in Makati was also quite interesting. 7th ranked Bolts (3-4) played at the court of eighth ranked TNT Tropang (3-3). TNT Tropang did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 101-84 on Sunday. Roger Ray Pogoy stepped up and scored 34 points (!!!) for the winners. Clifford Hodge responded with 23 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. TNT Tropang have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place. Loser Bolts dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. TNT Tropang will meet North Port (#11) in the next round. Meralco Bolts will play against the league's second-placed NLEX RW and will have a slim chance for a victory.

Other games of round 5 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Rain or Shine defeated Blackwater in Manila 120-106. Bottom-ranked Terrafirma Dyip was smashed by TNT Tropang at home 74-110. North Port lost to Meralco Bolts on the opponent's court 104-105. SM Beermen outscored Phoenix in a home game 111-92.



Blackwater - Rain or Shine 106-120

There was no surprise in Caloocan City where 9th ranked Bossing (1-4) was defeated by sixth ranked Painters (3-2) 120-106 on Wednesday. Rain or Shine dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Bossing's 42 and made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Rain or Shine looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Rain or Shine made 7 blocks. Naturalized American forward Keith Datu (201-1996, college: Chico St.) stepped up and scored 27 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and guard Adrian Nocum (183-1999) chipped in 23 points. Five Painters players scored in double figures. Canadian forward Christian David (198-1998, college: Butler) responded with 28 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Sedrick Barefield (188-1996, college: Utah) scored 23 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Rain or Shine moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Ginebra Kings. Loser Bossing dropped to the tenth position with four games lost. They share it with North Port. Rain or Shine will meet at home league's leader Hotshots in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Blackwater will play against Ginebra Kings (#5) in Manila and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: K.Datu 27+8reb+3ast, A.Nocum 23+4reb+1ast, C.Tiongson 14+3reb+4ast, A.Caracut 11+6reb+2ast, G.Mamuyac 11+1reb+3ast, J.Clarito 10+6reb+1ast
Blackwater: C.David 28+8reb, S.Barefield 23+1reb+3ast, R.Ilagan 16+1reb+2ast, M.Ayonayon 9+2reb, J.Casio 8+3reb, B.Guinto 6+6reb+4ast

Ginebra Kings - NLEX RW 86-89

The biggest surprise of round 5 in PBA was guest NLEX RW's (4-1) road victory over Ginebra Kings (#7) 89-86 on Wednesday evening. Warriors had a 33-21 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) who scored 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). Forward Xyrus Torres (183-2000) chipped in 11 points and 4 assists. Guard Scottie Thompson (188-1993) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and American Stephen Holt (193-1991, college: SMC) added 21 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. NLEX RW 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 two games lost. They share it with Rain or Shine. NLEX RW are looking forward to face Meralco Bolts (#8) in Manila in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Ginebra Kings will play at home against Blackwater and are hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
NLEX RW: R.Bolick 28+7reb+4ast, B.Ramirez 11+5reb+1ast, X.Torres 11+3reb+4ast, K.Alas 10+2reb+1ast, J.Mocon 8+6reb+3ast, J.Bahio 6+5reb+5ast
Ginebra Kings: S.Holt 21+2reb+3ast, S.Thompson 20+6reb+4ast, J.Abarrientos 11+2reb+2ast, J.Malonzo 11+7reb+2ast, J.Troy Rosario 8+6reb+2ast, J.Aguilar 7+9reb+1ast

Terrafirma Dyip - TNT Tropang 74-110

No shocking result in a game in Makati City where eighth ranked TNT Tropang (3-3) smashed bottom-ranked Terrafirma Dyip (1-5) 110-74 on Friday. TNT Tropang dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Terrafirma Dyip's 28. TNT Tropang looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when TNT Tropang made 7 blocks. Forward Calvin-John Oftana (195-1996) stepped up and scored 22 points for the winners and power forward John Paul Erram (203-1989) chipped in 19 points. Forward Louie Sangalang (193) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds and naturalized American point guard Stanley Pringle (184-1987, college: Penn State, agency: Pensack Sports) scored 12 points and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. TNT Tropang have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place. Terrafirma Dyip lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with five games lost. TNT Tropang will meet North Port (#11) in the next round. Terrafirma Dyip will play against SM Beermen and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: C.Oftana 22+4reb+1ast, J.Paul Erram 19+4reb, R.Nambatac 12+4reb+3ast, K.Aurin 11+4reb+5ast, R.Ray Pogoy 10+1reb+1ast, C.Payawal 9+1reb
Terrafirma Dyip: M.Nonoy 16+3reb+1ast, L.Sangalang 16+16reb+2ast, S.Pringle 12+4reb+4ast, A.Ramos 10+3reb+1ast, C.Catapusan 9+7reb+2ast, K.Ferrer 7+4reb+2ast

Meralco Bolts - North Port 105-104

Rather expected game in Manila where 9th ranked North Port (1-4) was edged by seventh ranked Bolts (3-4) 105-104 on Friday. Naturalized American Clifford Hodge (196-1988, college: HPU) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and point guard Christopher Banchero (186-1990, college: Seattle Pacific) chipped in 23 points. Naturalized American guard Joshua Munzon (191-1995, college: CS Los Angeles) responded with 36 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds and forward William Navarro (199-1997) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds. Five Meralco Bolts and four North Port 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. North Port lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with four games lost. They share the position with Blackwater. Meralco Bolts will meet league's second-placed NLEX RW in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. North Port will play against TNT Tropang (#7) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Meralco Bolts: C.Newsome 24+2reb+2ast, C.Banchero 23+3reb+2ast, C.Hodge 18+14reb+5ast, K.Quinto 17+9reb+2ast, A.Black 14+2reb+3ast, C.Cansino 3
North Port: J.Munzon 36+6reb+3ast, W.Navarro 14+12reb+2ast, J.Jalalon 11+3reb+3ast, C.Flores 10+4reb, J.Kwekuteye 10+5reb+1ast, S.Onwubere 7+6reb+2ast

FiberXers - Ginebra Kings 66-85

Very important is a home loss of third ranked FiberXers (4-3) against seventh ranked Kings (3-2) on Saturday night. Host FiberXers were crushed by Kings in Makati 85-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of FiberXers. Ginebra Kings players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. They brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. Center Japeth Aguilar (206-1987, college: WKU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Jamie Malonzo (198-1996) contributed with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Four Kings players scored in double figures. Justine Baltazar (208-1997) answered with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and forward Justine Arana (201-1999) added 9 points and 11 rebounds in the effort for FiberXers. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ginebra Kings moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Rain or Shine. FiberXers at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. Ginebra Kings will play against Blackwater (#10) in Caloocan City in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. FiberXers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ginebra Kings: J.Aguilar 23+10reb, S.Thompson 15+4reb+1ast, J.Abarrientos 14+5reb+3ast, S.Holt 12+4reb+5ast, J.Malonzo 9+10reb+5ast, J.Troy Rosario 7+5reb+4ast
FiberXers: J.Baltazar 13+10reb, M.Garcia 12+6reb+1ast, J.Arana 9+11reb+3ast, A.Stockton 8+3reb+4ast, J.Ambohot 7+6reb+1ast, S.Winston 4+6reb+2ast

SM Beermen - Phoenix 111-92

Rather predictable result in Manila where fourth ranked Beermen (4-2) outscored 8th ranked Masters (2-4) 111-92 on Sunday. SM Beermen outrebounded Phoenix 43-29 including 16 on the offensive glass. Center June Mar Fajardo (210-1989) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and guard Jaymar Perez (188-1993) chipped in 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized American forward Kai Ballungay (201-2001, college: CS Stanislaus) responded with 23 points and naturalized American forward Jason Perkins (193-1992, college: VCSU) scored 15 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. SM Beermen moved-up to third place. Loser Masters dropped to the ninth position with four games lost. SM Beermen will meet bottom-ranked Terrafirma Dyip (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Phoenix will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
SM Beermen: J.Perez 26+5reb+4ast, C.Trollano 21+5reb+2ast, J.Mar Fajardo 20+12reb+3ast, M.Lassiter 11+1reb+1ast, J.Rodney Brondial 8+8reb, M.Tautuaa 7+3reb+3ast
Phoenix: K.Ballungay 23+3reb+1ast, K.Tuffin 16+3reb+2ast, J.Perkins 15+9reb+1ast, T.Tio 8+1reb+7ast, M.Daves 8+1reb, R.Rivero 5+1reb+1ast

TNT Tropang - Meralco Bolts 101-84

The game in Makati was also quite interesting. 7th ranked Bolts (3-4) played at the court of eighth ranked TNT Tropang (3-3). TNT Tropang did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 101-84 on Sunday. Roger Ray Pogoy (189-1992) stepped up and scored 34 points (!!!) for the winners and forward Calvin-John Oftana (195-1996) chipped in 28 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Naturalized American Clifford Hodge (196-1988, college: HPU) responded with 23 points and guard Chris Newsome (187-1990, college: Georgetown, KY) scored 18 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Four TNT Tropang and five Meralco Bolts players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. TNT Tropang have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to seventh place. Loser Bolts dropped to the eighth position with four games lost. TNT Tropang will meet North Port (#11) in the next round. Meralco Bolts will play against the league's second-placed NLEX RW and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: R.Ray Pogoy 34+3reb+1ast, C.Oftana 28+5reb+3ast, R.Nambatac 13+5reb+5ast, J.Paul Erram 10+3reb+1ast, K.Williams 6+7reb+1ast, G.Khobuntin 6+3reb+3ast
Meralco Bolts: C.Hodge 23+4reb+2ast, C.Newsome 18+3reb+3ast, A.Black 15+7reb+2ast, R.Almazan 12+8reb+1ast, K.Quinto 11+1reb+3ast, C.Banchero 3+1reb+2ast