PBA Round 4 (Regular Season): Hotshots lose to Bolts

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

he biggest surprise took place in Manila where host Bolts (2-2) edged league's leader Hotshots (2-1) 78-76 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hotshots. Meralco Bolts made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Hotshots 48-37 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Meralco Bolts made 11 blocks. 27 personal fouls committed by Hotshots helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. fired 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks (made all of his eight free throws) for the winners. chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Andy Barroca produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Meralco Bolts went down to sixth position due to points difference. Hotshots at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by TNT Tropang. Hotshots will play next round against Terrafirma Dyip trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Meralco Bolts will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked NLEX RW in Makati City.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated FiberXers (2-1) in Makati. Hosts were defeated by TNT Tropang (4-1) 110-103. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 5 rebounds. Calvin-John Oftana contributed with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Justine Baltazar replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for FiberXers. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TNT Tropang maintains first position with 4-1 record. FiberXers at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. TNT Tropang will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FiberXers will play at home against Phoenix and hope to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game was played in Quezon where NLEX RW (#6) beat host Phoenix (#7) 87-81 on Wednesday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Kevin Alas who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side Ricci Rivero responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. NLEX RW (2-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Masters keeps the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. NLEX RW will meet at home Meralco Bolts (#6) in the next round. Phoenix will play against the league's second-placed FiberXers in Makati and hope to win that game.

Rest of the games of round 4 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked SM Beermen defeated Rain or Shine in Manila 111-93. Terrafirma Dyip was beaten by FiberXers at home 108-125. Rain or Shine won against Blackwater on the opponent's court 110-100. TNT Tropang outscored Titan UGR in a home game 130-92.
The best stats of 4th round was 16 points and 9 rebounds by Henry Galinato of TNT Tropang.



FiberXers - TNT Tropang 103-110

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of FiberXers (2-1) in Makati. Hosts were defeated by TNT Tropang (4-1) 110-103. TNT Tropang forced 19 FiberXers turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 5 rebounds. contributed with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Justine Baltazar replied with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds and naturalized Spanish guard Juan Gomez De Liano (184-1999) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for FiberXers. Four TNT Tropang and five FiberXers players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. TNT Tropang maintains first position with 4-1 record. FiberXers at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. TNT Tropang will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. FiberXers will play at home against Phoenix and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: P.Roger Ray 27+5reb+2ast, O.Calvin-John 18+6reb+5ast, K.Williams 14+2reb+2ast, G.Brandon 14+3reb+2ast, N.Rey 10+6ast, E.Simon 9+1reb
FiberXers: S.Alec 19+2reb, A.Justine 19+5reb, W.Schonny 17+5reb, B.Justine 17+12reb+3ast, J.Gomez De Liano 14+9reb+6ast, R.Kevin 6+1reb+1ast

Rain or Shine - SM Beermen 93-111

There was an upset in Manila where higher ranked Painters (2-1) were defeated by twelfth ranked Beermen (1-2) 111-93 on Sunday. SM Beermen dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Painters's 40. SM Beermen looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists and who added 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Jhonard Clarito responded with 16 points and 9 rebounds and naturalized American swingman Caelan Tiongson (196-1992, college: Biola, CA) scored 9 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Beermen left bottom position moving up to seventh place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Painters dropped to the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. SM Beermen'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: P.Jaymar 23+6reb+4ast, M.Lassiter 18+6reb, F.June Mar 17+14reb+4ast, T.Juan 11+3reb+4ast, C.John 8+5reb, T.Celedonio 8+2reb+3ast
Rain or Shine: N.Adrian 17+5reb+1ast, C.Jhonard 16+9reb+2ast, M.Gian 16+2reb+2ast, S.Pringle 11+1reb+4ast, C.Tiongson 9+13reb+2ast, C.Andrei 6+5reb+1ast

Meralco Bolts - Hotshots 78-76

The biggest surprise took place in Manila where host Bolts (2-2) edged league's leader Hotshots (2-1) 78-76 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Hotshots. Meralco Bolts made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Hotshots 48-37 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Meralco Bolts made 11 blocks. 27 personal fouls committed by Hotshots helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. fired 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 blocks (made all of his eight free throws) for the winners. chipped in 17 points and 5 rebounds. Andy Barroca produced a double-double by scoring 11 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and Jerom Lastimosa added 22 points respectively for lost side. Four Hotshots players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory Meralco Bolts went down to sixth position due to points difference. Hotshots at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by TNT Tropang. Hotshots will play next round against Terrafirma Dyip trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Meralco Bolts will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked NLEX RW in Makati City.
Top scorers:
Meralco Bolts: C.CJ 23+6reb, B.Norman 17+5reb, Q.Kier 11+6reb+3ast, H.Clifford 7+8reb, B.Brandon 7+15reb, N.Chris 6+3reb
Hotshots: L.Jerom 22+2reb+2ast, L.Zavier 14+6reb, R.Escoto 11, B.Andy 11+11reb+5ast, J.Gomez De Liano 5+2reb, S.Ian Paul 4+2reb+1ast

Terrafirma Dyip - FiberXers 108-125

Everything could happen in Makati City at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked FiberXers and 9th ranked Terrafirma Dyip had identical 1-1 record. But Terrafirma Dyip was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Makati 125-108 on Wednesday night. FiberXers dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to Terrafirma Dyip's 52. They outrebounded Terrafirma Dyip 61-36 including a 22-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. FiberXers looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Spanish guard Juan Gomez De Liano (184-1999) who helped to win the game recording a triple-double by scoring 17 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists and who added 22 points, 5 assists and 4 steals during the contest. At the losing side responded with 16 points and 4 assists and JM Bravo scored 13 points and 6 rebounds. Five FiberXers and four Terrafirma Dyip players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. FiberXers (2-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Terrafirma Dyip dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. FiberXers will meet at home Phoenix (#8) in the next round where they are favorite. Terrafirma Dyip will play against Hotshots in Pasig City and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
FiberXers: S.Alec 22+3reb+5ast, J.Gomez De Liano 17+10reb+12ast, G.MJ 15+2reb+3ast, W.Schonny 14+5reb, A.Justine 13+12reb+3ast, B.Justine 12+11reb+3ast
Terrafirma Dyip: A.Jerrick 16+2reb+4ast, S.Louie 15+4reb, B.JM 13+6reb+1ast, N.Mark 10+1ast, A.Mariano 10+2reb+3ast, H.Didat 10+2reb+3ast

Phoenix - NLEX RW 81-87

An interesting game was played in Quezon where NLEX RW (#6) beat host Phoenix (#7) 87-81 on Wednesday evening. Warriors outrebounded Masters 47-36 including 33 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 5 rebounds and guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) who added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists during the contest. At the losing side guard Ricci Rivero (185-1998) responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds and produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. NLEX RW (2-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Masters keeps the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. NLEX RW will meet at home Meralco Bolts (#6) in the next round. Phoenix will play against the league's second-placed FiberXers in Makati and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
NLEX RW: A.Kevin 26+5reb+3ast, B.JB 11+8reb+1ast, S.Anthony 11+10reb, T.Xyrus 10+1reb, R.Bolick 9+7reb+9ast, N.Matt 7+7reb+1ast
Phoenix: R.Rivero 22+6reb, J.Perkins 15+5reb+2ast, B.Kai 12+11reb+2ast, T.Kenneth 9+1reb+1ast, T.Tyler 7+4reb+7ast, K.James 6

Blackwater - Rain or Shine 100-110

Everything could happen in Caloocan City at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Painters and 6th ranked Bossing had identical 1-1 record. But Bossing was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Manila 110-100 on Friday night. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Rain or Shine dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Bossing's 46 and made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Rain or Shine had a 43-32 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Rain or Shine made 9 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 8 rebounds and who added 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side Canadian forward Christian David (198-1998, college: Butler) responded with 18 points and 9 rebounds and guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) scored 20 points. 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 (2-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Bossing dropped to the seventh position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Rain or Shine will meet bottom-ranked Titan UGR (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Blackwater will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Rain or Shine: D.Keith 20+8reb+1ast, N.Adrian 17+2ast, C.Jhonard 16+2reb+1ast, M.Gian 13+6reb+5ast, M.Mike 8+2reb+1ast, A.Antonio 8+4reb+2ast
Blackwater: E.Richard 20+4reb+1ast, C.Jack 19+3reb, C.David 18+9reb+1ast, S.Barefield 15+4reb+2ast, Z.Paul 7+1reb+3ast, T.Abu Jahal 5+5reb+1ast

TNT Tropang - Titan UGR 130-92

Very predictable result in Makati where first ranked TNT Tropang (4-1) outscored bottom-ranked Titan UGR (1-3) 130-92 on Friday. TNT Tropang dominated down low during the game scoring 78 of its points in the paint compared to Titan UGR's 34 and made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Titan UGR 56-40 including a 39-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. TNT Tropang looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of who helped to win the game recording 16 points and 9 rebounds and who added 14 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Calvin Abueva responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds and Joshua Munzon scored 20 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 maintains first position with 4-1 record. Titan UGR lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with three games lost. TNT Tropang will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Titan UGR will play against Rain or Shine (#5) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: G.Henry 16+9reb, N.Mike 15+7reb+1ast, O.Calvin-John 14+10reb+1ast, H.Tyrus 12+3reb, K.Glenn 11+6reb+3ast, P.Roger Ray 10+5reb+1ast
Titan UGR: M.Joshua 20+3reb+4ast, Y.Fran 16+2reb+7ast, A.Calvin 15+11reb+3ast, V.Rolfe Pessumal 10+3reb+1ast, F.Cade 8+7reb+2ast, U.Renato 8+3reb+1ast