MANILA – Magnolia survived a late surge from Converge to secure a 105-93 victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday (23 Aug 2024) night.
The Hotshots seemed in control with a 97-80 lead and just 4:23 left on the clock.
However, the FiberXers responded with a 13-1 run, fueled by crucial three-pointers from BJ Andrade and Kevin Racal, narrowing the gap to 98-93 with 1:58 remaining. A timely putback by Ian Sangalang reignited Magnolia’s offense, sparking an 8-0 run to close out the game.
“We did a good job on the defensive end,” said coach Chito Victolero, noting that their target is to limit opponents to 92 points per game—a goal they nearly achieved.
Paul Lee was named Best Player of the Game, contributing 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with four rebounds and seven assists. Tre Robinson led the Hotshots with 28 points, while Sangalang and Jerrick Ahanmisi added 14 points each. The victory brings Magnolia to a 1-1 record, bouncing back from an opening-night loss to Meralco.
Converge, now also 1-1, was led by Scotty Hopson with 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
In the earlier matchup, William Navarro led NorthPort to a commanding 112-93 win over Terrafirma, delivering a career-high 31 points on 13-of-20 shooting. NorthPort took control in the third quarter with a 34-point surge, highlighted by Fran Yu’s halfcourt buzzer-beater, now counted as a four-pointer.
“I’m just confident—I know my shots are gonna go in,” said Navarro, who also recorded five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Venky Jois, making his return, added 16 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists for NorthPort, which now stands at 1-1. Arvin Tolentino flirted with a triple-double, contributing 10 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.
For Terrafirma, Juami Tiongson led the charge with 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds but struggled with seven turnovers as the team fell to 0-2. Stanley Pringle and Antonio Hester also made solid contributions, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
ia/mnm
MANILA – The Meralco Bolts kicked off the PBA’s 49th season with a thrilling 99-94 victory against Magnolia on Sunday (18 Aug 2024) night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Allen Durham made a triumphant return to the Meralco squad after two years in Japan’s B.League, leading the Bolts with an impressive 20 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, and one steal. The six-foot-six forward showcased his improved perimeter shooting, sinking 3-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc.
The game nearly slipped away from Meralco in the final moments. With 10 seconds remaining and Meralco up by three, Magnolia’s Tre Robinson attempted a four-point shot to snatch the win but narrowly missed. Durham then sealed the victory by sinking two crucial free throws.
Chris Banchero made history by scoring the PBA’s first-ever official four-point shot, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Banchero’s historic shot came early in the second quarter from deep on the left wing, following a drive-and-kick from Durham.
Mark Barroca and Paul Lee also made notable attempts, with Lee joining Banchero in the four-point club early in the fourth quarter. Jolo Mendoza contributed 13 points for Meralco, making all his shots from at least 22 feet, including a crucial four-pointer late in the second quarter.
Tre Robinson led Magnolia with a valiant effort, scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Meralco’s balanced attack.
Fajardo Claims Eighth PBA MVP Title
Meanwhile, June Mar Fajardo has solidified his status as the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) most dominant player by winning his eighth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the Leo Awards held at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
The San Miguel center, who led the league in statistical points last season, outpaced teammate CJ Perez and Terrafirma’s Christian Standhardinger to secure the prestigious honor. Fajardo accumulated a staggering 2,799 points, surpassing Perez’s 1,951 and Standhardinger’s 1,731.
Fajardo’s exceptional performance also saw him top both the media and player votes, further cementing his MVP status. The Mythical First Team featured Fajardo, Perez, and Standhardinger, alongside NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino and Meralco’s Chris Newsome.
Rookie of the Year Stephen Holt spearheaded the Mythical Second Team, joined by Cliff Hodge, Calvin Oftana, Jason Perkins, and Juami Tiongson, who contributed to Terrafirma’s playoff resurgence.
Fajardo, Newsome, and Hodge were also named to the All-Defensive Team, alongside Joshua Munzon of Batang Pier and Kemark Carino of Dyip.
Additional awards saw Rain Or Shine’s Jhonard Clarito recognized as Most Improved Player and Paul Zamar honored with the Sportsmanship Award.
ia/mnm
MANILA — Former Filipino Olympian, comedian, and politician Rosalio “Yoyong” Martires passed away at the age of 77, as announced by his family on Tuesday.
Martires, known for his prolific basketball career and colorful life, peacefully joined his Creator on June 18, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Catbalogan, Samar, Martires played for Southwestern University in Cebu before building his basketball legacy in Manila under San Miguel coach Ning Ramos.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Rosalio “Yoyong” D. Martires,” the family announced on social media.
“He has peacefully joined our Creator yesterday, June 18, 2024. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones during this difficult time. He lived a very adventurous and colorful life. A loving husband, a doting father, a caring grandpa, a self-made man, an Olympian, a prolific basketball player, a comedian, a devoted public servant, and a child of Christ. Difficult steps to follow, indeed. You served God, our country, and your fellow men. Rest in Peace, papa. We love you!”
(el Amigo/mnm)
Mga laro bukas:
(Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – TNT vs NortPort
7:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs San Miguel
NAITALA ni Bong Quinto ang anim sa huling pitong puntos ng Meralco upang makumpleto ang 86-83 panalo laban sa Terrafirma sa PBA Philippine Cup nitong Miyerkoles sa Araneta Coliseum.
Humataw si Quinto ng 18 points, kabilang ang 16 sa second half, upang tulungan ang Bolts na maiposte ang ikalawang sunod na panalo kasunod ng 91-73 pagdispatsa sa Barangay Ginebra.
Isang three-pointer ni Quinto, may 2:01 ang nalalabi, ang nagbigay sa koponan ng 82-81 kalamangan at hindi na lumingon pa.
Binigyang kredito ng dating Letran Knight, na nagtala rin ng 7 rebounds at 4 rebounds at perfect 2-of-2 mula sa three-point range, ang kanyang teammates sa panalo.
“Basketball ito hindi lang naman ito isang player lang, so pag naglaro kami as a team, sa tingin ko maganda ‘yung resulta every game,” anang Meralco guard.
Nakakuha rin ng suporta ang Meralco kina big man Norbert Torres, at starting center Raymond Almazan.
Tumapos si Torres na may 15 points at 5 rebounds, at 2-of-2 rin sa arc.
Nagdagdag si Almazan ng 14 points, habang kumamada sina Chris Newsome, Jolo Mendoza, at Aaron Black ng pinagsamang 21 points, haband nagposte si Newsome ng 8 rebounds at 8 assists.
Iskor:
Meralco (86) – Quinto 18, Torres 15, Almazan 14, Black 7, Mendoza 7, Newsome 7, Banchero 6, Maliksi 6, Hodge 4, Pascual 2, Jose 0, Rios 0.
Terrafirmia (83) – Tiongson 20, Holt 20, Gomez de Liano 11, Ramos 11, Sangalang 6, Go 4, Camson 4, Carino 4, Cahilig 3, Mina 0, Calvo 0, Alolino 0.
Quarterscores: 19-25; 39-46; 63-65; 86-83.
MANILA – San Miguel and Ginebra have secured spots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals following victories in their quarterfinal matchups at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Friday night.
The Beermen earned their semifinal berth by holding off the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters with a final score of 127-122.
After a tied game at 67 during halftime, SMB dominated in the third quarter, outscoring ROS 42-22, establishing a commanding 109-89 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Despite the Elasto Painters attempting a late rally and narrowing the gap to eight points, 127-119, with 1:49 remaining, they failed to score again, and SMB secured the win with a final three-pointer from Keith Datu with just 11 seconds left.
Bennie Boatwright led SMB with an impressive performance, contributing 41 points on 17-of-28 field goals, along with 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block.
Jericho Cruz added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 5-for-5 on two-pointers, and contributed 1 rebound and 1 assist, while June Mar Fajardo chipped in 13 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 3 steals.
Tree Treadwell led ROS with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 block.
In the nightcap, the Gin Kings defeated the NorthPort Batang Pier with a score of 106-93.
Ginebra dominated the second quarter, outscoring NorthPort 30-13, and establishing a 55-35 halftime lead.
Although the Batang Pier made efforts to close the gap in the third quarter, coming within 10 points at 73-63 late in the period, the Gin Kings regained control in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 20 points, 102-82, with three-and-a-half minutes remaining.
NorthPort managed a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 11, 102-91, with 1:41 remaining, but it proved to be their last effort.
Tony Bishop led Ginebra with an impressive stat line, contributing 31 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.
Jamie Malonzo added 21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, while Christian Standhardinger chipped in 18 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block.
JM Calma and Joshua Munzon each scored 19 points, with Calma also grabbing 10 rebounds for NorthPort, which noticeably played without Arvin Tolentino.
Venky Jois added 18 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals.
Game 1 of the best-of-five series between the Beermen and the Gin Kings is scheduled at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In a decisive move, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Office gave the green light to a significant three-team trade on Monday, December 11, 2023.
The focal point of this trade involves the dynamic player, Robert Bolick, as NorthPort makes a strategic move by dealing him to NLEX, filling a void left by the injured star guard Kevin Alas.
NLEX, keen on reinforcing its lineup, not only secures Bolick but also adds reserve guard Kent Salado to their roster.
In return, NorthPort acquires a robust package, including big man Ben Adamos, guard Kris Rosales, small forward Don Trollano, and NLEX’s PBA Season 49 second-round draft pick.
This exchange sets the stage for another captivating move, as San Miguel enters the picture, finalizing a deal with NorthPort to acquire Don Trollano.
In return, NorthPort receives Allyn Bulanadi, Jeepy Faundo, and San Miguel’s 51st Season second-round pick.
The latest transactions are poised to reshape the dynamics of the PBA, creating a ripple effect that fans and enthusiasts are eager to witness as the teams gear up for the upcoming season.
(ai/mnm)
GUEST team MCFASolver leaned on two pressure-packed free throws by Yutien Andrada to escape past Meralco, 21-20, and win a breakthrough title in the PBA 3×3 Second Conference Tuesday at the Ayala Mall Manila Bay.
The veteran big man was fouled by Joseph Sedurifa in the final 33 seconds of the Leg 4 finals, with the Tech Centrale trailing by a point, but the Bolts were already in penalty.
With ice in his veins, the 6-foot-8 Andrada had no problem draining the game-winning foul shots that finally led the team to the top of the podium.
The victory was worth P100,000 for coach Anton Altamirano and the Tech Centrale, who needed to go through the best by defeating three-leg defending champion TNT, 20-18, in the semifinals to make the championship round.
“Para sa akin walang pressure. Game winner, lakasan ng loob,” said Andrada of his game-winning baskets.
Louie Vigil led the Tech Centrale with 12 points and set the tone of the match that saw them take an early 3-0 lead and a 17-12 edge with 2:54 to go.
But behind Joseph Sedurifa, Meralco suddenly came alive behind an 8-2 run to take the upper hand for the very first time, 20-19, in the final 40 seconds.
MCFASolver however, won’t be denied as Andrada stepped on the plate and delivered ironically, his only points for the game.
Big man Brandon Ramirez had six and Terrence Tumalip added a point for MCFASolver, whose other team finished runner-up in the VPrime 3×3 International Cup in Ho Chi Minh City over the weekend.
Sedurifa and Jeff Manday each had eight points for Meralco, which copped the runner-up purse worth P50,000. The Bolts edged Pioneer Elastoseal Katibays in an equally tightly-fought semifinal, 15-14.
The Katibays later claimed P30,000 for finishing third place after beating the Tropang Giga, 21-14.
The scores
Third place
Pioneer (21) – Morido 10, Villamor 6, Mocon 3, Abrigo 2.
TNT (14) – Vosotros 6, De Leon 5, Exciminiano 3.
Finals
MCFASolver (21) – Vigil 12, Ramirez 6, Andrada 2, Tumalip 1.
Meralco (20) – Sedurifa 8, Manday 8, Caduyac 2, Cachuela 2.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Terrafirma has made its choice for the top pick in the 2023 PBA Annual Rookie Draft, selecting Stephen Holt as the first overall pick on Sunday at the Market! Market! Mall in Taguig City.
Dyip’s head coach, John Cardel, expressed his confidence in Holt, highlighting his unique qualities as a player.
Holt’s extensive experience in European professional basketball and his impressive basketball IQ set him apart as a remarkable talent.
Following Terrafirma’s selection, Blackwater made the second pick by choosing Christian David. Rain or Shine then picked Luis Villegas and Keith Datu as the third and fourth picks, respectively.
NorthPort secured Zavier Lucero, a former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon, as the fifth overall pick. Phoenix Super LPG followed by selecting Kenneth Tuffin as the sixth pick, with Richard Rodger going seventh to NLEX, Brandon Bates being the eighth pick for Meralco, Schonny Winston taking the ninth spot with Converge, and BJ Andrade rounding out the top 10 as Converge’s selection. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is expected to meet with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Tuesday to discuss who will join Gilas Pilipinas for the Asian Games.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said on Monday that he wanted the meeting to happen as soon as possible, even saying he wanted it to happen on the same day.
“It’s either tonight or tomorrow (Tuesday). It should be ASAP,” Marcial said. “Pipilitin kong (I will persuade them to have the meeting) tonight or tomorrow.”
At the moment, only one player has assured himself of a spot in Gilas’ Asian Games team — resident Ginebra import Justin Brownlee, the national team’s naturalized player.
However, with Chot Reyes announcing on Saturday night that he is “stepping aside” from Gilas head coaching, the uncertainty remains, all the more after a rumor surfaced that Magnolia has been tapped to make up the core of Gilas for the Asian Games.
If confirmed, it could be some sort of a reward for the Hotshots, who dominated the PBA on Tour after going 11-0 in the pre-season event.
One thing is for sure, though. The Japan B.League players, including Rhenz Abando and Dwight Ramos who saw action in the FIBA World Cup, have ruled themselves out of the Asian Games.
Marcial, however, admitted that the PBA is just focusing currently on the Asian Games and is not thinking about the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers just yet.
“For now, ang usapan namin ay (our agreement is just) for the Asian Games,” he said.
The first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers will take place in November, right in the middle of the season-opening PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
SBP yet to discuss Chot’s resignation
Meanwhile, SBP president Al Panlilio said they would tackle Reyes’ apparent resignation only right after the FIBA World Cup.
“We want to first complete the World Cup. We have been focusing on the World Cup,” Panlilio said in an interview with News 5’s Martie Bautista.
Being the main host of the first-ever multi-nation hosting of the FIBA World Cup, the SBP wants to first concentrate on the tournament’s knockout stages, which begin on Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We have this week to run the most important phase of the tournament, which is the Final Phase,” Panlilio said. “That’s the main focus first for us: finish that first.”
The Asian Games will begin on Sept. 23, just 19 days away. (PNA)
MANILA — Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial said Monday he is eagerly awaiting a call from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) this week to discuss their plan of action following Chot Reyes’ resignation from the Gilas coaching position and the unavailability of other national team members for the upcoming 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
“We anticipate SBP President Al Panlilio will convene a meeting soon, depending on his schedule this week,” Marcial said.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation with the Asian Games commencing on September 23, Marcial refrained from suggesting sending a team to the quadrennial basketball event, stating that they prefer to align with SBP’s decisions.
“Ultimately, our course of action hinges on SBP’s requirements, but we’re fully prepared to offer our assistance,” he affirmed.
Marcial’s primary concern is the players’ readiness, given that most of them are on vacation following the conclusion of the PBA On Tour in July.
“We can’t commit to sending a team right now since the players are on vacation,” he explained. “Decisions regarding sending a team to the Asian Games or contributing players to bolster the Gilas team will require thorough discussion,” Marcial added.
In the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, the PBA sent the core of the Rain or Shine team. During that event, coached by Yeng Guiao, the Philippines introduced Jordan Clarkson in a Gilas uniform for the first time. The national team narrowly lost to South Korea and China, finishing fifth in the competition.
Currently, the Gilas team is in limbo following Reyes’ resignation, which came after the Philippines’ dominant 96-75 victory over China in their 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign at the Big Dome on Saturday night.
Five Gilas members will not be returning for the Asian Games due to their commitments to Japan B.League clubs in preparation for the upcoming season. AJ Edu, Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, and Kiefer Ravena will rejoin their respective teams, while Rhenz Abando is expected to rejoin Anyang KGC, the defending champion in the Korean Basketball League.
Additionally, Jordan Clarkson, who scored 34 points against China, is heading back to the United States for the Utah Jazz training camp in preparation for the upcoming NBA season. (ai/mnm)
MANILA – The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) begins its 48th season on Oct. 15 as announced by Commissioner Willie Marcial.
Marcial said the season will likely run until April 2024 depending on how long the two conferences, the import-spiced Commissioner’s Cup and all-Filipino Philippine Cup, will last.
“Ang finals ng coming Commissioner’s Cup, siguro matatapos siya ng February. Tapos mga 7-10 days, magsisimula naman yung All-Filipino Cup (The Commissioner’s Cup Finals might finish by February. Then after 7-10 days, the All-Filipino Cup will start),” Marcial made his projection during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the PSC Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
He confirmed that the All-Star Week is set for coming March in Bacolod.
“Inanyahan tayo at nakausap natin si Mayor Albee [Benitez] na sila ang magho-host sa (Mayor Albee invited and even got to talk to us saying that they will host the All-Star Week in) Bacolod by March,” Marcial said.
The league executive also announced that the PBA Draft Combine is scheduled on Sept. 12-13 –only a few days after the FIBA World Cup–at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.
The combine is required for aspirants to signify their intent of joining the Sept. 17 draft, which will happen at the Market Market Activity Area in Taguig.
Just like last year, the PBA Draft will just be a regular draft, that is, there will be no special Gilas round.
Also in the pipeline for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup is the possibility of holding a three-game home stand for guest team Bay Area in Hong Kong.
“Pinag-usapan namin yan ni Matt Beyer (EASL CEO) para maglaro sa (We discussed with Matt Beyer about playing in) Hong Kong,” Marcial continued. “Hindi pa talagang finalized yung pag-uusap namin, pero 80 percent, maglalaro sa (Our discussion has not been finalized yet, but 80 percent sure, we will play in) Hong Kong.”
He added that the Dragons’ home games against opponents that the PBA will announce at the release of the Commissioner’s Cup schedule might be played on Saturday, the day set for the out-of-town games.
To further hype the new season, the PBA will also hold a fun run on Sept. 24 at the new Bridgetowne Complex, whose entire area is shared by both the cities of Pasig and Quezon.
There will be out-of-town games in Tiaong, Quezon, Baliwag, Bulacan, Batangas City, and Dumaguete City, and although 15 provinces have offered to host PBA games this season, Marcial said those which already hosted the league during the On Tour would be considered first.
Marcial said the PBA is fully supporting the Gilas Pilipinas’ stint in the World Cup and Asiad in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
“We continue to support Gilas for the Asian Games. We still don’t know which players the team will use, if it’s still Gilas today (for the World Cup) or if the players will change. It still depends on the discussion with coach Chot (Reyes),” Marcial said. (PNA)
TNT Triple Giga denied Cavitex a piece of PBA 3×3 history as they foiled the Braves, 21-17, to rule Leg 6 of the Season 3 First Conference on Tuesday at the Ayala Malls Trinoma.
Gryan Mendoza had seven points to lead the Triple Giga in spoiling the Braves’ attempt of becoming the first team to win three straight legs in the tournament.
In bagging the P100,000 champion’s purse, TNT won its second title this conference after similarly ruling Leg 3 three weeks ago.
The victory likewise augurs well for the team’s bid for the First Conference grand finals set for August 13 at the Ayala Malls Market! Market!
The Triple Giga of coach Mau Belen completed a grand slam last season following a three-conference sweep of the meet.
Scoring king Almond Vosotros had a quiet six-point output for TNT, which also netted six points from Samboy De Leon and two from Ping Exciminiano.
Cavitex, which won Legs 4 and 5, was led by the seven points of Bong Galanza and claimed the runner-up purse of P50,000.
TNT defeated Wilcon, 21-13, while Cavitex edged Meralco, 19-18, to arrange the title showdown between the two sister teams,
During the pool play, Cavitex won over TNT, 19-17, to top Group A.
Earlier, Wilcon Depot pulled off its first podium finish with a 16-13 victory over Meralco.
Keith Datu imposed his presence in the middle to score eight points and lead Wilcon to third place worth P30,000.
The scores
Third place
Wilcon Depot (16) – Datu 8, Vigil 4, Andrada 3, Tumalip 1.
Meralco (13) – Maagdenberg 5, Sedurifa 4, Caduyac 2, Santos 2.
Finals
TNT (21) – Mendoza 7, Vosotros 6, De Leon 6, Exciminiano 2.
Cavitex (17) – Galanza 7, Fajardo 5, Napoles 4, Gonzaga 1.
(ai/mnm)
Chito Victolero, the coach of Magnolia Chicken Timplados, expressed optimism about the recovery of seasoned center Ian Sangalang from his thyroid ailment, which kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the previous PBA Governors’ Cup season.
Despite his participation in three games during the recently concluded PBA On Tour, where the 6-foot-7 Sangalang showcased his skills, Victolero clarified that this decision was part of a “trial phase” to gauge his response to competitive basketball.
“Actually, during the midpoint of the preseason, we allowed Ian to play in order to assess his performance on the court. Subsequently, we decided to gradually integrate him into play,” Victolero said.
After just three games, in which the 31-year-old big man from Pampanga averaged 1.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 14.3 minutes, the team management opted to withdraw him from the exhibition series to ensure a complete recovery.
“We want to avoid hurrying his recuperation process. The medical team’s recommendation is for a gradual recovery, and fortunately, he has over two months to prepare,” elucidated the 2018 PBA Coach of the Year. (ai/mnm)
CAVITEX made it back-to-back in the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3 as it made short work of Pioneer Elastoseal, 22-10, to claim the Leg 5 title Tuesday at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Former 3×3 national player Jorey Napoles and Kenneth Ighalo had seven points each for the Braves, who were in control right from the opening tip of the 10-minute final.
With Napoles and Ighalo at the firing end, Cavitex raced to a 10-2 lead and never looked back on its way to claiming a second straight-leg championship.
Dominick Fajardo and Bong Galanza each had four points for the Braves of coach Kyles Lao, who won the P100,000 prize money.
Cavitex earlier went through the wringer and survived two-time leg champion Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals, 20-19.
But they were never really in trouble come the title game against the upset-conscious Elastoseal, who arranged the showdown with Cavitex following an 18-13 win over Northport in the semis.
It was the second runner-up finish for Pioneer this conference to take home P50,000.
Gian Morido tried to carry the Elastoseal by his lonesome after finishing with a team-high eight points as last-minute entry Gian Abrigo, who replaced Enrique Caunan heading to the knockout stage, was held to just a solitary point.
Ginebra takes 3rd place
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra made it back to the podium as it nipped Northport, 21-18, to take third place and the P30,000 cash prize.
Donald Gumaru exploded for 13 big points in leading the Kings, who were champion of Legs 1 and 2.
During the quarterfinals, Northport downed Purefoods, 17-14, Cavitex outgunned Meralco, 16-14, Pioneer nosed out Blackwater, 14-12, and Ginebra got even against TNT, 17-15.
The scores
Third place
Ginebra (21) – Gumaru 13, Salcedo 4, Cu 2, Ubalde 2.
Northport (18) – Capacio 6, Bulawan 6, Bauzon 4, Zamora 2.
Finals
Cavitex (22) – Napoles 7, Ighalo 7, Fajardo 4, Galanza 4.
Pioneer (10) – Morido 8, Abrigo 1, Mocon 1, Villamor 0.
(ai/mnm)
Team Blackwater (ESPN photo courtesy)
Blackwater and TNT are eager to conclude the PBA On Tour with a victory as they face off on the final day of the exhibition series at the Ynares Center in Pasig.
In the 5 p.m. match, Blackwater, under the guidance of new coach Jeff Cariaso, aims to secure a win against the Bolts. A victory would allow them to finish tied with the Bolts at 7-4, but Blackwater would claim the third spot overall due to their previous triumph over the Bolts with a score of 89-82 on July 14.
Cariaso, who recently completed his pre-scheduled coaching clinics, will be calling the shots for Blackwater for just the second time since joining the team.
Despite their recent 131-108 loss to Rain or Shine, Blackwater is determined to go all out for a win against a depleted TNT side. The Tropang Giga have struggled, only managing one win in 10 games as they chose to rest veterans Jayson Castro, Mikey Williams, and Kelly Williams, while Poy Erram, Roger Pogoyo, and Calvin Oftana were loaned to Gilas.
In the main game at 7:30 p.m., Barangay Ginebra and NLEX will clash, both aiming to secure a win and secure a top 6 finish in the PBA On Tour.
Barangay Ginebra has performed remarkably well in the exhibition series, despite the absence of head coach Tim Cone, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, and Christian Standhardinger during the preseason campaign.
These players were away with Gilas, training for the 2023 FIBA World Cup in August, while Pringle and Standhardinger took a much-needed break after a grueling 2022-23 PBA season.
Heading into the match, both squads hold an even 5-5 record, making the game highly competitive and crucial for their final standings.
(AI/MNM)
Call it the wrath of a grand slam winner.
TNT returned to the champion’s podium of the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3 on Tuesday, beating upset-concious Pioneer Elastoseal in the Leg 3 final, 17-13, at the Ayala Mall, Manila Bay.
Left out in the playoffs of Leg 2 a week ago, the Triple Giga came back with a vengeance as the quartet of Almond Vosotros, Lervin Flores, Samboy De Leon, and Gryann Mendoza swept their way to the top and claim the P100,000 champion’s purse.
Vosotros struggled against the Katibays by shooting 4-of-10 from the floor for six points, but Flores, De Leon, and Mendoza took care of the rest to give the telecommunication franchise its first leg crown this season after completing a grand slam last year.
Wilson Baltazar also had six points to show the way for Pioneer, which made the finals for the first time since the opening leg of Season 2 Third Conference.
TNT earlier denied the bid of Barangay Ginebra to win a historic third straight leg championship by ousting the Kings in the quarterfinals, 21-19.
Vosotros then erupted for 12 points as the Triple Giga got the San Miguel Beermen out of their way, 20-19, to reach the finals.
Pioneer won P50,000 for the runner-up finish.
The Katibays edged out the Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals, 21-19, and stunned Cavitex in the semis, 19-17, to set up the title showdown against the Triple Giga.
Meanwhile, the Braves won the battle for third place for the third straight time behind a 20-19 victory over San Miguel.
It was a win worth another P30,000 for Cavitex.
The scores
For 3rd Place
Cavitex (20) – Napoles 10, Ighalo 7, Gonzaga 3, Fajardo 0.
San Miguel (19) – Bono 9, Saldua 6, Apacible 3, Lee 1.
Finals
TNT (17) – Vosotros 6, Flores 4, De Leon 4, Mendoza 3.
Pioneer (13) – Baltazar 6, Morido 4, Abrigo 3, Mocon 0.
(ai/mnm)
Getting splendid plays from its formidable quartet, Barangay Ginebra narrowly defeated a determined San Miguel team in overtime, 19-17, to claim the PBA 3×3 First Conference Season 3 crown at Ayala Mall Manila Bay.
Donald Gumaru, contributing eight points in total, sealed the victory for the Kings with a game-winning shot, securing the P100,000 prize money in an intense showdown.
Kim Aurin displayed an impressive all-around performance with five points, five rebounds, and five assists, notably setting up Gumaru for the decisive shot. Ralph Cu and Raphael Salcedo also made crucial contributions, adding four and two points respectively, completing the scoring for the Kings. Kirk Collier served as their coach.
Interestingly, all four Ginebra players are also part of the team’s roster in the ongoing PBA On Tour.
In the semifinals, the Kings narrowly edged out the Terrafirma Dyip with a score of 17-13.
Meanwhile, the San Miguel Beermen suffered a heartbreaking loss after previously securing surprising victories against the grand slam champion TNT and the second-seeded Cavitex, earning their spot in the finals.
Marvin Lee stood out in the quarterfinals, delivering an explosive performance of 15 points as the Beermen ousted the Triple Giga with a final score of 22-14. Ken Bono dominated the paint in the semis, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds, leading San Miguel to an 18-10 victory over Cavitex and securing their spot in the championship game.
The Beermen received a runner-up purse of P50,000.
In the battle for third place, Cavitex defeated Terrafirma with a final score of 21-15. Ken Ighalo led the way for Cavitex with eight points, while Tonino Gonzaga added six, helping the team secure the P30,000 prize.
Earlier in the quarterfinals, the Braves eliminated Meralco with a 21-17 victory, Terrafirma denied newcomer Wilcon Depot a spot in the semifinals with a close 20-18 win, and Ginebra triumphed over Pioneer Elastoseal with a final score of 19-16, propelling them to the next round.
Final scores:
Third place:
Cavitex (21) – Ighalo 8, Gonzaga 6, Napoles 5, Fajardo 2.
Terrafirma (15) – Rios 9, Cachuela 2, Duremdes 2, Tan 2.
Finals:
Barangay Ginebra (19) – Gumaru 8, Aurin 5, Cu 4, Salcedo 2.
San Miguel (17) – Bono 8, Saldua 4, Lee 3, Apacible 2.