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.

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.

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.

Barako Bull defeated B-Meg 87-84 for its 4th straight win

People from Panabo City got one hell of a treat. A tightly fought game, that went into overtime.

The Barako Bull got its 4th straight win defeating B-Meg in overtime 87-84 in an out of town game in Panabo, Davao del Norte. With this win, Barako now shares the lead with Rain or Shine and defending champs Talk and Text.

The game had several momentum shift with B-Meg starting the game with a 17-0 run, and Barako making a run on the 2nd quarter, from there on the two teams traded runs until the final half.

B-Meg forced extension on the dying second with James Yap knocking a three pointer with 1.8 seconds left in the game. Barako Bulls Miller tried to win it but missed the target.

It was still a closely fought game in overtime, but with B-Meg's Raymundo committing several mistakes, the last was a bad pass to James Yap that resulted with a steal by Jondan Salvador.

James Yap fouled Salvador immediately to sent him to the line, the former Llamados hit his first free throw and miss the second, giving B-Meg another chance for a second overtime. But James Yap missed badly on a three point attempt in the left corner sealing the win for the Barako Bull.

Willie Miller led Barako Bull with 18 points while James Yap top scored for B-Meg with 20 points whose team is now struggling with a 2-4 card while Barako Bull rose to the top of the standing with a 4-1 slate.