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A Game to Remember.... or Forget?

This was a game to remember and forget depending on which side of the fence you are. The usually heated seasonal cross conference rivalry between Zebu Mayas and Team Damy reached fever pitch after a week of trash talking between fans and the owners of each team.

Newly acquired Center Rousaro Manago and Guard Prince John Nalzaro of Zebu Mayas scored 30 and 31 respectively to lead their team but that just wasn't enough as a Team Damy player scored 62 points... Yes 62 freaking points to awe everyone who was watching the exciting game in Death Valley Arena last night.

Almost in the twilight years of his career Team Damy veteran guard 32 yo Rutherford Cornejo produced the scoring performance of his life notching a career high 62 points on 26 of 47 shooting almost breaking a 66 point league 2.4 record held by Cristirose Villagracia. Corneja also added 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block to his stat line. Corneja scored 38 points in the first half alone but was somewhat winded in the 3rd round scoring only 2 points enabling the Zebu Mayas team to catch up but in the fourth Corneja got back into the groove and scored another 22 points to cap an unforgettable scoring night for him. Team Damy won 109 to 95.

"I was pumped up for the game. It always is a great pleasure to play the Zebu Mayas squad as our team and theirs has this love hate relationship."said Rutherford Corneja after the game. "Everything went right for me tonight. In the zone you might call it."

When interviewed about the 62 point explosion by Corneja, Zebu Mayas Owner Lolo Smithz sheepishly replied. "There is a Tagalog phrase that aptly describes our game tonight. Mamatay ka sa maling akala (You will die with the wrong assumption). Like with our game against Tugar&Tweety we choose to leave one player to shoot at will and defend the other positions better it was a success then but in this game that tactic was a disaster. Like a tsunami wave hitting a wooden hut along the shoreline. Complete devastation."

"I am happy for Rutherford Corneja, a veteran player who has around two to three seasons more in his playing career before he gets too old to perform at a top level, to be able to produce such a scoring performance is something that will forever be etched in the annals of Team Damy history and for their fans alike. No matter how weak your defender is to be able to score 62 points is a feat one should cherish forever."

"Anyways there is still a cup match between Team Damy and us tomorrow and we will see if Corneja can score again 62 points. If he can then hands down he is one of the best players that has ever played in Pilipinas League 2.4."

Last edited by Lolo Smithz at 1/8/2013 10:25:40 PM

Dahlia Mavericks dumbfounded, loses against Dagonoy Valets 79-101

The Carwash Arena, Philippines -- The Dahlia Mavericks competed in the first quarter, second and third but the fourth quarter tells a different story: they were outscored 32-18.

"The turning point was when Famaran and Sepulveda missed both their free throws." Mavs coach Doc recalling the game said. "they were able to score eight straight points then."

The Dahlia Mavericks are dumbfounded as shorter rotation keeps on beating them. "Isn't depth more important than talent?" GM Nicolo Maro wondered. He could not believe how the trio of Ian Bache, Nutautas Aperaitis and Shi Kwan Shing scored 29, 25 and 22 points respectively.

"This is a forgettable day," he added. "we were beaten plain and simple."

Dagonoy Valets 'dominated' them as they hit and attempted more shots 42-95 (Mavs 30-77), were 12-30 from 3PG, have more assists and less turnover.

Calvin Robles 'led' the Mavs with 21 points and 8 rebounds while Scott Famaran (14 points and 14 rebounds) and Apolonio Sepulveda (12 points and 13 rebounds) had a double-double as the Mavs alternated W/L in their last four games.

"There is nothing to report really" owner Yo Chi flatly said clearly frustrated with such a lopsided loss.

Grudge Match Deux

Fans were treated to a second serving of intense rivalry as the supposed to be once in a season cross conference match up between bitter rivals Zebu Mayas and Team Damy become two this season as both them had the unfortunate luck of getting paired in a cup match.

Zebu Mayas fans watched in horror as their home team trailed 4 to 13 early against Team Damy resulting to an early full timeout by the home team. But slowly and surely on basket at a time the Zebu Mayas squad came back to trail by one the the end of the first half and led by 1 the the end of the 2nd quarter.

The 3rd quarter saw Zebu Mayas lead balloon to 6 point and in the fourth quarter Zebu Mayas put up another superb defensive show allowing Team Damy only 3 field goals attempts made aside from free throw attempts to shut down their offense and win 94 to 81.

Francis Calo had a monster game to lead Zebu Mayas with 26 points, 19 rebounds (6 OR) 1 assists 3 steals and 1 block and was ably supported by Rosauro Manago with 22 points, 12 rebounds (4 OR) 1 steal and 2 blocks. Orlanda Tigas playing backup scored 20 points and Stacy Dobbins as starting PF added 19 points for Team Damy.

Zebu Mayas Owner Lolo Smithz wanted to shake the hands of Team Damy Owner PH-Damy after the game but he was nowhere to be seen after the game as he left early. When asked what was the winning formula this game by reporters this was his reply.

"Defense, defense, defense. You win with defense. I've never seen my team shutdown the opposition like what happened in the fourth quarter. 3 field goals made only."

"In our league game we let Corneja have his way because we wanted to rest our best defenders for the matches to come but it was really embarrassing to get hit by a 62 point tsunami by a single player. We got heavily criticized by our fans and critics alike for losing a game we could have won. Prince John Nalzaro had one mission this game. Guard Corneja like a pest and he did so brilliantly limiting Corneja to 3 out of 10 shooting."

"And we also did a number on their best player star PF Roy Derieda by limiting his touches and making him turnover the ball 8 times and also won in the rebounding department this time around 47 to 39."

"Next up for us is the very talented and dangerous team Pro Tambays owned by Master PH-Cezzz. With our 6-6 league record we can't afford to lose this one but with cup games next week we will have to choose which games to lose and which games to win again. I'm sure our fans will not like it again and bombard us with criticisms but sometimes that is the reality when you have both cup and league duties."

And Down Goes Another

Rousaro Manago, Zebu Mayas newest bigman recruit went down to an injury at the 3rd quarter of their match between Pro Tambays and down went their chances of winning the match losing 86-100. Prince John Nalzaro, 30 points scored, tried hard to make an improbable comeback trailing by 4 points at the end of the third but just couldn't do so as the Zebu Mayas squad got outrebounded 51 to 40 and had less assists 11 to 18 against Pro Tambays.

"We simply got outplayed by Master Ph-Cezzz (Owner of Pro Tambays) this game. His masterful tactic of playing Push the Ball caught us off guard as we thought he was going Motion as our back court was very out of shape due to too much playing time the last three games. And we also had one of our worst free throw shooting nights 10 of 21 made only."

"In a very close conference we have now dropped back again to last place. We seriously are in danger of getting relegated so drastic measures has to be taken. Giving up on the cup is a very real option now. Hopefully we can get Paul Pasana back before our cup game on Tuesday and Rosauro Manago will be able to play by Saturday's league game. Hopefully we can turn things around before its too late."

Last edited by Lolo Smithz at 1/13/2013 8:39:24 AM

Interesting Cup Matches in Round of 64

Its Raining Threeeeeeeeeessssssss!!!

League 3 team LBC Express Mailers went trigger happy from the outside the arc to upset highly fancied PPL team Dahlia Mavericks 110-98. The Express Mailers went 15-28 from the 3 point area lead by ex U21 player Stanley Tobongbanau with 28 points (4-6 3 point shooting) and ably matched by Joserey Reales who also had 28 points (4 of 4 3 point shooting). The Express Mailers played their hearts out as if their lives depended on it while the Dahlia Mavericks just coasted along playing listlessly in this upset of a game.

Owner of LBC Express Mailers PH-AthrunZala was like a crazed monkey jumping up and down when his team was raining threes on their opponents. He was smiling this very evil grin after the game when he was interviewed. "It is really a nice feeling when you kick out a higher league team from the cup. Never underestimate us lower leaguers as the ball is round and anything is quite achievable when you are highly motivated to do so."

The Padawan's Padawan beats the Master

Pro Tambay's Owner Ph-Cezzz is acknowledged as one of the master tacticians in the Pilipinas BB circles but even he couldn't survive a very determined Burning Legions team of Ph- Sargeras. The game was close in the first half 28-28 but in the second half it was a different story as Burning Legion shocked the naysayers and delighted the home crowd to outscore Pro Tambays 29 to 10 to lead by 19 at the end of the half. Burning Legions added another 6 points to the lead in the 3rd quarter and held on to win 101-87 in the end.

"Just not my night. My star player Fong Kong Chian sucked so bad shooting 6-24 from the field." said Ph-Cezzz as he looked like he could kill someone. "I think someone will get fired if he doesn't do better in the next few games"

"Its an honor to beat Ph-Cezzz in any game but this is pretty sweet as I was the underdog and not given much chance to win." said Ph-Sargeras. "Even my mentor Lolo Smithz didn't give me much of a chance to win but I wanted to prove everyone wrong. I bought an overpriced PG Dennis Tamaya (paid almost 900k for a 30 yo 32k player) just for this game and he was worth every cent of it as he led my team to victory. One of the best games in my teams history and will be remembered for seasons to come."

Double Overtime Thriller

Kids Next Door and Queen's Coast Silv3r treated basketball fans with a thrilling double overtime game with the former just winning by a mere point 119 to 118 in the final. The game was close throughout even with the early injury suffered by Queen's Coast Silv3r starting PF Graciano Recamara. The game also featured a rare ejection as QCS PG Cyrille Thieulin got tossed after a second fragrant foul in the 2nd OT after getting his first one in the 4th quarter.

Owner of Queen's Coast Silv3r Abeegots was seen complaining about the match saying something about "Mafia" being involved and the league is pretty concern about the allegations and is thinking of imposing sanctions on Mr. Abeegots for the said accusations.

Another shocking game of note was the league 4 team Sustagen beating lague 2 team Divas 98 to 61 to advance into the next round and is the only league 4 team left in the cup.

Dahlia Mavericks can't close, end of the road in the National Tournament

Q. Arena, Philippines -- It was a forgettable week for the Dahlia Mavericks as expectation were high but they went 0-2 in one league game and ended their run through the National Tournament.

The Mavs were leading 69-64 against Remedial Kings entering the 4th but was 'shut-down' scoring only 9 points as the Kings 'ran-away' with 28 in the fourth period losing 92-78.

It didn't hurt much according to the Mavs but losing in the cup 'hurts a lot' - that it matters to them.

"That's why it's an elimination game," GM Nicolo Maro said. "everybody has a chance provided they bring their A-game."

The Mavs were leading 31-24 in the first but the LBC Express Mailers II 'delivered' in the 2nd as they scored 36-14 leading by 15 points, 60-45 at the half.

The Mavs tried to cut the deficit in the second half but everytime they are in 'striking-distance', the Mailers answered.

The long-distance shooting was the biggest factor as they made 54% of their shot from behind the arc connecting 15-28.

Mavs brass were unavailable for comment but they accepted their defeat and is 'looking forward to stay afloat in Division I league.'

Dahlia Mavericks pushed the ball against Dilata, canned them on their arena 109-98

Dilata, Philippines -- The Dahlia Mavericks were frustrated as they went 0-2 for the week and ended their run on the National Tournament. They were determined to apply pressure against Dilata as they battle their way onto contention in the Philippine Premier League race for the playoffs.

The Mavs stepped on the gas right from the start as they raced 25-16 at the end of first. They were up 16, 53-37 in the first half.

Dilata tried to comeback but their efforts were halted as the Mavs matched them point-by-point ultimately winning 109-98.

"Since we are now out of contention in the National Tournament, we will focus our effort in making the playoffs!" GM Nicolo Maro said.

Coach Doc did not take this game lightly as he instructed his boys to apply pressure from the get-go. "I told them to run, just run and tire them out." he said.

Teodosio Amante led the Mavs with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 65% shooting 15-23.

"Since we prematurely got eliminated in the NT, we will not take opponents from here," Amante said.

The frontline of Apolonio Sepulveda and Scott Famaran had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds and 11 and 12, respectively.

Ananias Capuyan was solid with 21 points and 6 assists in 69% shooting (9-13) while Fillmore Sabangan, coming from an injury, filled in with 13 points in 14 minutes off the bench. Only Bernie Dimagan among the starters went 'cold' as he went 0-11 from the field scoring 6 points on free throws but dishing out 9 assists.

Dilata star player Marc Glueckert gets it going as he tried his best to earn them a victory scoring 43 points in 18-39 shooting.

Dynamo Waldemar Szmigiel provided the one-two punch contributing 20 points but it wasn't enough as their depth is clearly an issue as they played only six players with three of the starters playing all 48 minutes.

"We don't expect to win a game if we executed poorly and get 18 rebounds less than the winning team," Dilata coach said.

The Mavs is looking forward on their next game as they face Lonely Hearts Club, the only Great 8 PPL team in contention in the National Tournament. They met thrice in Season 19 with the Mavs losing 0-2 in the regular season but winning in the semifinals. That victory paved the way for the Mavs having a taste of PPL as they defeated Zebu Mayas in the finals.

Agony of Defeat... Sweet Feeling of Victory

Pajic! Pajic! Pajic

Miller: 17 seconds left in this exciting match between Zebu Mayas and Nescafe Classics with Mayas leading by 1 105-104 and the home crowd is chanting Vid Pajic's name egging him on.

Van Gundy: Who wouldn't be chanting his name as he has been sensational today a career high 50 points scored against a very tough Zebu Mayas defense.

Miller: Looks like Pajic is asking for a clear out wants to be the hero of this game.

Van Gundy: Well if I were the coach of Nescafe Classics I would also like him to have the ball at this crucial 17 seconds of the game. Win or lose he deserves to be the one to finish this.

Miller: Okay here it goes a clear out Pajic one on one against Zebu Mayas Prince John Nalzaro who has been hounding him all day and couldn't stop his rampage. Who will be the hero who will be the goat?

Van Gundy: Pajic starts his dribble he drives strong to the hoop on the last second and....

Miller and Van Gundy: .... HE MISSES!

Miller: What a game! And Prince John Nalzaro gets mobbed by his Zebu Mayas teammates! What a game with the outcome decided on the final shot! The home crowd is still stunned and in silence by the loss and Vid Pajic is in shock also. Poor guy.

Zebu Mayas carved out a 105-104 win after another scoring rampage by the opposing teams top scorer this time by Nescafe Classics' Vid Pajic who was like an Energizer bunny who just keeps going and going scoring 50 points in 19-43 shooting and 10-16 free throw attempts and added 5 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. But the 50 point outburst was for naught as the last important shot missed its mark.

"I don't know why opposing teams seems to like to have their scorers go gaga against us. We must be public enemy one in this league." Lolo Smithz said with a sigh of relief after the game. "I will take a one point win any day and we certainly needed this win as we are 8th place in a super tough conference. Francis Calo had a nice game on 13-16 shooting scoring 28 points and 10 rebounds with 3 crucial assists also with Jed Robison (19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists 1 steal) and Ariel Domingo (9 assists 18 points) ably supporting him."

"I'm going to sound biased but Prince John Nalzaro (21 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, one steal one block) redeemed himself in the end with that superb defensive stop against Pajic in the last second. I would say Pajic is even better than Corneja who tsunamied us with a 62 point performance as Nalzaro is our best defensive stopper and Pajic still dropped 50 on him."

"It was like Pajic the one man wrecking crew against the entire Zebu Mayas team at a period in the 4th quarter where he just caught fire and couldn't miss trading shot after shot. Hats off to him even if he didn't win the game for his team. One hell of a performance and one our team was very very lucky to escape with a win."





Last edited by Lolo Smithz at 1/20/2013 7:50:16 PM

Not even a single quarter: Dahlia Mavericks trounced by Lonely Hearts Club, 72-102

Q. Arena, Philippines -- Owner Yo Chi and GM Nicolo Maro just arrived from a business trip in Tokyo and was in horror as they were trailing 52-80 by the end of third.

After seeing the score, the owner immediately left the arena and went home. "Coming from a business trip, we wanted to support our team; but this surprised us" GM Nicolo Maro said.

"The team looks lifeless," Mavs coach Doc said. "It's not like they're that intimidating, I don't know the answer."

Six players scored in double figures for the LHC led by Pete Montallana with 22 points and Pierre-Charles Jutras with 14 points and 22 rebounds.

"We just want to go at them hard!" Montallana said. (with Jutras chuckling in the background).

"We caught them by surprise in all facet of the game; they thought they can win just by having a home-court advantage but we outworked them." LHC Coach said.

The Mavs shot a dismal 31% (26-83) from the field compared to LHC's 49% (40-81). They 'bombed' from beyond the arc going 3-22 (14%) to LHC's 36% (5-14).

Teodosio Amante led the Mavs with 30 points on 12-23 FG shooting but they were basically 'destroyed' according to GM Nicolo Maro.

It's all about the effort!

The Hidden Arena II, Manila -- The Dahlia Mavericks are losing down the stretch. The Mavs started hot scoring 29 points leading by six at the end of 1st. They maintained their lead going in the 4th matching Manila Bombers output per quarter leading 76-70.

However, things got interesting in the frenetic two minutes of the fourth as the Bombers rallied and took the lead 92-91 on Achille Caetta's jumper.

The Dahlia Mavericks did not 'bomb' away from beyond the arc attempting only six shots as they pounded the ball but Oscar Algaba's crucial three gave them a 94-92 lead with more than a minute left in the game.

On the ensuing possession, Ildefons Codony was called for an offensive foul but the Mavs did not convert and the Bombers called a timeout with 56 seconds left.

In just 11 seconds after drawing up the play, Lui Tze Ee draw the defenders and passed the ball to Xiao Kangbo 96-95.

The Mavs called a 30-second timeout and Scott Famaran converted regaining the lead 97-96.

Tze Ee this time did not pass the ball and converted a jumper and made it 98-97 in favor of the Bombers.

The Mavs were composed and Bernie Dimagan handled the ball and passed it to Apolonio Sepulveda who converted the shot giving the Mavs a 99-98 lead with 11 seconds left.

The Bombers drew a play that would eventually kill the Mavs as they drained the clock and Achille Caetta drilling the game-winner, 100-99 for the home team!

The crowd went wild and his teammates mobbed Achille while Capuyan was encouraged by his teammates as he was the one guarding him.

"What a game!" exclaimed Bombers coach, who was obviously encouraged as they eked out a win.

Lui Tze Ee and Xiao Kangbo, the dynamic guard duo of Manila Bombers, led them with 31 and 26 points. Ildefons Codony notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

"We need every bit of their score despite that final shot," Caetta said while scoring 14 points and hitting the game-winner.

The big boys went to work for the Mavs as Apolonio Sepulveda had a monster game with 27 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks in 70% (9-13 FG) hitting uncharacteristically 2-2 from beyond the arc). Scott Famaran had 12 points to go with 13 boards.

Teodosio Amante 'paced' them with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists but their efforts weren't enough as they had a defensive lapse at the buzzer.

"Shot through the heart,' Mavs coach Doc said. "and we're to blame!"

"We are now on a two-game losing streak, I can't believe that we outrebounded them (52-36) and yet they were able to win." GM Nicolo Maro said.

Foul!

Jammerz Arena, Philippines -- The Mavs were furious as they were whistled all through-out the game. It was very much evident as the All Star attempted 43 free throws (making 21, Ball Don't Lie!) compared to the Mavs 14 attempts, making 12.

However, the All Star were very effective with the ball distributing 30 assists (11 for the Mavs) and swiping them 12 times as the Mavs turned the ball over 16 times.

"That second quarter killed us," Mavs coach Doc said. "but I think we were playing 6 on 5 with all the calls against us."

Teodosio Amante led the Mavs with 22 points while Apolonio Sepulveda notched a double-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks - no Mavs scored in double figures.

Jam All Star's big man got the best of their counterparts as both Redemson Tomulto and Francesco Santarpia notched a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 14 points, 15 rebounds, respectively.

Coach Doc got fined with $250,000 for his remarks regarding the officiating.