Was this a case of overconfidence by the Magnolia Beverage Masters? The team could have easily dispatch a team like the Welcoat Dragons, which has been the favorite whipping boys of the basketball league - but not tonight.
It's very evident that the team sorely missed the offensive power of forward Danny Seigle when the team needed to produce the needed points to catch up. Their defense also was not enough as the Welcoat imports devoured them by scoring big points.
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ERSTWHILE SLEEPING DRAGONS NOW FULLY AWAKE
After 15-game losing streak, Gainous-led Welcoat beats Magnolia Beverage Masters for 2nd straight win
Source: PBA.ph
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Import Marquis Gainous scored 24 of his game-high 32 points in the second half, powering Welcoat to a 108-101 stunning win opposite Magnolia Beverage Masters at the resumption of the PBA Fiesta Conference Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Gainous, who came up with his highest scoring ballgame in the conference, also provided the leadership and tenacity by playing tough defense on counterpart Jameel Watkins, limiting the Magnolia Beverage Masters import to just four points in the final frame.
It was the first back-to-back wins for the Dragons in this season-ending conference as they improved to 2-4.
Welcoat’s other import Corey Santee also had a big ballgame with 23 points, while rookie Joe Devance contributed 15 points.
The win came exactly 10 days after the team owned by Raymund Yu an Terry Que had its first win this conference when it downed Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, 110-103, last April 20.
Since entering the league last season, this is only the second time Welcoat has won back-to-back ballgames, the first one happening right before it went on that 15-game losing streak. The Dragons defeated Talk ‘N Text in OT 126-125 in the previous Phil1ppine Cup last Nov. 11 before defeating curiously also Magnolia Beverage Masters 95-93 five days later.
As for Magnolia Beverage Masters, the setback ended a three-game winning run, which leveled its win-loss card to 3-3.
“Akala ko it’s going to be a long while for us to win again because of the long break,” Welcoat’s interim coach Caloy Garcia said.
“We’re sluggish at practice. But we showed what character we have in this ballgame. Every ballgame we play is always like a championship for us,” Garcia said. “I’m proud of my players, everyone know their roles.”
With the score tied at 86 with seven minutes to play, Gainous, who replaced the ineffective Jason Keep, starred in a 9-0 run by nailing two consecutive jumpers and a booming triple that gave Welcoat a 95-86 lead with 2:50 left.
“He’s (Gainous) been playing good the last two, three ballgames,” Garcia said.
The 6-foot-10 Gainous, who, like Santee, attended Texas Christian University (TCU), said that with the way things are going for the Dragons, he’s confident that they can make it all the way to the playoffs.
“I think we can go pretty far. Yes, as far as the championship. We can do that, but we have to work more on defense and limit our turnovers,” Gainous said.
The Dragons also got double figures from sophomore center Jay-Arr Reyes (13 points) and rookie Guard Ryan Arana (12 points).
Welcoat actually dictated the first half when it outscored the Magnolia Beverage Masters, 21-12, in the second period, limiting its opponent to 4-of-14 field goals or 28.6 percent and forced Magnolia Beverage Masters to commit 10 turnovers, which it translated to 10 points.
Devance’s three-pointer sparked a 17-6 run, giving his team an 11-point lead, 48-37.
However, Magnolia Beverage Masters, which played without superstar forward Danny Seigle (foot injury), closed the gap at 48-41 halftime.
The Magnolia Beverage Masters finally regained the lead on a three-pointer by veteran guard Lordy Tugade, 65-62, with 3:54 left in the third period.
Tugade finished with 24 points, 18 of them in that third period, while Dondon Hontiveros, who became the 12th member of the 500 3-point club with his two triples in the first quarter, had 15. Hontiveros went 3-for-6 from the three-point territory. (WG)
The scores:
Welcoat Dragons 108 – Gainous 32, Santee 23, De Vance 15, Reyes 13, Arana 12, Dulay 5, Ibanes 3, Wainwright 3, Isip 2, Salangsang 0.
Magnolia Beverage Masters 101 – Watkins 26, Tugade 24, Hontiveros 15, Pingris 11, Ildefonso 10, Cortez 9, Calaguio 4, Pena 2, Villanueva 0, Gonzales 0, Racela 0.
Quarterscores: 27-29; 48-41; 74-76; 108-101
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Red-Hot Welcoat Dragons Burned Magnolia Beverage Masters
Monday, April 21, 2008
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.
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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
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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...Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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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Visit the new
San Miguel Beermen website. Click here.
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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.
Monday, April 14, 2008
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
Saturday, April 12, 2008
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
Friday, April 11, 2008
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
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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
Magnolia Beverage Master Faces Alaska Aces For Win # 1
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.
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)
Monday, April 7, 2008
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
Sunday, April 6, 2008
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
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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
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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
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End of second quarter
MBM - 42
SLR - 48
Reyes - 3
Cortez - 2
Wilson - 2
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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
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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
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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
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2:05
MBM - 61
SLR - 66
DS - 2
Reyes - 2
DS - 2
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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
---------------------
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
---------------------
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.
---------------------
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
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."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Than's Post Trade Analysis: An Assessment of Magnolia Beverage Masters Recent Trade Deals
As the Fiesta Conference gets near, the Magnolia Beverage Masters engaged in several trade deals that sent some of their stars, notably those who came from Ateneo to other teams in exchange for role players.
Were these good moves by the management? Let our resident Magnolia Beverage Masters insider Than analyze the deals for us.
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Visit the new
San Miguel Beermen website. Click here.
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Source: Than of PBA Forum
Coach Siot wanted to add some Role/Defensive players.
Its a "One step backward, Two steps forward" for the team!
You released some star players, but you may play your other star players more & re-establish their feel for the game which was lost last conference.
Lets break it down:
Last conference, because of so many big stars in the team, "nag iinit pa lang" ang isang player, kelanagn mo ng ilabas because you still have some stars you need to give playing time also. Then ganun din ang rotation, "nag iinit palang yung bagong pasok, kelangan mo na ulit ilabas because you have another stars waiting to come in".
Basically, hindi ma maximize yung talent ng alam naman nating very talented players ng team because of so limited playing time na paghahatian pa nila.
Eveybody is a star at their own right. Its hard for the coaching staff to transform them to accept a different roll on what they've been brought about when they entered the PBA.
Only Olsen Racela, Danny Ildefonso & Hontiveros are willing to accept a different roles just to accomodate some of their superstar newcomers.
So, changes have to be made. But owning 3 teams in the league doesnt make changing as easy as anybody thought of.
SMC doesnt act or cannot act solely as independent team. They have to think of their other sister teams first in any trade plans & see how they would help each other by their trade deals.
Usually, they dont want their marquee players to go anywhere other than their sister teams.
Only those less heralded or some whom they thought could be easily replaced where being dealt outside SMC teams.
Now with regards to my opinion on the MBM-Alaska trade, its a good trade for Alaska.
Why, they got young talent who can almost approximate what Cortez does with them. But what a plus factor they acquired in Larry Fonacier! He will be the next important player of Alaska.
As with MBM, nothing! Parang wala lang because LA & Cortez would cancel each other out. Hindi rin kawalan si Larry in a sense that he wasnt a factor naman sa MBM last conference because of minimal playing time brought about by having 2 more players ahead of him in his position.
Ken Bono at first i thought will be insignifacant with this team. But, by dealing Willie Wilson, i think Ken will play more & assume the role of Wilson with the team. Wilson & Bono is like the second coming of what happened to Abuda & Belasco years back.
Bono is an upgrade of Wilson just like Belasco does with Abuda when he came to the team from Pop Cola.
Wilson, with his limited height, playing a power forwards position & trapped in the Small forwards body, cannot really guard an opposing teams top small forwards. He became effective last year on garbage points because opposing teams usually left him open because the concentration of their defense is with the other 4 more heralded superstars of MBM on the floor.
Now, Bono is an upgrade in height & heft. What he must learn is how to defend well on his natural Power Forward position. He can also shoot from the perimeter.
Mike Cortez? Well, i hope he'll do an Asi on this team! What i mean is, when TNT traded Asi, a lot of people thought thats an OK trade because judging from Asi's last playing years with TNT, parang wala na siyang gana! Nag sawa na or complacent na sa laro niya. Wala ng challenge for him. Sometimes change in scenery will change a players motivation!
Thats what i saw on that Asi trade & look how he transformed 100%. Ganadong ganado to prove something!
That is what Cortez should do or will do with his new team! He will prove to everyone that he is great PG as being thought of him when he entered the league!
MBM wants to win now while also looking at the welfare of their sister teams especially PF.
Contrary to what others think, PF had the upper hand on the Enrico trade. Its not just players per players but it also has that plus factor: Marketability!
With the Health Problem of Rommel, SMC sacrificed MBMs supposed to be Danny Ildefonso of the future in Enrico Villanueva just as so not let their other teams left behind this coming conference! Well...it needs to be seen in actual PBA games. SMC just made that move for their other teams but its up to the player & coaching staff to transform that ingredient into Championships!
How many promising young center do we have in the league? You can just count it with 1 hand.
The Tolomia acquisition is like an insurance policy in case either Hontiveros, Tugade or Calaguio got injured. He is a talent waiting to explode. That player doesnt carre on how you will use him.
Just give him instructions & little playing time to show what he can do!Remember Mike Mustre?
Ginebra gained what they lost when Hatfield left! A bruiser & doesnt carre attitude in hustle or defense. He will compliment the style of Ronald Tubid! Of course he cannot duplicate what the Hatman can do every game but at least they got the nearest clone!
While only losing Macapagal whom i think is playing redundant position with Ginebra!
To sum it all, all these trade movements means one thing, the fans will be back in the PBA & excitement is Back!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Nasal Cancer Sidelines Rommel Adducul: Giants Snare Villanueva, Magnolia Beverage Masters Gets Pingris
Personally, I love this move by the team's management. The team is in dire need of a defensive role player and Marc Pingris fits this position. Too bad Enrico Villanueva have to go.
It's not a secret what Pingris brings on the hardcourt. Known for his hard-nosed defense, monster rebounding, intimidating shotblocking, hussle plays, and yes, he can provide offensive firepower too.
What more can you ask for from this player? Hmmm... A championship?
The PBA forum has also rumors of another trade being cooked up at this point in time for our team. Don't miss this exciting upcoming trade as it will probably involve another marquee versatile player. This is probably the last piece of the puzzle for the new-look Magnolia Beverage Masters this coming conference.
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Nasal Cancer Sidelines Rommel Adducul: Giants Snare Villanueva, Magnolia Beverage Masters Gets Pingris
By Noli Cortez, Malaya Online
March 27, 2008
A SERIOUS illness that will sideline center Romel Adducul for the Smart PBA Fiesta Cup has forced Purefoods to make a harsh decision.
Adducul, who turns 32 on April 21, was reportedly recently diagnosed suffering cancer in his nasal or throat area that will require a long treatment, leaving the Giants with no option but to give up star forward Marc Pingris for Magnolia Beverage Masters center Enrico Villanueva.
At least two other teams and as many players were also part of the trade that has been confirmed by at least one official of a squad involved in the deal.
As of press time last night, knowledgeable sources told Malaya the trades are "done" and merely need to be submitted to the PBA for approval.
Adducul could not be contacted for comment yesterday, but his long-time agent-manager, Ed Ponceja dismissed the illness as "nothing to worry about."
"Wala ‘yan. Gagaling din si Romel. Babalik siya sa finals if ever pumasok ang team niya," said Ponceja.
A usually reliable source said the illness is actually a cancer in Adducul’s nasal or pharynx area that is "curable."
Adducul’s malady, known as nasopharyngeal cancer, afflicts the area behind the nose and the back of the throat, which is the hollow tube at the upper part of the throat that starts behind the nose and runs down to the neck to become part of the esophagus or the tube that goes to the stomach. It could be treated through surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Also not available for comment were Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio and Magnolia Beverage Masters counterpart Siot Tanquingcen, whose teams were involved in the trade along with Coca-Cola and Ginebra.
Purefoods and Magnolia Beverage Masters kick off their Fiesta campaign against each other on April 2.
Under the terms of the trade, Villanueva and Willy Wilson were sent by Magnolia Beverage Masters to Coke in exchange for Chester Tolomia and a future draftt pick. The Tigers then sent Villanueva to Purefoods for Pin-gris and Wilson to Ginebra for shooter Mark Macapagal. The Tigers traded Pingris to Magnolia Beverage Masters for Tolomia and the draftt pick.
It should be a sad parting of ways for Purefoods and Pingris.
The 6-foot-4 leaper and shot blocker fully blossomed under Gregorio since he was acquired from Air21 before the 2005-06 season, where he was adjudged Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Finals MVP of the Philippine Cup and a Second Mythical Team member.
Pingris, 26, normed 9.6 points on 57.84 percent field shooting, 9.7 rebounds and 1.0 block per game in 32 contests in this year’s season-opening Philippine Cup.
Adducul was also a vital cog to Purefoods’ surge after averaging 6.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 0.8 blocks a game.
It was the latest in a series of trades that curiously prominently figured Coke and Magnolia Beverage Masters.
The Beverage Masters earlier acquired Mike Cortez and Kenneth Bono from Alaska for Larry Fonacier and LA Tenorio.
The Tigers, who also made a deal with Welcoat after acquiring Nic Belasco for Mark Isip, strengthened their backcourt with the addition of Macapagal plus a future second round pick in the draftt.
Ginebra salvaged Wilson, an undersized power forward who has managed to survive in the league with good work ethics and tough defensive skills.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tenorio, Fonacier Traded to Alaska for Mike Cortez, Ken Bono
The much-awaited trade of Larry Fonacier has now materialized. But hold your breath, he's not going to Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants as some of you are expecting. Google searches for "Fonacier to be traded to Purefoods" these past few days landing on this site expected him to be traded to Purefoods. Sorry folks, he's not meant to be in that team.
My comments on the trade:
1. Alaska gets younger with the acquisition of LA and Fonacier.
2. MBM gets an experienced pointguard in Cortez. I wonder why they get Bono.
I suspect he will be traded again to another team in exchange for a defensive player. MBM doesn't need another scorer in Bono.
This seems to be just the first salvo for more trades that will happen in the next few days. As it turns out, the all-star lineup of Magnolia Beverage Masters does not work out well in the defense department placing near the bottom of the 10 PBA teams in the All FIlipino Cup.
Please do check out this site once in a while as more trades seems to be coming in the next few days. Be the first one to scoop for these hot news!
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Source: alaskaaces.com.ph
The Alaska Aces received a pair of former Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles from the Magnolia Beverage Masters in point guard Lewis Alfred (LA) Tenorio and Larry Alexander Fonacier in exchange for Mike Cortez and rookie big man Ken Bono.
The 5-foot-8 Tenorio, 22, played five seasons with Ateneo from where he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in 2006 and joined the Philippine Basketball Association in the same year as the 4th pick in the Draftt.
The 6-foot-1 Fonacier, 24, was drafted 14th overall by the Red Bull Barakos in the 2005 PBA Draftt but bucked the odds to win the Rookie of the Year award.
The two were members of the Ateneo team which won the championship of the 2002 Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines basketball tournament.
Both Alaska and Magnolia Beverage Masters will benefit from the trade according to Alaska General Manager Joaqui Trillo.
We get a pure point guard in LA (Tenorio), said Trillo. We expect him to excel especially in the triangle offense of coach Tim Cone. Larry (Fonacier) gives us help at the two spot where he will back up Jeff (Cariaso). The two players will definitely help Alaska a lot.
Trillo said the Beverage Masters also got good players in the former Alaska Aces in return.
Of course Mike (Cortez) is also a good player who has played well for Alaska all these years, said Trillo. And Ken (Bono) has the potential to become a star in the PBA. So Magnolia Beverage Masters also gained a lot from this trade. We wish Mike and Ken all the best with their new team.
Tenorio and Fonacier are reunited with their former Ateneo coach Joel Banal who handled the reins of the star-studded 2002 UAAP champion team.
Eight members of the 2002 Ateneo champion team - Enrico Villanueva (Magnolia Beverage Masters), Rich Alvarez (Red Bull), Wesley Gonzales (Magnolia Beverage Masters), Paolo Bugia (Red Bull), JC Intal (Air21), Doug Kramer (Air21), Tenorio and Fonacier - eventually landed in the PBA.
Tenorio attended high school at San Beda College where he was coached by the venerable Ato Badolato.
Tenorio joined Ateneo in 2001 and made an immediate impact as a rookie leading his team to the finals where they lost to bitter rival De La Salle University. In 2002 the Blue Eagles won the UAAP title. They advanced to the UAAP championship for the third straight year in 2003 but lost to the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. Continue reading...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
TESTED VET FOR MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS, BIG-TIME SCORER FOR PUREFOODS: 6-11 Watkins and 6-10 Rice Latest Signees for Fiesta Conference
Magnolia Beverage Masters got a good reinforcement in Jameel Watkins. It's great that we were able to get him despite Red Bull's competition.
His previous stint in the PBA proved that he was a good defender - an element that the basketball team sorely needs. He will be a great addition as the team works hard on improving its defense for the next conference.
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TESTED VET FOR MAGNOLIA BEVERAGE MASTERS, BIG-TIME SCORER FOR PUREFOODS:
6-11 Watkins and 6-10 Rice Latest Signees for Fiesta Conference
Source: PBA.ph
Veteran PBA import Jameel Watkins and former top NBA prospect Darius Lashaun Rice signed up with Magnolia Beverage Masters and Purefoods, respectively, Saturday, two weeks before the Smart Fiesta Cup reels off with a road game in Panabo, Davao del Norte.
Magnolia Beverage Masters beat Red Bull in their tug-o-war for the services of Watkins while Purefoods was able to convince Rice to play for the team after his stint in the Puerto Rican league.
“We’d been in contact with Watkins’ agent since February. Hindi lang pumirma agad dahil buntis yung asawa. Finally, he agreed to play for us when his wife gave birth Friday,” said Magnolia Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Tanquingcen is hopeful the former Shell import provides them help in departments where they fared badly last conference.
“Ang hina ng depensa namin noong All-Filipino. Doon ko inaasahan trumabaho ng husto si Watkins,” said Tanquingcen of Watkins – good for 27.3 points, 51.2 percent shooting, 18.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.8 blocks a game for Shell in 2005.
Red Bull was also interested on the services of Watkins. Beaten to the draw by the Beverage Masters, the Barakos were left as the only team still in search of an import with the tourney already about to start.
Others imports already signed are Bobby Burries and Jason Dixon of Coca-Cola, Cory Santee and Jason Keep of Welcoat, Rahshon Turner of Ginebra, Wesley Wilson of Sta. Lucia, Randy Holcomb of Alaska, Aaron McGhee of Talk n Text and Steve Thomas of Air21.
The 6-foot-11 Watkins is fresh from the Chinese league where he teamed up with former Ginebra import Chris Porter on the Fujian team. He has also played in Korea the last three years, winning one championship with the Dongbu ball club.
The 6-foot-10 Rice, 25, was a highly scouted NBA prospect while playing with the Miami Hurricanes from 2000 to 2004.
He made the All-Big East Second Team and First Team All-District 6 by the NABC in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons and finished his collegiate career as the fourth all-time leading scorer in school history with 1,865 points. He was the only player in school history to lead the team in scoring in four consecutive seasons.
He also ranked first in games started (113), 10th in games played (116), third in minutes (3,727), sixth in field goals (631), second in three-point field goals (260), and fifth in 20-point games (35).
A nephew of NFL receiver Jerry Rice, Darius led the Dakota Wizards to the NBDL championship in the 2006-07 season, firing 52 points in the final game. (NC)
Monday, March 10, 2008
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.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Kelly Williams Named Best Player of the Conference: Son of Cebuana Mother is First-ever Realtor to Win Conference MVP Plum
You're probably wondering why this article is posted here as Kelly Williams is a Sta. Lucia Realty player.
Yes, I agree. But let me just take this opportunity to feature and congratulate one of my favorite players aside from our very own Magnolia Beverage Masters.
This guy is phenomenal. He's an epithome of hardwork and great work ethics. You had probably seen how his career blossomed in less than two years. Despite his achievements, he remain a humble person and continuously improves his game to the next level.
And oh, don't you remember that he was supposed to be one of Beermen if he was not taken by the Realtors in the draft two seasons ago? I'm just wondering where our team would be if he was around?
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Kelly Williams Named Best Player of the Conference: Son of Cebuana Mother is First-ever Realtor to Win Conference MVP Plum
Source: PBA.PH
Machine Gun Kelly is on a fiery roll, gaining yet another feather in his cap in only his sophomore year in the local pro league.
Prized Sta. Lucia Fil-Am player Kelly Williams won a Best Player of the Conference award after taking the Rookie of the Year honors last season.
Williams was the first Sta. Lucia player ever to win a Best Player of the Conference award.
Marlou Aquino and Danny Seigle were the only players to win the same award on a quicker pace. Both players won a BPC plum in their rookie years in the league – in 1996 and 1999, respectively. Aquino won it while still with Ginebra in the 1996 Governors Cup while Seigle won it with the Beermen in the 1999 Governors Cup.
"It’s a big honor for me to win this award. I’m sharing this with my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t get this," said Williams, whose mother, Andrea, is from Cebu.
The 6-foot-5 high-flyer, a member of the RP team in the recent FIBA Asia Olympic qualifier in Tokushima, Japan, said he’ll be happier if they win the Smart PBAPhilippine Cup championship.
Williams was the runaway winner of the award as he gained the nod of the media, ABC Sports and the Commissioner’s Office. He placed second to Santos in the statistical race.
Williams amassed 1393 overall points to Miller’s 878, Raymundo’s 810, Santos’ 413 and Taulava’s 390.
Being the BPC winner, Williams will automatically make it as candidate for the season’s MVP award.
Before Game Four, Williams was averaging 18 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
He’s one of only six players averaging in double-double in the tourney and had made aleague-high 19 double-double outings after Game Three.
Williams emerged the top rookie last season, beating Santos for the award. Both made it to the Mythical Second Team.
The two players, who were Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the 2007 Draft, figured in a close fight in the stats race in the Philippine Cup. But while Williams was able to boost his team all the way to the finals, Santos and his team were booted out after the wildcard round.
Williams has providing the Realtors not just the scoring, rebounding and defense but all the intangibles not reflected on the stats sheets.
Recent history favors Williams in the MVP race, as nine of the last 10 winners of the trophy in the last 10 regular seasons have come from the all-Filipino champion. (NC)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Trade Rumors: Larry Fonacier to Purefoods TJ Giants?
With the ouster of the team in the quarterfinals by the Red Bull Barako, there are several trade rumors luring around as a superstar-laden Magnolia Beverage Masters failed to the expectations of many as the favorites this conference.
Magnolia Beverage Masters insider Than of the PBA forum sheds light to these rumors as well as his analysis of the poor performance of the team despite the rich talents in its lineup.
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Visit the new
San Miguel Beermen website. Click here.
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Source: Than PBA Forum
Regarding the Business Mirror column about Fonacier to PF, its just plain rumor.
Why? Because teams in the semis cannot trade players. They can only change their roster via activation of players on their inactive list just in case someone got injured.
Then, theres also this rule that prohibits sister teams to do direct trades. They need a conduit team to make it happen.
With regards to JC Intal going to Ginebra, there were casual talks, i say Casual only & nothing concrete. Ginebra asst coach Allan Caidic wanted Intal even before this conference started but cannot close a deal at that time. Lets just wait & see if he can do it this time.
Now, touching on the Olsen Racela rumor, friends i've been in a read only mode the past couple of days & understand everyone's sentiments.But i guarantee you all that Olsen Racela doesnt carry any ill feelings against coach ST.It was already an agreement at the start of this conference that Olsen will play less minutes to prepare LA & back up Jonas for big time roles.
Olsen, the professional that he was, fully understood his new role with the team. He fully supports his protege's & was unselfish. He was like Danny Ildefonso to Eman & Enrico.
Olsen enjoys his transformation from being a court general to slowly but surely learning the ropes of coaching!He knows he's not getting young & needs to undergo transition.
Then lastly, about coach Siot's performance. Well, i was one of those believers of coach Siots abilities & brains in coaching. Im very happy when he almost salvage SMB last conference from being the 1st team almost got eliminated to being a team almost making it to the Final round.
But this conference is so different, honestly, coach ST was completely out coached in the Red Bull series by counterpart Yeng Guiao. No more excuses, he was completely out coached & he knows that.
The teams problem isn't familiarity, nor lack of talent either. Its making the players understand their ROLES with the team. MBM is the most talented team in papers, but papers cannot WIN games! The team is very disorganized because almost everyone except Danny I, Dondon, Wilson & Olsen, wanted to score whenever they had the ball.
Even point guard LA Tenorio keeps on driving to the basket before setting up plays for his other team mates. But sometimes, he's very hyper naman. Inconsistent as you may call it but understandable because he's still young & experience will be a good teacher.
Hontiveros & Tugade, two of the most feared off guards & slashers in the league were contented on taking a lot of 3's instead of maximizing their abilities to penetrate for a higher percentage shot or dish for a foul.
Larry Fonacier should be the designated hitman from the outside because thats his strength! He's not good in penetrations because he doesnt jump that high & a little bit small.
ST should design plays for him ala Allan Caidic of old when he gets double or sometines triple screens from his team mates to have a clear look at the basket.
Enrico Villanueva will not be the Ex-King Bull for nothing! But what happened to him in Magnolia Beverage Masters? Plays designed for him is to pop out the rainbow are, receive the ball, then throw it to the 3 point shooter(Hontiveros or Tugade or Calaguio). If they missed the shot, NO opportunity for an offensive rebound because he was outside the shaded area. Worst, he was frequently called for a pushing foul. That was the very common play ST used, that other coaches learned to adjust. He must give Enrico some plays that will show he's true strenght as a Bull strong power forward/center!
Ditto with Samigue Eman & Dorian Pena! Eman shows some promise at the start of the conference but suddenly went out of ST's rotation! He must prove himself in practice from now on. Thats the consequence of being on a very deep team in your rookie season!
Dorian Pena? Well he was placed on the unrestricted list for quite sometime, 1 team i know wanted to get him but he declined because his loyalty is with the SMC franchise.
Danny Seigle is Danny Seigle! He will almost always look to score than to pass! Why? Because thats his role ever since! He's not trained to defend nor to be a playmaker! He's the Asaytono of the Ron Jacobs Era! The only player that time with license to shoot! To live or die with him!
But now is a different case, this years SMB/MBM team is 3 times more talented than the Jacobs team. Danny Seigle should learn to change his game!
Now, who would make Hontiveros & Tugade maximize their strenghts?Who would make LA Tenorio be a consistent pass first point guard?Who would make Enrico Bull strong again?Who would make Larry Fonacier the next Allan Caidic?Who would make Samigue Eman a force inside the paint?Who would make Danny Seigle understand his not alone anymore?
Mr. Danding Cojuangco? The Ball Boys? Their Families? The Media?...
...it should be the coach!!!
But can't blame him, maybe 14 egos were too much for him to handle. So, whats the remedy? Replace him? or Let him learn for himself how to handle 14 EGOS by making them embrace & understood each & everyones ROLE within the team!
Friday, January 11, 2008
BallGame Updates - Magnolia Beverage Masters vs. Welcoat Dragons(2nd Round)
End of the Game
Magnolia Beverage Masters wins the baskteball game!
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 96
Welcoat Dragons - 84
Best Player of the Game
Danny Seigle with 32 points, his new conference high.
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End of Fourth Quarter
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 94
Welcoat Dragons- 78
Belasco jump shot -2pts.
Mente showtime layup - 2pts.
Eman finger roll - 2pts.
Eman blocks Mente's isolation layup.
Arana jump shots - 2pts.
Fourth Quarter - 2:26
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 94
Welcoat Dragons - 78
Dondon Hontiveros 3pts.
Fonacier jump shot - 2 pts.
Dondon Hontiveros jump shot - 2pts.
DeVance layup - 2pts.
Fourth Quarter - 4:26
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 87
Welcoat Dragons - 76
Calaguio offensive foul.
DeVance layup - 2pts.
DeVance 3pts.
Dorian Pena free throw - 0/2.
Dorian Pena layup - 2pts.
DeVance 3pts.
Mente layup - 2pts.
Fourth Quarter - 8:47
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 85
Welcoat Dragons - 66
Rico free throw - 0/2, Belasco rebound.
Danny Seigle layup - 2pts.
Arana layup - 2pts.
Arana layup - 2pts.
Danny Seigle 3pts.
Rico free throw - /2.
Danny Seigle undergoal - 2pts.
End of Third Quarter
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 77
Welcoat Dragons - 62
Jonas 3pts.
Arana 3pts.
Danny Seigle free throw - 1/2.
Jonas to Danny Seigle - 2pts.
Rico layup - 2pts.
Third Quarter - 2:53
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 69
Welcoat Dragons - 59
Wainright layup - 2pts.
Wainright 3pts.
Dorian Pena layup - 2pts.
Wainright layup - 2pts, bonus free throw, counted.
Arana layup - 2pts.
Dorian Pena layup - 2pts.
Mente jump shot - 2pts.
Flagrant foul penalty 1, Hontiveros for bumping Joey Mente.
Mente 2/2 technical free throw.
Arana 3pts.
Mente jump shot - 2pts.
Welcoat with a run, MBM lead downs to 10pts.
Third Quarter - 7:42
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 63
Welcoat Dragons - 40
Belasco layup - 2pts.
Dorian Pena undergoal - 2pts.
Belasco layup - 2pts.
Wilson free throw - 1/2.
Wilson steal, layup - 2pts.
Danny Seigle jump shot - 2pts.
Mente layup - 2pts.
Danny Seigle free throw - 1/2.
Wilson in the paint - 2 pts.
Dorian Pena put back + foul, miss bonus free throw.
Half-time Report
Bench scoring MBM - 10, Welcoat 0 in the first quarter.
Danny Seigle(19) and Dondon Hontiveros(10) explodes in the second quarter.
Scoring Leaders:
Magnolia Beverage Masters
Seigle - 19
Hontiveros - 10
R. Villanueva - 7
Welcoat Dragons
Belasco - 12
DeVance - 8
Dulay - 8
End of Second Quarter
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 51
Welcoat Dragons - 34
Dondon Hontiveros 3pt. play.
Dondon Hontiveros jump shot.
Dorian Pena layup - 2pts.
DeVance layup - 2 pts.
DeVance jump shot - 2 pts.
Belasco free throw 1/2.
Lordy layup - 2pts.
Danny Seigle free throw 2/2.
Danny Seigle jump shot - 2pts.
DeVance jump shot - 2 pts.
Dondon Hontiveros jump shot - 2 pts.
Danny Seigle 19 pts already in the ballgame.
Second Quarter - 5:00
Magnolia Beverage Master - 36
Welcoat Dragons - 27
Rico free throw - 1/2.
Reyes 2 pts.
Danny Seigle 2/2 free throw.
Danny Seigle 2/2 free throw.
Danny Seigle undergoal - 2pts.
Gelig alley-op from DeVance.
Rico fakes layup - 2 pts.
Belasco tip-in.
DeVance put back.
End of First Quarter
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 27
Welcoat Dragons - 19
Belaco dipsido - 2 pts.
Danny Seigle jump shot - 2 pts.
Calaguio 3 pts.Dondon Hontiveros 3 pts.
First Quarter - 1:54
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 19
Welcoat Dragons - 17
LA with steal, layup, 2 pts.
Dulay 3pts.
Lordy free throw - 0/2.
Welcoat TO.
Rico post up, 2 pts.
Belasco inside the paint - 2 pts.
LA layup, 2 pts.
Dulay jump shot - 2 pts.
Rico jump hook - 2 pts.
Belasco 3 pts.
First Quarter - 5:57
Magnolia Beverage Masters - 11
Welcoat Dragons - 07
Both teams missing early shots.
Dorian Pena with the first 2 pts.
Danny Seigle w/ a 3-pt. play.
Dulay 3pts.
Arana layup, 2 pts.
Wilson with a yoyo shot - 2 pts.
Belasco post up with foul, free throw miss.
Danny Seigle free throw 2/2.
Danny Seigle slashes - 2 pts.
Danny Seigle with 7 pts. already.
