PBA Round 9 (Regular Season): TNT Tropang lose to Painters

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Round 9 most important game was a defeat of league's leader TNT Tropang (6-2). They were edged by sixth ranked Painters (6-2) 91-89 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of TNT Tropang. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Rain or Shine dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to TNT Tropang's 28. Rain or Shine looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by TNT Tropang helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized American swingman Gabe Norwood (196-1985, college: GMU) stepped up and scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and chipped in 14 points. The best for the losing side was with 18 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rain or Shine keeps a position of league leader, which they share with TNT Tropang and NLEX RW. TNT Tropang will play next round against strong SM Beermen trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Rain or Shine will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked FiberXers in Makati.
The game had a very big importance for fourth-ranked Warriors as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (TNT Tropang) loss. Warriors defeated 10th ranked Titan UGR in Makati City 92-83. Guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) nailed a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 10 assists for the winning side and JB Bahio accounted for 20 points and 12 rebounds. Naturalized American swingman Gabe Norwood (196-1985, college: GMU) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks for Titan UGR in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with TNT Tropang and Rain or Shine. Titan UGR at the other side dropped to the ninth place with six games lost. They share the position with Phoenix. Titan UGR will play next round against Terrafirma Dyip trying to get back on the winning streak. NLEX RW will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Hotshots at Pasig City.
The game in Manila was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked FiberXers (5-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Kings (3-4). FiberXers defeated Kings 106-96 on Friday. The best player for the winners was Juan Gomez De Liano who scored 32 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). At the other side the best for losing team was Stephen Holt who recorded 24 points and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. FiberXers moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Hotshots and SM Beermen. Loser Kings keep the seventh position with four games lost. FiberXers will meet higher ranked Rain or Shine (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ginebra Kings will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: Phoenix destroyed Terrafirma Dyip on the opponent's court 107-76. Titan UGR was outscored by SM Beermen in a home game 117-158. Blackwater recorded a loss to Hotshots on the road 90-75. Phoenix was defeated by Ginebra Kings on its own court 93-102.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 4 assists by Rhon Jhay Abarrientos of Ginebra Kings.



Terrafirma Dyip - Phoenix 76-107

Rather expected game in Makati City where 12th ranked Terrafirma Dyip (1-6) was crushed by ninth ranked Masters (2-6) 107-76 on Wednesday. Phoenix dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Terrafirma Dyip's 34. They outrebounded Terrafirma Dyip 55-40 including a 42-29 advantage in defensive rebounds. Phoenix looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Terrafirma Dyip's players. The best player for the winners was Kai Ballungay who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds. Naturalized American forward Jason Perkins (193-1992, college: VCSU) chipped in 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) who recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and added 14 points respectively. 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. Phoenix maintains ninth place with 2-6 record, which they share with Titan UGR. Terrafirma Dyip lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with six games lost. They share it with Blackwater. Phoenix will meet Blackwater (#11) in the next round. Terrafirma Dyip will play against Titan UGR and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Terrafirma Dyip: H.Paolo 14+4reb, S.Louie 13+2reb+2ast, A.Mariano 11+6reb, P.Brent 10+5reb+4ast, H.Didat 9+1reb, C.CJ 5+4reb+2ast
Phoenix: K.Ballungay 19+12reb+1ast, R.Ricci 16+6reb, B.Santos 12+3reb+1ast, P.Jason 12+7reb+5ast, K.Tuffin 9+4reb+2ast, T.Tio 7+4reb+6ast

Titan UGR - SM Beermen 117-158

Very predictable result in Pasig City where fourth ranked Beermen (5-2) smashed 10th ranked Titan UGR (2-6) 158-117 on Wednesday. SM Beermen dominated down low during the game scoring 94 of its points in the paint compared to Titan UGR's 52 and made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Titan UGR 73-45 including a 52-32 advantage in defensive rebounds. SM Beermen looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists. The best player for the winners was June Mar Fajardo who had a triple-double by scoring 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Jaymar Perez chipped in 26 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Calvin Abueva who recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds and forward Von Rolfe Pessumal (187-1993) added 21 points respectively. Five SM Beermen and four Titan UGR players 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. Beermen have an impressive series of five victories in a row. SM Beermen maintains fourth place with 5-2 record, which they share with FiberXers and Hotshots. Loser Titan UGR dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with Phoenix. SM Beermen will meet league's second-placed TNT Tropang in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Titan UGR will play against Terrafirma Dyip (#12) in Makati City and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Titan UGR: V.Rolfe Pessumal 21+4reb+3ast, M.Joshua 20+3ast, A.Calvin 16+10reb+3ast, C.Damie 15+1reb+1ast, U.Renato 10+6reb, B.Jerrick 10+7reb
SM Beermen: J.Perez 26+2reb+2ast, J.Cruz 24+2reb+2ast, C.Trollano 20+3reb+2ast, J.Teng 15+6reb+1ast, J.Fajardo 12+12reb+10ast, P.Cahilig 11+8reb+3ast

Hotshots - Blackwater 90-75

Not a big story in a game in Pasig City where 11th ranked Bossing (1-6) was defeated by sixth ranked Hotshots (5-2) 90-75 on Friday. Hotshots forced 19 Blackwater turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was Ian Paul Sangalang who scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Zavier Lucero chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Five Hotshots players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Sedrick Barefield (188-1996, college: Utah) who recorded 16 points and 5 rebounds and Abu Jahal Tratter added 5 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Hotshots moved-up to fourth place, which they share with FiberXers and SM Beermen. Blackwater lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with six games lost. They share it with Terrafirma Dyip. Hotshots will meet at home league's leader NLEX RW in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Blackwater will play against Phoenix (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Blackwater: S.Barefield 16+5reb+3ast, D.Panopio 14+1reb+2ast, E.Richard 12+4reb+1ast, C.Jack 9+1reb+2ast, A.BJ 6+1reb, C.David 5+3reb+1ast
Hotshots: G.Javier 17+2reb+2ast, I.Sangalang 16+9reb+5ast, Z.Lucero 13+10reb+3ast, R.Verano 12+3reb+1ast, J.Lastimosa 10+4reb+7ast, A.Barroca 7+4ast

Ginebra Kings - FiberXers 96-106

The game in Manila was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked FiberXers (5-2) played at the court of 7th ranked Kings (3-4). FiberXers defeated Kings 106-96 on Friday. FiberXers dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Kings' 44. FiberXers outrebounded Ginebra Kings 54-35 including a 39-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. FiberXers looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was naturalized Spanish guard Juan Gomez De Liano (184-1999) who scored 32 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (on 12-of-14 shooting from the field). Schonny Winston chipped in 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four FiberXers players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American Stephen Holt (193-1991, college: SMC) who recorded 24 points and 5 assists and guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (181-1999) added 24 points respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. FiberXers moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Hotshots and SM Beermen. Loser Kings keep the seventh position with four games lost. FiberXers will meet higher ranked Rain or Shine (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Ginebra Kings will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ginebra Kings: S.Holt 24+1reb+5ast, R.Jhay Abarrientos 24+3reb+2ast, D.Jayson 10+3reb, T.Scottie 10+6reb+8ast, G.Jeremiah 7+1reb, J.Aguilar 7+7reb
FiberXers: G.Juan 32+6reb+6ast, S.Winston 21+6reb+4ast, J.Arana 13+13reb+4ast, J.Baltazar 12+7reb+6ast, A.Stockton 9+6reb+3ast, A.Concepcion 6+2reb

Rain or Shine - TNT Tropang 91-89

Round 9 most important game was a defeat of league's leader TNT Tropang (6-2). They were edged by sixth ranked Painters (6-2) 91-89 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of TNT Tropang. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Rain or Shine dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to TNT Tropang's 28. Rain or Shine looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. 25 personal fouls committed by TNT Tropang helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Naturalized American swingman Gabe Norwood (196-1985, college: GMU) stepped up and scored 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 14 points. The best for the losing side was with 18 points and Roger Ray Pogoy scored 18 points. Four TNT Tropang players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rain or Shine keeps a position of league leader, which they share with TNT Tropang and NLEX RW. TNT Tropang will play next round against strong SM Beermen trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Rain or Shine will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked FiberXers in Makati.
Top scorers:
TNT Tropang: N.Rey 18+4reb+3ast, P.Roger Ray 18+3reb+2ast, J.Heading 15+5reb+2ast, G.Henry 13+7reb, K.Williams 9+8reb+4ast, A.Kim 6+2reb
Rain or Shine: N.Gabe 16+9reb+5ast, G.Mamuyac 14+3reb+2ast, L.Santillan 8+9reb+1ast, J.Clarito 8+4reb+2ast, A.Caracut 7+3reb+2ast, A.Nocum 7+3reb+2ast

NLEX RW - Titan UGR 92-83

The game had a very big importance for fourth-ranked Warriors as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (TNT Tropang) loss. Warriors defeated 10th ranked Titan UGR in Makati City 92-83. NLEX RW made 22-of-26 charity shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Titan UGR turnovers. NLEX RW players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Guard Robert Bolick (185-1995) nailed a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!), 5 rebounds and 10 assists for the winning side and JB Bahio accounted for 20 points and 12 rebounds. Naturalized American swingman Gabe Norwood (196-1985, college: GMU) came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks and Joshua Munzon added 19 points and 5 assists respectively for Titan UGR in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with TNT Tropang and Rain or Shine. Titan UGR at the other side dropped to the ninth place with six games lost. They share the position with Phoenix. Titan UGR will play next round against Terrafirma Dyip trying to get back on the winning streak. NLEX RW will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Hotshots at Pasig City.
Top scorers:
Titan UGR: A.Calvin 27+15reb+4ast, M.Joshua 19+1reb+5ast, V.Rolfe Pessumal 14+2reb+1ast, U.Renato 7+9reb+2ast, D.Aris 6+7reb, Y.Fran 5+8reb+5ast
NLEX RW: B.Robert 34+5reb+10ast, J.Bahio 20+12reb+3ast, X.Torres 7+2reb+1ast, R.Herndon 6+1reb, J.Policarpio 5+5reb+1ast, D.Fajardo 5+4reb+4ast

Phoenix - Ginebra Kings 93-102

Everything went according to plan in Quezon where seventh ranked Kings (3-4) beat 9th ranked Masters (2-6) 102-93 on Sunday. Ginebra Kings looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Scottie Thompson who had a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos (181-1999) chipped in 25 points and 4 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). At the other side the best for losing team was guard Ricci Rivero (185-1998) who recorded 28 points and 4 assists and naturalized American forward Jason Perkins (193-1992, college: VCSU) added 17 points and 11 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Ginebra Kings maintains seventh place with 3-4 record. Loser Masters keeps the ninth position with six games lost. They share it with Titan UGR. Ginebra Kings' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Manila to the arena .
Top scorers:
Phoenix: R.Rivero 28+4reb+4ast, J.Perkins 17+11reb+3ast, T.Tyler 12+2reb+2ast, B.Kai 12+7reb+3ast, T.Kenneth 10+7reb+1ast, J.RJ 4+1ast
Ginebra Kings: J.Rhon 25+3reb+4ast, S.Thompson 19+10reb+6ast, H.Stephen 17+9reb+3ast, J.Rosario 14+7reb+3ast, J.Gray 13+2reb+1ast, A.Japeth 11+7reb+1ast