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.

PUREFOODS A WIN AWAY FROM WINNING THE TITLE

Purefoods can finish off the Alaska Aces this Wednesday and claim the All Filipino Title. Purefoods is showing us that defense is the key to winning games as it limit Alaska to an average of 81 points per games, Alaska only scored 78 in Sundays loss to the Giants 79-78. James Yap lead Purefoods again with 14 points while Willie Miller pace Alaska with 20 points. But the play that caught my attention was KG Canaleta's dunk in the baseline. Its been long since I saw Canaleta explode like that, ever since winning the past slam dunk title (which makes up for his bad decision in the late seconds where in he fired a long three with much time to consume).

History is against Alaska now as no team in the PBA has climb back from a 3-0 deficit in a best of seven battle to win the series.

PUREFOODS LEADS ALASKA 2-0 ON THE PBA FINALS

Just finish watching the game tonight and it was a thriller right to the end, with Purefoods winning 85-86. I don't have the exact statistic of the game this evening but ill try to inform you of what I can remember as of this moment. Purefoods came out strong early in the 1st quarter to take a 10 point lead 18-28 and sustained the lead at the end of the 1st half 39-48. At the start of the 3rd quarter Alaska started to pick things up, especially Willie Miller who took charge and scored most of his points in the 3rd quarter to overtake Purefoods 62-57. At the 4th quarter it looks like Alaska would tie the series as it stretched its lead to as high as 11 points but Purefoods main man James Yap just won't quit as he keeps Purefoods within striking distance. I think it was about on the last 1 minute or less that Purefoods took the lead courtesy of a James Yap free throw to make it 84-85 Purefoods. With seconds remaining and Alaska with the possession Joe De Vance drove of Rafi Reavis at the right baseline but failed to convert only to grab the rebound again and was fouled by Reavis with 5.7 seconds remaining i think. Joe De Vance miss his first free throw and sank the second one to tie the ball game at 85 all. Purefoods took the time out and in bounded the ball at the right side of their court. With 5.7 seconds Kerby Raymundo took the ball dribbled near the center of the 3 point line advance a little then took a fake shot sending Joe De Vance to the air then shoot over Joe De Vance but failing to hit the rim. But to the surprise to the Alaska, the referee called a foul on De Vance sending Raymundo to the line with 1.7 seconds remaining I think( im really not sure of the time). Raymundo sank the first one and purposely miss the second one with the ball being tapped by a Purefoods player (not sure who it was) out of bounds the time expired with Purefoods winning it by 1.

I hope i had informed you with the correct detail of the game. But after the game Alaska coach Tim Cone was furious about the last second call. Well its the break of the game and the referee made a judgment call on that one. Leading Purefoods in scoring was James Yap with 32 points going 4-6 beyond the arc and sinking 8-9 free throws. Tenorio leads Alaska with 19 points on 5-6 from the 3 point area. Good night everyone.

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.