PBA Round 9 (Regular Season): NLEX RW defeat Hotshots

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Hotshots (7-3) in Pasig City on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Warriors (8-2) 107-99. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a good game for guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) who led his team to a victory with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Canadian forward Brandon Ramirez (193, college: TMU) contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American forward Zavier Lucero (198, college: Cal Maritime) answered with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds for Hotshots. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. NLEX RW keeps a position of league leader. Hotshots at the other side dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Ginebra Kings. NLEX RW are looking forward to face North Port (#11) in Pasig City in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hotshots will play on the road against TNT Tropang (#6) in Makati and are hoping to win this game.
The game in Manila was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Beermen (7-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Painters (6-4). Beermen managed to secure a 9-point victory 120-111. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Painters. Guard Jaymar Perez (188-1993) stepped up and scored 33 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and June Mar Fajardo chipped in 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was guard Andrei Caracut (178-1996) with 24 points and 7 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Beermen have a solid series of four victories in a row. SM Beermen moved-up to second place. Rain or Shine at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with FiberXers and TNT Tropang. SM Beermen will play against North Port (#11) in Pasig City in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rain or Shine's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Manila Ginebra Kings.
The game between fifth ranked TNT Tropang (6-4) and 10th ranked Bossing (2-8) in Makati on Friday ended with biggest points difference. TNT Tropang outscored guests from Caloocan City 108-82. Kelly Williams nailed 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Christian David came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds for Blackwater in the defeat. 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 an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 6-4 record, which they share with FiberXers and Rain or Shine. Blackwater lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with eight games lost. TNT Tropang will meet at home higher ranked Hotshots (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Blackwater will play against Phoenix (#9) in Quezon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 9: Rain or Shine beat Terrafirma Dyip on the road 94-85. Phoenix won against North Port on its own court 118-107. Bottom-ranked Terrafirma Dyip unfortunately lost to Blackwater in Caloocan City 82-97. Ginebra Kings rolled over TNT Tropang at home 97-78.
The most impressive performance of 9th round was 20 points and 14 rebounds by Japeth Aguilar of Ginebra Kings.



Terrafirma Dyip - Rain or Shine 85-94

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Painters (6-4) beat bottom-ranked Terrafirma Dyip (1-10) in Makati City 94-85 on Wednesday. Rain or Shine outrebounded Terrafirma Dyip 54-42 including 17 on the offensive glass. Rain or Shine looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Center Leonard Santillan (195-1996) nailed 10 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side and guard Gian Mamuyac (180-1999) accounted for 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized American point guard Stanley Pringle (184-1987, college: Penn State, agency: Pensack Sports) came up with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists and forward Louie Sangalang (193) added 22 points respectively for Terrafirma Dyip in the defeat. 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 FiberXers and TNT Tropang. Terrafirma Dyip lost tenth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Rain or Shine's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Manila Ginebra Kings.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: J.Clarito 12+5reb+1ast, A.Caracut 11+2reb+1ast, A.Asistio 10+1ast, F.Escandor 10+1reb+1ast, L.Santillan 10+9reb+1ast, G.Mamuyac 9+7reb+4ast
Terrafirma Dyip: L.Sangalang 22+4reb+3ast, S.Pringle 18+11reb+6ast, M.Nonoy 10+4reb+2ast, P.Hernandez 8+5reb, C.Catapusan 7+5reb, A.Ramos 7+4reb+2ast

Phoenix - North Port 118-107

Rather expected game when 11th ranked North Port (1-8) lost to ninth ranked Masters (3-7) in Quezon 107-118 on Wednesday. Phoenix made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 18 long-distance shots on high 51.4 percentage. Phoenix looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Naturalized American forward Jason Perkins (193-1992, college: VCSU) nailed 26 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and naturalized American forward Kai Ballungay (201-2001, college: CS Stanislaus) accounted for 17 points and 9 rebounds. Four Masters players scored in double figures. Naturalized American guard Joshua Munzon (191-1995, college: CS Los Angeles) came up with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and naturalized American forward Calvin Abueva (190-1988) added 18 points and 7 rebounds respectively for North Port in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Phoenix maintains ninth place with 3-7 record. North Port lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with eight games lost. Phoenix will meet at home Blackwater (#10) in the next round. North Port will play against the league's second-placed SM Beermen where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Phoenix: J.Perkins 26+8reb+4ast, K.Ballungay 17+9reb+1ast, K.Tuffin 14+2reb+5ast, R.Rivero 14+4reb+2ast, R.Jazul 10+1reb+4ast, T.Tio 9+3reb+5ast
North Port: J.Munzon 32+7reb+5ast, C.Abueva 18+7reb+3ast, D.Cuntapay 15+2reb+1ast, C.Flores 9+3reb+1ast, A.Bulanadi 8, A.Nava 7

TNT Tropang - Blackwater 108-82

The game between fifth ranked TNT Tropang (6-4) and 10th ranked Bossing (2-8) in Makati on Friday ended with biggest points difference. TNT Tropang outscored guests from Caloocan City 108-82. TNT Tropang made 20-of-22 free shots (90.9 percent) during the game. Forward Kelly Williams (201-1982, college: Oakland) nailed 15 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and American guard Simon Enciso (180-1991, college: NDN) accounted for 19 points. Five TNT Tropang players scored in double figures. Canadian forward Christian David (198-1998, college: Butler) came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds and American guard Sedrick Barefield (188-1996, college: Utah) added 13 points respectively for Blackwater in the defeat. 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 an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 6-4 record, which they share with FiberXers and Rain or Shine. Blackwater lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with eight games lost. TNT Tropang will meet at home higher ranked Hotshots (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Blackwater will play against Phoenix (#9) in Quezon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: S.Enciso 19+1reb+1ast, K.Williams 15+7reb+1ast, C.Oftana 14+3reb+3ast, B.Ganuelas-Rosser 12+5reb, J.Paul Erram 11+6reb, K.Aurin 10+1reb+3ast
Blackwater: S.Barefield 13+1reb+2ast, C.David 13+13reb+2ast, T.Mallillin 9+3reb+1ast, M.Ayonayon 9+2reb+1ast, R.Ilagan 8+3reb+2ast, J.Chua 6+4reb+1ast

Hotshots - NLEX RW 99-107

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Hotshots (7-3) in Pasig City on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by Warriors (8-2) 107-99. It was a key game for the top position in the league. It was a good game for guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) who led his team to a victory with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Canadian forward Brandon Ramirez (193, college: TMU) contributed with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American forward Zavier Lucero (198, college: Cal Maritime) answered with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 12 rebounds and power forward Ian Paul Sangalang (201-1991) added 21 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) in the effort for Hotshots. Five NLEX RW and four Hotshots players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. NLEX RW keeps a position of league leader. Hotshots at the other side dropped to the third place with three games lost. They share the position with Ginebra Kings. NLEX RW are looking forward to face North Port (#11) in Pasig City in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Hotshots will play on the road against TNT Tropang (#6) in Makati and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
NLEX RW: R.Bolick 25+9reb+5ast, X.Torres 22+2ast, B.Ramirez 18+9reb, J.Policarpio 12+6reb+2ast, J.Mocon 10+3reb+4ast, K.Alas 9+3reb+3ast
Hotshots: Z.Lucero 23+12reb+1ast, I.Paul Sangalang 21+3reb+2ast, J.Lastimosa 17+4reb+3ast, P.Lee 16+3reb+2ast, J.Ahanmisi 8+2reb+1ast, A.Dionisio 4+3reb

Rain or Shine - SM Beermen 111-120

The game in Manila was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Beermen (7-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Painters (6-4). Beermen managed to secure a 9-point victory 120-111. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Painters. SM Beermen dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Painters's 38. SM Beermen outrebounded Rain or Shine 51-37 including 37 on the defensive glass. SM Beermen players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Guard Jaymar Perez (188-1993) stepped up and scored 33 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners and center June Mar Fajardo (210-1989) chipped in 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. The best for the losing side was guard Andrei Caracut (178-1996) with 24 points and 7 assists and guard Adrian Nocum (183-1999) scored 22 points. Four SM Beermen and five Rain or Shine players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Beermen have a solid series of four victories in a row. SM Beermen moved-up to second place. Rain or Shine at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with FiberXers and TNT Tropang. SM Beermen will play against North Port (#11) in Pasig City in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rain or Shine's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Manila Ginebra Kings.
Top scorers:
SM Beermen: J.Perez 33+8reb+7ast, C.Trollano 24+4reb+1ast, J.Mar Fajardo 20+9reb+4ast, M.Lassiter 16+3reb, J.Tiongson 8+2reb, J.Cruz 6+5reb+1ast
Rain or Shine: A.Caracut 24+1reb+7ast, A.Nocum 22+3reb+3ast, J.Clarito 17+6reb+1ast, K.Datu 12+5reb+2ast, L.Santillan 10+6reb+1ast, G.Mamuyac 9+4reb+3ast

Blackwater - Terrafirma Dyip 97-82

Rather predictable result when tenth ranked Bossing (2-8) won against bottom-ranked Terrafirma Dyip (1-10) in Caloocan City 97-82 on Sunday. Blackwater made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Blackwater outrebounded Terrafirma Dyip 52-36 including a 39-28 advantage in defensive rebounds. Blackwater looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Canadian forward Christian David (198-1998, college: Butler) nailed a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and center Richard Escoto (198-1997) accounted for 21 points (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Five Bossing players scored in double figures. Forward Louie Sangalang (193) came up with 24 points and naturalized American point guard Stanley Pringle (184-1987, college: Penn State, agency: Pensack Sports) added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Terrafirma Dyip in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Blackwater maintains tenth place with 2-8 record. Terrafirma Dyip lost their tenth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Blackwater will meet higher ranked Phoenix (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Terrafirma Dyip will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Blackwater: R.Escoto 21+4reb, C.David 19+12reb+4ast, R.Ilagan 12+3reb+2ast, S.Barefield 12+4reb+8ast, B.Andrade 10+3reb+2ast, B.Guinto 8+5reb
Terrafirma Dyip: L.Sangalang 24+3ast, S.Pringle 12+5reb+2ast, B.Paraiso 12+2reb+3ast, T.Romeo 10+2reb, M.Nonoy 9+1reb, A.Ramos 7+9reb

Ginebra Kings - TNT Tropang 97-78

Everything could happen in Manila at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Kings and 5th ranked TNT Tropang had identical 6-3 record. This time Kings used a home court advantage and outscored the opponent from Makati 97-78 on Sunday night. Ginebra Kings dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to TNT Tropang's 34. They outrebounded TNT Tropang 45-30 including a 29-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Ginebra Kings looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. Center Japeth Aguilar (206-1987, college: WKU) nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side and guard Johnny Abarrientos (173-1970) accounted for 23 points and 4 assists. Four Kings players scored in double figures. Forward Calvin-John Oftana (195-1996) came up with 18 points and 4 steals and naturalized Australian guard Jordan Heading (188-1996, college: CBU) added 10 points respectively for TNT Tropang in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ginebra Kings (7-3) moved-up to third place, which they share with Hotshots. Loser TNT Tropang keeps the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with FiberXers and Rain or Shine. Ginebra Kings' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Manila to the arena Rain or Shine.
Top scorers:
Ginebra Kings: J.Abarrientos 23+4reb+4ast, J.Aguilar 20+14reb+2ast, J.Malonzo 12+4reb+1ast, S.Holt 12+8reb+2ast, J.Troy Rosario 11+4reb+4ast, N.Pinto 6+1ast
TNT Tropang: C.Oftana 18+3reb+1ast, J.Heading 10+3reb+3ast, K.Aurin 9+1ast, K.Williams 8+1reb+1ast, R.Ray Pogoy 8+4reb+2ast, G.Khobuntin 7+4reb+2ast