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Australia beats Hong Kong at Asia NT Finals

22731 spectators gathered at the Happy Madison Center in Japan to witness the Asia Qualifying Finals. Australia seems the heavy favorite against their usual finals opponents, Hong Kong.

Darby Walters played well and gathered 35 points, shooting 6 of 11 from the outside to take to win by the score of 93-84. Preston Grigg led the team with 16 points, with 7 assists, and exemplified tenacious combination of offense and defense. He also had 5 rebounds. And Stewart Gaffney went for 13 points and 14 rebounds shooting at 60% from the field.

Hong Kong's center To Eng Long scored 19 points with 15 rebounds, and team mates Yiu Qing Lai and Tze Tze Peng scored 17 and 16, respectively, to try to rout the game into their favor. They tried to play inside more in this series. Yet, they were outpaced by the Aussies as they made outside game run in the second half to confuse Hong Kong's Inside defense.

Hong Kong's centers made a good job in Defending Caffney in the first half, limiting his scoring capabilities. But The Aussie center was relentless in the rebounding end as he made key boards and taps.

Australia was strong overall, despite their inside defense focus, they were really good in denying the outside shooting of Hong Kong, giving the Hong Kong3-point result to 6-19. "We really want to shut down their outside shooting. So, we made them shoot less, and shoot poorly, and it all went well despite having zone defense." says the AU coach.

Australia wins the Asia Confederation cup and will lead to the World Championships, in which, it will be announced when the World Championship committee releases a press statement. "Right now we are on a tight schedule and we will inform everyone on when will this occur." says the WC representative via phone patch.

Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia will be playing for Second Chance Qualifiers and will be held in the US. Taiwan will be facing Israel, Japan will play against Germany, and Indonesia will battle against Algeria.

waah! sayang OT pa pala pagkatalo ko.. T-T

TGIF, Blades, Loyola Hts maintain top spot

TGIF MANILA managed to play back to back wins, and now tied with Batangas Blades in taking the top spot in the Big 8 conference, with a win against Hoes by the score 113-108.

Modesto Navaja scored 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting for 50% FG, and Stephen Janagap scored 22 points.

Hoes tried to make a rally in the fourth quarter, out-scoring TGIF MANILA 41-27, yet the boys from Fridays Coliseum manage to maintain the led just in time in taking the game.

Batangas Blades, tied with TGIF MANILA, scored a win against Spider Forest with the score 136-127, held at the Wet Web Arena.

The hosts Spider Forest struggled to manage a lead in four quarters, ending each period trailing. Batangas Blades was pumped up and running more in the game.

Italian Forward Fulvio Blardone played 37 minutes scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks, yet he somewhat played just inept.

"We could've expected more from Blardone... this is not what we want him to play." says the Blades coach.

It was a great game none the less, as the two teams exchange points, and the crowd was on it's feet all throughout the final quarter.

Loyola Hts BC snagged a win against tournament champions Jubas Beasts, as these two teams, known for having high scoring games, reached the final score of 82-80.

Jubas Astrodome was faced with a situation, as they entered the season with 1-1 season record, fans fear that this may be start of a struggling chapter for the Beasts, who went 16 straight games with no loss in the start of their season 5.

Loyola Hts, however, had their 8 straight games with a win, including their first 2 at the PPL, and it seems that the future looks bright for the former champions.

Lito Guevarra and Roque Gualberto each scored 19 points for Loyola Hts, while Jorge Olivares scored 26 points and 15 rebounds and Cesar Bastos scored 22 ppoints and 19 rebounds.

In other games, TrailBlazers United, PPL season 5 champions, is now 0-2 after having a loss against team Polydozel. Mervyn Jamora scored 34 points and Ubaldo Nudalo had 26 points and 16 rebounds. Mandaue Selection also had an 0-2 record when they lost against Devil Bats Deimon, 84-70. Queen's Coast end our losing teams update, as they faced off against Gin Kings. Fernando Gimenez Soler scored 32 points and 18 rebounds for the Gin Kings, who won with the score, 79-108.

KDB's Ruel Garvez to be put up on TList

Ruel Garvez, Center for the NBBA's King Drive Ballers, and a representative for the Philippines' National team, will be on sale as reported earlier today.

In an announcement made by the National Team coach, he said that "The coach of King Drive Ballers sent a fax to me this morning, stating the sale of Garvez and proposing to make early bids for the player. He also stated that both parties had an agreement on this decision."

Garvez was drafted by the HailMary Team in the very start of season 3, after which he was bought by the Italian Premier Boston Celtics. He played for 2 seasons, and he was put on sale after. He was a monster in the defensive category, and despite his prowess in defense and rebounds, he manage to score double figures, shooting above 50%.

"He's a solid offensive threat, on a good day." says Anthony Suntay, A filipino sports analyst. "He sometimes scores below 10 points, but on other days, he scores 40. On an NBBA court."

And even if he is inconsistent in offense, he backs it up with his consistent and tenacious defense.

"He likes to rebound. And he likes defense a lot." Suntay added. "He likes to play the opponent rather than to play the ball."

There have been speculations whether on where will Garvez play next. As Suntay commented, "Garvez is still trainable, and this is what most teams want in a player on the Transfer List."

"But in his current ability, I guess the usual suspects would be the powerhouse teams. Italians could get him back, or other NBBA teams, also Canada."

"But, let's not forget other teams who are silent recently, Portuguese, Brazilian, Argentine, even Spanish teams could give an offer. With his ability, he has an open market, and the very elite will be there to have a bid."

Exciting matchup for the Big 8 conderence

9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM TGIF MANILA Devil Bats Deimon
9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM TrailBlazers United Batangas Blades
9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Mandaue Selection Spider Forest
9/2/2008 6:00:00 PM Hoes Team Polydozel

Big 8 conference's day 6 of the 6th season of the Philippines Premier League caps off with a fantastic lineup of games. All would be started at 6 tomorrow evening.

First up is the match between Mandaue Selection and Spider Forest. Mandaue Selection is currently 0-5, searching for that first win still, and with the nail-biting loss to Team Polydozel with the score 136-134, wherein they have the chance to steal a win, Mandaue sure will have another hard weeks coming ahead as their next games include Spider Forest, Hoes, TrailBlazers United, and Cavite Force.

Spider Forest, however will be the favorites in this match, and will try to do most damage for points, as they would be facing harder opponents in the coming week, away from their home court. "This is one hard week ahead, playing away at home, so we need to be prepared at all costs." says the team coach

TGIF MANILA will be visiting Devil Bats Deimon, who is currently 7th on the conference, will try to win the game at ease, and watch out for complacency. Barring a 2-3 record, TGIF promised to have a promising PPL season, and try to stay out of the relegation zone. "People say that we need to stay out of the relegation zone." says the TGIF Coach. "But we will stay out of it, and will vie to have a spot in the playoffs. That's our goal for this season."

Currently trailing at 4th place, former champions TrailBlazers United will try to steal some Batangas Blades' thunder, as they will face off on Tuesday. A win by ten points or more will put them up on the spot, even higher, depending on the winner on the Hoes-Polydozel match.

"A win by ten or more will catapult TrailBlazers up and drag the Blades down." says analyst Chino Trinidad "And all will be jumbled up also depending on the other game, in which, the loser may join them in a triple tie, right before the inter-conference clash. A win for the Blades, however, will put them in a tie between of the winner of the other game."

That game would be the somewhat knockout game over the top between Hoes and Team Polydozel. TP is known as the surprising factor in season 5, but based on the papers, Hoes had the advantage.

"Hoes had been the absolute juggernaut ever since their stint in League II." says one Polydozel executive. "Having three players in 20+ points a game in your team would mean absolute offensive frenzy. You never know who will be their spark of the offense."

Both teams have won three consecutive games and this Tuesday will be the deciding factor on who will be leading the Big 8 conference at the inter-conference clash happening at 9/9/2008.

NCAA vs. UAAP Representative Showdown

Katipunan, Quezon City - It was one of the most awaited games this season in Division II.2 between the Letran Knights and the ADMU Blue Eagles. Both teams were with an unblemished 5-0 record before the match, each destroying their opponents by double digit averages. The Letran Knights had a formidable front court in Nino Nolasco and Juan Jose Villanueva showcasing exceptional rebounding and inside defense skills. The ADMU Blue Eagles were known however for their inside scoring with main man Roberto Catalano.

Amazingly, a surprise move by Norman Black saw the backcourt tandem of German Nader and team captain Arsenio Villalino focus on an outside game. "We knew they were going to protect the paint, and they're very well known for doing a good job at it, so coach thought why not focus on our jumpers instead, it worked out fine," said German Nader who was the high point man with 29 points, and shooting the crucial free throws to close out the game.

"We believe this is a pivotal game for us since the pressure will now be on the Letran Knights to win every game after this and try to come back and beat us in our second game in their home court", said coach Norman Black.

The Letran Knights and ADMU Blue Eagles look to be heavy favorites to come in the premiere league, but sports analysts say the Letran Knights are more ripe for the PPL.

"Ang bata pa ng ADMU Blue Eagles, they have a lot of young talent but they still have to expose that", said critic Quinito Henson.

The ADMU Blue Eagles sit atop with a 6-0 record followed by the Letran Knights at 5-1. Previous contender from last season Brgy. Ginebra Kings has been struggling the first few games, but have now began to pick up the pace.

"We're not ruling out the Kings, we all know their 'Never say die' attitude, and they may just be the dark horse for this season", said star Roberto Catalano.

It's Official, Garvez up for grabs

The word out of the mill is now official, Philippine NT superstar and NBBA sensation Ruel Garvez is out and into the transfer list.

In the recent fax made by the King Drive Ballers management to the Transfer List Committee, formally signed by the team manager, Ruel Garvez will be put up on global auction with the starting price of $4 Million.

King Drive Ballers, currently shaving off some salary cap space, now consists of 10 players including Garvez, as they recently sold out three players... Aage Isaksen, Cristiano Battaglino, and Sergio Villascuerna. A complete revamping of the KDB roster is already as planned.

"We plan on going straight at the B3 crown this season, so we tried to be extravagant. Unfortunately, we lost very early in the eliminations, and now, we're moving on to continue a run for a shot at next years B3." A KDB source tells us.

Lost to BC Torooo at the early stage of the tournament, KDB focuses more on their NBBA run, and this time, Garvez might be placed in other team.

"It is purely trying to go with the flow, the economic flow. We're currently like a dead fish swimming in the current when it comes to money talks, as most teams face right now, so we figured we shed some salary to survive this economic turmoil."

A price of $4 Million at this state could mean fewer buyers (if none). Narrowing the choices for Garvez's potential buyers to a fewer number. Italians might have a run in the auction, but none is confirmed as of yet.

"We really hope that whoever gets Garvez will continue to unleash his potentials, as he is still young and the possibilities are limitless potential-wise." says the NT trainer.

Garvez ranks #5 in Rating and #9 in FG% in NBBA, which is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He averages 10 points and 10 rebounds per game, and considered one of the great walls of NBBA. With his outstanding defensive pressure, most players he defended will have a hard time with his speed, positioning, and leadership composure on-court.

BEASTS OPEN 2nd ROUND WITH A BANG

Jubas Astrodome - The top two teams of the Philippine Premier League clashed last night to open the second round of the league. Jubas Beasts(53996) edged Team Polydozel(54073) to the tune of 98-75(6703322) . Both teams are riding their own winning streaks with the Beasts piling up 7 straight wins and the Polydozel with 6. The Beasts put on their trademark defense putting up 27 steals and 10 blocks in the game which forced their opponent to commit 17 turnovers in the first half alone. Team superstar Liang Wai Cheng(2445408) led the Beasts with 30 points and 9 rebounds.

Guarnes sidelined with injury, team loses two in a row

Team Polydozel's Hipolito Guarnes, sat down the game against Loyola Hts BC with an injury, resulting in a lack lustering performance by the team, causing it's second straight loss. 106-93.

Guarnes caught in a collision which he got the injury, he was rushed to the locker room for tests, he came back in the 4th quarter, but didn't play since then.

"It wasn't serious, he could play again next game." says the team doctor. "As a safety caution, we didn't allow him to continue the game... it is a hard decision, and now we are feeling the result."

5 Polydozel players were in double-digit scoring. Sebastian Alcantara was the leading scorer for the pack, bearing 18 points, 8 rebounds, and a block. But it wasn't enough.

Guarnes was feeling it defensively when he scored 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. As soon as he was caught in a collision with a few players, he slumped in the bench.

"It's very heartbreaking... it affected the team morale very much." says Simeon Tongson.

Last week, Mervyn Jamora was sidelined with an ankle injury. Team Polydozel representatives said that it will take him a week to play, making him 'probable' to play against Loyola Hts, but it seems the team itself thought otherwise and they never have comment whether Jamora would play against Queen's Coast this Tuesday.

Last edited by Katchafire Collie at 9/20/2008 8:13:06 AM

Guarnes tops All-Star voting; Tongson, Jamora plays for their third time

Hipolito Guarnes tops the ballots in the latest all-star voting that ended Sunday morning. Simeon Tongson and Mervyn Jamora also earned enough votes to start in the Season 6 PPL All-Star games, that will be played at San Jose, Hoes arena.

It is the second time that Guarnes will play for the All-star game. And his first to top the ballots.

"It was really unexpected, and such an honor to be starting the Al-Star game, wherein we play with the best players on the league today." says Guarnes.

Guarnes, who averaged 26.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.1 steals garnered a total of 79987 votes. H.P.'s Vladukas Juškievicius came in second, with a total of 69112 votes, and Simeon Tongson, who will play his third all-star game, came third with 66700 votes.

Guarnes also broke the record for most votes in history, a feat that was made last year by the Queen's Coast center Simeon Ronquillo, who is also a participant in this season's all-star game. But Guarnes never cared for this broken feat.

"It's not just me. There are more than 5 players that broke the record. This just shows that the PPL fanbase is rapidly growing... and this is what makes the game more competitive, and exciting at the same time."

Mervyn Jamora also got a lot of votes, and he will be starting alongside Polydozel teammates Tongson and Guarnes in the All-Star game. It will be his third time.

"The fans are so good to us, and they wanna see us play alongside with Nudalo and Nezih (TrailBlazers United), Ricamona (Hoes), and Duart (Spider Forest) among all others... the ans will be most pleased." Jamora commented.

The PPL All-star game would be frontlined by the PPL three-point shootout. H.P.'s Viteslav Jurica won't be defending his reign as last season's three-point champion, but his teammates, Norman Johnson and Vladukas Juškievicius will try to make the trophy stay where it is, in the H.P. trophy room, and they will have to fight it out against the top three-pointers of the league.

A Tale Of Two Champions

Thursday cup games have always been epic, as every team have a different story to tell.Last year, it was the amazing effort of a lower tier team to reach the finals. ribonucleic acid reached the finals, one step closer on being the first team from a tier II league ever to win the National cup. They lost the game, but not the respect.

Jubas Beasts was the victors in the tournament. They are currently the back-to-back cup champions, unbeatable since their first cup championship, resident playoff team, and a league finals contender.

Jubas has been in the drive towards obtaining both the league and cup championships in a season. They almost did it last season, until one team, arguably the best in the country, tried to ruin the party. The team by the name of TrailBlazers United.

Ubaldo Nudalo, TrailBlazer's leader and front-runner, has been the force of the league for two seasons. And they're getting better and better. Their front court is practically impenetrable, as Nudalo, Lambatin, Contreras, among others, are circling around the area like sharks on a bait. Rebound after rebound, post up shot after post up shot, TrailBlazers United always vie for the coveted trophy, one game at a time.

Blazers also, are strong candidates for teams who would be vying for the one feat that no one else has done. To win League and cup Championships in one season.

Their first chapter now will unfold, at Thursday, when TrailBlazers United will play hosts to Jubas Beasts. At the same time, Queen's Coast will play for the other cup finals slot, against Ateneo Blue Eagles... the team handled by a former PPL league member.