Barako Bull Energy won over Alaska Aces 103-90 for game 1 win

Even if their import finished the game scoreless, the Barako Bull went on to win 103-90 over the Alaska Aces to take game 1 of their best of three quarterfinals match.

With their import still adjusting, the veterans of the Barako Bull took charge, especially new acquisition Ronald Tubid which led the team with 24 points.

"He is not yet acclimatized to the system of play in the PBA," said Baculi of their Nigerian import.

"Making it harder for him is that these are the playoffs and playoffs in the PBA are tough. If you're not cut out for these you will not survive," added Baculi, baring they are still trying to bring back Rodney White, who averaged a conference leading 29.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists in the five games he played here before being forced to attend to his ailing father back home.

Alaska played well on the first quarter which had them leading 27-17 but in the second quarter the Barako Bull veterans stepped to eventually grab a 1 point lead 48-47 leading the the halftime.

Danny Seigle who has been sidelined to injuries this conference, came off the bench to score 21 points and became the 34th and latest member of the 2,000 defensive rebounds club with six boards.

Alaska was led by Cyrus Baguio with 20 points and LA Tenorio with 19 points. But clearly needed the help of their import which only managed to score 11 points.

Barako Bull will go for the series win this Wednesday.

Alaska Has no Plans of Trading LA Tenorio

Rumors have been circulating around the net that Alaska is planning to trade star point guard LA Tenorio.

But the Alaska management is quick to react that LA Tenorio isn't going anywhere.

Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo said the team's prized point guard is not on the trading block.

"He's very happy with us and we have no plans of trading him," said Trillo.

"Talks about Tenorio being put on a trading block are all rumors," added Trillo. "In fact, I've talked to La in one of our practices and joked with him that if ever he wants to be traded, isama niya ako"

Alaska so far has one minor addition to its roster and that is Nino Gelig. Gelig began his career with Talk N Text Tropang Texters from 2004 to 2006 and last played for the Welcoat Dragons from 2006 to 2008.

B-MEG's Kerby Raymundo and Alaska's LA Tenorio to be traded?

There has been rumors circling around the net that B-Meg's star power forward Kerby Raymundo will be traded to sister team Barangay Ginebra. LA Tenorio, Alaska Milk's star point guard is also on the trading block.

Raymundo who was plagued by injury last year, and is just getting his form back, is being eyed to be traded to Barangay Ginebra for JC Intal and a 1st round pick by Barangay Ginebra. Barako Bull is the third team on this trade as sister teams B-Meg and Ginebra cannot traded directly with each other. If the trade do push through B-Meg's gets JC Intal, a 1st round pick and possible Enrico Villanueva. Barangay Ginebra gets Kerby Raymundo and Ababou. Barako Bull will have Ronald Tubid and KG Caneleta.

Several sites and forums have posted that the reason Kerby is being traded is because of a rift between him and James Yap.

But this is still unconfirmed, and remain to be a rumor.

On the other hand a trading LA Tenorio came to me as a surprise, I know Tenorio together with Thoss is the cornerstone of the Alaska franchise. Compared to the earlier rumor of Kerby being traded this one involving LA Tenorio for me is the least to happen.

B-Meg top official Rene Pardo has hinted in his Facebook account trade deals happening in the next few days.

"Daming (several) trade on the table. It's that time of the year again," said Pardo.

The former league chairman defended the need by teams to use this exercise on certain occasions.

"Trading of players is a vital part of the PBA. Sometimes it seems that a team is on the losing end of trade because not all factors are made aware to the public. The important thing to understand is that no team will agree to a trade that will not benefit its objective of being competitive in the league," he said.

Pardo, however stressed there's no final deal yet involving their team.

"Nothing final on our end as of now. Puro what if pa lang," said Pardo.

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.

ALASKA GUNS FOR 3-0 LEAD AGAINST SMB

Never expected this from the beginning , I thought this would be a tight match that will stretch to until game 7. But Alaska has other plans in mind, after being swept by Purefoods on the All Filipino Finals, they are now up 2-0 against the fancied SMB team and is gunning for a 3-0.

Cant wait to go home early tonight to watch the game, and also to see who wins the MVP this year. Also to be awarded tonight will be the Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Mythical Selections and the All Defensive Team.

But of course the highlight will be game 3 of the finals match. I just hope for SMB that Gabe Freeman won't be in foul trouble again, because he really is the spark that SMB needs to overcome the Aces.

PUREFOODS TAKES GAME 1 OF PBA FINALS

I just got homes from work, turn on the TV and i made it just in time for the tip off for game 1 of the beast of 7 series between Alaska and Purefoods. And the game was indeed a battle of who can play better defense than the other, with Purefoods winning game 1 with a 81-77 score. Purefoods is the number team in defense while Alaska is number 2, which only shows that defense can win championship. I think the key to Purefoods winning last night was disrupting the offense of the Aces particularly with LA Tenorio, he only scored 8 points and dish out 4 assists and was in foul trouble and had to even exert more effort defensively guarding a much bigger James Yap, its just asking too much of you're best point guard. Alaska's big man Sonny Thoss was also held down to 9 points. As being the best in the league in defense Purefoods made the Aces shoot a low 36.1% shooting, Purefoods on the other hand hit a 45.7% clip.

Leading for Purefoods in scoring was James Yap with 24 points while Alaska was led by Willie Miller with 23 points. Game 2 will be on Friday February 26 at 7pm.