Rain or Shine Continues to Dominate B-MEG Winning Game 1 of Governors Cup Finals

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continue its dominance over the B-MEG Llamados, winning game 1 91-80. 

As expected of team under coach Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine came out aggressive and physical, which clearly disrupted the Llamados game. But hey, this is the finals right, and things are bound to get physical. But I got to admit sometimes Rain or Shine do sometime go overboard with their fouls, but that is their style of play and it up to the Llamados to adjust to that brand of play.

But we do have to give credit to Rain or Shine, they do have B-MEG's number in this conference, coming in Game 1 of the finals, B-MEG has not beaten Rain or Shine in two games already. 

The game was close in the first half, with B-MEG leading by four. But in the second half where B-MEG import Marqus Blakely got in to foul trouble, the Llamados defense went soft, and Rain or Shine began to take over the lead. Rain or Shine led by by 7 (66-59) at the end of the third quarter.

When Blakely returned early in the 4th, he was never the same, his presence was hardly felt, especially on the defensive end.

James Yap led the scoring for B-MEG with 19 points but lack local support. Blakely finished with 12 points only.

Rain or Shine was led by Jamelle Cornley with 25 points (who I think would be hand down the Best Import for this conference). Prolific rookie Paul Lee contributed 14 points.

Game 2 is on Wednesday (July 25, 2012).

B-Meg Llamados Enter Next Round with Overtime win Over Powerade Tigers

I thought B-Meg was safely on the next round when they reach 5 wins, even the TV panelist announce it, but  I think they never anticipated teams catching up and the quotient system. Although B-Meg has 5 wins it need to win this one to avoid any complications and maybe a possible sudden death game.

Watching the game tonight I thought things would again repeat for the B-Meg Llamados leading for most part of the fourth and on the dying seconds only to get burned by another Gary David miraculous three point shot that send the game into overtime. I said to myself whoaaa I think this happened already on the all-filipino  conference. But there was no denying the Llamados this time around as they buckled up on overtime to win 108-98 and secure their entry to the next round.

B-Meg Llamados was led by Marqus Blakely with 31 points and James Yap who finally was able to scored more then 20 points this conference, contributed 24 points.

Gary David top scored for Powerade Tigers with 34 points and Jvee Casio had 23 points. With its loss to B-MEG Powerade's faith going into the next round lands in the hand of the Barako Bull, with the Tigers hoping for a Barako Bull win over the Meralco Bolts.

B-MEG Llamados defeated Meralco Bolts 88-83 for its 3rd straight win

It was a sloppy game for B-MEG last night, as it committed 21 turnovers but its defense pulled through to get its 3rd straight win, winning 88-83 over Meralco Bolts. B-MEG is now tied at second place with sister team Petron at 3-1.

B-MEG won with its defense, and what better to show its defense with a 12 blocks in the game, and surprisingly one of the players leading the block party, James Yap who had a total of 3 blocks together with Rafi Reavies with 3 also, Yancy and Import Marqus Blakely had 2 blocks a piece, Pingris and Barroca had 1 blocks for the total of 12 for the team.

But even though with B-MEG's defense clicking their turnover really hurt them which enable the Bolts to hang on, especially with Meralco Bolts main man Mark Cardona exploding with 27 points and point guard Chris Ross contributing with 18 points, but had little support from import.Oguchi only managed to score 12 points in the game.

B-MEG's import Marqus Blakely had another all around performance with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks. James Yap contributed with 19 points and the Pinoy Sakuragi Marc Pingris had10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Meralco Bolts are now tied with its sister team Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters  at the bottom together with Alaska at 1-3. Meralco's next opponent will be the Alaska Aces, while B-MEG Llamados will play Air 21 Express in an out of town game at Digos City.

B-MEG Llamados barge into the winning column with a 96-88 win over the Gin Kings

I was suppose to post this Monday but was a bit busy at home, but the game last Sunday was exciting, as this was a rematch to last conference semis match between the B-MEG Llamados and the Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

This time around the Kings have most of their players healthy while B-MEG doesn't have Pingris and De Vance due to injury. But still B-Meg won over Ginebra 96-88.

Although Ginebra started the game on fire, it didn't take long for B-MEG to adjust and even took the lead on the first quarter, and the rest was history, Ginebra after a strong start never got its bearing again as B-MEG just took control of the game until the end.

B-MEG was again led by scoring apostle PJ Simon with 21 points followed by James Yap 18 points and the sudden uprising of Yancy De Ocampo with 16 points.

Ginebra was led by their import Bozeman with 30 points and former B-MEG star Kerby Raymundo with 20 points.

What baffled me was Ginebra's player rotation or the players used by Ginebra, I'm no Kings fan but I considered Ginebra, Petron and TNT, the teams with powerhouse lineup. But last Sunday, Dylan Ababou, Helterbrand, Menk and even Maierhofer did not play, I'm not sure of the status of Menk and Helterbrand, but I know Dylan and Maierhofer are ready to play, but the coach did not even used them. I know quite a few Ginebra fans don't like the way the coach decided on what players to used on that game, well its still early in the tournament, and maybe Coach Siot is still trying to find the right combination for his powerhouse lineup.

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.

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.

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 SWEEP ALASKA TO WIN 2010 KFC PHILIPPINE CUP

Defense is again the key to Purefoods victory as it limited Alaska below 80 points to win 86-76, sweeping Alaska in the best of seven finals. Before the game Purefoods James Yap was named Best Player of the Conference then at the end of the games was honored as Finals MVP, which was fitting as he led Purefoods in scoring in 4 games. But its not all James Yap, its all in the teams effort and their excellent defense. It was a nice run for the Purefoods TJ Giants which went on a roller coaster ride during the elimination round, then being pushed to the limit by Rain or Shine, survive the star studded San Miguel Beermen, then sweeping the number1 team Alaska.

Purefoods also became the first team in the PBA to sweep a best of seven affair in an all Filipino tournament. Congratulations Purefoods for a job well done.

And now we wait for the import reinforced tournament.

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.

JAMES YAP CONTROVERSY

Well its like what they say, fame comes with a price. Purefoods star player James Yap has been followed with rumors, especially since he's married to Kris Aquino.

At the latest is about the female fan named Mayen Austria. James Yap finally talked about the "confrontation" between his wife Kris Aquino and the female fan, Mayen Austria.

He defended his wife against her critics. He also stressed Mayen is not his girlfriend.

This was the second time Kris and James made headlines. In 2007, they went through a rough patch over Jame's rumored romantic affair with Hope Centeno, one of the receptionists at the Belo Medical Clinic then. Yap denied the rumors.

Kris decided to leave their house together with their two sons and stay with her sister Pinky for the meantime. But she clarified they have not formally split up, and that they are just taking some time off to sort out their problems.

James Yap better sort things out, the PBA elimination round is about to end this week, and they still have a game left against Sta Lucia Realtors.