Watch NBA All-Star Game 2011

The NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Staples Center. The Staples Center, considered one of the world’s best arenas for sports and entertainment, have been selected to host NBA All-Star 2011, marking the fifth time The City of Angels and the second time Staples Center will be the site of the annual celebration. The NBA All-Star Game is a game held annually between the top players in the Western and Eastern Conferences of the National Basketball Association. The game is part of All-Star Weekend, held every February, which includes other exhibition activities such as the Rookie Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, and Three-Point Shootout. Never miss the fun, excitement, in watching your favorite NBA superstar like Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Paul Pierce, LeBron James and many more in showcasing their talents in basketball Watch NBA All-Star Game 2011 on February 20, 2011.

Watch NBA All-Star Game 2011

The NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Staples Center. The Staples Center, considered one of the world’s best arenas for sports and entertainment, have been selected to host NBA All-Star 2011, marking the fifth time The City of Angels and the second time Staples Center will be the site of the annual celebration. The NBA All-Star Game is a game held annually between the top players in the Western and Eastern Conferences of the National Basketball Association. The game is part of All-Star Weekend, held every February, which includes other exhibition activities such as the Rookie Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, and Three-Point Shootout. Never miss the fun, excitement, in watching your favorite NBA superstar like Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Paul Pierce, LeBron James and many more in showcasing their talents in basketball Watch NBA All-Star Game 2011 on February 20, 2011.

Lakers beat Suns in Game 6, finals rematch vs Celtics

Kobe Bryant is again showing the world what postseason greatness can be. Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers are in the NBA finals for the third straight season after he wrapped up a magnificent Western Conference finals with a 37-point performance in a series-clinching 111-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Ron Artest added 25 points as the Lakers held off a late Phoenix rally to win the series 4-2.

The Lakers and Celtics, the NBA’s premier teams for much of the league’s history, will meet in the finals for the 12th time with Game 1 Thursday night in Los Angeles. They are the NBA champions each of the last two years—Boston beat the Lakers two years ago, and Los Angeles topped Orlando last season.

Bryant scored nine points in the final 2 minutes, including what looked like an impossible 23-footer with Grant Hill in his face and 34 seconds to play. The basket put Los Angeles up 107-100 and the scrappy Suns were finished. Bryant will be in his seventh NBA finals in search of his fifth championship — five more than regular season MVP LeBron James, who can only sit and watch.

Amare Stoudemire, in what may have been his last game with the Suns, scored 27 points but struggled to a 7-of-20 shooting night. He can opt out of the final year of his contract and has said chances are “50-50″ that he will play elsewhere next season.

Nash, who had promised his team would win Game 6 after its near-miss in Game 5, added 21 points and nine assists in his 118th playoff game, the most for anyone who has never reached the finals. The 36-year-old point guard praised his team, which at the season’s start was expected to be fortunate to even make the playoffs.

Bryant, with his 10th 30-point performance in his last 11 postseason games, moved ahead of Jerry West and into a tie with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second-most 30-point playoff games at 75. He has ways to go for the record of 109 held by Michael Jordan. Bryant also extended his NBA record to eight straight 30-point closeout games on the road. Lakers coach Phil Jackson will be in search of his 11th NBA championship, fifth with the Lakers.

Channing Frye had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns, who have reached the finals only twice in their history and never have won a championship. Goran Dragic scored 10 of his 12 points in a fourth-quarter rally that got Phoenix within three points.

The Lakers led by as many as 18 late in the second quarter and were up by 17 entering the fourth. But four Suns reserves plus Stoudemire got the Suns back into it after Los Angeles took a 91-74 lead into the fourth quarter.

With Bryant on the bench for a brief rest, Dragic scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to slice Los Angeles’ lead to 91-82 with 10:27 left. The Lakers’ Sasha Vujacic drew a flagrant foul for an elbow to the face of his fellow Slovenian with 11:18 to play. Dragic made both free throws, then blew by Vujacic for a layup to cut it to 91-80 with 11:12 left. Dragic drove for another layup the next time as Bryant made a hasty return to the court.

Gentry stayed with the lineup, and the run reached 16-4 on Stoudemire’s layup after a slick pass from Dragic under the basket to cut it to 95-90 with 6:09.

Nash and Jason Richardson finally re-entered the game with 3:26 to play and Los Angeles leading 99-92. Stoudemire made two free throws, then Nash cut it to 99-96 on a layup with 2:19 left.

Bryant sank a 21-footer, Odom stole Nash’s pass and Bryant made two free throws to stretch it to 103-96 with 1:43 to go. Four straight points by Stoudemire cut it to 100-95 with 53.1 seconds left, but Bryant responded with his dagger over Hill and the surprising playoff run of the undersized, overmatched Suns was over.

Los Angeles outscored the Suns 23-10 over the last eight minutes of the second half to lead 65-53 at the break. After Nash threw up an air ball in the half’s waning seconds, Bryant sank a 3-pointer with 12.9 seconds left to give the Lakers the 12-point lead, their largest of the half, to the cheers of the surprisingly large and loud contingent of Los Angeles fans in the otherwise all-orange crowd.

Phoenix cut the lead to single digits only once in the third quarter, 74-65 on Stoudemire’s two free throws with 5:38 left. The Lakers responded with an 11-2 run, Artest’s layup in traffic making it 85-67 with 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the quarter.

Los Angeles led 91-74 entering the fourth.

Lakers beat Suns in Game 6, finals rematch vs Celtics

Kobe Bryant is again showing the world what postseason greatness can be. Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers are in the NBA finals for the third straight season after he wrapped up a magnificent Western Conference finals with a 37-point performance in a series-clinching 111-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night. Ron Artest added 25 points as the Lakers held off a late Phoenix rally to win the series 4-2.

The Lakers and Celtics, the NBA’s premier teams for much of the league’s history, will meet in the finals for the 12th time with Game 1 Thursday night in Los Angeles. They are the NBA champions each of the last two years—Boston beat the Lakers two years ago, and Los Angeles topped Orlando last season.

Bryant scored nine points in the final 2 minutes, including what looked like an impossible 23-footer with Grant Hill in his face and 34 seconds to play. The basket put Los Angeles up 107-100 and the scrappy Suns were finished. Bryant will be in his seventh NBA finals in search of his fifth championship — five more than regular season MVP LeBron James, who can only sit and watch.

Amare Stoudemire, in what may have been his last game with the Suns, scored 27 points but struggled to a 7-of-20 shooting night. He can opt out of the final year of his contract and has said chances are “50-50″ that he will play elsewhere next season.

Nash, who had promised his team would win Game 6 after its near-miss in Game 5, added 21 points and nine assists in his 118th playoff game, the most for anyone who has never reached the finals. The 36-year-old point guard praised his team, which at the season’s start was expected to be fortunate to even make the playoffs.

Bryant, with his 10th 30-point performance in his last 11 postseason games, moved ahead of Jerry West and into a tie with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second-most 30-point playoff games at 75. He has ways to go for the record of 109 held by Michael Jordan. Bryant also extended his NBA record to eight straight 30-point closeout games on the road. Lakers coach Phil Jackson will be in search of his 11th NBA championship, fifth with the Lakers.

Channing Frye had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Suns, who have reached the finals only twice in their history and never have won a championship. Goran Dragic scored 10 of his 12 points in a fourth-quarter rally that got Phoenix within three points.

The Lakers led by as many as 18 late in the second quarter and were up by 17 entering the fourth. But four Suns reserves plus Stoudemire got the Suns back into it after Los Angeles took a 91-74 lead into the fourth quarter.

With Bryant on the bench for a brief rest, Dragic scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to slice Los Angeles’ lead to 91-82 with 10:27 left. The Lakers’ Sasha Vujacic drew a flagrant foul for an elbow to the face of his fellow Slovenian with 11:18 to play. Dragic made both free throws, then blew by Vujacic for a layup to cut it to 91-80 with 11:12 left. Dragic drove for another layup the next time as Bryant made a hasty return to the court.

Gentry stayed with the lineup, and the run reached 16-4 on Stoudemire’s layup after a slick pass from Dragic under the basket to cut it to 95-90 with 6:09.

Nash and Jason Richardson finally re-entered the game with 3:26 to play and Los Angeles leading 99-92. Stoudemire made two free throws, then Nash cut it to 99-96 on a layup with 2:19 left.

Bryant sank a 21-footer, Odom stole Nash’s pass and Bryant made two free throws to stretch it to 103-96 with 1:43 to go. Four straight points by Stoudemire cut it to 100-95 with 53.1 seconds left, but Bryant responded with his dagger over Hill and the surprising playoff run of the undersized, overmatched Suns was over.

Los Angeles outscored the Suns 23-10 over the last eight minutes of the second half to lead 65-53 at the break. After Nash threw up an air ball in the half’s waning seconds, Bryant sank a 3-pointer with 12.9 seconds left to give the Lakers the 12-point lead, their largest of the half, to the cheers of the surprisingly large and loud contingent of Los Angeles fans in the otherwise all-orange crowd.

Phoenix cut the lead to single digits only once in the third quarter, 74-65 on Stoudemire’s two free throws with 5:38 left. The Lakers responded with an 11-2 run, Artest’s layup in traffic making it 85-67 with 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the quarter.

Los Angeles led 91-74 entering the fourth.

Celtics lead Magic, 2-0

Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Rajon Rondo finished with 25 as Boston took a 2-0 series lead by edging Orlando 95-92 in their NBA semifinal series.

"We're going to try and close it out in four games," Pierce said. "Just think our mindset was to be ready for the type of intensity they would bring after losing at home.

"We know the Magic are a talented team and we won't take these two wins for granted."

The Magic, who had won 14 consecutive games heading into the Eastern Conference series, were held to just 39% shooting from the field Tuesday.

Boston is now just 2 wins away from their second finals appearance in 3 seasons.

"I think we are becoming the team that started the season," coach Doc Rivers said. "The team that started the season was pretty good."

Dwight Howard had 30 points, and Vince Carter and J.J. Redick scored 16 apiece for Orlando who rallied from an 11-point deficit to take a brief lead in final quarter.

Jameer Nelson's desperation three pointer missed the rim entirely at the buzzer.

The series now shifts to Boston for Game 3.

Two years removed from their 17th NBA championship, the Celtics are on a roll, coming off an impressive quarterfinal series win over LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics started quickly going ahead by 11 in the first quarter. They also took a 20-point lead in Game 1.

Magic's Carter blundered mightily from the line missing 2 free throws with 31.9 seconds left that would have helped get Orlando back in it.

Tempers flared in the second quarter. Pierce was knocked in the head hard by Howard on a layup attempt. He of the twisted headband picked himself up off the floor, clearly agitated. But he remained calm as Howard was whistled for a flagrant foul.

Celtics lead Magic, 2-0

Paul Pierce scored 28 points and Rajon Rondo finished with 25 as Boston took a 2-0 series lead by edging Orlando 95-92 in their NBA semifinal series.

"We're going to try and close it out in four games," Pierce said. "Just think our mindset was to be ready for the type of intensity they would bring after losing at home.

"We know the Magic are a talented team and we won't take these two wins for granted."

The Magic, who had won 14 consecutive games heading into the Eastern Conference series, were held to just 39% shooting from the field Tuesday.

Boston is now just 2 wins away from their second finals appearance in 3 seasons.

"I think we are becoming the team that started the season," coach Doc Rivers said. "The team that started the season was pretty good."

Dwight Howard had 30 points, and Vince Carter and J.J. Redick scored 16 apiece for Orlando who rallied from an 11-point deficit to take a brief lead in final quarter.

Jameer Nelson's desperation three pointer missed the rim entirely at the buzzer.

The series now shifts to Boston for Game 3.

Two years removed from their 17th NBA championship, the Celtics are on a roll, coming off an impressive quarterfinal series win over LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Celtics started quickly going ahead by 11 in the first quarter. They also took a 20-point lead in Game 1.

Magic's Carter blundered mightily from the line missing 2 free throws with 31.9 seconds left that would have helped get Orlando back in it.

Tempers flared in the second quarter. Pierce was knocked in the head hard by Howard on a layup attempt. He of the twisted headband picked himself up off the floor, clearly agitated. But he remained calm as Howard was whistled for a flagrant foul.

Baclao returns as Patriots face Dragons

The Philippine Patriots try to bounce back from a crushing setback last week as they battle the Kuala Lumpur Dragons today in the first ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Championship at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Still smarting from a 70-95 loss to the Brunei Barracudas, the Patriots are raring to regain their winning ways as they take on the Dragons in the 4 p.m. main game. With the return of Nonoy Baclao, who suited up for Ateneo for the last time against FEU in the recent Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) finals, the Patriots hope to make full use of their frontline rotation as they try to boost their bid for the No. 1 seed in the Final Four. The absence of Baclao and the high-leaping Elmer Espiritu – the team’s top defensive men -–told heavily on the Patriots as the Barracudas dominated the shaded lane aside from shooting well from afar to snap the Patriots’ six-game win run. Espiritu remains a doubtful starter due to a broken cheekbone inflicted by Indonesian American import Nakiea Miller two weeks ago. The Patriots are still leading the six-nation tournament with a 7-2 record but the Dragons are also out to get even with them. “We have to play really smart if we want to get back on the winning track,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “We have to win four of last six games to clinch the No. 1 seeding in the semis.” Patriots coach Louie Alas expects his boys to redeem themselves against the Dragons who are out to follow up their impressive 88-69 win over the Thailand Tigers.

Baclao returns as Patriots face Dragons

The Philippine Patriots try to bounce back from a crushing setback last week as they battle the Kuala Lumpur Dragons today in the first ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) Championship at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. Still smarting from a 70-95 loss to the Brunei Barracudas, the Patriots are raring to regain their winning ways as they take on the Dragons in the 4 p.m. main game. With the return of Nonoy Baclao, who suited up for Ateneo for the last time against FEU in the recent Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) finals, the Patriots hope to make full use of their frontline rotation as they try to boost their bid for the No. 1 seed in the Final Four. The absence of Baclao and the high-leaping Elmer Espiritu – the team’s top defensive men -–told heavily on the Patriots as the Barracudas dominated the shaded lane aside from shooting well from afar to snap the Patriots’ six-game win run. Espiritu remains a doubtful starter due to a broken cheekbone inflicted by Indonesian American import Nakiea Miller two weeks ago. The Patriots are still leading the six-nation tournament with a 7-2 record but the Dragons are also out to get even with them. “We have to play really smart if we want to get back on the winning track,” said team manager Erick Arejola. “We have to win four of last six games to clinch the No. 1 seeding in the semis.” Patriots coach Louie Alas expects his boys to redeem themselves against the Dragons who are out to follow up their impressive 88-69 win over the Thailand Tigers.

Aces rip Beermen in OT, stay at helm

MANILA, Philippines - LA Tenorio stepped up in overtime as Alaska Milk bucked a coaching error in regulation and Arwind Santos’ fourth quarter explosion as it thwarted San Miguel Beer, 122-116, to remain on top in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night. Tenorio fired a career-tying 27 points against his former team and came away with six rebounds and five assists to help the Aces overcome a late error by Tim Cone for their 10th victory against a loss while stopping the Beermen’s nine-game streak. “Had we lost that game I would have taken the blame. I had a bad decision at the end of regulation when I told Joe deVance to miss the shot thinking San Miguel had a 30-second timeout left and they can’t call a 30-second timeout from the backcourt,” said Cone. That endgame miscue enabled San Miguel to tie the game at 108 as Dondon Hontiveros scored on an alley-oop shot off an inbound pass from Jonas Villanueva with 1.5 seconds to go. But Tenorio took charge in the extra period as he powered the Aces to the victory while dealing the Beermen their third loss against nine wins. The win also put to naught Santos’ 24-point output, the bulk of which he scored in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter as the Beermen rallied to seize the lead. Earlier, Roger Yap took over from James Yap at crunchtime as Purefoods turned back upset-conscious Barako Bull, 70-66, to gain solo third place. James Yap scattered eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter while Roger Yap scored five of his 11 points in the last two minutes to help the TJ Hotdogs break out of a tie with the Talk n Text Texters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings with their eighth win against four losses. Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, however, was disappointed with the way the Hotdogs played. “We were not fluid at all especially on offense and it’s alarming we’re turning the ball crazy,” said Gregorio, referring to their 17 turnovers. “But what is more alarming was Barako Bull outrebounded us (51-43).” But Roger Yap, who uncorked a game-high 21 points in an 89-81 triumph over the Kings last Sunday, took over down the stretch and saved the day for the TJ Hotdogs again.

Source: philstar.com

Aces rip Beermen in OT, stay at helm

MANILA, Philippines - LA Tenorio stepped up in overtime as Alaska Milk bucked a coaching error in regulation and Arwind Santos’ fourth quarter explosion as it thwarted San Miguel Beer, 122-116, to remain on top in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night. Tenorio fired a career-tying 27 points against his former team and came away with six rebounds and five assists to help the Aces overcome a late error by Tim Cone for their 10th victory against a loss while stopping the Beermen’s nine-game streak. “Had we lost that game I would have taken the blame. I had a bad decision at the end of regulation when I told Joe deVance to miss the shot thinking San Miguel had a 30-second timeout left and they can’t call a 30-second timeout from the backcourt,” said Cone. That endgame miscue enabled San Miguel to tie the game at 108 as Dondon Hontiveros scored on an alley-oop shot off an inbound pass from Jonas Villanueva with 1.5 seconds to go. But Tenorio took charge in the extra period as he powered the Aces to the victory while dealing the Beermen their third loss against nine wins. The win also put to naught Santos’ 24-point output, the bulk of which he scored in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter as the Beermen rallied to seize the lead. Earlier, Roger Yap took over from James Yap at crunchtime as Purefoods turned back upset-conscious Barako Bull, 70-66, to gain solo third place. James Yap scattered eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter while Roger Yap scored five of his 11 points in the last two minutes to help the TJ Hotdogs break out of a tie with the Talk n Text Texters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings with their eighth win against four losses. Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, however, was disappointed with the way the Hotdogs played. “We were not fluid at all especially on offense and it’s alarming we’re turning the ball crazy,” said Gregorio, referring to their 17 turnovers. “But what is more alarming was Barako Bull outrebounded us (51-43).” But Roger Yap, who uncorked a game-high 21 points in an 89-81 triumph over the Kings last Sunday, took over down the stretch and saved the day for the TJ Hotdogs again.

Source: philstar.com

FEU, Ateneo duel for title

Ateneo and Far Eastern University hammered out contrasting victories to arrange an all-UAAP finals Monday in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The back-to-back UAAP titlists Eagles dumped San Beda College, 81-69, while the Tamaraws came from behind to oust NCAA champion San Sebastian College in overtime, 86-83. The best-of-three championship starts tomorrow at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. battle for third place between the Stags and the Red Lions, also at the Ynares Sports Arena. Despite the absence of Smart Gilas mainstay Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles went on a shooting spree in the fourth quarter to win pulling away. "We're hoping to play a little bit better unlike this game. We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the finals," said Ateneo coach Norman Black. Oping Sumalinog, Jai Reyes, and Eric Salamat fired 14 points each, with Ryan Buenafe adding 13 points to lead the Eagles. They combined for all the nine treys converted by the Eagles, most of them in the payoff period. But while the Eagles had an easy sailing in claiming the second finals berth, the Tamaraws needed a late comeback anchored behind 5-foot-11 guard RR Garcia to hammer out the victory. Garcia banged in 17 points in the fourth and extra periods to bring back life to the Tamaraws, who trailed the Stags by as much as eight points late in regulation period. Garcia finished with 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals in 40 minutes of action. “Grabe ang pinapakitang character ng mga players ko. Down kami ulit pero hindi pa rin sila bumigay at natutuwa ako at nagma-mature sila,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose team is looking to win the national championship for a record third time. FEU, which came back from a six-point deficit in the final two minutes of its game against University of the East in the Elite Eight, exploded a 10-0 bomb to turn a 61-69 deficit to a 71-69 lead with 20 second remaining in regulation. Ronald Pascual sent the game into extra period with an alley-oop from a pass by Jimbo Aquino. The Tamaraws, with Garcia hitting back-to-back treys and Cawaling adding another one, raced to an 82-77 lead with 2:27 left in overtime. San Sebastian fought back with three straight baskets to grab the lead anew, 83-82, 1:24 to go. But as fate would have it, the Stags failed to but another basket from there allowing the Tamaraws to come through with a 4-0 windup for the win. Reil Cervantes added 18 points and seven rebounds while Smart Gilas mainstay JR Cawaling contributed 14 points despite a 4-of-11 shooting.

FEU, Ateneo duel for title

Ateneo and Far Eastern University hammered out contrasting victories to arrange an all-UAAP finals Monday in the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. The back-to-back UAAP titlists Eagles dumped San Beda College, 81-69, while the Tamaraws came from behind to oust NCAA champion San Sebastian College in overtime, 86-83. The best-of-three championship starts tomorrow at 4 p.m. after the 2 p.m. battle for third place between the Stags and the Red Lions, also at the Ynares Sports Arena. Despite the absence of Smart Gilas mainstay Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the Blue Eagles went on a shooting spree in the fourth quarter to win pulling away. "We're hoping to play a little bit better unlike this game. We're still not complete but we'll just do the best we can in the finals," said Ateneo coach Norman Black. Oping Sumalinog, Jai Reyes, and Eric Salamat fired 14 points each, with Ryan Buenafe adding 13 points to lead the Eagles. They combined for all the nine treys converted by the Eagles, most of them in the payoff period. But while the Eagles had an easy sailing in claiming the second finals berth, the Tamaraws needed a late comeback anchored behind 5-foot-11 guard RR Garcia to hammer out the victory. Garcia banged in 17 points in the fourth and extra periods to bring back life to the Tamaraws, who trailed the Stags by as much as eight points late in regulation period. Garcia finished with 28 points, five rebounds, six assists and six steals in 40 minutes of action. “Grabe ang pinapakitang character ng mga players ko. Down kami ulit pero hindi pa rin sila bumigay at natutuwa ako at nagma-mature sila,” said FEU coach Glenn Capacio, whose team is looking to win the national championship for a record third time. FEU, which came back from a six-point deficit in the final two minutes of its game against University of the East in the Elite Eight, exploded a 10-0 bomb to turn a 61-69 deficit to a 71-69 lead with 20 second remaining in regulation. Ronald Pascual sent the game into extra period with an alley-oop from a pass by Jimbo Aquino. The Tamaraws, with Garcia hitting back-to-back treys and Cawaling adding another one, raced to an 82-77 lead with 2:27 left in overtime. San Sebastian fought back with three straight baskets to grab the lead anew, 83-82, 1:24 to go. But as fate would have it, the Stags failed to but another basket from there allowing the Tamaraws to come through with a 4-0 windup for the win. Reil Cervantes added 18 points and seven rebounds while Smart Gilas mainstay JR Cawaling contributed 14 points despite a 4-of-11 shooting.

Aces chase record 6th win versus Whoppers

MANILA, Philippines - Streaking Alaska Milk team goes for a new franchise record as it guns for its sixth straight victory against Burger King in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome today. Aces coach Tim Cone said making it 6-0 will certainly be a big motivation as they play the Whoppers in the second game of a triple-bill which also marks the resumption of Smart Gilas’ guest stint in the tourney. The RP training pool, with naturalization candidate C.J. Giles in tow, goes up against Coca-Cola at 2:30 p.m., hoping to nail a first win after losing its first three games to Burger King, Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra. Barako Bull, a lowly regarded squad off to a solid start in the tourney, takes on a badly-depleted Barangay Ginebra at 7:30 p.m., determined to pull off another surprise after claiming a pair of stunners over the Coke Tigers and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Jayjay Helterbrand, with a strained knee, is joining Mark Caguioa in the sidelines. Focus, however, will be on the Aces, who are seeking to keep their romp against a team which is definitely no pushover. “It’s not easy beating (coach) Yeng Guiao’s team. They have no superstar but they work hard. They’re a blue-collar team that can rise to the challenge,” said Cone of the Whoppers. “They get under your skin. They’re physical and they’re tough, and I hate playing that kind of team,” Cone also said of the team that beat them convincingly in a tune-up in the off-season. The Aces, however, are highly motivated as they tangle with the Whoppers, looking to surpass the 5-0 start they made in the 1998 All-Filipino Conference. The last time Alaska had a 6-0 start in a tourney was in the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup. It was the Aces’ grand slam season featuring stars Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and Jeffrey Cariaso. The Whoppers, on the other hand, try to check their slide and start a run to catch up with the early frontrunners. Burger King is tied with Coca-Cola at eighth place with identical 1-3 cards, a game and a half ahead of cellar-dweller Rain or Shine. The Tigers have just broken into the win-column with a 93-79 bashing of the Purefoods Giants Friday. They hope to build up momentum as they meet the RP aspirants today. Giles, who returned to the country Sunday, will be back in action with the RP training pool after playing only a few minutes against the Tropang Texters and sitting out the whole game against the Kings.

Aces chase record 6th win versus Whoppers

MANILA, Philippines - Streaking Alaska Milk team goes for a new franchise record as it guns for its sixth straight victory against Burger King in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome today. Aces coach Tim Cone said making it 6-0 will certainly be a big motivation as they play the Whoppers in the second game of a triple-bill which also marks the resumption of Smart Gilas’ guest stint in the tourney. The RP training pool, with naturalization candidate C.J. Giles in tow, goes up against Coca-Cola at 2:30 p.m., hoping to nail a first win after losing its first three games to Burger King, Talk n Text and Barangay Ginebra. Barako Bull, a lowly regarded squad off to a solid start in the tourney, takes on a badly-depleted Barangay Ginebra at 7:30 p.m., determined to pull off another surprise after claiming a pair of stunners over the Coke Tigers and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Jayjay Helterbrand, with a strained knee, is joining Mark Caguioa in the sidelines. Focus, however, will be on the Aces, who are seeking to keep their romp against a team which is definitely no pushover. “It’s not easy beating (coach) Yeng Guiao’s team. They have no superstar but they work hard. They’re a blue-collar team that can rise to the challenge,” said Cone of the Whoppers. “They get under your skin. They’re physical and they’re tough, and I hate playing that kind of team,” Cone also said of the team that beat them convincingly in a tune-up in the off-season. The Aces, however, are highly motivated as they tangle with the Whoppers, looking to surpass the 5-0 start they made in the 1998 All-Filipino Conference. The last time Alaska had a 6-0 start in a tourney was in the 1996 Commissioner’s Cup. It was the Aces’ grand slam season featuring stars Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and Jeffrey Cariaso. The Whoppers, on the other hand, try to check their slide and start a run to catch up with the early frontrunners. Burger King is tied with Coca-Cola at eighth place with identical 1-3 cards, a game and a half ahead of cellar-dweller Rain or Shine. The Tigers have just broken into the win-column with a 93-79 bashing of the Purefoods Giants Friday. They hope to build up momentum as they meet the RP aspirants today. Giles, who returned to the country Sunday, will be back in action with the RP training pool after playing only a few minutes against the Tropang Texters and sitting out the whole game against the Kings.

Aces subdue Kings, remain unbeaten

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk nearly lost a 20-point lead on a spirited Ginebra chase in the third quarter but recovered in time to post a 105-96 victory and keep its unbeaten run in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night. Reynel Hugnatan, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio and John Ferriols stepped up for Alaska in the final period and the Aces went on to duplicate their 4-0 start in the same tournament last year. The Kings, playing minus injured star players Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, suffered their first loss in four outings.

“We got loosey-goosey in the second half and Jong (Uichico) got his team fired up. We kind of falling down but the thing was how we got up. What’s important was how we responded,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

The Aces stayed calm under pressure, quelling the Ginebra uprising and coming through with another emphatic win in the tournament where they’re looking to improve on their second-place finish last year. Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand fueled Ginebra’s searing chase that had the Kings coming to within two points twice after trailing by 20 at 40-60. Tubid and Helterbrand had 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the third period where the Kings outscored the Aces, 38-22, to close in at 80-82 going into the final quarter. The Aces, however, hung tough with Hugnatan, Miller, Tenorio and Ferriols taking charge in the final 12 minutes of play. Hugnatan and Miller fired seven points apiece while Tenorio and Ferriols had four each in the payoff period. Sonny Thoss made only six points but pulled down 10 big rebounds and came through with a crucial block on Enrico Villanueva and Alaska parlayed this into a basket to ensure the win at 105-95. Hugnatan topscored for Alaska with 20 points coming off the bench with Tony dela Cruz adding 16, Tenorio 15, Miller 11 and Joe Devance 10.

“Once again our second group played excellent basketball, giving Willie Miller and LA Tenorio the luxury of some rest. Willie and LA were so fresh coming back in the fourth quarter,” said Cone, making special mention of Hugnatan, Ferriols, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Cariaso.

Aces subdue Kings, remain unbeaten

MANILA, Philippines - Alaska Milk nearly lost a 20-point lead on a spirited Ginebra chase in the third quarter but recovered in time to post a 105-96 victory and keep its unbeaten run in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night. Reynel Hugnatan, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio and John Ferriols stepped up for Alaska in the final period and the Aces went on to duplicate their 4-0 start in the same tournament last year. The Kings, playing minus injured star players Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, suffered their first loss in four outings.

“We got loosey-goosey in the second half and Jong (Uichico) got his team fired up. We kind of falling down but the thing was how we got up. What’s important was how we responded,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone.

The Aces stayed calm under pressure, quelling the Ginebra uprising and coming through with another emphatic win in the tournament where they’re looking to improve on their second-place finish last year. Ronald Tubid and Jayjay Helterbrand fueled Ginebra’s searing chase that had the Kings coming to within two points twice after trailing by 20 at 40-60. Tubid and Helterbrand had 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the third period where the Kings outscored the Aces, 38-22, to close in at 80-82 going into the final quarter. The Aces, however, hung tough with Hugnatan, Miller, Tenorio and Ferriols taking charge in the final 12 minutes of play. Hugnatan and Miller fired seven points apiece while Tenorio and Ferriols had four each in the payoff period. Sonny Thoss made only six points but pulled down 10 big rebounds and came through with a crucial block on Enrico Villanueva and Alaska parlayed this into a basket to ensure the win at 105-95. Hugnatan topscored for Alaska with 20 points coming off the bench with Tony dela Cruz adding 16, Tenorio 15, Miller 11 and Joe Devance 10.

“Once again our second group played excellent basketball, giving Willie Miller and LA Tenorio the luxury of some rest. Willie and LA were so fresh coming back in the fourth quarter,” said Cone, making special mention of Hugnatan, Ferriols, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Cariaso.

Mighty Kings crush Gilas five

The Kings played efficiently against the Nationals even minus injured stars Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, dominating their duel to stay unbeaten in the all-Filipino tourney in three starts. Ronald Tubid, Jayjay Helterbrand, JC Intal, Enrico Villanueva and Willy Wilson delivered the goods as the Kings notched a third win following earlier victories over the San Miguel Beermen and the Purefoods Giants. The RP developmental team continued to struggle with naturalization prospect CJ Giles not seeing action. SBP executive director Noli Eala said Giles’ status was day-to-day, since he was unable to keep his focus in his game following report that his four-year son in the United States was hospitalized with a rare blood disease. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour features its second game today, pitting Rain or Shine and Burger King at the Arturo Lugod Gym in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental. “The circumstances didn’t allow us to help the RP team as much as we wanted to,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. “The desire to win gets in the way. We needed the win and we had to do what we can to try to win the game. I’d been in their shoes before, it’s hard to be dominated that way. We wish we could help them in another way,” Uichico added. The Ginebra mentor, however, was convinced Smart Gilas was doing the right thing in its preparation for its stint in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship. But the Kings would remain without Caguioa who would be out for at least four weeks. “It’s not the old knee injury. It’s a new injury on the other part of the knee,” said Uichico. “It’s sad. We thought we have a healthy lineup. Now we have to find ways again to fill void in our roster,” Uichico added. Against the Giles-less Gilas team, the Kings had little difficulty plugging the holes, riding high on the exploits of Tubid, Helterbrand, Intal, Villanueva and Wilson. Kerby Raymundo and James Yap combined for 34 points and 13 rebounds to make up for 13 turnovers as Purefoods overcame Barako Bull’s brave stand and hacked out out a 92-77 win later in the night. Don Allado, Roger Yap, Rico Maierhofer and Paul Artadi also produced key numbers as the Giants pulled through in the rugged and emotional game marked by three technical infractions. The Giants improved their win-loss record to 2-1 while dealing the Energy Boosters their second loss in three outings. “Obviously, Kerby and James are marked men and it’s important for us to get productions from our other players,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio. Alaska Milk continued to sizzle even as Willie Miller cooled down after two hot games, streaking to a third straight win with a 100-79 walloping of Coca-Cola in the nightcap.

Source: PhilStar.com

Mighty Kings crush Gilas five

The Kings played efficiently against the Nationals even minus injured stars Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, dominating their duel to stay unbeaten in the all-Filipino tourney in three starts. Ronald Tubid, Jayjay Helterbrand, JC Intal, Enrico Villanueva and Willy Wilson delivered the goods as the Kings notched a third win following earlier victories over the San Miguel Beermen and the Purefoods Giants. The RP developmental team continued to struggle with naturalization prospect CJ Giles not seeing action. SBP executive director Noli Eala said Giles’ status was day-to-day, since he was unable to keep his focus in his game following report that his four-year son in the United States was hospitalized with a rare blood disease. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour features its second game today, pitting Rain or Shine and Burger King at the Arturo Lugod Gym in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental. “The circumstances didn’t allow us to help the RP team as much as we wanted to,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. “The desire to win gets in the way. We needed the win and we had to do what we can to try to win the game. I’d been in their shoes before, it’s hard to be dominated that way. We wish we could help them in another way,” Uichico added. The Ginebra mentor, however, was convinced Smart Gilas was doing the right thing in its preparation for its stint in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship. But the Kings would remain without Caguioa who would be out for at least four weeks. “It’s not the old knee injury. It’s a new injury on the other part of the knee,” said Uichico. “It’s sad. We thought we have a healthy lineup. Now we have to find ways again to fill void in our roster,” Uichico added. Against the Giles-less Gilas team, the Kings had little difficulty plugging the holes, riding high on the exploits of Tubid, Helterbrand, Intal, Villanueva and Wilson. Kerby Raymundo and James Yap combined for 34 points and 13 rebounds to make up for 13 turnovers as Purefoods overcame Barako Bull’s brave stand and hacked out out a 92-77 win later in the night. Don Allado, Roger Yap, Rico Maierhofer and Paul Artadi also produced key numbers as the Giants pulled through in the rugged and emotional game marked by three technical infractions. The Giants improved their win-loss record to 2-1 while dealing the Energy Boosters their second loss in three outings. “Obviously, Kerby and James are marked men and it’s important for us to get productions from our other players,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio. Alaska Milk continued to sizzle even as Willie Miller cooled down after two hot games, streaking to a third straight win with a 100-79 walloping of Coca-Cola in the nightcap.

Source: PhilStar.com

Yao, McGrady open NBA pre-season without them

Chinese superstar center Yao Ming and forward Tracy McGrady were among those not in uniform Tuesday as the Houston Rockets began their NBA pre-season training camp. Seven-time NBA All-Star Yao is recovering from surgery to repair a broken left foot and is expected to miss the entire 2009-2010 season while McGrady underwent microfracture surgery upon his left knee last February. "Far ahead of schedule" is how McGrady described his rehabilitation status after seven months but added, "It's not time to really rush it back. Confidence-wise - running, cutting, jumping - I have that right now." Doctors told McGrady it could take as much as a year before he would be able to return for the Rockets, but he will undergo an MRI exam November 23 to obtain a status report. "If he can play after November 23, I think he'll still be ahead of schedule, but we don't know what the MRI is going to show," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. McGrady played in only 35 games last season before the surgery and said that even playing so long might have been a mistake, one he will not repeat with a premature return this season. "I don't want to rush anything," he said. "When I feel like I can go every day without having to play a night in practice and then sit out, until I feel that way, I'm not going to play." With Ron Artest traded to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team which ousted Houston in the second round of last season's playoffs, there will be many new faces in Rocket red uniforms this season. Among them will be Australian David Andersen, signed as the Houston center in Yao's absence. "The people that we're missing are huge pieces," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "It's going to be interesting to see how the guys respond. We've become a very young team. Guys are going to have to accept different roles."

Yao, McGrady open NBA pre-season without them

Chinese superstar center Yao Ming and forward Tracy McGrady were among those not in uniform Tuesday as the Houston Rockets began their NBA pre-season training camp. Seven-time NBA All-Star Yao is recovering from surgery to repair a broken left foot and is expected to miss the entire 2009-2010 season while McGrady underwent microfracture surgery upon his left knee last February. "Far ahead of schedule" is how McGrady described his rehabilitation status after seven months but added, "It's not time to really rush it back. Confidence-wise - running, cutting, jumping - I have that right now." Doctors told McGrady it could take as much as a year before he would be able to return for the Rockets, but he will undergo an MRI exam November 23 to obtain a status report. "If he can play after November 23, I think he'll still be ahead of schedule, but we don't know what the MRI is going to show," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. McGrady played in only 35 games last season before the surgery and said that even playing so long might have been a mistake, one he will not repeat with a premature return this season. "I don't want to rush anything," he said. "When I feel like I can go every day without having to play a night in practice and then sit out, until I feel that way, I'm not going to play." With Ron Artest traded to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the team which ousted Houston in the second round of last season's playoffs, there will be many new faces in Rocket red uniforms this season. Among them will be Australian David Andersen, signed as the Houston center in Yao's absence. "The people that we're missing are huge pieces," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "It's going to be interesting to see how the guys respond. We've become a very young team. Guys are going to have to accept different roles."