Two straight for the BOLTS

PBA on Tour: Meralco Bolts go head-to-head with B-Meg Llamados

Momentum Swing

After losing their first game with Talk 'N Text and losing Mac Cardona with injury, Meralco Bolts rode the bull and went to the opposite direction. They won their last two assignments including B-Meg and they played it pretty strong especially in the end.

Their match up with the Llamados was exciting from tip off up to the final buzzer.

Chico Lanete was on fire in their game. He scored a team high 24 points with 9 assists and 3 steals, almost a double-double performance for the veteran guard. The front line combination of Mark Isip and Asi Taulava had success in the paint while Mark Borboran, a late but very significant addition in the line-up of Bolts was one of the finishers of this game.

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Full charged Texters stop Elasto Painters; Barako's Rookie Night

PBA's double header last Friday, October 14 went exciting because of the explosion of unexpected players. 

HE "Carey" US

The ever hardworking Harvey Carey lift TNT to its 2nd straight win of the Conference and dropped Rain or Shine to 2 and 1 and gave their first lost. 

It was the 28 points and 14 rebounds of Carey that carried TNT to another win, with the help from Ryan Reyes and "The Blur" Jayson Castro. The small runs of Talk 'N Text kept them ahead in most part of the game. Castro also had a double-double performance with 18 points and 10 assists, he anchored the Tropang Texters while their primary leader Jimmy Alapag still out with injury. Reyes, Fonacier and Dilinger added a combined 43 points to boost the lead of TNT and never looked back.

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PBA: Bolts and B-Meg 1st Win!

Gabi Espinas and the rest of the
Bolts defend the basket
(Image by the PBA/Nuki Sabio)

BOLTS 1st ELECTRIFYING WIN

In the first game of PBA double header yesterday Merlaco Bolts clinched their first win of the conference after an 18-point lost against the Tropang Texters.

Though they were undermanned, Cardona suffer from a severe sprained ankle in their first game, Sol Mercado suited up yesterday but Coach Gregorio decided to seat him down, Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Ross also nursing injuries, but they were able to grabbed their first win against the slowly clicking Shopinas.com Clickers, 79-72.

It was Asi Taulava's effort that led his team to a win. The ageless wonder Taulava scored a crucial fall away basket when the team needed it the most. He got help from his teammates Macapagal, Espinas and Isip who scored 41 combined points.

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Domino effect of NBA lockout

MOST AFFECTED

With NBA cancelling their first 2 weeks of the season and this will cost a lot for certain players not to mentioned all the fans that already have their seats, employees and businesses around the cities

The small-market cities of NBA will suffer more like Salt Lake City of Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma of Kevin Durant, compare to those who have medium to big markets. NBA owners will lose an average of $1 million every cancelled game while the players will lose about $350 million per month and here are the most affected players for this season's lockout.

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Azkals with a Great Win!

After a disappointing "friendly"game against Singapore last friday, Azkals sharpened their dogtooth and victimized Nepal.

THE YOUNGHUSBANDS CONNECTION!

Phil and James Younghusband combined for 3 big Goals in their game versus Nepal plus a finishing goal of Matthew Hartmann.

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Lee-thal Rain or Shine; New Alaska?

"Lee-thal Weapon" Paul Lee
drive to the basket
(Image by the PBA/Nuki Sabio)

Riding the Momentum

From their last win against the Ginebra Kings, Rain or Shine carried their winning momentum against their next opponent, Powerade Tigers who were also coming from a win against the new Shopinas Clickers.

Before the game started, Marcio Lassiter said that, he will shut down "The Lee-thal Weapon" Paul Lee. Can he do that?

In the first quarter the Elasto Painters still started the game with out Paul Lee. It was a slow start for both teams, Gabe Norwood made a nice up and under to score their first points of the game. Quinahan also made a strong start and they made a short spurt to have a 12-6 lead but Gary David made a 3-point shot to stop the run of the Rain or Shine. Unfortunately for the Powerade Tigers, the stopper of Paul Lee, Marcio Lassiter was stopped with 2 early fouls in the first quarter. Despite Lassiter was slowed down with fouls, the Tigers made their own run and had a 4 point lead, 17-13. Lee entered the game in the 3-minute mark of the quarter and suddenly the complexion of the game changed and he scored 6 points as soon as he stepped on the hardcourt. That tied the game and ended the quarter at 21 a piece.

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Helterbrand retiring?

Jayjay Helterbrand
(Image by the PBA)

NO MORE "FAST"?

Will it be the break up of the long time back court tandem of The Fast and the Furious?

There are speculations that Jayjay Helterbrand will retire after this conference.

Ginerba is already using their young back courts like, Rob Labagala, John Wilson and maybe next time, Jimbo Aquino.

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UFC 136 Ends with Clear Closure

And still...

Frankie Edgar proved me wrong when I stated that there will be a "NEW" Lightweight Champion and he "Answer"ed me with a very convincing win.

Edgar weathered the storm in the first round when Gray "The Bully" Maynard bullied him and threw a barrage of punches including a knee buckling upper cut and right there everyone thought that it was all over.

BUT... the resilient champ survived the attack of Maynard and made his way back and brought his self into the fight again in the following rounds. Edgar moved like there's nothing happened in the first round. He made good combinations that rattled Maynard and in the fourth round...

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UFL 2011-2012 season

Image by the UFL Cup

Tomorrow will be the start of a new journey for the Football Cup. With a better awareness of Filipino Fans it the sport of Football this is no doubt will be a success. Now that Azkals is really in the middle of any sports conversation this will be exciting to watch out.

But before we get so excited about it, our favorite Azkals will not be in one team in this tourney. (Oh! No!) Don't be to worried, this will be more exciting because the talents of the Azkals will be seen not just in one game, because...

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Blaze Boosters in solo lead; TNT crushed Meralco Bolts

Alex Cabagnot spins away
from Wynne Arboleda
(Image by the PBA)

2 and 0

Friday game day for the PBA. In the first game of a double header, Petron Blaze Boosters met the returning Barako Bull Energy. It was the highly anticipated return of the "Thriller" Willie Miller but the Blazing Petron denied his explosion to sealed their second win of the Conference.

Barako Bull made the first point, both team exchanged baskets in the early part of the first quarter but after that Petron created an early 5-0 run and gave them a 5-point lead 11-6. Barakos retaliate with Salvador, he scored 6 quality points to kept them in step with the Blaze Boosters. While Miller struggled in the start of the game, he made his first 2 points in the 4:30 mark of the first quarter but that points brought the lead of Petron down to 2 points, 14-12. It was a tight and physical first 12 minutes of the game and it ended with a low scoring ball game, 20-26 in favor of Boosters.

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Tony Parker will play for $2,000?

Tony Parker
Image by the NBA

PLAY FOR US "TP"!

During the NBA lockout, San Antonio Spurs' premier guard Tony Parker will play for a ball club in France. It's not as surprising as it looks because we all know that there are players going overseas to compensate their absence in the hard wood.

What surprising though is All -Star and 2007 Finals MVP Tony Parker will play for just $2,000 per month!? Yes! you read it right, it is just $2,000! Oh! My apology, my numbers were wrong, let me correct it, it is merely $1,995 per month. Even more surprising, right?! Parker told to an interview that he will play almost for free.

ASVEL a team in southeast of France will be the team of Tony Parker which he had a 20% stake. (Now, we understand why.) Parker is the Vice President of the ball club and he wants to help the team to advance in the league and he said that if he will play for the whole season, they'll go for the title.

This is a sort of a "love of the game" situation for Parker, because compare to the $12.5 million that he will make this year with Spurs he will still play for just, $1,995, well it is his team anyway. He wants to help his team, who could blame him?

Nevertheless, Parker is a basketball player and he will do what he wants to do and that is play the game he loved, Basketball.

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Debut Day in the PBA: First game of the Clickers and First game of Tim Cone as the new Head Coach of Llamados

SHOPINAS DEBUT

As the newest team in the PBA, Shopinas.com Clickers made their debut game against the re-building Powerade Tigers. It may look to be a blow out game in the start but it turn out as a tough competitive game.

As the game started, Clickers showed an early aggressiveness but Powerade slowed them down and Gary David show begin. Explosive start for David in their first game of the season, he scored 12 points in the first quarter alone. Shopinas aggressiveness was gone in the middle of the first quarter when Shopinas main man Ritualo sits down and Powerade used their 2-3 Zone Defense to force the Clickers in low percentage shots. Tigers took that opportunity to run. Powerade ended the first 12 minutes of the game with a big 21-point lead, 37-16.

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UFC 136: Two Titles on the Line

Image from MMAmania

The TRILOGY of Edgar vs. Maynard will happen this coming October 8 and the first attempt of Florian to get the featherweight title from Jose Aldo. Who will WIN?

This will be the first time that UFC will have two title fights in one pay-per-view. World Lightweight and World Featherweight Titles will be on the line at the same time for the very first time in UFC history.

Let's go to the history of the four fighters.

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AZKLAS' REDEMPTION

When you need a GOAL who you gonna call? It's CHIEFFY!

All over again Chieffy saved the day for the Azkals.

In the first half of their last game in the Long Teng Cup, Azkals aggressively attacked the defense of team Macau. Ian Araneta had his chance to score the first point of the game in 27th minute of the first half but it was saved the goal keeper of Macau.

Another chance for Mark Hartmann but again a missed opportunity in the first half. After 45 minutes of action Azkals and Macau tied at 0 and 0.

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Kobe out or stay?

Where is Kobe going?

An Italian team is still working to get the Lakers prime time player Kobe Bryant. The Virtus Bologna is making a double time effort to get Kobe play for their team. A 10-game deal worth about a little over $3 million during the NBA lockout. Agent Rob Pelinka and Bologna President Claudio Sabatini may have reach an agreement but they are paying so much attention to the smallest details of the deal for the benefit of both sides.

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PBA Opening Game decided in the last second

JUST 1 POINT!

In the first game of the Season Brgy. Ginebra Kings met the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and it was a certified thriller! Unfortunately for Ginebra fans, Elasto Painters won the game by just 1 point, 93-94.

In the first quarter of the game, it was no surprise that Co-Head Coach Siot Tanquincen and Jong Uichico started the game with a 3-guard line up but NO Mark Caguioa in the starting five. It was quite obvious that Gin Kings lacked big men in their line up and it was exposed in their game. Nevertheless, Ginebra started the game with a blast, an 11-2 run in the early minutes of the first quarter and established their biggest lead of the game at 7 points.

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PBA OPENER: A Thriller! with Hall Famers

Image by the Philippine Basketball Association

The opening ceremony of our PBA is simply impressive.

PBA presented a new theme "San ka? PBA Kampihan na!". The new season of PBA seemed to be more promising and exciting because of the new combinations of players in different teams and the addition of a new team.

Everything went smoothly in the opening of the PBA yesterday, October 2 (Sunday).

The highlight of the ceremony was the parade of the Players and their Muses plus the Induction of 2011 Hall Fame Class led by the "Black Superman" Billy Ray Bates and  "Captain Lionheart" Alvin Patrimonio.

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AZKALS: Another Draw?

BLURRED SIGHT FOR THE FIRST TITLE?

Azkals met the Host of the Long Teng Cup Chinese Taipei, yestreday (October 2) for their second match in the tourney, and it ended where it started, 0 and 0.

It was a long hard fought game. 90+3 minutes was the total time they played the game and unfortunately for the Philippine Team they ended again the game in a draw.

Last year's match of Azkals and Taipei in the Long Teng Cup (October 10, 2010) also ended in a draw. Taipei made their point in the first half of last year's game and Ian Araneta made a goal in the extended minutes of the game to tied it at 1-1.

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UAAP Four-Peat History: Four Teams with Four-Peat

Only Four Teams have 'Four-Peat'

in UAAP History

UE Red Warriors
Image by the UAAP Sports

University of the East (U.E.) Red Warriors

Championship run
(1969-70, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1974-75)

This was led by the legendary coach Baby Dalupan and 'The Living Legend' Robert Jaworski

This Four-Peat run of UE was made before the teams of UAAP was cut to 8 teams, it was in 1987 when the 8-team format started. In fact UE Red Warriors had the most number of consecutive championship with 7 straight titles and also the most number of Finals appearance with 16 straight season from 1957 to 1972.

Red Warriors and UST have the same number of UAAP men's basketball championships with 18, the second most wins in UAAP history behind the 19 titles of FEU.

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Ateneo's Four-Peat

Image by the UAAP Sports

Not just 1, not just 2, and not just 3...

It's Four-Peat for the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

For four straight years Ateneo Blue Eagles reign as the UAAP Champion. They finished the series in front of 18,817 fans with a sweep, 2-0 against the raging FEU Tamaraws. Blue Eagles ended Game 2 with a blow again, 82-69. It's true that for the Blue Eagles it's really a ONE BIG FIGHT!

Coach Bert Flores made a surprise in the start of Game 2 by putting Bringas and Knuttle in the starting five. It was a fiery and aggressive start for the Tams. Ramos scored the first 7 points of the Tamaraws, they attacked the basket and got fouled, they made 8 of 8 in the free throw line but the Blue Eagles never backed down to the challenge of the Tams. Blue Eagles fought the same aggressiveness level that Tams showed in the start and they forced the Tams to enter in the penalty as early as 5:37 in the first quarter. Eagles maximized the opportunity by scoring 7 of 10 in the line, and they made a short scoring spurt in the last seconds of the first quarter and end the first 10 minutes with a 5 point lead, 23-18.

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Azkals vs HKG ends with Draw

Azkals came back from 2 goals down and end up with 3-3 draw against the defending champion Hong-Kong in their first match in the Long Teng Cup in Taipei.

Chieffy Caligdong
(image by goovychicmaet)

IT'S CHIEFFY AGAIN!

This veteran Azkal worked his way to led his team in a draw. Coach Michael Weiss emphasized the strong effort of his winger Caligdong.

Chieffy's two goals put Azkals in the lead for awhile, everyone thought that the Philippines would win this one against the highly favored Hong-Kong.

But Cheng Lai Hin of HK made a late goal to tied the game.

It was a very physical game that the Philippine Azkals fought up to the end. HK made an early surged and led 2-0 in the first part of the game. It was the two consecutive goals of Lee Wai Lim and Cheng Lai Hin that put them in an early lead.

Azkals put their first point by a penalty kick of Phil Younghusband and then followed by another goal by Caligdong that ended the first half tied at 2-2.

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New town for the Nets

WELCOME TO BROOKLYN

While the lock-out is still hurting the NBA, there are few things that can be done while everyone is busy resolving the issue. Nets welcome their new town, their new name and their new uniform with their part owner Jay-Z.

Brooklyn Nets Logo
Image by the NBA

It's official! New Jersey Nets no more and welcome to your new Brooklyn Nets. The new arena of the Brooklyn Nets will be open by a concert of their part owner Jay-Z, and speaking of Jay-Z, he will also be the designer of their new uniform. They plan that it should look like more of an urban design to complement Brooklyn, that should look good.

BUT we will just see it if there is an NBA season this year.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Brgy. Ginebra Kings)

A complete Line-Up of your favorite PBA team for this incoming 2011-12 season.

                                Analysis.

                       Overview.

                                                and Predictions

Of your favorite team/s will be discuss. How will they maximize their talent? Who will be the strongest and the weakest team? Who will be favored to win the first conference? More questions will be ask but we will give you the answers with every team in the league.

If everything is ready. Let's start with the crowd favorite.

Barangay Ginebra Kings

Co-Head Coach: Joseph Uichico
                         Siot Tanquingcen

#      Players
1      Mike Cortez
2      Billy Mamaril

Image by the PBA

4      Jimbo Aquino
5      Robert Labagala
6      JC Intal
9      Nino Canaleta
13    Jay-jay Helterbrand
18    Yancy de Ocampo
20     Reil Cervantes
23     Rico Villanueva
24     John Wilson
27     Willy Wilson
47     Mark Caguioa
71     Ronald Tubid
RESERVED/INJURED LIST
30     Eric Menk

They still have the solid line-up with Mark "The Spark" Caguioa, Helterbrand, Tubid and Villanueva. They also have the young talents that can be ready for the re-building of the team, namely, Jimbo Aquino, John Wilson and JC Intal.

But Gin Kings really in-need of Big Men, especially now that Eric Menk is out and they lost Rudy Hatfield. They need to pick up an additional big guy that can fight position inside the paint.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (B-Meg Llamados)

B-MEG LLAMADOS
Head Coach: Tim Cone

#          Player
0          Jonas Villanueva
1          Rico Maierhofer

Image by the PBA

2          Josh Urbiztondo
3          Mark Barroca
4          Rafi Reavis
8          PJ Simon
13        Roger Yap
15        Marc Pingris
18        James Yap
19        Jerwin Gaco
35        Kerby Raymundo
38        Joe Devance
55        John Ferriols
60        Hezy Val Acuna

With a new Head Coach, in the person of Tim Cone, this will be a new dimension for the Llamados. They still have the core fire power, James Yap, Simon, JDV, Pingris, and a new guard Mark Barroca.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Powerade Tigers)

POWERADE TIGERS
Head Coach: Bo Perasol


#           Players
1           Celino Cruz

Image by the PBA

3           James Martinez
4           Rudy Lingganay
8           Francis Allera
10         Sean Anthony
13         Marcio Lassiter
17         Rommel Adducul
18         Doug Kramer
20         Gary David
22         Joshua Vanlandingham
24         Ricky Calimag
34         Will Antonio
42         JV Casio
43         Alex Crisano

They had the No. 1 pick of the recent draft, JV Casio. Tigers are loaded of very young but reliable players. Casio, Lassiter, Martinez, Anthony and Vanlandingham, this sets of players are not just players that came out of nowhere. They have a very reputable record in International Tournament, College career and PBADL experience. They may be 'rookies' but I don't think so they will play like rookie.

I can say that this team is a well balance team with regards to talent and experience. Gary David, Celino Cruz, Ricky Calimag, Will Antonio and Rommel Adducul have the wisdom and experience that can complement the young talent of their new players.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Barako Bull Energy)

BARAKO BULL ENERGY
Head Coach: Edmundo Baculi, Jr.


#            Players
4            Dorian Pena

Image by the PBA

5            Jondan Salvador
8            Don Allado
11          Willie Miller
14          Leo Najorda
16          Paul Artadi
18          Allein Maliksi
19          Wynne Arboleda
26          Paul Sorongon
33          Dylan Ababou
42          Danny Seigle
80          Sunday Salvacion
88          Mick Pennisi
95          Leo Avenido
RESERVE/INJURED LIST
Lou Gatumbato
Ken Acibar

The renewed Barako Team, they could be the surprise of the season. Why? This Barako Bull is a team that have the youth that are 'ready' for a higher level of basketball. Maliksi and Ababou both have an MVP on their resume, Maliksi in PBADL and Ababou in UAAP. They also have a former PBA MVP Willie Miller with a combination of Danny Seigle and veteran Wynne Arboleda.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Meralco Bolts)

MERALCO BOLTS
Head Coach: Ryan Gregorio

#            Players
2            Chris Timberlake

Image by the PBA

3            Sol Mercado
5            Asi Taulava
7            Nelbert Omolon
8            Mark Yee
9            Yousif Aljamal
10          Gabby Espinas
12          Mark Isip
14          Mac Cardona
15          Gilbert Bulawan
16          Jason Ballesteros
26          Chico Lanete
80          Mark Macapagal
0            Bryan Faundo
RESERVE/INJURED LIST
Chris Ross
Reynel Hugnatan

Bolts is still struggling especially inside the paint. There is no question on their perimeter game, with Sol Mercado, Nelbert Omolon and Mac Cardona they are safe outside, with the addition of Chico Lanete and the streak shooter Mark Macapagal they strengthen their outside game but how will they maximize their outside shot if that is the only way that they can score, it will easily be defended, it will be quite obvious.

Gabby Espinas is maybe the only one that can play a more effective low post game compare to the veteran Asi Taulava and a more face-up player Mark Isip. Jason Ballesteros is an additional big guy but can he play in the post and banged bodies inside the paint?

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Shopinas.com Clickers)

SHOPINAS.COM CLICKERS
Head Coach: Franz Pumaren

Image by the PBA

#              Players
1              Brian Ilad
5              Jojo Duncil
7              Mark Angelo Canlas
9              Elmer Espiritu
10            Magi Sison
12            Paulo Hubalde
13            RJ Jazul
14            Ren-Ren Ritualo
15            Rogemar Menor
33            Vaughn Canta
41            Khazim Mirza
52            Dennis Daa

They are the newest and the youngest team in the league. Clickers are the most inexperience team among all the team, three of them might have championship experience in the PBA, namely, Jojo Duncil, Paulo Hubalde and Ren-Ren Ritualo but that's it, nothing more.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (TNT Tropang Texters)

TALK 'N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS
Head Coach: Chot Reyes


#              Players

Image by the PBA

3              Jimmy Alapag
4              Harvey Carey
10            Ryan Reyes
12            Larry Fonacier
16            Pamboy Raymundo
17            Jason Castro
20            Jared Dilinger
21            Kelly Williams
35            Japeth Aguilar
33            Ranidel de Ocampo
34            Ali Peek
40            Rich Alvares
51            Aaron Aban
98            Gilbert Lao

They are the strongest team in papers. If you will just base the winnings in the list of players, TNT will win it all. NO DOUBT! Tropang Texters never move a finger in their line up, the only move they made was the addition of a very good prospect in the point guard position, Pamboy Raymundo. Japeth Aguilar was already in their line up before but they gave way for the Philippine Team.

I expect them to have a very good run this coming Conference. They have arguably the strongest and most talented All-Filipino line up for this season. They will have the 'MOST ATHLETIC' front line, ofcourse I'm not talking about Ali Peek, It's Kelly Williams and Japeth Aguilar. Can you imagine dunk after dunk for this two high flying players?

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (RoS Ealsto Painters)

RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO PAINTERS
Head Coach: Yeng Guiao

#              Players
1              Jonathan Uyloan
3              Paul Lee
5              Larry Rodriguez

Image by the PBA

6              Jireh Ibanes
8              Ronjay Buenafe
10            Gabe Norwood
11            Tyrone Tang
16            Jeff Chan
18            Ryan Arana
20            Jervy Cruz
21            Chito Jaime
30            Beau Belga
33            Ronnie Matias
48            Ronald Quinahan

Elasto Painters could also be the another dark horse in this coming Conference. They have their own core three Ronjay Buenafe, Ryan Arana and Gabe Norwood, they can be the difference maker. They also have a solid back up, with Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, Larry Rodriguez and Jervy Cruz.

The addition of Paul Lee in the line up will mean a more stable point guard for the team. He can create for his teammate and also create his own shot. They also have big guys that are willing to fight inside the paint and sacrifice their own body for the rebound.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Alaska Aces)

ALASKA ACES
Head Coach: Joel Banal


#           Players
0           Julius Pasculado
3           Cyrus Baguio

Image by the PBA

4           Jay-R Reyes
5           LA Tenorio
7           Sonny Thoss
10         Mac Baracael
12         Eric Salamat
13         Bon-Bon Custodio
21         Paolo Bugia
24         Brandon Cablay
26         Ariel Mepana
33         Sam Eman
34         Wesley Gonzales
35         Tony Dela Cruz
RESERVE/INJURED LIST
Hans Thiele
Ervin Sotto

Without Tim Cone? Alaska will still be ready to fight, Coach Joel Banal will still be doing the Triangle Offense that most of the players know how to do it. Offense will not be a problem at all because Triangle Offense is a continues offense and Aces know how to adjust.

With the addition of the Julius Pasculado, Eric Salamat and Mac Baracael, Aces will have a new set of fire power. They said that Pascualdo could be the steal of the recent draft, so, let's see if he is. Salamat is a good physical player especially in his position as a point guard, and Baracael, the international experience of his will be an advantage for his game and also for the team.

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PBA Teams 2011-2012 Line-Up (Petron Blaze Boosters)

PETRON BLAZE BOOSTERS
Head Coach: Ato Agustin

#            Players
3            Chris Lutz
4            Marc Agustin

Image by the PBA

5            Alex Cabagnot
6            Rey Guevarra
7            Dondon Hontiveros
10          Danny Ildefonso
11          Rabeh Al-Hussaini
18          Joseph Yeo
23          Jay Washington
27          Siverino Baclao
29          Arwind Santos
32          Dennis Miranda
34          Carlo Sharma

The Grand Slam stopper and the last Conference Champion, They have a high moral and momentum. With the returning "Cebuano Hotshot" Dondon Hontiveros, they will be on top shape again. Additional outside shooter and great defender, a huge lift especially that Washington and Al-Hussaini will be coming from injuries.

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Team Pilipinas Historic Run

SMART Gilas Team Pilipinas

After a long... long... long drought.

FINALLY!

The Philippine Team broke the elusive Final Four in the FIBA ASIA. It has been 24 long years when we had a chance to enter the Top Four in the FIBA Tournament. The last time we got it was in 1987.

Even it turned out to be not quite pretty for the team, still it could be considered as a success.

We beat Chinese Taipei in the Quarterfinals, 95-78 but we were beaten by the Jordan Team in the Semi Finals, 75-61. Again, we had a chance in the Bronze Medal Game, but unfortunately, Korea beat us in a thriller, 70-68. This achievement for the Philippine Team was a Milestone for everyone. Although, we didn't get any medal, the fact that we made it in the top four was already a huge accomplishment for the program.

Now we can say that Filipino Ballers have the ability AGAIN to play in the world division. We can beat international teams and play in a high level of basketball.

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Test of 'Bones'

Image by UFC

It happened at the Pepsi Center in Denver, the first test for the reigning Light Heavyweight Champion of UFC. Jones, prove that his 'Bones' can submit the top shaped Rampage.

The fight was dictated by the long reach of the Champion. Jones' boxing was undeniably good at that night, and he showed an improved striking skill.

Jon Jones unorthodox striking worked in his favor, he hit Jackson with his patented spinning back elbow in the early rounds. Leg kicks and knee kicks disrupted the attack of Rampage and it created openings for Jones.

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Eagles in Game 1

Nico Salva
(image by UAAP Sports)

ONE WIN AWAY

Eagles clinched their first win in the Best-of-Three Finals against FEU Tams, 82-64.

MR. PERFECT

Nico 'Salvage' Salva did no wrong in Game 1 of the UAAP Finals last Saturday(Sept.24). He scored a huge 24 points, grabbed 5 boards, dished 3 assists, got 2 blocks and became the Best Player of that game.

Salva had a perfect overall shooting game. He made 8 of 8 in the field and 8 of 8 in the free throw line. He never wasted any shot to helped his team secure their first win of the Finals.

In the first part of the opening quarter, Tams made a few jitters, turned the ball over a couple of times and the Eagles took advantage of that and scored quick 6 points. Garcia retaliates and attacked the defense of Eagles and Tams tied the game at 6 a piece. Romeo the anchor of Tams scored 10 points, with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in the first quarter alone, a big lift for the Tams. They shot 60% to start the game and made a strong act for by ending the first 10 minutes up by 5, 19-14.

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Redeem or Four-peat?

RENEWED RIVALRY

FEU is again in the position to stop Ateneo from writing an amazing history.

FEU and ADMU for the third time in the UAAP Finals
since the start of Final-4 format in 1994
Image by the UAAP Sports

Tams and Blue Eagles met twice in the Finals since the start of the Final-4 format in 1994, it was in 2003 and 2010. They have a 1-1 record in their head-to-head match up in the Finals. In 2003 season of UAAP, Tams beat the Blue Eagles in a convincing fashion, the Morayta based team swept the Ateneans that year in their Best-of-Three Finals. They met again in 2010, this time, the Katipunan based squad never won a single game against the Tams in the elimination but they return the favor to the Tamaraws, Blue Eagles swept the Tams in the Finals, 2-0, and it became sweeter for the Ateneans because FEU was not successful in stopping the rare Three-peat of ADMU.

In this 74th season of UAAP it's a REMATCH! but this time we have the reverse situation. The Morayta squad never won a single game in the elimination against the Blue Eagles this year, can FEU retaliate?

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FEU's Complete Assault

FEU Tamaraws
(image by UAAP Sports)

TEAM EFFORT

It was a complete ambush made by the Tamaraws. It was their Rebounding and their Defense that helped them out to secure the last Finals berth in the Season 74 of UAAP. Tolomia, Romeo, Escoto, Ramos, Garcia and the rest of the team gave their best and pulled out a 78-74 win over the No.2 AdU Falcons. It was a thriller from start to finish but Tams prevailed and outplayed the more motivated and more eager Falcons. FEU was the 7th team to beat the No.2 seed and went straight to the Finals. Now, they will face again the Blue Eagles in the Finals for a re-match and they have a chance to redeem their last year performance.

It was a hard fought game, no one wants to end their season there. AdU led by two points after two quarters, 33-35. Tams pulled away in the last part of the 3rd quarter and had their largest lead with 11 points, 59-70, but AdU came back again in the last 2 minutes of the game, they scored a quick 9 points and brought down the lead of Tams to 3 points, 71-74 and put FEU in limbo. Falcons had their chances but Tams rebounding dictated the outcome of the game.

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Mayweather KOed Otiz: "Cheap" Knock-Out?

Mayweather K.O. Ortiz in the 4th round
(image by INTERAKTV/Reuters)

CHEAP SHOTS?

Mental lapses on the side of now the former WBC Welterweight Champion Victor Ortiz (29-3-2 with 22 KOs). It was in the 4th Round where Ortiz made his rage and became the aggressor in the fight, but som much eagerness caused him a lot, in fact too much. Ortiz threw a headbutt to Mayweather and it was clearly saw by the Referee Joe Cortez.

He stopped the fight and deducted a point to Victor Ortiz, then he put the time "IN" and resumed the fight, the Mexican Boxer was caught off guard by the undefeated Mayweather. Floyd's left and right combination finished the fight and put Ortiz in the mat.

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Blue Eagles fly to the Finals

"The Phenom" Kiefer Ravena
Image by the UAAP Sports

"THE PHENOM"-ENAL
FINALS TCIKET

Blue Eagles knock-off the Growling Tigers in a close-tight game 69-66. With the strong effort of "The Phenom" Kiefer Ravena. He was awarded as the best player of the game with, 15pts. 2rebs. 2assts.

It was a hardly contested game from start to finish. In the first quarter it seemed UST would control the ball game and keep Blue Eagles on a chased down but the Ateneans refused to be on that spot and came back in the second quarter and ended the first half leading by 8-points, 30-38.

ADMU's lead ballooned to 15-points in the third quarter, their largest lead in the ball game but the UST Growling Tigers fought back and brought the lead to 12-points after three quarters, 52-40.

In the early part of the fourth and final quarter everyone thought that the Blue Eagles would easily take this one out of Uste. ADMU led the whole game, but they relaxed a bit and Uste took advantage of that and made their last and strong run to salvage their position in the Final 4 playoff and forced the Blue Eagles to a sudden death game this coming Sunday but ADMU denied that run.

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Tamaraws forced Knock-Out Game

Terrence Romeo
Image by the UAAP Sports

ROMEO OH! ROMEO

He was part of the core three of the Tams with Garcia and Ramos. Terrence Romeo was the least expected to handle and carry his team in their game against the No.2 AdU Falcons, he was hitting all cylinder and burning nets. He was awarded the best player of the game with an outstanding 19 points.


Romeo's clutch game emerged when the team needed the most. After the tight game in the first half, Romeo, pulled it off, he hit a BIG 3-point shot that brought their lead to 13 points, 27-40. That was an answer to the 2-3 Zone Defense of the Falcons. That fueled the 17-4 run by the FEU in the third quarter and they posted their biggest lead in the game with 21 points, 31-52. The confidence and poise of this young Tam showed up in the game. He also played a very very good defense to Lester Alvares and limit the AdU's point guard production especially outside the 3-point line.

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NBA (N.o B.asketball A.greement)

2011-12 NBA SEASON

No results. No deals. No paychecks. No Basketball.

Billy Hunter the Union Executive Director sat with his board of players in a meeting held in midtown Manhattan. They waited 3-hours for the owners and Commissioner David Stern in the room and they expected that they would get result from the debate of the owners that day. Well, they did get the result, unfortunately bad result. Still, the owners stick to their plan and they wanted the union to be dissolved, because they believed that they could win this agreement and there's no need for them to compromised anything.

Players were expecting to have a better result after that meeting but Hunter, will fly to Vegas on Wednesday with nothing. How will this scenario affect the season? Especially the players that will eventually suffer from not receiving paychecks. With a wrong speculation of Hunter that Stern would help them to have a better result, the union suffer from it, because Stern, didn't.

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Unstoppable Djokovic, Won US Open 2011

Resiliency.
Mental Toughness.
Steady Game.

Novak Djokovic won the US Open 2011

These were the weapons of Novak Djokovic who won his Third Grand Slam this year. He beat his arch rival, the No.2 rank Rafa Nadal in four set, 6-2, 6-3, 6-7, 6-1.

The Serbian Champion improved his record to 64-2 in this season and 6-0 against Nadal.

The Spaniard Rafa Nadal made an early surged and lead 0-2 in the early part of the first and second set. He was full of motivation to redeem himself and beat Djokovic in their head-to-head match up. But, the resilient Serbian never lose his focus and got back in the game and won both sets.

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The Final Four

Let the Playoff Begins!

Elimination is over, and now we have the Four Teams that standout.

Image by the UAAP Sports

Ateneo Blue Eagles

The No.1 team in this season 13-1 (W-L). They have the lethal combination of "The Phenom" Kiefer Ravena and the big Greg Slaughter. They also have the athletic Nico Salva in their line up, this is their own "Big Three", with their Champion Coach, Norman Black, this team will be the team to beat in this playoff. Why? Because they simply know how to be a Champion, they will not have a rare three-peat if they don't have what it takes. Their match up with UST Growling Tigers (No.4) will have a big obstacle to overcome, ADMU have the twice to beat advantage and this is huge for them. Can they win another Championship? and go for a very very rare and almost impossible four straight titles? The Blue Eagles create this "Dynasty" in this league and became the barometer of all the team that want to win a title. They have the talent and capability to win it, BUT! will the other three teams allow them to get it? How will the "Big Slaughter" keep his production in the paint and dictate the game inside the shaded area?

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Djokovic's unbelievable comeback!

Novak Djokovic

He's on FIRE!

The young champion of the Tennis World made another strong statement by coming back from 2 rounds down and won the US Open Semi Finals against the former No.1 (currently World No. 3) Roger Federer.

Federer made an early run by winning the first 2 rounds, 7-6, 6-4 but the resilient Djokovic came back in the 3rd and 4th round by winning 6-3, 6-2.

The current No.1 Djokovic and  his opponent Federer exchanged  ball in the early part of the 5th round but after the 3-3 point, Djokovic collapsed in the 4th and 5th set. Federer got the respective set by scoring 40-0, 40-0 and he led 5-3 over Djokovic, it's a set match for Federer.

BUT

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NO SWEEP!

Image by the UAAP Sports

Falcons got the better of the Blue Eagles.

NO SWEEP!

That's the battle cry of the AdU Falcons when they fought the Ateneo Blue Eagles earlier this day. A lot were at stake in that game. Adamson had a 29 losing streak against ADMU from 1997 until their win today. 0-11, the record of Coach Leo Austria when he go head to head with Coach Norman Black, Coach Austria beat all the coaches in the UAAP except one, Coach Norman Black.

Falcons soared high in their fight with the Blue Eagles.

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Alaska without Tim Cone

Coach Tim Cone
(Image buy the PBA)

It's official!

Coach Tim Cone ended his contract with the Alaska Aces.

Yes, you read it right it is true, it's Coach Tim Cone.

It's really hard to imagine an Alaska team with out a Coach Tim Cone, but according to the story in Teledyaryo Sports, Coach Tim wants to explore new challenges outside Alaska, and The Team Management of Alaska accepted it and they assigned Coach Joel Banal as the new Head Coach of the team.

But who is Coach Tim Cone for Alaska?

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Azkals, Back in Form!

It's been a month when we last saw our very own FutBol team. They took a rest after their game against Kuwait. Now they start preparing for the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan. This Cup is also important because this will give them points for the FIFA World Rankings.

Azkals have a new player.

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Who made the best decision in this PBA's Annual Draft? (with Complete Analysis of their Choice)

Choosing is over.

It's time to figure out which team made

a good, a better and the best decision in this year's Rookie Draft.

Let's list down some points and find out if your favorite team made the best choice. 

Image by the PBA

POWERADE TIGERS

Jayvee Casio, a good combo guard. He can shoot, set his team mates, and also a reliable player under pressure. Powerade made a good choice in picking him, Gary David and Casio will make a very good guard combination for the Tigers. Coach Bo Perasol and the Tigers probably had a hard in choosing between Lee and Casio but they ended up with the well experienced SMART GILAS point guard. 4th overall Marcio Lassiter, another dependable player for the Tigers. Lassiter's outside shot will help the Tigers in their offense, with his aggressiveness and play making skill, Marcio will be a threat for other teams in the league.

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PBA 2011 Annual Draft Result

Recently there were buzz of who would be the First Overall Pick in this annual draft of the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association).

Now we have the answer!

It was the Green Archer's very own and Philippine Team guard, JAYVEE CASIO and he was picked by the Powerade Tigers (1st overall).

for the Recap of the 2011 Annual Draft Result here is the complete list

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MMA Killer KICKS

I've watched different fights in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and I'm a big fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Recently there were AMAZING kicks in the MMA World particularly in UFC and WEC, those fights were exciting and explosive fights, so I decided to list 5 of the great KnockOut Kicks and the Best Kick Artists in the MMA.

I will show you,

Jose "Junior" Aldo

Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga

Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida

Anderson "Spider" Silva

and

Anthony "Showtime" Pettis

Are you ready?

I'm ready!

Let's Get it ON!

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Blue Eagles, 10-0? ; 4th Spot, DLSU or UST?

The unbeaten Blue Eagles will go against the Red Warriors this coming Thursday,

August 25, 2011, 1 PM at The SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Image by UAAP Sports

Both teams are coming from a win, ADMU won over UST in their last outing while UE stunned DLSU.

UE showed a very strong team effort in their win over the Green Archers, they made more assists than LaSalle, where in fact Red Warriors are dead last in assists this season. That made a statement that even UE is in the bottom two right now, they can still play and compete against the teams that have higher rankings.

Blue Eagles as usual came up very strong against the Tigers, they left UST in the dust in the first quarter and never looked back, their Defense made them outstanding in their 9 wins. With the 1-2 combination of Ravena and Slaughter, Ateneo will be hard to stop this season.

Who wants it more?

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"Spider"Web at RIO

Image by Yahoo! Sports/UFC

REMATCH!

Silva vs Okami UFC 134

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

It will be a very intriguing match up.

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PBA DRAFT! Who will it be?

Image by Philippine Basketball Association

August 28 (Sunday) 2011.

The date has been settled and the New Breed of PBA Superstars will be born.

There have been speculations for the top two prospects, Who will it be?

Jayvee Casio (DLSU Green Archer/Nat'l Team) or Paul Lee (UE Red Warriors/D-League)

This Annual Draft will be interesting.

They have a lot of draftees who are well experienced and highly talented players.

Here is the List of Rookie hopefuls for this Annual Draft:

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