POD: Alaska-3.5 (PBA) W

POD: Alaska-3.5 vs. Sta. Lucia (3K units) W

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Other leans: 
San Miguel-6.5 vs. Rain or Shine

Preview: After facing them twice in the playoff the past two years, including a face-off in the 2007 Finals, Alaska coach Tim Cone knows fully well that they will be in for a rough sailing against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

“They always bring great discipline, as well as defensive intensity to their game,” said Cone on Tuesday as they prepare for a grudge rematch with the Realtors this Wednesday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.





Like in their previous games, experts predict another emotional encounter, if not a bruising one when they clash in the featured match at 4 p.m.


The Aces, for one, are out to extend their four-game winning run in the season-ending tournament.


The Realtors, on the other hand, are determined to improve their 3-1 card. If they win, they will grab a piece of the lead with the Aces. San Miguel Beer (2-2) meets winless Rain or Shine (0-4) in the curtain raiser at 5 p.m.


Of the Aces’ four wins, two were against pre-season top contenders, beating the Beermen in Panabo City, 85-74, and the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 105-92, last October 25.


However, they will be up against the Realtors who are coming off a 101-93 victory over the Burger King Whoppers last Friday, that made up for their 83-100 setback to defending champion Talk ’N Text.


Cone said much of the early success of Sta. Lucia should be credited to the motivating power of coach Boyet Bautista – who was one of the tough guards during his time in the league.


Also, Cone said that the trades SLR made in the off-season by acquiring Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana, as well as comebacking Ardy Larong and rookie Josh Urbiztondo, who scored a career-best 24 points against BK, has helped SLR with its running game.


“They have more quickness for this year, which we’ll have to overcome,” he said.


Like Cone, Fernandez sees a tough battle with the Aces, saying: “We need to bring our A-game.”


“Alaska beat us in a tune-up game, so we know what they can do. We have to stay disciplined in our execution and have a solid defensive game if we want to get our fourth win,” he added.

Read the full story

POD: Sta. Lucia-2.5 (PBA) W

POD: Sta. Lucia-2.5 vs. Burger King (3K units) W

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PBA Odds Advisory: For the past few games, the local bookies have made significant adjustments in the line. I advise you to bet at Bet365 if you will play the FAVES while the local books if you will play the DOGS. Click here to sign-up for a FREE account and a 100% deposit bonus.

Other leans:

• Purefoods-5.5 vs. Coke

Read the full story

POD: Sta. Lucia-2.5 (PBA) W

POD: Sta. Lucia-2.5 vs. Burger King (3K units) W

Bet on PBA games and watch the live streaming for FREE @ Bet365


PBA Odds Advisory: For the past few games, the local bookies have made significant adjustments in the line. I advise you to bet at Bet365 if you will play the FAVES while the local books if you will play the DOGS. Click here to sign-up for a FREE account and a 100% deposit bonus.

Other leans:

• Purefoods-5.5 vs. Coke

Read the full story

POD: Purefoods-4.5 (PBA) W

POD: Purefoods-4.5 vs. Red Bull (3K units) W

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PBA Odds Advisory: For the past few games, the local bookies have made significant adjustments in the line. I advise you to bet at Bet365 if you will play the FAVES while the local books if you will play the DOGS. Click here to sign-up for a FREE account and a 100% deposit bonus.

Other leans:

• Smart+10.5 vs. Ginebra
• Alaska-6.5 vs. Coke

Read the full story

POD: Purefoods-4.5 (PBA) W

POD: Purefoods-4.5 vs. Red Bull (3K units) W

Bet on PBA games and watch the live streaming for FREE @ Bet365


PBA Odds Advisory: For the past few games, the local bookies have made significant adjustments in the line. I advise you to bet at Bet365 if you will play the FAVES while the local books if you will play the DOGS. Click here to sign-up for a FREE account and a 100% deposit bonus.

Other leans:

• Smart+10.5 vs. Ginebra
• Alaska-6.5 vs. Coke

Read the full story

POD: San Miguel-3.5 (PBA) W

POD: San Miguel-3.5 vs. Burger King (5K units) W

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PBA Odds Advisory: For the past few games, the local bookies have made significant adjustments in the line. I advise you to bet at Bet365 if you will play the FAVES while the local books if you will play the DOGS. Click here to sign-up for a FREE account and a 100% deposit bonus.

Read the full story

POD: San Miguel-3.5 (PBA) W

POD: San Miguel-3.5 vs. Burger King (5K units) W

Bet on PBA games and watch the live streaming for FREE @ Bet365


PBA Odds Advisory: For the past few games, the local bookies have made significant adjustments in the line. I advise you to bet at Bet365 if you will play the FAVES while the local books if you will play the DOGS. Click here to sign-up for a FREE account and a 100% deposit bonus.

Read the full story

Wynne Arboleda incident

UPDATE: Arboleda banned for rest of season

The PBA handed down the severest sanction to any player in league history yesterday as commissioner Sonny Barrios suspended Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda for the rest of the 2009-2010 season for mauling a fan in the BK-Smart Gilas tiff Friday.

Barrios made the decision after getting Arboleda’s side followed by consultation with lawyers Melvin Mendoza, Aga Francisco and Bieny Solis.

The suspension means P2.73 million in lost income for Arboleda for the season, not counting won game and career achievement bonuses.

The hard-nosed BK player starts serving the suspension tomorrow as the Whoppers play the San Miguel Beermen at the Astrodome. The earliest he could re-join the Whoppers is August after the end 35th PBA campaign in July.

Barrios said the PBA is sending a strong signal that such act committed by Arboleda has no place in the league and will never be taken lightly, stressing that the fans’ interest is always the league’s main concern.

“Even granting that said fan (Alain Katigbak) was foul-mouthed and verbally abusive as confirmed by reports to us, there is a ‘line’ that a PBA player cannot and should not cross: to physically harm a fan,” said Barrios in a letter to Arboleda.

“Your serious breach of this ‘line’ endangers the PBA as being perceived by the public as unwholesome and not deserving of fan support,” Barrios also said.

While serving his suspension, Arboleda cannot be present at the playing venues during Burger King’s games. As a contracted PBA player even while suspended, Arboleda likewise may not play in any other league.

Arboleda said he will appeal the commissioner’s decision.

“I think it’s too harsh,” Arboleda told The STAR.

“It’s only my first offense and my source of livelihood is taken away from me,” Arboleda added. “The suspension is so long, I may no longer be able to come back at all.”

Arboleda is turning 33 on Nov. 28. He’s been in the league since 2000, playing for Pop Cola and Tanduay before landing at the Lina Group franchise
. He’s married to April Lina, daughter of BK team owners Bert and Sylvia.

“My wife is a daughter of the team owner but we’ve learned to stand on our own. We have some investments but my PBA job is the main source of our income,” said Arboleda.

BK top honcho and league board chairman Lito Alvarez was also surprised with the decision but said he respects it.

“I had made it very clear that whatever decision the commissioner makes, we’ll accept it. I’ll be true to my words,” said Alvarez. “As a global brand, Burger King upholds professionalism and fair play. I have no choice but to respect the commissioner’s decision.”

Meanwhile, reports said Katigbak, an Atenean, will get support from Ateneo alumni as he files charges against Arboleda. (by Nelson Beltran - The Philippine Star)

Read the full story

Wynne Arboleda incident

UPDATE: Arboleda banned for rest of season

The PBA handed down the severest sanction to any player in league history yesterday as commissioner Sonny Barrios suspended Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda for the rest of the 2009-2010 season for mauling a fan in the BK-Smart Gilas tiff Friday.

Barrios made the decision after getting Arboleda’s side followed by consultation with lawyers Melvin Mendoza, Aga Francisco and Bieny Solis.

The suspension means P2.73 million in lost income for Arboleda for the season, not counting won game and career achievement bonuses.

The hard-nosed BK player starts serving the suspension tomorrow as the Whoppers play the San Miguel Beermen at the Astrodome. The earliest he could re-join the Whoppers is August after the end 35th PBA campaign in July.

Barrios said the PBA is sending a strong signal that such act committed by Arboleda has no place in the league and will never be taken lightly, stressing that the fans’ interest is always the league’s main concern.

“Even granting that said fan (Alain Katigbak) was foul-mouthed and verbally abusive as confirmed by reports to us, there is a ‘line’ that a PBA player cannot and should not cross: to physically harm a fan,” said Barrios in a letter to Arboleda.

“Your serious breach of this ‘line’ endangers the PBA as being perceived by the public as unwholesome and not deserving of fan support,” Barrios also said.

While serving his suspension, Arboleda cannot be present at the playing venues during Burger King’s games. As a contracted PBA player even while suspended, Arboleda likewise may not play in any other league.

Arboleda said he will appeal the commissioner’s decision.

“I think it’s too harsh,” Arboleda told The STAR.

“It’s only my first offense and my source of livelihood is taken away from me,” Arboleda added. “The suspension is so long, I may no longer be able to come back at all.”

Arboleda is turning 33 on Nov. 28. He’s been in the league since 2000, playing for Pop Cola and Tanduay before landing at the Lina Group franchise
. He’s married to April Lina, daughter of BK team owners Bert and Sylvia.

“My wife is a daughter of the team owner but we’ve learned to stand on our own. We have some investments but my PBA job is the main source of our income,” said Arboleda.

BK top honcho and league board chairman Lito Alvarez was also surprised with the decision but said he respects it.

“I had made it very clear that whatever decision the commissioner makes, we’ll accept it. I’ll be true to my words,” said Alvarez. “As a global brand, Burger King upholds professionalism and fair play. I have no choice but to respect the commissioner’s decision.”

Meanwhile, reports said Katigbak, an Atenean, will get support from Ateneo alumni as he files charges against Arboleda. (by Nelson Beltran - The Philippine Star)

Read the full story

POD: Purefoods+2.5 (PBA) L

POD: Purefoods+2.5 vs. Ginebra (3K units) L

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Preview: Even in an elimination round game, Purefoods’ coach Ryan Gregorio insists that they must already come out and play as if it were already the playoffs. No ifs, no buts.

Especially when the team they’re up against next is Ginebra.

“Playing Ginebra in the eliminations gives you a playoff atmosphere,” said Gregorio. Nothing less than a playoff brand of performance is required to match their intensity and energy.”

The Giants and the Gin Kings square off in a battle between two teams that came through with impressive victories in their respective opening games, the winner seizing the solo lead in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

Purefoods wore down Burger King (93-80) exactly a week ago in a game where Japeth Aguilar played his first and last for the Whoppers, while Ginebra stunned tournament favorite San Miguel (98-86) three days after in results that reflected how ready they are this early in the season.

Gregorio was amazed at how the Gin Kings beat the Beermen despite the obvious disadvantage in height and talent. Now he must find a way to stop the weapon Ginebra used against San Miguel, and hope that they can dictate the tempo of the match throughout to take the crowd away from the game.

“They used their overwhelming advantage in quickness to run the ground the more talented and taller Beemen. They played with tremendous grit and determination. They get their energy once they score on fastbreaks, and the solution to that is that we have to take high percentage shots,” said Gregorio.

Containing Ginebra’s running game isn’t the only thing that’s posing headaches for the Giants. This time, Purefoods must also uncover an answer against the man who has been the Gin Kings’ main firepower for years -- Mark Caguio.

The player they refer to as ‘The Spark’ lived up to his moniker when he finally played for Ginebra after missing the entire 2008-09 season. He scored 17 points against San Miguel, yet the thing statistics do not show is the impact of his presence, the energy he gives to the team and the leadership he provides.

“He must be contained, he has given Ginebra an added boost in the energy department,” said Gregorio of Caguioa.

The match-up of Caguioa and James Yap is certainly the one that the crowd wants to see. Yap debuted with 12 points against the Whoppers.

Coach Jong Uichico doesn’t see speed advantage tilting heavily on Ginebra. He says that Purefoods, too, is a ball club that has quickness, with a frontline to match their own.

“We have to find a weakness in their system,” said Uichico. “They have the height and speed to match any team.”

Although Purefoods is a team built around on James Yap, Peter Jun Simon and Marc Pingris, a newcomer in the ball club but a PBA veteran led the Giants to victory in its first game.

Raffi Reavies shone brightest as the former Ginebra forward wound up with 20 rebounds and 14 points, and he is expected again to play a key role against the Gin Kings’ frontline.

Coca-Cola and Barako Bull, on the other hand, try to barge into the win column when they collide in the first game.

The Tigers suffered a 95-76 thrashing from Sta. Lucia Realty the other night while the Energy Boosters faded in the second half in a 99-83 defeat to Alaska.

Meantime, the PBA is expected to hand down a decision on Wynne Arboleda early next week.

The Burger King guard will appear before Commissioner Renauld ‘Sonny’ Barrios on Monday to explain his side of the story why he kicked and punched a ringside fan during the Whoppers’ game against Smart-Gilas.

The fan, known as Alain Katigbak, has already filed formal charges.

Read the full story

POD: Purefoods+2.5 (PBA) L

POD: Purefoods+2.5 vs. Ginebra (3K units) L

Bet on PBA games and watch the live streaming for FREE @ Bet365



Preview: Even in an elimination round game, Purefoods’ coach Ryan Gregorio insists that they must already come out and play as if it were already the playoffs. No ifs, no buts.

Especially when the team they’re up against next is Ginebra.

“Playing Ginebra in the eliminations gives you a playoff atmosphere,” said Gregorio. Nothing less than a playoff brand of performance is required to match their intensity and energy.”

The Giants and the Gin Kings square off in a battle between two teams that came through with impressive victories in their respective opening games, the winner seizing the solo lead in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

Purefoods wore down Burger King (93-80) exactly a week ago in a game where Japeth Aguilar played his first and last for the Whoppers, while Ginebra stunned tournament favorite San Miguel (98-86) three days after in results that reflected how ready they are this early in the season.

Gregorio was amazed at how the Gin Kings beat the Beermen despite the obvious disadvantage in height and talent. Now he must find a way to stop the weapon Ginebra used against San Miguel, and hope that they can dictate the tempo of the match throughout to take the crowd away from the game.

“They used their overwhelming advantage in quickness to run the ground the more talented and taller Beemen. They played with tremendous grit and determination. They get their energy once they score on fastbreaks, and the solution to that is that we have to take high percentage shots,” said Gregorio.

Containing Ginebra’s running game isn’t the only thing that’s posing headaches for the Giants. This time, Purefoods must also uncover an answer against the man who has been the Gin Kings’ main firepower for years -- Mark Caguio.

The player they refer to as ‘The Spark’ lived up to his moniker when he finally played for Ginebra after missing the entire 2008-09 season. He scored 17 points against San Miguel, yet the thing statistics do not show is the impact of his presence, the energy he gives to the team and the leadership he provides.

“He must be contained, he has given Ginebra an added boost in the energy department,” said Gregorio of Caguioa.

The match-up of Caguioa and James Yap is certainly the one that the crowd wants to see. Yap debuted with 12 points against the Whoppers.

Coach Jong Uichico doesn’t see speed advantage tilting heavily on Ginebra. He says that Purefoods, too, is a ball club that has quickness, with a frontline to match their own.

“We have to find a weakness in their system,” said Uichico. “They have the height and speed to match any team.”

Although Purefoods is a team built around on James Yap, Peter Jun Simon and Marc Pingris, a newcomer in the ball club but a PBA veteran led the Giants to victory in its first game.

Raffi Reavies shone brightest as the former Ginebra forward wound up with 20 rebounds and 14 points, and he is expected again to play a key role against the Gin Kings’ frontline.

Coca-Cola and Barako Bull, on the other hand, try to barge into the win column when they collide in the first game.

The Tigers suffered a 95-76 thrashing from Sta. Lucia Realty the other night while the Energy Boosters faded in the second half in a 99-83 defeat to Alaska.

Meantime, the PBA is expected to hand down a decision on Wynne Arboleda early next week.

The Burger King guard will appear before Commissioner Renauld ‘Sonny’ Barrios on Monday to explain his side of the story why he kicked and punched a ringside fan during the Whoppers’ game against Smart-Gilas.

The fan, known as Alain Katigbak, has already filed formal charges.

Read the full story

BK thumps Smart Gilas; Arboleda mauls fan

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas had its first taste of the pro play’s physical game yesterday, unable to sustain a steady stand and absorbing a 105-115 defeat at the hands of Burger King in a fight-marred tiff in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

“I think they will get better as they get tougher. The PBA brand of game is less physical than those played in Fiba Asia,” said Burger King coach Yeng Guiao.

“As they gain experience and make the adjustment to the physical game, they’ll get their wins,” Guiao added.

But not for now.

The Whoppers outfought the RP aspirants with a spirited game, marked by four flagrant fouls with one leading to a fight between Wynne Arboleda and a Smart Gilas fan, Alain Katigbak, in the second quarter.

Heckled by Katigbak no end after his flagrant foul on Macmac Baracael, Arboleda lost his cool and attacked the Gilas fan on his seat in the first row of Patron Box.

Katigbak suffered a lump on his face as he took at least four blows from Arboleda before the BK player was restrained by security men.

Arboleda is likely to draw stiff sanction from the Commissioner’s Office for grave misconduct.

Beau Belga came through with a double-double game with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Ronjay Buenafe and Gary David put in 25 and 24 points, respectively, as BK beat Smart Gilas in its initial outing in the tourney.

BK did a good job neutralizing Smart Gilas big men Japeth Aguilar and CJ Giles as the Whoppers bounced back from a loss to Purefoods in the season opener Sunday.

For Guiao, the win eased the impact his Powerade Team’s setback dealt by Smart Gilas during a charity match last Oct. 5.

“It’s nice to win against Smart Gilas when it really counts. And it’s more satisfying because they beef up for this game,” said Guiao.

“The key really is preparation. It’s difficult to play them without preparation even if you have the best talents in the league. That Powerade-Gilas game is a big help for us tonight,” Guiao added.

Aguilar got 18 points and six rebounds as he rejoined Gilas after a one-game stint with BK.

Giles, the American player being eyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for naturalization, finished with only 12 points and seven rebounds as he got into foul-trouble early and eventually fouled out with over six minutes left to play. – Nelson Beltran

The scores:

First Game

Burger King 115 – Buenafe 25, David 24, Belga 17, Lanete 14, Yee 11, Quinahan 9, Yee R. 7, Aban 5, Sharma 2, Matias 1, Billones 0, Arboleda 0.

Smart Gilas 105 – Casio 28, Tiu 21, Aguilar 18, Baracael 14, Giles 12, Barroca 4, Ballesteros 4, Al Hussaini 2, Ababou 2, Cawaling 0, Ramos 0.

Quarterscores: 27-29, 54-55, 85-82, 115-105

“It’s nice to win against Smart Gilas when it really counts. And it’s more satisfying because they beef up for this game,” said Guiao.

“The key really is preparation. It’s difficult to play them without preparation even if you have the best talents in the league. That Powerade-Gilas game is a big help for us tonight,” Guiao added.

Aguilar got 18 points and six rebounds as he rejoined Gilas after a one-game stint with BK.

Giles, the American player being eyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for naturalization, finished with only 12 points and seven rebounds as he got into foul-trouble early and eventually fouled out with over six minutes left to play. (by Nelson Beltran - PhilStar)

Read the full story

BK thumps Smart Gilas; Arboleda mauls fan

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas had its first taste of the pro play’s physical game yesterday, unable to sustain a steady stand and absorbing a 105-115 defeat at the hands of Burger King in a fight-marred tiff in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

“I think they will get better as they get tougher. The PBA brand of game is less physical than those played in Fiba Asia,” said Burger King coach Yeng Guiao.

“As they gain experience and make the adjustment to the physical game, they’ll get their wins,” Guiao added.

But not for now.

The Whoppers outfought the RP aspirants with a spirited game, marked by four flagrant fouls with one leading to a fight between Wynne Arboleda and a Smart Gilas fan, Alain Katigbak, in the second quarter.

Heckled by Katigbak no end after his flagrant foul on Macmac Baracael, Arboleda lost his cool and attacked the Gilas fan on his seat in the first row of Patron Box.

Katigbak suffered a lump on his face as he took at least four blows from Arboleda before the BK player was restrained by security men.

Arboleda is likely to draw stiff sanction from the Commissioner’s Office for grave misconduct.

Beau Belga came through with a double-double game with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Ronjay Buenafe and Gary David put in 25 and 24 points, respectively, as BK beat Smart Gilas in its initial outing in the tourney.

BK did a good job neutralizing Smart Gilas big men Japeth Aguilar and CJ Giles as the Whoppers bounced back from a loss to Purefoods in the season opener Sunday.

For Guiao, the win eased the impact his Powerade Team’s setback dealt by Smart Gilas during a charity match last Oct. 5.

“It’s nice to win against Smart Gilas when it really counts. And it’s more satisfying because they beef up for this game,” said Guiao.

“The key really is preparation. It’s difficult to play them without preparation even if you have the best talents in the league. That Powerade-Gilas game is a big help for us tonight,” Guiao added.

Aguilar got 18 points and six rebounds as he rejoined Gilas after a one-game stint with BK.

Giles, the American player being eyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for naturalization, finished with only 12 points and seven rebounds as he got into foul-trouble early and eventually fouled out with over six minutes left to play. – Nelson Beltran

The scores:

First Game

Burger King 115 – Buenafe 25, David 24, Belga 17, Lanete 14, Yee 11, Quinahan 9, Yee R. 7, Aban 5, Sharma 2, Matias 1, Billones 0, Arboleda 0.

Smart Gilas 105 – Casio 28, Tiu 21, Aguilar 18, Baracael 14, Giles 12, Barroca 4, Ballesteros 4, Al Hussaini 2, Ababou 2, Cawaling 0, Ramos 0.

Quarterscores: 27-29, 54-55, 85-82, 115-105

“It’s nice to win against Smart Gilas when it really counts. And it’s more satisfying because they beef up for this game,” said Guiao.

“The key really is preparation. It’s difficult to play them without preparation even if you have the best talents in the league. That Powerade-Gilas game is a big help for us tonight,” Guiao added.

Aguilar got 18 points and six rebounds as he rejoined Gilas after a one-game stint with BK.

Giles, the American player being eyed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for naturalization, finished with only 12 points and seven rebounds as he got into foul-trouble early and eventually fouled out with over six minutes left to play. (by Nelson Beltran - PhilStar)

Read the full story

POD: San Miguel-2.5 (PBA)

POD: San Miguel-2.5 vs. Alaska (3K units) W

Bet on PBA games and watch the live streaming for FREE @ Bet365

Read the full story

POD: San Miguel-2.5 (PBA)

POD: San Miguel-2.5 vs. Alaska (3K units) W

Bet on PBA games and watch the live streaming for FREE @ Bet365

Read the full story

PBA Live Streaming

Click here for PBA Radio Live Streaming (DZSR 918khz)

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PBA Live Streaming

Click here for PBA Radio Live Streaming (DZSR 918khz)

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Smart Gilas routs Powerade-Pilipinas in charity game

The Smart Gilas team of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman has served notice of its readiness to play in the Philippine Basketball Association.

And they showed it by beating the country’s cream of the crop.

Relying not on anyone but everyone, Smart Gilas easily demolished an out-of-shape and undermanned Powerade-Pilipinas team, 98-69, Monday in the “Pinoy Basketball, Kakampi N’yo" fund-raising game at the Araneta Coliseum.

CJ Giles and Japeth Aguilar combined forces in possibly the most formidable frontline in Philippine basketball. Andy Barroca and JV Casio alternately played the point and held their own against their more experienced counterparts. And Dylan Ababou, Aldrech Ramos and Jason Ballesteros did a little bit of everything in handing Smart Gilas an easy triumph.

Powerade-Pilipinas slotman Sonny Thoss, right, harasses Smart-Gilas guard Chris Tiu during Monday’s `Pinoy Basketball, Kakampi Nyo’ fund-raising game at the Araneta Coliseum. GMANews.TV
It was a game dominated by Toroman’s wards majority of the way.

They were only feeling their way around in the first few minutes of the first period, trailing by seven, 7-14, with James Yap and Willie Miller leading the way for Powerade.

Then came a big scoring outburst by Smart Gilas.

Giles and Aguilar made their presence felt inside and JV Casio fired a trey to cap off a big 17-5 exchange as the all-amateur team seized a 24-19 lead at the end of the first.

It was all Smart Gilas from there, leading by as many as 20 points twice in the third canto.

And with Giles and Chris Tiu combining for a one scintillating play to complete an alley-oop slam and push Smart Gilas to a 92-76 lead with only 2:16 left, the curtains finally fell on the all-pro Powerade-Pilipinas five, which didn’t have the chance of practicing since its eighth-place finish in the last FIBA Asia Championship.

Overall, Smart Gilas outplayed Powerade in almost all fronts.

Toroman’s troops shot the ball decently, making 37 of 78 attempts for a 47% clip, while Powerade struggled all game long and shot only 34%.

Smart Gilas, as expected, played better as a team, dishing out 17 assists more than Powerade-Pilipinas.

On rebounds, Giles, Aguilar and Ballesteros were too much as they terrorized the shaded lane and clobbered their rivals. Smart Gilas grabbed 60 rebounds to only 36 by Powerade.

Former Los Angeles Laker Giles finished with 22 points, 16 rebounds and five shot blocks for Smart Gilas, which will play as a guest team in the coming PBA wars. Aguilar, the controversial top overall pick who previously suited up for Powerade-RP, had 24 points and four rebounds.

A project of basketball stockholders in the country led by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA, the game was held for the benefit of victims of tropical storm “Ondoy" and in memory of Barako Bull executive Tony Chua, who perished at the height of the storm. (GMANews.TV)

Read the full story

Smart Gilas routs Powerade-Pilipinas in charity game

The Smart Gilas team of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman has served notice of its readiness to play in the Philippine Basketball Association.

And they showed it by beating the country’s cream of the crop.

Relying not on anyone but everyone, Smart Gilas easily demolished an out-of-shape and undermanned Powerade-Pilipinas team, 98-69, Monday in the “Pinoy Basketball, Kakampi N’yo" fund-raising game at the Araneta Coliseum.

CJ Giles and Japeth Aguilar combined forces in possibly the most formidable frontline in Philippine basketball. Andy Barroca and JV Casio alternately played the point and held their own against their more experienced counterparts. And Dylan Ababou, Aldrech Ramos and Jason Ballesteros did a little bit of everything in handing Smart Gilas an easy triumph.

Powerade-Pilipinas slotman Sonny Thoss, right, harasses Smart-Gilas guard Chris Tiu during Monday’s `Pinoy Basketball, Kakampi Nyo’ fund-raising game at the Araneta Coliseum. GMANews.TV
It was a game dominated by Toroman’s wards majority of the way.

They were only feeling their way around in the first few minutes of the first period, trailing by seven, 7-14, with James Yap and Willie Miller leading the way for Powerade.

Then came a big scoring outburst by Smart Gilas.

Giles and Aguilar made their presence felt inside and JV Casio fired a trey to cap off a big 17-5 exchange as the all-amateur team seized a 24-19 lead at the end of the first.

It was all Smart Gilas from there, leading by as many as 20 points twice in the third canto.

And with Giles and Chris Tiu combining for a one scintillating play to complete an alley-oop slam and push Smart Gilas to a 92-76 lead with only 2:16 left, the curtains finally fell on the all-pro Powerade-Pilipinas five, which didn’t have the chance of practicing since its eighth-place finish in the last FIBA Asia Championship.

Overall, Smart Gilas outplayed Powerade in almost all fronts.

Toroman’s troops shot the ball decently, making 37 of 78 attempts for a 47% clip, while Powerade struggled all game long and shot only 34%.

Smart Gilas, as expected, played better as a team, dishing out 17 assists more than Powerade-Pilipinas.

On rebounds, Giles, Aguilar and Ballesteros were too much as they terrorized the shaded lane and clobbered their rivals. Smart Gilas grabbed 60 rebounds to only 36 by Powerade.

Former Los Angeles Laker Giles finished with 22 points, 16 rebounds and five shot blocks for Smart Gilas, which will play as a guest team in the coming PBA wars. Aguilar, the controversial top overall pick who previously suited up for Powerade-RP, had 24 points and four rebounds.

A project of basketball stockholders in the country led by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA, the game was held for the benefit of victims of tropical storm “Ondoy" and in memory of Barako Bull executive Tony Chua, who perished at the height of the storm. (GMANews.TV)

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