Magnolia Beverage Masters Trounces Ginebra in a Come-From-Behind Win

Magnolia Beverage Masters Jameel Watkins proved too strong for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. Trailing by several points going into the crucial minutes of the basketball game, Watkins took over the team's offense by providing the necessary points in the shaded lane.

Barangay Ginebra's loss relegated them at the tail-end of the standings after the Welcoat Dragons won in a game earlier.

--------------------
Magnolia Beverage Masters Outsteadies Ginebra

Source: PBA.ph
April 21, 2008

The lonely place down the bottom of the chart is now solely belonged to Barangay Ginebra.

Magnolia Beverage Masters had the final say in a fierce and furious duel with Ginebra, scoring a 95-92 decision in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.

The Kings engaged the Beverage Masters in a battle but wavered at the finish, thus staying winless in five starts in the season-ending tourney.

Coach Jong Uichico and his boys were left alone in the cellar with the Welcoat Dragons ending their long losing spell earlier in the day.

"Ginebra's record at the moment doesn't show the real strength of the team. Nagkakapaan pa sila with their new recruits but eventually, I believe, they would be a top contender," said Magnolia Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen, who had two championships won with the Kings.

"But I have to give credit to my players. They hang in there and executed. They knew what to do. Hindi na nga ako nagde-decide doon sa mga plays namin," Tanquingcen also said, lauding his players for their sterling efforts resulting to the team's third straight victory.

Magnolia Beverage Masters, getting a big lift from import Jameel Watkins and old mainstays Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros, caught up with Talk n Text at fourth place at 3-2.

Watkins scored eight of his 20 points in the last three minutes of play, starring in a run that keyed a big turnaround by Magnolia Beverage Masters in the homestretch.

"Jameel showed tonight why he fits well with the team," said Tanquingcen of his import who rallied the team from an 84-89 deficit.

Watkins himself shoved Magnolia Beverage Masters ahead to stay at 94-92 on two free throws off a foul by Alex Crisano with a minute left to play.

The Kings went without a field-goal basket in the last 3:46 of play with Junthy Valenzuela muffing two attempts after the Beverage Masters surged ahead at 94-92.

After Hontiveros made it 95-92 on a charity, the Kings still had a chance to force an overtime but Sunday Salvacion missed a hurried three-point attempt with seven seconds to go.

Mike Cortez grabbed the looseball and simply dribbled away the clock.

Watkins also produced 19 big rebounds, two steals and one block in 36 minutes of play. Seigle, Lordy Tugade, Cortez and Hontiveros each added at least 10.

Ernest Brown had his shining moment.

The former NBA player rattled in seven straight points to cap an 11-to-nothing run that gave Ginebra the 91-84 spread.

But Watkins showed up Brown at the finish.

Brown and Jayjay Helterbrand paced the Kings with 18 points apiece with Mark Caguioa adding 16 and Valenzuela 10. (NC)

The Scores:

Magnolia Beverage Masters 95 - Watkins 20, Seigle 15, Tugade 12, Cortez 10, Hontiveros 10, Racela 9, Ildefosno 9, Pingris 5, Pena 3, Villanueva 2, Tolomia 0, Calaguio 0.

Ginebra Gin Kings 92 - Brown 18, Helterbrand 18, Caguioa 16, Valenzuela 10, Tubid 9, Mamaril 9, Artadi 6, Crisano 6, Salvacion 0, Pablo 0.

Quarterscores: 20-17, 42-47, 68-70, 95-92

--------------------------------------------

It's a pulsating win by the Magnolia Beverage Masters. Down in the closing minutes of the basketballgame, we are able to erase the deficit and got the lead once again on the last 1 minute. Thanks to the production of Jameel Watkins. The good thing is, Ginebra was not able to capitalize on the opportunities given to them on the dying seconds to tie-up the ballgame.

The one thing I spotted are the turnovers midway into the game that enabled Ginebra to gain the lead on their furious fastbreak attacks. I think we should minimize these on our suceeding matchups with other teams to give us a higher chances of winning.

Continue reading...

Dynamite Danny Seigle: Player of the Week April 6 - 13

Danny Seigle proved once again how a determination to play won't hinder a basketball player's ability to contribute despite playing hurt due to injury.

With his big heart and scoring prowess, he was able to help the struggling Magnolia Beverage Masters from a 0-2 start in the import-laden conference. Will he be able to sustain his momentum with this injury? That remains to be seen on the upcoming battles.


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Even Recurring Pain Can't Slown Down Danny

Source: Malaya Online Edition
April 15, 2008

Danny Seigle is proving that even if he is not yet in full fighting shape, he is still a cut above the rest.

As a result, the Magnolia Beverage Masters forward, playing through pain, was adjudged as the Accel-Smart PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for April 6-13.

Despite a recurring foot injury, Seigle has been consistently racking up the numbers, propping the Magnolia Beverage Masters to back-to-back wins last week in the Fiesta Conference and an even 2-2 win-loss record overall.

As is his wont, Magnolia Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen refused to single out one player as the reason for his team's fight-back from a sorry start. But he could not help but beam with pleasure at his prized 6-foot-6 forward's continuing evolvement.

"We keep telling him not to force it, let the flow of the game come to him and be more patient," said Tanquingcen. "He's been trying to do that and we are all seeing his transformation into a well-rounded player."

Seemingly taking those pointers to heart, the 1999 Rookie of the Year has given up the ball more often, no longer forces his shots and has more decent percentages than what he's had in the past.

Consider the numbers Seigle put up in the Beverage Masters' wins over defending champion Alaska and Talk N Text, among the teams expected to go deep in the conference. In an 89-81 breakthrough triumph over the Aces last Friday, Seigle had 18 points, 14 in the second half. He shot 6-of-11 from the floor, added six rebounds and spiked it with three assists and a steal.

He followed that up with a team-high 18 points on 8-of-14 field shooting, 10 rebounds, two assists and as many steals in a 91-86 victory over the Phone Pals last Sunday.

Those points were enough to keep Seigle in the company of Barangay Ginebra's Mark Caguioa as the only locals to lead their respective teams in scoring in the import-flavored tournament. And to think he was not even supposed to see extended minutes on the floor, bothered as he is by a nagging Achilles tendon injury that needed minor surgery after the Philippine Cup.

Just imagine what Seigle can do for Magnolia Beverage Masters once he's completely healed.

Continue reading...

MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS CONTINUES RISE FROM CELLAR: 5 in Double Figures as Beverage Masters Win Over Former Mentor

After a woeful 0-2 start backed by heart-breaking defeats, the Magnolia Beverage Masters managed to snatch another win, this time against former basketball coach Chot Reyes-lead Talk and Text Phone Pals.

The win indicated improvements in the team's chemistry due to the addition of new players acquired from previous trades.

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MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS CONTINUES RISE FROM CELLAR: 5 in Double Figures as Beverage Masters Win Over Former Mentor

Source: PBA.ph
Sunday, 13 April 2008

Coach Chot Reyes mocked the refs and was banished from the ballgame in raising a white handkerchief with a little over six minutes left to play.

Taking the cue, the Talk n Text Phone Pals waged an uprising, but the Magnolia Beverage Masters held on, winning their first meeting with their former coach.

The Beverage Masters made a decisive assault in the third quarter and kept the Pals at bay the rest of the way as they pulled off a 91-86 victory Sunday in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We’re now enjoying better chemistry. We’re getting used to each other," said coach Siot Tanquingcen as his troops nailed a second straight win following two successive defeats.

"It’s no secret that we played zone the whole night. We got a hand on their every shot. We controlled the tempo, not allowing them to play run-and-gun," Tanquingcen also said.

The Beverage Masters, tying the Pals and the Air21 Express at fifth on their identical 2-2 win-loss cards, worked on a methodical half-court ballgame as they opened two 17-point spreads in the third quarter.

The Pals narrowed the gap to 63-71 at the end of the quarter only to see the Beverage Masters reestablish control in the next period driving the TnT coach to an antic leading to his ejection from the ballgame.

But somehow, Reyes’ ouster fired up the Pals.

Jimmy Alapag, Renren Ritualo and Aaron McGhee hit clutch baskets as Talk n Text came within four at 83-87 with 1:10 left to play.

The team had a chance to get even closer but Ritualo, Jay Washington and Don Allado missed three successive field-goal shots.

Danny Seigle had another productive performance, pacing the Beverage Masters with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Dondon Hontiveros starred in Magnolia Beverage Masters third-quarter attack with 11 of his 17 points. Jameel Watkins, Jonas Villanueva and Marc Pingris added at least 10 each.

Villanueva, the team’s third-string guard, provided the spark as the Magnolia Beverage Masters launched a searing second-quarter assault to take the half at 49-41. The former FEU mainstays produced five points, one rebound and one steal in the period.

Seigle carried the cudgels for Magnolia Beverage Masters while Aaron McGhee bore the brunt for Talk n Text as the two teams ended up tied at 24 in the opening canto. (NC)

The scores:

Magnolia Beverage Masters 91 – Seigle 18, Hontiveros 17, Watkins 14, Villanueva J. 11, Pingris 10, Cortez 7, Ildefonso 7, Racela 4, Pena 3, Tugade 0.

Talk n Text Phone Pals 86—McGhee 22, Allado 15, Washington 13, Cardona 10, Alapag 8, Ritualo 8, De Ocampo 5, Ferreria 2,Peek 2, Carey 1, Chia 0, Belano 0.

Quarterscores: 24-24, 49-41, 71-63, 91-86

Continue reading...

MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS PICKS UP 1ST WIN: Vintage Racela shows up for Beverage Masters

At last! After two heart-breaking defeats, the Magnolia Beverage Masters were able to win against the team whom they engaged in a player trades just before the conference starts by beating the Alaska Aces.

With the win, the team showed signs that they can play as a unit. Veteran guard Olsen Racela showed brilliance bringing back the memories of his early days as a San Miguel Beer point guard. Danny Seigle was in his usual dominating self carrying the load with Racela.

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MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS PICKS UP 1ST WIN: Vintage Racela shows up for Beverage Masters

Source: PBA.ph
Friday, 11 April 2008

After two close defeats, the Magnolia Beverage Masters scored their first win in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the expense of the Alaska Milk Aces Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a duel between teams which figured in a blockbuster trade after the Philippine Cup, the Beverage Masters played steadier, hacking out an 89-81 victory.

Magnolia Beverage Masters, beaten by Purefoods Tender Juicy and Sta. Lucia Realty in its first two gammes, caught up with Alaska Milk and Air21 at 1-2.

"It feels good to get our first win, especially with the way we lost our first two gammes. We had our improvement," said Magnolia Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"We had lots of turnovers in the first two gammes. Obviously, our players were unfamiliar with each other. It really takes time to know each other but it’s not an excuse for us," Tanquingcen added.

Old Magnolia Beverage Masters mainstays Olsen Racela and Danny Seigle showed the way for the team with both firing 18 points.

Jameel Watkins produced only 11 points and six rebounds but provided the Beverage Masters the defensive presence they needed.

"Jameel is not an explosive player but he brings something we always want. Ang San Miguel laging gusto malaking import to do the rebounding and defense," said Tanquingcen of their import.

Randy Holcomb had bigger numbers with 20 points and 18 rebounds that went to naught.

Probably because of frustration, Holcomb had a verbal tussle with coach Tim Cone during a break in the third quarter.

The Beverage Masters took the half at 40-36 and held on to the lead up to the finish.

Falling behind by 12 at 68-80, the Aces waged a rally at endgame personally foiled by Marc Pingris with five straight points.

Racela and Seigle, however, stood at the forefront of Magnolia Beverage Masters bid most of the way. Racela was a steady force the whole gamme while Seigle waged hottest in the third, scattering 11 points in that period.

Mike Cortez spared Racela for 24 minutes, making seven points and three assists in his first meeting with his former team. Ken Bono, another former Alaska player, sat out the gamme.

LA Tenorio, acquired by Alaska in exchange for Cortez, started at the point guard spot for the Aces, piling up 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds in 32 minutes of action.

Larry Fonacier, another ex-Magnolia Beverage Masters player, was utilized for only 10 minutes, missing one field-goal attempt and contributing only an assist. (NC)

The scores:

Magnolia Beverage Masters 89 – Racela 18, Seigle 18, Watkins 11, Tugade 11, Pingris 9, Ildefonso 8, Cortez 7, Hontiveros 7, Villanueva 0, Pena 0.

Alaska Aces 81 – Holcomb 20, Miller 17, Cariaso 12, Tenorio 11, Quinahan 6, Hugnatan 5, Thoss 4, Ferriols 4, Dela Cruz 2, Fonacier 0.

Quarterscores: 18-15, 40-36, 62-53, 89-81

Continue reading...

BallGame Updates: Magnolia Beverage Master vs. Alaska Aces (1st Round)

Starting Five:

MBM
Mike Cortez
Dondon Hontiveros
Danny Seigle
Marc Pingris
Jameel Watkins

Alaska
LA Tenorio
Willie Miller
Reynel Hugnatan
Randy Halcomb
Sonny Thoss

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First Quarter

7:12
MBM - 6
Alaska - 11

DH - 2
Hugnatan FT - 1/2
Tenorio - 2
Tenorio - 3
DH - 2
Pingris - 2
Pingris FT - 0/1
Tenorio - 3
Halcomb - 2

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End of First Quarter
MBM - 18
Alaska - 15

DH - 2
Watkins - 2
3 Blocks by Magnolia Beverage Masters
Hugnatan - 2
Cortez - 2
Halcomb - 2
Tugade - 3
DI - 2

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Second Quarter

6:22
MBM - 26
Alaska - 21

Quinahan - 2
Quinahan FT - 0/1
Racela - 2
Calaguio is injured will not play today.
Racela - 3
Tugade FT - 1/2
Tugade - 2
Ferriols FT - 2/2
Halcomb - 2

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2:54
MBM - 31
Alaska - 26

Miller - 2
DI - 2
Tenorio - 3
Watkins - 2
Watkins FT - 1/1
Magnolia Beverage Masters playing tough interior defense.

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(Apologies. Encountered connection problem.)
End of Second Quarter
MBM - 40
Alaska - 36

Cortez FB - 2
Back2back TO - Alaska
Cortez - 3
DS FT - 2/2
Miller - 2
Miller - 3
Miller - 3
Willer Miller with 8 straight points.
DS with a 2-handed dunk
Thoss put back - 2

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Half-Time Report:

MBM
FG - 43%
Rebounds - 25

Alaska
FG - 30%
Rebounds - 31

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Third Quarter

5:50
MBM - 49
Alaska - 46

Halcolmb - 2
DS - 2
DS FT - 1/2
Pingris - 3rd personal foul
Halcomb FT - 1/2
Watkins FT - 1/2
Miller - 2
DS FT - 0/2
Hugnatan FB - 2
DS - 2
DS - 3
Miller - 3
Halcomb blocked twice by Watkins and Pingris.

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End of Third Quarter
MBM - 62
Alaska - 53

Watkins - 2
DS FT - 2/2
DS FT - 1/2
Quinahan - 2
Halcomb FT - 1/2
Racela - 3
Cariaso FT - 2/2
DI - 2
DS 3rd personal foul.
Thoss FT - /2
Racela - 3

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Fourth Quarter

7:40
MBM - 73
Alaska - 62

Cariaso - 3
DI - 2
Ferriols - 2
Dela Cruz - 2
DS - 2
DS FT - 1/2
Cariaso FT - 2/2
Racela - 3
Tugade - 3

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5:10
MBM - 77
Alaska - 66

Halcomb FT - 2/2
Racela - 2
Tugade - 2

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2:27
MBM - 80
Alaska - 73

Halcomb - 2
Watkins - 2
Watkins FT - 1/1
Tugade - 4th Personal Foul
Miller FT - 2/2
Pingris - 4th Personal Foul
Halcomb FT - 2/2

----------------------

0:17
MBM - 89
Alaska - 81

Pingris - 2
Miller - 3
Pingris - 2
Pingris FT - 1/1
Pingris 5th Personal Foul
Halcomb FT - 1/2
Pingris FT - 2/2
Quinahan -2
Racela FT - 2/2
Cariaso - 2

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End of Fourth Quarter
MBM - 89
Alaska - 81

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Best Player of The Ballgame

Olsen Racela
18 Points
4 Assists
4/7 in the Three Point Distance

Magnolia Beverage Masters Snatched The First Win!
Thanks to their stingy defense.

MBM - 89
Alaska - 81

Continue reading...

Magnolia Beverage Master Faces Alaska Aces For Win # 1

It's interesting to watch the matchup between the basketball players who were involved in the pre-season trades.

Mike Cortez and Ken Bono
vs.
L.A. Tenorio and Larry Fonacier

It will be an exciting ballgame!


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Hot Red Bull battles TNT; Magnolia Beverage Masters duel Alaska Aces

Source:
By: June Navarro
INQUIRER.NET
April 11, 2008

Red Bull, the surprise of the young Smart PBA Fiesta Cup, shoots for a third straight win and a share of the lead against Talk 'N Text on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Barako take on the Phone Pals at 4:50 p.m. with the spotlight on Red Bull's seven-foot import Adam Parada following two explosive performances against Ginebra and Air21.

Magnolia Beverage Masters tries to break into the winner's circle against the Alaska Aces in the mainer at 7:20 p.m.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters seek to bounce back after absorbing bitter setbacks from Purefoods TJ Giants and Sta. Lucia Realty even as the Alaska Aces seek a second victory in three gammes.

Parada, a seven-footer from Mexico, debuted with a 28-point, 21-rebound, 5-block performance in the Bulls' win over Ginebra, and then followed it up with another huge gamme of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks against Air21.

On Friday, he will take on Aaron McGhee, the first import to arrive here who will try to steer the Phone Pals to back-to-back wins after a lopsided, 36-point (131-95) win over bottom-dweller Welcoat Friday last week.

Meantime, Barangay Ginebra may play all-Filipino when it faces Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia on Saturday in an out-of-town gamme in Tacloban City.

The Gin Kings are in the midst of replacing their import Rahshon Turner, who suffered a hamstring injury in their 89-102 loss to the Alaska Aces last Sunday.

The smallest reinforcement in the tournament also was not a factor in Ginebra's first two gammes, only scoring a combined 24 points.

At 0-2 (win-loss), Ginebra is in its worst start since the 2002 Governors' Cup.

Continue reading...

YAP, PINGRIS LEAD ALL-STAR TEAMS STARTERS: Bacolod City Gets Ready For All-Star Festivities

Hometown boy James Yap's supporter definetely supported him well for the upcoming Bacolod All-Star as he leads the balloting.

The results of the voting indicates also his popularity among PBA fans who like to see their respective stars in the upcoming event. Other Magnolia Beverage Masters who are likely to play are Dondon Hontiveros and Marc Pingris.


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YAP, PINGRIS LEAD ALL-STAR TEAMS STARTERS: Bacolod City Gets Ready For All-Star Festivities

Source: PBA.ph
Thursday, 10 April 2008

Purefoods superstar James Yap underscored his soaring popularity in the just concluded balloting for starters of the North and South teams of this year's PBA All-Star Gamme.

The former MVP from Escalante, Negros Occidental received 50,763 votes – highest among candidates from both teams – and earned his fifth start in the league's annual spectacle.

Interestingly, Yap – an All-Star starter in each of the last four years dating back to his rookie year in 2004 – was the only player voted by fans, either through actual voting at the gamme venue, in the host city of Bacolod or the league's official website, http://www.pba.ph/., to breach the 50,000 mark.

Two other consistent starters – Coca-Cola big man Asi Taulava (36,312) and Talk N Text playmaker Jimmy Alapag (22,752) – join Yap in the South team that also includes Sta. Lucia's Kelly Williams (38,832) and Magnolia Beverage Masters Danny Seigle (38,448) in the frontcourt rotation.

Do-it-all Magnolia Beverage Masters forward Mark Pingris was the top vote getter among the North All-Stars with 35,578 votes.

With him in the team are Purefoods’ Kerby Raymundo (32,274), Magnolia Beverage Masters hotshot Lordy Tugade (19,374) and the Barangay Ginebra backcourt duo of Mark Caguioa (29,775) and Jayjay Helterbrand (26,244).

A starter in the All-Star Gamme for the first time in his 8-year career, Tugade earned the spot by taking over the slot of Purefoods' Romel Adducul (21,903). The former San Sebastian King Stag is out of commission after being diagnosed with the Big C.

Tugade finished fourth behind Adducul in the balloting.

The remaining slots in both teams will be filled by the votes of all 10 PBA coaches prior to the All-Star Weekend in Bacolod City from April 24-27.

Helterbrand and Alaska's Willie Miller sparked a big endgame comeback by the North All-Stars in Baguio City last year to prevail, 145-142. The two emerged co-MVPs of the annual spectacle.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and West Negros University president Suzette Agustin are working hand in hand to make the 2008 Smart PBA All-Star Weekend in the ”City of Smiles” a smashing success. (DBC)

Continue reading...

STA. LUCIA JOINS RED BULL, COKE ON TOP: Magnolia Beverage Masters tumbles to 0-2 on woeful FT shooting

It could have been a won ballgame...
...if not for the bricks that the team threw at the free-throw line.

Sta. Lucia Realty escaped with a two-point win against the Magnolia Beverage Masters who managed to keep the ballgame close but lost too many points with their misses in the 15-foot line.

Better spend more time shooting free throws during practice.

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STA. LUCIA JOINS RED BULL, COKE ON TOP: Magnolia Beverage Masters tumbles to 0-2 on woeful FT shooting

Source: PBA.ph
Sunday, 06 April 2008

ANTIPOLO City – The Magnolia Beverage Masters may have to devote more of their time practicing their free throw shooting.

Betrayed by their woeful stint from the foul line Sunday night, the Beverage Masters lost for the second straight time in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup, falling prey to the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 88-86, in a wild-and-wooly gamme at the Ynares Center here.

The Beverage Masters shot a woeful 45 percent from the 15-foot line (16-of-38) that made the big difference in a contest that wasn’t decided until the final buzzer.

Import Jameel Watkins and Danny Seigle finished with 20 and 19 points respectively, for Magnolia Beverage Masters but was a combined 9-of-25 from the free throw line.

The most crucial of those misses came in the last 16 seconds when Seigle bungled the back end of his two free throws and Magnolia Beverage Masters trailing, 86-87.

Coming at the heels of their 126-127 double overtime loss to Purefoods, the Beverage Masters are now 0-2, tied with Welcoat at the cellar.

The loss sent the Beverage Masters reeling down the cellar in a tie with Welcoat at 0-2, a stunning development early into the import-laden conference to a team sees by many as a major title threat.

In contrast, Sta. Lucia rolled off to its second straight win in as many gammes to join Red Bull and Coca-Cola at the top.

Counting their victory in the decisive Gamme 7 of the Finals, the Realtors have now won all of their last three matches.

Wesley Wilson was again a towering presence for Sta. Lucia in the middle with 20 points and was complemented by the team-high 20 of leading Most Valuable Player contender Kelly Williams.

Rookie Ryan Reyes added 14, including a free throw with 7 seconds left that proved to be the marginal basket, 88-87.

Magnolia Beverage Masters still has a chance to win the gamme, but Lordy Tugade’s three-pointer in the waning seconds missed its mark.

A tentative start had the Beverage Masters trailing by 17, 20-3, with seven minutes gone by in the gamme.

But soon after Seigle waxed hot, Magnolia Beverage Masters was back into the gamme, even grabbing a 29-28 lead early into the second quarter.

They wouldn’t take the upperhand again until middle of the payoff period, 74-73, plus free throws and balll possession following a flagrant foul committed by Nelbert Omolon on Seigle. Unfortunately, Seigle failed to capitalize as he missed his foul shots.

The scores
Sta. Lucia Realtors (88) – Williams 27, Wilson 20, Reyes 14, Aquino 8, Yeo 7, Miranda 3, Daa 2, Omolon 0, Espino 0, Gonzales 0.

Magnolia Beverage Masters (86) – Watkins 20, Seigle 19, Cortez 16, Pingris 8, Racela 6, Hontiveros 6, Ildefonso 5, Tugade 2, Pena 2, Calaguio 0.

Quarterscores: 28-24; 48-42; 68-67; 88-86

Continue reading...

BallGame Updates: Magnolia Beverage Masters vs. Sta. Lucia (1st Round)

Starting Five:
MBM
Mike Cortez
Chris Calaguio
Lordy Tugade
Danny Ildefonso
Jameel Watkins

SLR
Denok Miranda
Ryan Reyes
Marlou Aquino
Kelly Williams
Wesley Wilson


-------------------
First Quarter:
10:23
MBM - 1
SLR - 8

Reyes drive - 2
Watkins FT - 1/2
Wilson jump shot - 2
Williams jump shot -2
Reyes jump shot -2
-----------------------

8:00
MBM - 3
SLR - 16
Watkins drive -2
Marlou hook - 2
Wilson jump shot -2
Wilson FT - 2/2
Wilson FB - 2
MBM in big hole.
-----------------------

2:40
MBM - 17
SLR - 22
KW - 2
Marlou Jshot -2
Tugade FB -2
KW FT -1/2
Pingris drive - 2
Watkins hook - 2
Wilson FT - 1/2
DS drive, goal tending - 2
Cortez - 3
Cortez - 3
Magnolia Beverage Masters on a roll, Cortez hot on 3-point range

-----------------------

End of first quarter
MBM - 24
SLR - 28

Watkin alley hoop - 2
Espino 3rd personal foul
Pingris FT - 1/2
DS jshot -2
KW alley hoop - 2
Reyes FT - 2/2
DS drive - 2
Daa buzzer beater- 2
Magnolia Beverage Masters are back in the ballgame after being down with 17 points.

-----------------------

Second Quarter:

5:29
MBM - 34
SLR - 39

DH jshot -2
Pingris FT - 1/2
Racela FB -2
Aquino Jshot -2
Technical foul, coach ST
Mendoza FT - 1/1
KW - 3
DS - 2
KW alley hoop - 2
Watkins - 2
Mendoza - 3
Watkins FT - 0/2
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1:48
MBM - 40
SLR - 43

Yeo FT - 2/2
Watkins FT - 2/2
KW jshot -2
Watkins - 2
Cortez - 2
---------------------

End of second quarter
MBM - 42
SLR - 48

Reyes - 3
Cortez - 2
Wilson - 2

---------------------

Half-Time Report:

Half-time Score:
MBM - 42
SLR - 48

Magnolia Beverage Masters came back from a 17-point lead by SLR
lead by Mike Cortez who converts 2 consecutive threes.

Leading Scorer
MBM
Watkins - 12
Cortez - 10
Seigle - 8

SLR
KW -14
Wilson - 11
Reyes - 9

---------------------

Third Quarter:

6:04
MBM - 55
SLR - 60

DS - 2
KW FT - 2/2
Pingris -2
Miranda - 3
Cortez - 2
Watkins blocked Omolon
DS FT - 1/2
KW FT - 1/2
DH FT - 2/2
Wilson 3rd personal foul
Watkins FT - 2/2
KW - 3
Watkins - 2
Yeo -3

---------------------

3:25
MBM - 57
SLR - 64

Watkins FT - 0/2
Boyet Fernandez Technical Foul
DS Technical FT - 0/1
DH - 2
Wilson -2
Wilson -2

---------------------

2:05
MBM - 61
SLR - 66

DS - 2
Reyes - 2
DS - 2

---------------------

End of 3rd Quarter
MBM - 67
SLR - 68

Watkins FT - 0/2
Reyes FB - 2
Racela - 3
Racela - 3
Racela's back-to-back three point shots get Magnolia Beverage Masters closer to 1 point.
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Fourth Quarter:

7:59
MBM - 74
SLR - 73

Aquino -2
DI - 2
Mendoza - 3
DS - 2
DP - 2
Flagrant foul penalty 1, Omolon
DS Technical FT - 1/2
Omolon 6 fouls, fouled out of the ballgame, 0 points
Magnolia Beverage Masters got back the lead.

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4:22
MBM - 77
SLR - 78

DI FT - 0/2
DI FT - 1/2
KW - 2
Marlou got his 5th personal foul from the driving Watkins
Watkins FT - 0/2
Pingris - 4th personal foul
KW FT - 1/2
Cortez - 2/2
KW alley hoop (3rd) - 2

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1:24
MBM - 83
SLR - 87

KW FT - 2/2
Pingris - 2
Wilson FT - 1/2
Cortez - 2
Yeo - 2
Wilson FT - 2/2
Watkins slam - 2
Wilson FT - 1/2
Wilson FT - 1/2

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0:25
MBM - 85
SLR - 87

Watkins 3-point play
Watkins FT - 0/1
DH FT - 0/2
Magnolia Beverage Masters players missing badly in the free throw line.

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End of Fourth Quarter
MBM - 86
SLR - 88

DS FT - 1/2
Reyes - 1/2
Lordy Tugade missed a ballgame winning 3 point shot.

Magnolia Beverage Masters absorbed another close ballgame loss mainly because of their awful free throw shooting.

Best Player of the Ballgame
Kelly Williams:
27 Points
10 Rebounds
2 Steals

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Magnolia Beverage Masters Test Sta. Lucia's Mettle

It's Magnolia Beverage Masters vs. All-Filipino Cup champions Sta. Lucia Realty.

The team will have its hands full as the realtors are backed by big and reliable import in Wesley Wilson. It will be an interesting matchup between Jameel Watkins and Wesley Wilson who will both man the post.

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Magnolia Beverage Masters Test Sta. Lucia's Mettle

Source: Manila Bulletin Online
By WAYLON GALVEZ
04/06/2008

Realtors Eye Second Win

Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realty guns for its second straight win today when it battles Magnolia Beverage Masters in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The Realtors collide with the Magnolia Beverage Masters at 6:50 p.m., after the defending champion Alaska Aces and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings clash at 4:30 p.m.

Sta. Lucia, which captured the all-Filipino title last month, is fresh from a 93-86 win over Alaska which saw 6-foot-11 import Wesley Wilson collect 24 points, grab 13 rebounds aand swat six shots before finishing with 10 turnovers.

The Realtors will face a team eager to bounce back from a heartbreaking 126-127 double overtime loss to sister team Purefoods TJ Hotdogs.

Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez considers Magnolia Beverage Masters as one of the strong contenders this conference — with its deep roster and talented import in 6-foot-11 Jameel Watkins.

"Magnolia Beverage Masters is one of the teams to beat in this conference. They have a strong line-up and with Mike Cortez around, their point guard rotation is more stable in terms of experience," Fernandez, referring to Magnolia Beverage Masters midseason acquisition of Mike Cortez and Ken Bono from Alaska for LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier, said.

"The last time we had a tune-up gamme versus Magnolia Beverage Masters we were blown out. So now we know what are our mistakes," he added.

However, as far as Magnolia Beverage Masters mentor Siot Tanquingcen is concerned, there’s no question that the Realtors are the tournament favorites.

"They (Realtor) are the all-Filipino champion and now they added another inside threat in Wilson. They are really tough and to beat them, we need to play tough as well and smart basketball in executing our gamme plan."

Except for the 10 turnovers, Wilson, who played for Shell in this same conference four years ago, did well in leading the Realtors together with Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference winner Kelly Williams and Joseph Yeo.

Fernandez said that the former Georgetown University stalwart is adjusting to the system. Together with his mainstays, his team is getting into "gamme shape".

"Wesley and the local crew is slowly but surely getting in shape," the 36year-old Fernandez said.

The onetime PBA playmaker Fernandez is also excited to see the battle between Wilson and Watkins, who are former Hoyas teammates under revered coach John Thompson, saying: "It’s going to be an interesting match between ex-teammates."

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RICE LIFTS PUREFOODS PAST MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS AFTER 2 OTs: Giants’ import hits winning basket, erupts for 56 big points

It was a battle of scoring prowess between the two teams but the one with a better firepower escaped with a one point lead.

Monster import Darius Rice single-handly gave Purefoods the win. It was a heart-breaking loss for the Magnolia Beverage Masters where it battled tooth-for-tooth against the giants but end up losing with a point in the end. No need to worry as this is a good start already even if we loose.

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RICE LIFTS PUREFOODS PAST MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS AFTER 2 OTs: Giants’ import hits winning basket, erupts for 56 big points

Source: PBA
Wednesday, 02 April 2008

NOT even the collective effort of Magnolia Beverage Masters proved enough to negate the individual explosiveness of Purefoods import Darius Rice.

The nephew of foottball legend Jerry Rice knocked in 56 big points in his Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) debut, including a coast-to-coast drive to the basket that lifted the Giants to a pulsating 127-126 double OT victory over the Magnolia Beverage Masters in a thrilling 2008 Smart Fiesta Conference gamme Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 6-foot-10 former University of Miami stalwart went 6-of-17 from three-point range, the last of which was a step-back trey in the final 1:40 of regulation play that tied the gamme at 101 and set the stage for the exciting finish.

The 56-point output of the 25-year-old Rice is the biggest individual score registered in a gamme in the league since former Best Import Derek Brown finished with 57 points for Sta. Lucia in a 99-120 losing cause to San Miguel Beer on April 25, 2004 in the inaugural Fiesta Conference.

“Darius Rice is as good as advertised,” were the first words uttered by a beaming Ryan Gregorio, the Purefoods coach, after the gamme that took 58 minutes to complete. “I’ve seen some amazing shots tonight, including a three-pointer that I think was a low percentage shot, but thank God, it went in.”

Rice already showed portent of things to come when he finished with 27 points at the half, though the Giants trailed, 45-54.

“That’s all?,” asked the sensational import when asked if he was aware of his final output, the second all-time highest output in the Fiesta Conference since Brown's 57 and the highest output by a debuting import since Jerod Ward had 61 for Mobiline in a 93-87 win over Barangay Ginebra in his first gamme in the 2001 Commissioner's Cup.

“Honestly, I was not thinking about my score. I’m just playing in there and trying to help the team win,” added the second cousin of former NBA hotshot Glenn Rice.

Following the win, Purefoods finds itself in a four-way tie on top with Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Air21 and reigning all-Filipino champion Sta. Lucia.

James Yap added 20 points for the Giants, Enrico Villanueva added 16 and 11 rebounds in his first gamme with his new team while Kerby Raymundo had 11 markers, but missed a potential game-winning reverse layup with four seconds left in the first overtime and the score tied at 116-116.

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Magnolia Beverage Masters, who led by as many as 14, 65-51, early in the third.

What cost Magnolia Beverage Masters the gamme, especially late in the overtime periods, were several turnovers, two of which Dondon Hontiveros committed in succession.

But the most damaging of them came in the final six seconds of the second extra period when Mike Cortez, acquired by Magnolia Beverage Masters in a blockbuster trade with Alaska, threw a weak pass which Rice anticipated. The Purefoods import then went all the way to the basket to peg the final count.

Hontiveros led the Magnolia Beverage Masters with 29 points while import Jameel Watkins contributed 23 points and 18 rebounds before fouling out with 1:22 in the second overtime. His putback off a Cortez miss in regulation sent the gamme into its first extension, 108-108.

Danny Seigle, unmindful of the Achilles injury he sustained in the conference break, added 19 and four other players were in double figures for Magnolia Beverage Masters, including Danny Ildefonso (10), who missed a potential game-tying basket at the buzzer that could have forged a third overtime. (GR)

BUZZER-BEATER: Rice's 56 was also the first 50-point output in the league since Asi Taulava had a career-high 51 in a 131-105 win over Purefoods on May 16, 2004 also during the inaugural Fiesta Conference... No player has scored at least 60 points in a gamme since Askia Jones had that exact output for Shell on Nov. 4, 2001 in a 111-88 rout of Sta. Lucia in the Governors Cup. (FM)

The scores:
Purefoods TJ Giants 127 – Rice 56, J Yap 20, Villanueva 16, Raymundo 11, Simon 10, Lanete 6, R. Yap 5, Salvador 2, Yee 1.

Magnolia Beverage Masters 126 – Hontiveros 29, Watkins 23, Seigle 19, Tugade 13, Pingris 12, Cortez 11, Ildefonso 10, Calaguio 5, Racela 2, Pena 2, Tolomia 0.

Quarterscores: 24-27; 45-54; 75-82; 108-108 (reg); 116-116 (1st OT); 127-126.

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It's a heart-breaking loss. MBM almost got the win if not for the costly turnovers in the extension period. It is very evident that it is caused by the lack of chemistry of the team (just for the second OT as this is the only portion that I have watched). Well, I think it is just fine as the newly acquired players have not yet fully jelled with the rest of the gang.

I am very confident that this current crop of players can produce better results than those in the All-FIlipino Cup. For all MBM fans, let's just be patient. It's good to know that we only lost by 1 point to a team that parades a monster of an import.

See you on Sunday. Ballgame is against All-Filipino Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realty. Ballgame updates will be available on that day. I expect you to check this website out for live gamme updates if you don't have TV access but wants to know what's happening on the gamme.

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