Trade Involving Maierhofer, Maliksi, De Ocampo, Aquino and Future Pick Approved By PBA Commissioner

A trade involving B-MEG's Rico Maierhofer, Ginebra's Yancy De Ocampo and Jimbo Aquino, Barako Bull Allein Maliksi was approved by Philippines Basketball Association Commissioner Chito Salud.

In the approved transaction Ginebra will receive Rico Maierhofer and Allein Maliksi, Barako Bull will receive Jimbo Aquino and a 2013 first round and 2012 second round picks from Ginebra, while B-MEG will receive Yancy de Ocampo and a 2012 second round pick from Barako Bull.

With this trade Ginebra Gin Kings has finally found the needed upgrade in their frontline, with Maliksi and Maierhofer.

B-MEG on the other hand has added a center in De Ocampo (Although De Ocampo prefers to play outside the shaded lane) but with a 6'9" height and a nice touch outside would be a good fit in their triangle offense.

Barako Bull on the other hand added a guard to their lineup in Jimbo Aquino a former top gun of the San Sebastian Stags.

B-MEG defeated Alaska 92-89 in a double Overtime

It was their second meeting this conference, and Alaska was aching to get back at B-MEG for their loss in their first meeting. For Alaska its about revenge and also wanting to get out of the 9th spot since the last two teams on the end of the elimination gets booted out. For B-MEG it would extending their winning streak to 3.

B-MEG won for the second time over Alaska 92-89 in a thriller double overtime game.

B-MEG's superstar James Yap struggled early in the game but was a major factor during overtime and with B-MEG's supersub PJ Simon injured, rookie Mark Barroca stepped up his game to score 22 points his best performance so far this conference.

LA Tenorio who had a sub par game in their first meeting came out on fire in this game as he scored 28 points to lead Alaska, but was a non factor in overtime as he suffered cramps.

JR Reyes could have won the game for Alaska in regulation but missed his under goal attempt.

On the first overtime though, Alaska was in full control leading 80-75 with 2:25 left, but Yap and Barroca hit huge shots to tie it 80 all. Both teams had a chance to take the lead but both failed to make a shot leading to a 2nd overtime.

Then James Yap took over, hitting all of his attempts to give the Llamdos a 92-87 lead with just 43 seconds remaining.

"Very, very important for us to go over .500," said Cone. "Two or three weeks ago, we're in 9th place, now I think we're tied for 5th. We're now making our move and that's very important for us."

B-MEG's next opponent will be sister team Barangay Ginebra Kings, while Alaska will face Powerade Tigers.

Rain or Shine defeated Barako Bull 93-81 to remain on Top of the Pact

Rain or Shine is the hottest team in the Philippine Basketball Association right now. Rain or Shine is on a 5 game winning streak right now, and is on top of the standing with a 7-1 records followed closely by defending champion Talk n Text with a 6-1 record.

Rookie sensation Paul Lee lead the way for Rain or Shine with 17 points while veteran Willie Miller top scored for the Barako bull which slid down to 5-3.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said "We came into this game prepared because we respect Barako Bull. We knew it would be a difficult game."

"Our game plan was to play team defense. Buti nalang na-sustain naman," he added

I consider Rain or Shine from the start of the conference as the dark horse to win the title, but I never expected this team to lead this way early.

Rain or Shine will battle Petron Blaze this Sunday.

B-MEG defeated Meralco Bolts 95-79 for their first Back to Back win this Conference

This was the first time this conference that B-MEG has won back to back victories. With a new head coach in Tim Cone the Llamados are still adjusting to the new system their coach is implementing on them.

B-MEG were able to hold of a feisty Meralco Bolts and was able to hold on to a 95-79 win in the 2011 Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

James Yap led the way for B-MEG with 25 points on 10-18 shooting, giving the Llamados a 4-4 standing.

Although B-MEG were able to notch its first back to back wins, it was in the expense of PJ Simon.

Simon got injured when he had a bad fall on a drive to the basket. B-MEG fans are hopeful its nothing serious because PJ Simon has been a spark for B-MEG in this couple of games.

Gabby Espinas led Meralco Bolts with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The bolts are now 5-4 in the team standings.

Cone now challenges his players to make a run to catch up the leaders in the team standings.

"This is the time we have to make our surge. We can't lag too far back and expect to catch up anybody," said Cone.

B-MEG's next opponent is Cone's former team Alaska this Sunday.

Talk n Text Center Ali Peek Faces Hard Decision May Not Play Again

Talk n Text center Ali Peek faces a hard decision concerning his condition.

Doctors have given him and his family two options, one to leave the bullet lodged in his nape to sit where it is and guaranteed him that his life will be fairly normal. But he is unlikely to play again.

The second option is to operate on him, remove the bullet and wait just a few month and he will be good as new. But the operation is fraught with danger.

Even the best doctors could not guarantee that an operation of this kind is trouble free since the bullet is too close to the spinal cord, one or two millimeters away.

A missed cut or incision may cause instant paralysis.

On the other hand, the first option guarantees full recovery but he may have to retire from the game. If he opts to play, a hard foul or a fall may push the bullet towards the spinal cord and the result would also be paralysis.

This is a very hard decision for Ali, but for me if he decides to choose option 1, choosing life over his career, why not. Ali has proven many things in the hard court and has won multiple championships already. But then again the decision lies with Ali Peek and his family. Whatever their decision is Talk n Text and basketball fans would respect it. Good Luck Ali and God Bless.

Talk and Text Center Ali Peek was Shot, But now in Stable Condition

A sad news for Talk and Text fans and also for the pba fans.

Talk n Text player Ali Peek was shot by a still unidentified gunman in Mandaluyong City.

Reports said Peek came from a workout at RFM Gymnasium around 7 pm when he was attacked.

Talk n Text head coach Chot Reyes said in his Twitter account (@coachot) " Ali Peek was shot by an unidentified assailant in d parking lot of RFM gym at around 7 pm today. He's conscious & in stable condition now"

"The Talk n Text family asks d public to respect their privacy at this time. Further details will be released as they become available," Reyes further tweeted.

Citing initial reports, Chief Supt. Francisco Manalo, Eastern Police District director, said Peek was shot once at the nape using an unknown caliber of firearm at the RFM Gym in Barangay Buayang Bato at around 7:30 pm.

The suspect immediately fled after the shooting while Peek was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Reyes said that while Peek is conscious, a bullet remains lodged at the player's neck, which would require a procedure to remove.

Were praying for you big guy, hope for your fast recovery.