Amal McCaskill Leads Magnolia Into Semifinals

Defense really wins a basketball series or a championship, whatever is being contested. Rejoice Magnolia Beverage Masters basketball fans as our basketball team advanced to the semifinals of PBA Fiesta Conference for the second straight year under coach Siot Tanquincen's leadership.

The Coca-Cola Tigers struggled all night long under intense defensive pressure capped with their horrible shooting that sealed their doom in the season-ending Fiesta Conference.

Next in line are the offense-minded Air21 Express whom we will engage starting this Sunday, possibly without their prolific import Steven Thomas. I like our chances for this basketball series and if our vaunted defense clicks once again, I won't be surprised if we trip back to the Finals and possibly win the championship against an equally strong foe from the other bracket contested by Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull Barakos.

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MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS BARGES INTO FINAL 4
Magnolia Beverage Masters take on Air21 in best-of-7 affair

Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Friday, 18 July 2008

ANTIPOLO -- The Coca-Cola Tigers put up tremendous basketball intensity and energy but seemed to forget how to shoot, enabling the Magnolia Beverage Masters to book the last slot in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Final Four.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters beat out the Tigers, 78-60, in their knockout tussle last night at the Ynares Center here, gaining the right to challenge the Air21 Express in a best-of-seven semifinals basketball showdown.

The Final Four begins Sunday at the Astrodome in Pasay with Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull pitted in the other semis basketball match-up.

"We’re tight offensively but our defense held on," said coach Siot Tanquingcen as they overcame the Tigers for a second straight Fiesta Conference semifinals and sixth semis in the last eight PBA basketball tourneys.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters did struggle at the start but slowly picked up their rhythm, winning the battle without yielding the lead at anytime in the basketball contest.

It helped that the Tigers practically threw bricks in the basketball contest.

Coca-Cola shot a league all-time low of 20 percent in the entire contest and franchise-lows of 9.5 percent in the first quarter and 17.5 percent in the first half.

"I think it’s a result of a little of our basketball defense and their poor shooting. We had a hand in their every shot," said Tanquingcen.

Amal McCaskill, Lordy Tugade and Dondon Hontiveros played well on both ends of the basketball court, leading the team to the semis against the Express.

McCaskill said he’s well familiar with Steven Thomas’ basketball gamme, expressing confidence Magnolia Beverage Masters will emerge victorious.

Tanquingcen thought it’s difficult to play Air21, believing their only advantage against the Express is their being the more experienced basketball team.

Chances are Air21 will play minus Thomas at the start of the semis Sunday as he’s been invited to attend the Cleveland Cavaliers’ basketball training camp. His original plan was to return Saturday after attending just the basketball tryouts for the Korean basketball league in Las Vegas.

"Minus Steven, it would be very difficult but not impossible to make an upset. It would depend on how my players are going to take it mentally," said Air21 basketball coach Bo Perasol.

Magnolia Beverage Masters and Coca-Cola figured in a tough defensive basketball battle in the first half ending in the Magnolia Beverage Masters’ favor at 29-25.

The Tigers trailed by as many as nine points but scored five charities in the last 20 seconds to narrow the gap to four going into the final half.

Largely behind McCaskill’s efforts, the Magnolia Beverage Masters pulled away in the final half en route to sending the Tigers to the basketball season exit.

Coca-Cola joined in the sideline deposed Fiesta Conference champion Alaska, All-Filipino ruler Sta. Lucia, Talk n Text, Purefoods and Welcoat. (NC)

The scores:

Magnolia 78 – McCaskill 18, Tugade 14, Hontiveros 14, Cortez 9, Pingris 6, Ildefonso 6, Racela 5, Pena 3, Bono 2, Gonzales 1, Villanueva 0, Tolomia 0.

Coca-Cola 60 – Buenafe 22, Dixon 16, Taulava 9, Belasco 4, Macapagal 3, Dean 2, Cabagnot 2, Telan 2, Catli 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarterscores: 15-12, 29-25, 52-41, 78-60

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Magnolia Beverage Masters Battles Coke on Knockout Friday

It's win or go home for the Magnolia Beverage Masters as they try to advance to the semifinals after bowing to Coca-Cola on Wednesday with a one-point loss courtesy of a dagger shot from rookie Ronjay Buenafe.

With the season on the line, Magnolia should not forget how they were able to win against the opposition in the past, that is playing excellent defense. I do hope Danny Seigle is healthy enough to contribute to the team's offense. Lordy Tugade was a marked man last Wednesday and was not able to contribute much in scoring.

Will Magnolia Beverage Masters advance to the semis is a question that will be answered tonight. Glue to your TV screen as this might be our last battle this season or the start of a good beginning.

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SEMIS OR BUST FOR COCA-COLA, MAGNOLIA
Winner to take on Air21 in semis starting Sunday

Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Thursday, 17 July 2008

After staving off elimination and forcing sudden death playoff, coach Binky Favis believes his Coca-Cola Tigers have a little more juice left in their system to complete a sensational comeback.
With their season on the brink, the Tigers gave their all Wednesday and pulled the rug from under the Magnolia Beverage Masters in a nerve-wracking shootout to pull off a scintillating 91-90 decision in the Gamme Two of their quarterfinal series.

Coke's thrilling victory essayed with the help of rookie Ronjay Buenafe's 15-foot jumper with 7.2 seconds remaining provided some rays of hope to an already troubled semifinal bid.

"All we asked for is a new lease on life. With the basketball gamme now tied and just one gamme left to decide it all, I think we have a good shot," said Favis.

The Coca-Cola mentor said he has strong reason to believe that they are going to clinch the deciding match.

He said his troops have displayed their resiliency time and again. They also seem to generate so much energy and intensity whenever death is staring at them in the face.

"Not to take anything away from Magnolia Beverage Masters but I like our chances in Gamme 3. I am very confident my players will rise to the occasion. They have this tendency to always play their best whenever our backs are against the wall," Favis said.

On Wednesday day, Favis played his veterans namely Alex Cabagnot, Asi Taulava, Mark Macapagal and Nic Belasco on extended minutes.

He is expected to dwell on the same pattern knowing too well that experience will be vital in Gamme 3.

The Coca-Cola-Magnolia Beverage Masters showdown is set at 7 p.m. Friday at the Ynares Center.

The winner will face eliminations topnotcher Air21 in a best-of-seven series. The other series will be contested by Red Bull and Barangay Ginebra. (DBC)

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Ronjay Buenafe Rifles in Marginal Basket to Keep Tigers’ Hopes Alive

Coca-Cola Tigers rookie Ronjay Buenafe saved their basketball team from elimination as has he sanked a clutch basket in the dying seconds. The Magnolia Beverage Masters got a chance to win it but Dondon Hontiveros' desperation three point shot did not hit the mark.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters were not able to finish off the Coca-Cola Tigers on Wednesday but I do hope they get the job done on Friday. If not, it's vacation time once again for us. I'm sure coach Siot Tanquincen will make the necessary adjustments on knockout Friday.

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COCA-COLA TRIPS MAGNOLIA, FORCES RUBBER MATCH
Buenafe rifles in marginal basket to keep Tigers’ hopes alive

Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Wednesday, 16 July 2008

ANTIPOLO -- Ronjay Buenafe banged in what’s easily the biggest basket of his basketball pro career thus far, keeping the Coca-Cola Tigers in the hunt for the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference basketball championship.

Buenafe drained the winning basket with 7.2 seconds left as Coca-Cola forced a sudden death with Magnolia Beverage Masters in their best-of-three quarterfinal basketball showdown with a 91-90 thriller of a win Wednesday night at the Ynares Center here.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters actually had a chance to finish off the Tigers but Dondon Hontiveros missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer.

"I didn’t say much before the battle, forgetting the Xs and Os. I just told the boys to just do their best, and they rose to the challenge," said Coca-Cola basketball coach Binky Favis.

"Same thing on Friday. For as long as we’re alive, we’ll be there fighting. We’ll maximize the one day rest to be ready for another basketball tough grind," Favis added.

The two teams figured in a fierce fourth-quarter basketball battle that wasn’t decided till the final buzzer.

The Tigers squandered double-digit spreads in the third quarter and flirted with disaster as they fell behind at 89-90 on a five-point binge by Amal McCaskill and Wesley Gonzales.

But the Magnolia Beverage Masters won’t complete the job with Buenafe saving the day for the Tigers on a tough jumper after faking off two defenders.

Hontiveros had a decent attempt in their final offensive thrust but his shot went a little strong, sending the Coca-Cola bench and the Tigers’ supporters to a frenzied celebration.

The Tigers lived to fight another day despite another mediocre showing from new basketball import Brandon Dean.

"I know Brandon has something to show, but he’s in a tough situation playing a knockout basketball battle right away," said Favis of Dean, who was good for only six points, four assists and two rebounds.

For the second straight basketball gamme, McCaskill showed up Jason Dixon only to see his efforts go to naught.

McCaskill churned out another double-double basketball gamme highlighted by a crucial sky hook, then a steal setting up Gonzales for the trey that made it 90-89 for the Magnolia Beverage Masters.

Three-pointers came aplenty in the payoff period with Alex Cabagnot firing away three, the last giving the Tigers an 89-85 cushion with 1:07 left.

Gonzales delivered big plays coming off the bench in the fourth quarter, counting a short stab and a charity in an 11-4 opening run in the fourth quarter that pushed Magnolia Beverage Masters ahead at 79-74. (NC)

The scores:

Coca-Cola 91 – Cabagnot 17, Dixon 16, Taulava 12, Belasco 11, Buenafe 9, Macapagal 9, Dimaunahan 7, Dean 6, Telan 4, Catli 0.

Magnolia 90 – McCaskill 19, Hontiveros 18, Ildefonso 13, Tugade 10, Cortez 9, Gonzales 6, Racela 5, Pena 5, Villanueva 3, Pingris 2.

Quarterscores: 23-22, 46-41, 70-68, 91-90.

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Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia Beverage Masters Seek Semis Seats

It's time to go for the jugular this evening. Magnolia Beverage Masters should treat this gamme as do-or-die if battle it wants to advance to the semifinals. No more Gamme 3 period.

The team who dominates on defense will win this one. Another factor if the team wants to win is to minimize the turnover. It's been the team's achilles heel all conference long. Lessen this one to avoid giving easy points after a turnover to the opposition.

To all Magnolia Beverage Masters fans out there, please do support the team on this crucial part of the conference. As I am always saying, we have a good chance of getting another championship. Do you share my opinion? Just leave a comment and thank you for dropping by.
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Source: Philippine Star
Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Kings, Masters seek semis seats


The Sta. Lucia Realtors, who survived two knockout gammes, are confident of rising up to the challenge again, this time against the Barangay Ginebra Kings for a crack at a possible season sweep.

The All-Filipino champions play a third do-or-die gamme in eight days when they tangle with the Kings tonight at the Ynares Center, looking to force a rubber match in their best-of-three Smart PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinals showdown.

The Realtors overcame the dethroned Alaska Milk Aces and the Talk n Text Phone Pals in two previous knockout tussles.

Joseph Yeo came through with career-high numbers on both gammes and became the recipient of the Smart-Accel Player of the Week honors for the period July 9-13.

But Ginebra sent Sta. Lucia on the brink of elimination again with a come-from-behind 92-90 win at the start of their quarterfinal round duel Sunday at the Astrodome.

Magnolia Beverage Masters also moved within a win of a semis stint as the Beverage Masters whipped the Coca-Cola Tigers, 108-96, in the opener of their own quarterfinal showdown.

Coaches Jong Uichico of Ginebra and Siot Tanquingcen of Magnolia Beverage Masters said they would need to work doubly hard to finish off their respective rivals today.

“Sta. Lucia is a great defensive team that we need to match their intensity. They dominated Gamme One and we just turned things around in the fourth quarter. We have to come out and do a better job if we want the series over Wednesday,” said Uichico.

“In a best-of-three series, winning Gamme One is a big advantage. But it will mean nothing if you’re not able to finish the job. For sure, it won’t be easy,” said Tanquingcen.

Sta. Lucia has proved it’s a team that thrives under pressure, having survived a total of four do-or-die gammes already in the season, counting Gamme Seven in the semifinals and finals of the recent Philippine Cup.

“No one can question the character of the boys. They show the stuff they’re made of when their backs are against the wall,” said Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado.

Ginebra rode high on clutch plays by Junthy Valenzuela to seize control in the fourth quarter and eventually steal the gamme from Sta. Lucia Sunday. Curiously, Valenzuela struggled early on, going scoreless in the first three quarters.

“He’s a veteran and he’s been there before. We know we can count on him to do things even as he struggles in the early part of a gamme,” said Uichico in lauding Valenzuela after the contest.

Valenzuela and Mark Caguioa have to play extended minutes with Ronald Tubid sustaining a dislocated ankle in the team’s last gamme in the elimination round.

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LORDY TUGADE-LED MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS PUTS COKE ON THE BRINK

It's another good basketball gamme of Magnolia Beverage Masters that I missed watching. The good thing is that the team won. I don't have much comments on this so I will just give some insights for the remaining battle(s) of the series.

It's playoffs time, probably the best time that you can see the experience of the team show up against an unexperience team like the Coca-Cola Tigers. The battle will always be defense against defense as what these two teams would normally engage on.

I expect Magnolia to go for the clincher this Wednesday as letting the Tigers recover will be a big mistake. The Tigers will make the necessary adjustments and the two imports will show more aggresiveness. Danny Seigle's injury is not that serious so I expect him to contribute to the team on Wednesday.

The team is on the right track towards getting another championship. Dispatching Coke would setup a semis duel with Air21 Express, which I think we have a good fighting chance.

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Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Sunday, 13 July 2008

TUGADE-LED MAGNOLIA PUTS COKE ON THE BRINK
'Dynamite'-less Beverage Masters a win away from 2nd straight Fiesta Final 4 stint

Magnolia Beverage Masters moved a win away from clinching a semifinal berth in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference as it downed Coca-Cola, 108-96, in Gamme 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series Sunday night at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

Wingman Lordy Tugade scored 20 points and grabbed a career-best 15 rebounds to lead the Magnolia Beverage Masters against the Tigers, who got sub-par performances from their two imports.

Magnolia Beverage Masters, which lost to eventual champion Alaska in the Final Four of last season’s Fiesta Conference, can arrange a showdown against Air21 in the best-of-seven semifinals with another win in Gamme 2 on Wednesday in Antipolo City.

“In a short series it’s good. But it does not mean anything because we need one more win. We feel good tonight but we have to go back to work tomorrow (in practice),” Magnolia Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen said.

Protecting a 76-72 lead after three quarters, Magnolia Beverage Masters used a 17-6 run capped by a three-pointer by Tugade for a 93-78 advantage with 6:05 to play. Mike Cortez’ three put the Magnolia Beverage Masters ahead for good, 99-82, 4:37 left.

Tugade started the gamme at the wing spot with Danny Seigle sitting out the gamme because of a mild strain on his quadriceps. He shot 6-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-5 from the three-point area, and made 6-of-10 free throws.

Import Amal McCaskill also had a double-double performance of 20 points and 11 boards. The 7-foot McCaskill also helped in limiting Coke’s import Jason Dixon, who was held to a personal conference-low six points with seven boards. The 6-foot-10 Dixon averaged 22.6 points and 11.7 rebounds in the elimination.

“We tried our best to contain him (Dixon). It’s hard to stop him. But somehow, we played good defense on him and at the same time we caught him on a bad night,” Tanquingcen said.

The Tigers mew second reinforcement Brandon Dean, their fourth after Calvin Cage, Gee Gervin and Donald Copeland, also struggled with eight points on 3-of-11 shooting.

But Tanquingcen expects the one-time Arkansas stalwart to play better in Gamme 2. “May advantage and disadvantage bringing in a new import. Nangangapa pa sa system. Pero at the same time kasi coming in to this gamme, hindi rin kilala. I think may ibibigay pa because of his quickness and toughness,” he said.

Cortez came off the bench to contribute 18 points for Magnolia Beverage Masters, while Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Ildefonso added 13 points apiece. Asi Taulava led Coke with 20 points and 12 boards, while Nic Belasco added 17. (WG)

The scores:

Magnolia 108 – McCaskill 20, Tugade 20, Cortez 18, Hontiveros 13, Ildefonso 13, Pingris 8, Bono 7, Pena 6, Racela 3, Villanueva 0, Gonzales 0.

Coca-Cola 96 – Taulava 20, Belasco 17, Buenafe 15, Cabagnot 12, Macapagal 9, Catli 9, Dean 8, Dixon 6, Dimaunahan 0, Misolas 0.

Quarterscores: 30-18; 51-41; 76-72; 108-96

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Lordy Tugade Shines Anew As Magnolia Beverage Masters Exacts Revenge Against Coca-Cola Tigers

As I predicted yesterday, the Magnolia Beverage Masters got it's a sweet revenge against the Coca-Cola Tigers. Guess how they were able to do it. The same way the Boston Celtics was able to win the 2008 NBA Championship - by playing tough defense!

The playoffs is getting near and there's no right time for the team to reach its peak but now. It's winning time folks! A few more wins and we will get a chance to grab an outright semifinals berth.


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MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS DOWNS COCA-COLA, MOVES INTO A TIE FOR 3RD
Tugade in big finish as McCaskill concentrates on defense

Source: PBA.ph
Friday, 20 June 2008

The Magnolia Beverage Masters have agreed on taking the homestretch of the elimination round not a basketball game, but a play at a time.

They had their reward as they gutted it out from start to finish against the Coca-Cola Tigers.

Magnolia Beverage Masters beat out Coca-Cola in a defensive battle, pulling off an 81-77 victory that enhanced its bid for an outright semifinal entry in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.

The Beverage Masters held the Tigers scoreless in the final 1:15 of play and went to Marc Pingris and Lordy Tugade for the insurance free throws as they caught up with Coca-Cola at third place with similar 9-7 win-loss cards.

"As I expected, defense turned out to be the key. We choked them with our defense," said Magnolia Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"This is a good win for us but we still have yet to achieve anything. We’re up next against Air21 and we’re not looking beyond that basketball game. We’re taking it one play at a time. Mahirap madapa, everyone’s bunched together in the standings," Tanquingcen added.

With Amal McCaskill focusing on his defensive job against Coca-Cola counterpart Jason Dixon, the Magnolia Beverage Masters locals took charge offensively with Lordy Tugade leading the way, firing nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Tugade scored all but one of San Miguel’s last seven points, including a tip-in off a Danny Ildefonso miss that pushed Magnolia Beverage Masters ahead to stay at 78-76.

Dixon, who endured a busted nose suffered early in the third quarter, canned in a charity with 1:15 left and the Tigers went scoreless the rest of the way.

The final minute saw McCaskill block a shot by Dixon, Asi Taulava commit a passing error and Ronjay Buenafe and Alex Cabagnot miss a three-point shot each.

Tugade settled the outcome of the basketball game with two charities making it 81-77 with time down to 8.1 seconds.

The two teams put tremendous defensive pressure from the beginning, limiting each other’s shooting below 40 percent in the first half.

Magnolia Beverage Masters held Coca-Cola to eight points in the second quarter and took the turn at 32-27.

Though Dixon sat out a few minutes in the third quarter, the Tigers engaged the Beverage Masters in a nip-and-tuck battle, hitting heavily from afar.

Cesar Catli converted four of five three-point attempts with Donald Copeland, Alex Cabagnot and Nic Belasco adding a triple each in the period. (NC)


The scores:

Magnolia 81 – Tugade 14, Pena 13, McCaskill 12, Ildefonso 11, Pingris 10, Seigle 9, Racela 5, Cortez 2, Villanueva 0.

Coca-Cola 77 – Catli 17, Dixon 15, Taulava 15, Cabagnot 12, Copeland 9, Buenafe 6, Belasco 3, Calimag 0, Arigo 0, Telan 0.

Quarterscores: 17-19, 32-27, 59-58, 81-77

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Magnolia Beverage Masters Seeks Revenge Against Slumping Coca-Cola Tigers

It's payback time for Magnolia Beverage Masters against its first round tormentor Coca-Cola Tigers!

Playing with a renewed strength with its new import in Amal McCaskill and comebacking stars in Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros, the team is expected to go strong against the Tigers in its hope to shore up its outright semifinals berth.

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ON-AND-OFF COCA-COLA TAKES ON MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS FOR PIECE OF LEAD: Purefoods faces skidding Talk n Text

Source: PBA.ph
Thursday, 19 June 2008

The Coca-Cola Tigers are showing signs of slowing down lately and apparently it did not escape the attention of coach Binky Favis.

The Tigers' behavior of late obviously worries their coach as Coca-Cola resumes its campaign in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Friday night with a basketball game that Favis considers "very important for us."

Coke (9-6) shares second and third spots with Red Bull, half a basketball game behind surprise leader Air21 (10-6) and a strong contender to make it to the Top 5 and clinch an outright spot in the playoffs.

But just as other teams aspire for, Favis wants his team to land either at No.1 or No. 2 to secure their place in the Final Four.

"Obviously this is an important basketball game for us. But winning is directly proportional on how much we focus and teamwork we put on the basketball game," said Favis, short of saying that his troops are not in their sharpest form over the past few basketball games.

But he expects the Tigers be highly energized and strongly motivated in their scheduled 7:20 p.m. encounter at the Cuneta Astrodome against the Magnolia Beverage Masters, a team scrambling to make the playoffs.

Coke dominated Magnolia Beverage Masters, 106-92, in their first meeting last May 9. But during their last three basketball games the Tigers weren’t as sharp. They went 1-2 in that stretch, losing 84-91 to the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

In contrast, Magnolia Beverage Masters has won three of its last four basketball games and appears formidable with Danny Seigle and Dondon Hontiveros rejoining the team.

Favis concedes that it’s always tough to play Magnolia Beverage Masters (8-7) because the Beverage Masters present a lot of match-up problems.

Nevertheless, he remains optimistic the Tigers will deliver when it counts the most. "I think (repeating over Magnolia Beverage Masters) is ‘doable’ but it's a tall order."

The 4:50 p.m. appetizer between the Purefoods TJ Giants and the Talk N Text Phone Pals also promises to be a battle royale.

The two teams are tied with Sta. Lucia and Ginebra from sixth to ninth places although both remain in contention for an outright passage in the playoffs.

The Giants, losing finalist to the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the Philippine Cup, are still struggling for form, losing three of their last five basketball games.

It's even worse for the Phone Pals, who are on a five-game skid.

There's no need to ask coach Chot Reyes. The spate of setbacks is surely driving him crazy.

"I hope the real Purefoods team shows up," offered Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, admitting that consistency is still their biggest obstacle.

In high spirits after 93-91 victory over Red Bull last Sunday, Gregorio said the Giants are determined to tie "our longest winning streak this conference which is 2."

He said Talk N Text might be on a downswing but it definitely remains a solid team. "They are capable of winning against anybody in the league," Gregorio said. (DBC)

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Magnolia Beverage Masters Lose To Coca-Cola Tigers Sans Two Danny's

It's really hard to win without the proper materials and resources you need to put a good fight. That's what happened in this game where the Coca-cola Tigers pounded on the hapless Magnolia Beverage Masters that played without its two Danny's - Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso.

I was able to watch the game and witnessed the butchery that happened in the fourth quarter where the Tigers made full use of the team's lack of firepower in offense.
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GERVIN POWERS COCA-COLA TIGERS OVER MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS: Tigers regain share of lead with Red Bull

Source: PBA.ph
Friday, 09 May 2008

Import George “Gee” Gervin Jr. scored a personal conference-high of 35 points to power Coca-Cola to a 106-92 win opposite Magnolia Beverage Masters in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

With the Magnolia's defense focused on the Tigers’ other reinforcement Jason Dixon, Gervin, the son of former NBA great George “The Iceman” Gervin, was unstoppable most of the time.

The 6-foot-1 Gervin converted 13-of-26 from the field, including 6-of-10 from the three-point territory and went 3-of-4 from the foul line in 33 minutes of basketball play. He added five rebounds, four assists and a steal.

Asi Taulava, the 2003 Most Valuable Player (MVP), came through with double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds, while rookie guard Ronjay Buenafe added 13 markers.

The win propelled Coke to top of the lead, tying Red Bull with identical 6-2 cards, while Magnolia dropped to sixth spot with 4-4 record.

“It was right from the opening tip that Magnolia had the mindset to take away Dixon out of his basketball game,” Coke mentor Bink Favis said. “But we came prepared for that. I’m glad that small guys delivered.”

The 6-foot-10 Dixon, who averaged 25.1 points in his first seven basketball games, was held to seven points, the lowest output by an import this conference.

Dixon, however, was a force at the middle of Coke’s interior defense as he grabbed a personal conference-best of 17 rebounds that best typified his team’s dominance at the boards, 59-51.

“I think defense was the key in this victory,” Favis added. “I’m glad that, I think for the first time, we won a little convincingly.”

“It gets more difficult by the day, it gets harder and harder. But we’ll just take it one basketball game at a time,” Favis, whose team will face defending champion Alaska on Wednesday and Air21 on Friday.

The 35-point output of Gervin eclipsed his previous high of 26 during his debut when Coke lost to Air21, 95-102, last April 13.

The Tigers used a 15-4 run to start the fourth period that turned a close 75-71 advantage after three quarters, to 90-75 with 5:52 left in the basketball game.

Coke had its biggest lead at 20 points, 100-80, on two free throws by Buenafe, the former Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) stalwart, off a Mike Cortez foul with 3:10 left in the basketball game.

The Tigers shot 37-of-86 or 43 percent from the field, while the Beverage Masters were held to a 31-of-86 shooting or 36 percent.

Magnolia got 23 points from Lordy Tugade, while import Jameel Watkins added 14 with 12 rebounds. Cortez also had 14. (WG)

The scores:

Coke 106 – Gervin 35, Taulava 21, Buenafe 13, Belasco 9, Cabagnot 8, Dixon 7, Telan 7, Macapagal 6, Catli 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Magnolia 92 – Tugade 23, Watkins 14, Cortez 14, Hontiveros 11, Pingris 7, Calaguio 6, Samigue 4, Racela 4, Villanueva 3, Gonzales 3, Tolomia 3, Pena 0.

Quarterscores: 22-26; 50-51; 75-71; 106-92.

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Basketball Game Updates: Magnolia Beverage Masters vs. Coca-Cola Tigers (1st Round)

End of First Quarter:
MBM - 26
Coke - 22

Jameel Watkins - 8 points, 5 rebounds

End of Second Quarter:
MBM - 51
Coke - 50

* Coca-cola with ~7 3-pointers.
* Samigue Eman played, 4 points so far.
* Both teams playing a close basketball game.
* Nice jump shot by Samigue Eman as time expires.
* Lordy Tugade made an almost buzzer-beater but missed the clock.
* Watkins got his 3rd personal foul.


Half-Time Report
MBM
FG - 40%
Rebounds - 28

Coke
FG - 39%
Rebounds - 27

Leading Scorers:
MBM - Lordy Tugade - 13 points
Coke - Gee Gervin - 18 points

Third Quarter:
* Slam dunk by Jameel Watkins.
* Asi Taulava providing points for Coke.

MBM - 65
Coke - 63

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4:59
MBM - 67
Coke - 66

Pingris slams it home.

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End of Third Quarter:
MBM - 71
Coke - 75

Buenafe - 2
Cabagnot - 2
Tolomia - 3
Buenafe - 2
Dixon -2

* Watkins, 5th personal foul.
* Macapagal, 4th personal foul.

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Fourth Quarter:
9:14
MBM - 73
Coke - 82

Pingris - 2
Asi - 2/2 FT
Asi - 2

* MBM playing All-Filipino
* Coke pounding inside with Watkins sitting on the bench.

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5:00
MBM - 77
Coke - 90

Telan - 2
Gervin - 2
Tugade - 2/2
Gervin - 2
Telan - 2/2
Cortez - 2/2

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3:10
MBM - 80
Coke - 100

Hontiveros - 3
Gervin - 1/2
Telan - 2
Buenafe - 2/2

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1:23
MBM - 86
Coke - 102

Tugade - 3
Telan - 1/2
Gonzales - 3
Cabagnot - 1/2
Calaguio - 3
Cabagnot - 2/2
Calaguio - 3
Taulava - 2/2

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End of the Basketball Game:
MBM - 92
Coke - 106

Best Player of the Basketball Game:

Asi Taulava
21 points
15 rebounds
7/13 field goal

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Post Basketball Game Commentary

The abscense of Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso was very evident in this basketball game. The team encountered a scoring drought early in the fourth quarter and no Danny Seigle was there to provide the needed points.

The team needed an additional defensive player when Jameel Watkins was in foul trouble but then Danny Ildefonso was not there to provide it. As a result, the Coca-cola tigers pounded it inside the paint and dominated the boards.

It's an acceptable loss for the team. It's good that they were able to get the basketball game close at the half. The second half saw the team's lack of manpower. Coca-cola should be happy with the win. On our next basketball game, it will be a different story.

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COCA-COLA, TALK N TEXT SEEK SHARE OF 1ST : But both expect no cakewalk in Friday twinbill

Magnolia Beverage Masters will be up against the towering frontliners of the Coca-Cola Tigers lead by monster import Jason Dixon and Fil-Tongan Asi Taulava.

The basketball team will be put to another test as it will come into the game less their main offensive weapon in Danny Seigle. Will the remaining local screw respond to the challenge? That question will be answered after this game.

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COCA-COLA, TALK N TEXT SEEK SHARE OF 1ST : But both expect no cakewalk in Friday twinbill

Source: PBA.ph
Thursday, 08 May 2008

They may be coming from opposite directions, but Coca-Cola and Talk and Text have something in common when the take the court Friday night.

For obvious reasons, the two teams have trained their sights at W number six that would allow them to stay abreast with Red Bull on top of the leader board and bolster their bid for outright semifinal berths in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference.

Chot Reyes, who took over the reins from Derrick Pumaren at the end of the Philippine Cup, said he and his players are still in the process of getting to know each other but the team's impressive start in the season-ending conference seems to belie that.

The Phone Pals have won four of six ballgames highlighted by a three ballgame winning streak that earned them the distinction as the league's hottest team.

With a pair of hardworking and unselfish imports and a dependable cast, Coca-Cola managed to squeeze itself in the company of the league's early leaders. But the Tigers looked sluggish after the All-Star break and absorbed a 75-82 beating from Red Bull last Wednesday that snapped a two ballgame run.

But the Tigers will be recharged after a week-long break when they march onto the floor for their 4:50 p.m. date with the Magnolia Beverage Masters at the Araneta Coliseum as they attempt to regain lost ground.

Gee Gervin and Jason Dixon are complementing each other so well and if Asi Taulava, Nic Belasco and Ronjay Buenafe get their ballgame going, the Tigers should be in good stead.

Certainly, Magnolia Beverage Masters are no pushover. With cast that includes Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez, Mark Pingris and Lordy Tugade, the team is a certified title contender.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters are currently in the middle of the pack with a 4-3 record that it shares with Sta. Lucia and Air21.

While the Coca-Cola Tigers – Magnolia Beverage Masters duel promises to be another thrilling encounter that’s too close to call, the Phone Pals are favored over the Welcoat Dragons in the scheduled 7:20 p.m. showdown.

But Reyes cautioned that the Dragons are a dangerous team.

"Their two victories are against elite teams and three of their five losses could have been won ballgames. So we can't take Welcoat for granted. We have to stay focused and do the things that we have to do," Reyes said.

Although he is pleased with their showing so far, Reyes emphasized that it's the team's growth and not the position that matters to him at this point in time.

Against the Dragons he said: "We'll come to the ballgame and see how much we've grown over the season." (DBC)

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NIC BELASCO MOVES TO COCA-COLA FOR ISIP, DRAFT PICKS: Tigers now have top 2 Philippine Cup rebounders

While awaiting for updates from Magnolia Beverage Masters camp, let's try to scout other PBA teams who are strengthening their lineup and import acquisition for the upcoming PBA Fiesta Cup battle. Below is one of the early trade that happened a few days ago. Coke surely beefs up its lineup with this move.

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Source: PBA.ph

Veteran Fil-Am forward Nic Belasco is changing address for the third time inside three years.

After short tenures with Alaska and Welcoat, Belasco found himself in a new home as he was dealt by the Dragons to the Coca-Cola Tigers in exchange for sophomore pro Mark Isip plus two future draftt picks.

In the deal being sealed at press time, Welcoat is also to get Coca-Cola’s future second round picks in yielding Belasco.

It’s the first trade deal consummated since the league opened the trade market at the end of the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup ruled by Sta. Lucia Realty.

Belasco provided the Dragons the leadership and big numbers while Isip played merely off-the-bench role for the Tigers in the recent all-Filipino tourney.

The deal may really look one-sided in favor of Coca-Cola on the surface but Welcoat management believes it would serve its purpose in the near future.

"We want to go young. We want to surround Ryan Reyes and Joe Devance with young players. What we’re looking at is that they mature at the same time," said Welcoat team owner Raymund Yu.

"Hindi na bata si Belasco. Two or three years baka retire na sya. Mark, on the other hand, is only 27. He’s 6-6 and we know him well since he played for us in the PBL," Yu added.

Yu is happy Belasco went to a team where he can win a championship as he’s about to end his career.

"Tingin ko mga one or two years pa bago kami maging contender. Ang Coca-Cola naman, baka isang Belasco na lang ang hinihintay niyan para mag champion," said Yu.

The Tigers have surely become a lot more formidable with Belasco joining the team which has already become an overnight contender on the entry of Asi Taulava at midstream in the recent Philippine Cup.

From ninth place at the end of the elimination round, the Tigers rallied to finish sixth in the tourney.

Taulava and Belasco emerged as the league’s top two rebounders in the Philippine Cup averaging 14.6 and 13.6 caroms a game, respectively. Belasco also averaged 15.5 points, 2.1 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.6 block a game for Welcoat last conference.

Welcoat was Belasco’s latest stop after his stints with Pop Cola, San Miguel Beer and Alaska in a pro career starting in 1997. Belasco is 34.

Isip, the former FEU Tamaraw drafted No. 6 overall by Sta. Lucia in 2006, put in only 3.1 points and 2.6 assists per game with Coca-Cola. (NC)

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