TNT solidified their hold as the top team in Group A of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup after defeating Magnolia in the second round of eliminations with an 84-82 decision on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Tropang Giga with his monstrous performance. He produced 29 points alongside his career-high 25 rebounds.

It was a bounce-back game for RHJ as he missed a double-double performance for the first time in his PBA career. In their last game against Meralco he still produced 22 points and nine assists, one shy away of his usual double-figures in either boards or dimes.

Hollis-Jefferson said he came to the game prepared and made an effort to step-up as TNT was shorthanded in personnel as Rey Nambatac and Kim Aurin were out due to injuries.

“That comes down to effort,” said Rondae.

“Seeing a lot of guys, I played against dudes like Kenneth Faried, he is the name the stands out, Jared Sullinger, those dudes are resilient on the glass. And it just came from effort, wanting to get the rebounds. Knowing that a lot of shots would be taken, with that comes a lot of misses, trying to secure the rebound, that’s just my goal.”

The Season 48 Governors’ Cup best import also showed his defensive prowess as he registered four blocks in his name and helped the Tropang Giga their fifth straight victory. The biggest was the block against Zav Lucero with 2:27 left in the fourth period.

“I’m tired but that’s part of giving your all, being resilient, leaving it on the court, wanting to win, having that will. You might be tired, and need to take a play-off. But we really need a basket or we really need a stop,” said RHJ.

“That one block, I was gassed but we needed that block. All that (fatigue) goes behind you when you are in the moment. Now I can go eat and go to sleep now,” he added.

The game was a tight duel as neither team got a double digit lead. TNT’s largest lead was the 82-75 count off Hollis-Jefferson’s four straight points, while the biggest gap that Magnolia produced was at 51-44.

RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana churned out 19 and 10 points, respectively to back-up their hard-working import.

Magnolia still managed to have a toe-to-toe match against their rival even though they lost Mark Barroca with more than three minutes remaining in the game as he suffered a nose injury when Kelly Williams elbows inadvertently hit him.

Barroca produced 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and one steal against two turnovers before the freak accident happened.

Shabazz Muhammad produced good numbers in his second game with the Hotshots but not enough to bring them to victory. The Magnolia import had 30 points and 17 rebounds.

Paul Lee, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Zavier Lucero added 13, 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

The scores:

TNT 84 – Hollis-Jefferson 29, Pogoy 19, Oftana 10, Castro 9, Williams 9, Khobuntin 4, Heruela 3, 1, Exciminiano 0, Vosotros 0, Varilla 0.

Magnolia 82 – Muhammad 30, Lee 13, Ahanmisi 12, Barroca 10, Lucero 10, Dela Rosa 2, Abueva 2, Laput 2, Dionisio 1, Mendoza 0, Sangalang 0.

Quarters: 18-19; 40-36; 60-64; 84-82.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters denied the NLEX Road Warriors a game win as Adrian Nocum delivered a late-game surge to secure a hard-fought 123-114 overtime victory in the 2024 PBA Governor’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, September 17.

The Elasto Painters bounced back from their beatdown from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as they bravely conquered the standout performances of Road Warriors import DeQuan Jones posting a 49-point explosion and Robert Bolick tallying 28 markers, 11 boards, and nine assists. 

Adrian Nocum steered the overtime gameplay as he dropped seven points that gave the team a six-point cushion at 120-114. Anton Asistio then made the final say after making his 25th point, sealing the team’s sixth win. 

“Good test for us. This is a good experience. We have to learn how to win close games,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao told the reporters post-game.

Asistio top-scored for the Elasto Painters with 25 points, including 14 in the opening period alone where he fired up four of his five triples, while import Aaron Fuller contributed a double-double with 23 markers and 25 rebounds.

Jhonard Clarito produced his usual number by tallying 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Rookies Felix Lemetti and Caelan Tiongson added 14 and 11 markers, respectively.

Aside from his wasted 49 points, import Jones also snagged 11 rebounds. Newly debuted Road Warrior Javee Mocon, who was traded in exchange for Ato Ular, had nine points, 11 boards, and nine assists in the losing cause. 

The Elasto Painters will have a chance to take the solo No. 1 spot in Group B when they face San Miguel Beermen in their highly-anticipated showdown on Thursday, September 19, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Scores:

Rain or Shine 123 – Asistio 25, Fuller 23, Clarito 15, Lemetti 14, Tiongson 11, Nocum 11, Santillan 7, Datu 7, Mamuyac 5, Ildefonso 3, Belga 2, Caracut 0.

NLEX 114 – Jones 49, Bolick 28, Mocon 9, Herndon 9, Valdez 8, Miranda 6, Amer 3, Marcelo 2, Rodger 0, Semerad 0, Fajardo 0.

Quarterscores: 34-33, 56-61, 89-83, 110-110, 123-114 (OT).

The 30th edition of the PBA Press Corps Annual Awards will be full of history when they conduct it on September 24 at the Novotel Manila.

First on the list will be the presence of former Commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios as he will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker on the awards night, and finally reconnect with his PBA family.

Barrios was the longtime deputy commissioner to the late Emilio “Jun” Bernardino before becoming the main man of Asia's first pay-for-play league in 2008.

He left the league in 2010 but continued to work hand-in-hand with the PBA when he became the executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). He held the position from that year until his retirement earlier this year.

Barrios, along with the entire Press Corps led by its president Vladi Eduarte of the Abante Group, will recognize the PBA's top performers who made the previous season a memorable one.

Fajardo receives his third citation, Bolick gets his first

The PBA’s only eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo will etch his name in history books again as he receives his third Order of Merit honor. He has received the same citation in 2018 and 2019.

On the other hand, Robert Bolick will receive his first ever Scoring Champion accolade.

In the PBA’s Season 48 edition, Bolick averaged 25.4 points per game to lead the league in scoring in his first season with NLEX Road Warriors after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade with NorthPort Batang Pier for Don Trollano.

Game of the Season happens in the Finals

Meralco Bolts and San Miguel Beermen will share the spotlight as their Game 6 of the Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals will be honored as the Game of the Season.

It was the game where JMF and Chris Newsome exchanged clutch plays in the end game.

In a game where the Beermen climbed up from a 17-point deficit, the 34-year-old Fajardo made a surprise attempt at the three-point area off a broken play to tie the game at 78-all with 3.3 remaining.

But Meralco’s captain, Chris Newsome buried his trademark hang-time jumper to lead the Bolts to their first-ever PBA championship in franchise history.

Holt and Quinto join the fray

Stephen Holt and Bong Quinto get to share the center stage as they get their first award of the annual event.

Holt, the unanimous winner of Season 48 Rookie of the Year Award, will now lead the All-Rookie Team selection.

He will be joined by Cade Flores of NorthPort, Adrian Nocum of Rain or Shine, Ken Tuffin of Phoenix, and Kemark Carino of Terrafirma.

The 6-foot-4 Fil-Am, was the no. 1 overall pick of Terrafirma last season and as a promising rookie, he led the Dyip to its first playoffs appearance in the last eight years. With that, he was even included in the MVP race and became part of the season’s 2nd Mythical Team.

Meanwhile, Quinto will receive his first Mr. Quality Minutes award - the PBAPC’s version the Sixth Man of the Year.

The Meralco guard edged out SMB’s Jericho Cruz who won the award last year.

Quinto played 39 games last year and he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 26 minutes for the Bolts.

Other accolades

Lifetime Achievement Award will be handed out for the second time in the 30-year history of the awards night handed out by the men and women who cover the PBA.

Other citations to be given out are the President’s Award, Defensive Player of the Year, and Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year.

There would also be a special tribute to the PBA family members who passed away. They will be honored with a minute of silence and a final buzzer.

“Super” Marcio Lassiter has become the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) all-time leader in three-points made on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Going into their game against sibling rival Barangay Ginebra, Lassiter just needed three 3-pointers to surpass Jimmy Alapag’s 1,250 record. And the SMB faithful expected that to happen.

The sweet-shooting guard didn’t disappoint their fans as he reached the milestone in the first quarter alone where he drained four triples - the first two to tie the record of the “Mighty Mouse” while the third one broke it and the fourth one to set another milestone.

He made another two in the second half to further etch his legacy as the best three-pointer in the first ever pay-for-play league in Asia.

Lassiter finished with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from downtown to be awarded as the Best Player of the game and tallied a new three-point record of 1,254. The game ball used in the historic feat was awarded by Commissioner Willie Marcial during half. Lassiter was joined on center stage by wife and five children.

Alapag, who texted Lassiter on the eve of the game before Cio targets the historical feat, is now ranked no. 2 with 1,250 3-pointers made while the “Triggerman” Allan Caidad is at third place with 1,242.

Lassiter was the fastest and most efficient to get the “three-point king” honors as he did it in only 537 games, shooting 39 percent off the arc.

Caidic did it in 598 games while shooting 37 percent. Alapag, on the other hand, did it in 601 games behind 36 percent shooting.

The Beermen sniper still has a chance to make a better legacy by adding more three-pointers to his name as he is still an active player and not yet announcing when he will hang his sneakers.

Ateneo de Manila University narrowly escaped a late-game surge by archrival De La Salle University to triumph, 65-62, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 15, at Adamson Gym.

The Lady Blue Eagles built a commanding 47-29 lead early in the third quarter anchored from dominant performances of reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kacey Dela Rosa, Junize Calago, rookie Kai Oani, and Nigerian center Sarah Makanjuola.

Despite ruling the period with a comfortable 51-38 cushion, a game surge in the fourth quarter helmed by Luisa San Juan ignited a comeback for the Lady Archers. 

“I think we started slow in the game and ended slower. We adjusted late and that was on us coaches. San Juan got into a flow,” said Ateneo assistant coach Bacon Austria, as head coach LA Mumar was unavailable after the game.

San Juan nearly squandered Ateneo’s advantage after firing four triples to start the fourth quarter and turn it into a three-point game, 62-59, with four minutes left.

Calago split her free throws padding Ateneo’s lead but Bea Dalisay responded with a three-pointer to bring the Lady Archers within one point with 31.5 seconds remaining. La Salle, however, couldn’t complete a comeback as Oani sank a pair of free throws, sealing the victory for Ateneo.

"It is a rivalry game, so it's big for us. A win against La Salle is a win against La Salle. It's a good test for us, but there's still so much to learn," added Austria.

Dela Rosa delivered another double-double of 24 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks to improve to a 2-1. Meanwhile, La Salle dropped to 0-3.

Calago and Oani tallied 13 and 10 markers, respectively, while Makanjuola contributed eight points and 12 boards. 

San Juan, on the other hand, finished with a career-high 24 points, while graduating forward Bernice Paraiso scored 13 markers and seven rebounds in La Salle’s losing cause.

The Lady Blue Eagles’ feat arranged them a duel against Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, September 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while the Lady Archers will aim to clinch their first win when they take on the University of the East Lady Warriors on Sunday, September 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

THE SCORES:

Ateneo 65 - Dela Rosa 24, Calago 13, Oani 10, Makanjuila 8, Villacruz 7, Batongbakal 3, Eufemiano 0, Nieves 0, Angala 0, Aquirre 0, Cancio 0, Cruza 0.

DLSU 62 - San Juan 24, Paraiso 13, Dalisay 6, Santos 5, Sario 5, Dela Paz 4, Sunga 4, Delos Reyes 1, Camba 0, Mendoza 0, Rodriguez 0, Baciento 0.

Quarterscores: 17-14, 37-29, 51-38, 65-62.

The San Miguel Beermen never looked back after their fiery start to contain their lead until the very end against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 131-82 on Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

In the first quarter of play, Marcio Lassiter already made history by draining four triples that made him the all-time league leader in three-pointers made by tallying his 1,252nd career threes. He surpassed Jimmy Alapag’s record of 1,250 when the Beermen raced to an early 37-13.

Lassiter finished with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from downtown to be awarded as the Best Player of the game and tallied a new three-point record of 1,254. The game ball used in the historic feat was awarded by Commissioner Willie Marcial during half. Lassiter was joined on center stage by wife and five children.

SMB also made history as they recorded a franchise-high 49-point lead at the end of game.The dominating win also gave them the ticket to the quarterfinals as they already reached six wins.

Eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo made another monstrous double-double performance to back-up Lassiter. JMF scored 24 points, including a triple in the first quarter, and grabbed 17 rebounds.

CJ Perez added 22 markers, while Terrence Romeo, import Jordan Adams, and Don Trollano combined for 37 points in helping the team deal Barangay Ginebra its biggest losing margin in franchise history.

Rookie RJ Abbarientos led Ginebra in scoring with 19 points and Justin Brownlee helped by producing 16 quiet points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

The Gin Kings now have a 5-3 record and their four-game win streak has come to an end already in a game where coach Tim Cone suffered his biggest losing margin as a PBA coach.

Ginebra’s next assignment will be Phoenix on September 18, 7:30 PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium while the Beermen will face the Elasto Painters on September 19, same time at the same venue.

The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters finally clinched a victory in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup when they defeated Blackwater Bossing, 119-114 on Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Import Brandone Francis and veteran RR Garcia gave the lift for the Fuel masters in the end game to get their first ever victory of the season.

Francis scored a team-high 23 points, including seven in the last 49 seconds of play to put an end to the run of Bossing, which had a 20-point third quarter deficit.

Garcia played a vital role too by contributing 16 of his 20 total points in the final canto when Blackwater came within 98-102 with 6:42 remaining in the game.

Three more Fuel Masters scored in double figures to get their important win. Jason Perkins tallied 19 markers while Ricci Rivero added 14 and rookie Kai Ballungay had 12.

"As long as we got some schedules, games to be played, we will continue playing our best," said Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin. "So we're gonna come out in our next game well prepared and going for a win."

Garcia said he simply wanted to grant Jarin's wish for a breakthrough. "Yesterday, coach requested to give him a win today. That’s what’s in my mind and that’s my motivation,” said the 34-year-old guard.

On the other hand, Blackwater has suffered their second straight defeat. They fell at 3-5 and now placed 5th in Group B. Only the top four teams in each group will advance to the crossover quarterfinals.

As usual, the usual performers led the Bossing. Import George King scored 32, rookie Sedrick Barefiled added 30, sophomore James Kwekuteye contributed 20, and veterans Troy Rosario and Richard Escoto produced 10 each.

The Scores :

PHOENIX 119 - Francis 23, Garcia 20, Perkins 19, Rivero 14, Ballungay 12, Tio 7, Ular 5, Tuffin 5, Jazul 4, Soyud 3, Manganti 3, Muyang 2, Salado 2, Verano 0, Alejandro 0.

BLACKWATER 114 - King 32, Barefield 30, Kwekuteye 20, Rosario 10, Escoto 10, Ilagan 4, Chua 3, Suerte 3, David 2, Micthell 0, Casio 0.

QUARTERS: 30-29, 64-47, 90-78, 119-114.

Oftana drained six triples as TNT continued mastery over Meralco

Calvin Oftana scored a team-high 25 points, while Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro provided veteran-smarts in TNT Tropang Giga’s 108-99 win over Meralco on Thursday night in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The trio powered the Tropang Giga from a mere 100-97 lead into a more comfortable 106-97 cushion with 50 seconds of play remaining.

Oftana’s 25 points (eight in the fourth quarter) included sinking six three-pointers, grabbing 7 rebounds and dishing off three assists.

TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also helped out by producing 22 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists.

Jayson Castro contributed 12 markers, four boards and four dimes, while Kelly Williams scored nine points in his 15:45 playing time, and did his usual job in the defensive end.

"I thought we got great contributions defensively from Kelly Williams off the bench, I thought he was big," said TNT head coach Chot Reyes. "We knew Allen Durham was going to go out and attack us after his so-so performance in our first game against them. So it was important we had Kelly as secondary defender tonight."

True enough, Durham, who only scored eight points in their first meeting, came out better this time by producing game-high 26 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Chris Newsome paced the Bolts local with 23, while Bong Quinto and CJ Cansino contributed 12 each, and Chris Banchero added 10.

The scores:

TNT 108 – Oftana 25, Hollis-Jefferson 22, Aurin 16, Castro 12, Erram 11, Williams 9, Pogoy 9, Nambatac 4, Heruela 0, Khobuntin 0.

MERALCO 99 – Durham 26, Newsome 23, Cansino 12, Quinto 12, Banchero 10, Caram 8, Pasaol 4, Rios 4, Bates 0, Pascual 0, Jose 0, Mendoza 0.

Quarters: 32-20; 49-44; 78-67; 108-99.

Magnolia Hotshots new import Shabazz Muhammad sank a running shot with 8.1 seconds remaining in the game to overcome the gritty Terrafirma Dyip, 99-98, and kept them in the solo third place of Group in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.

The two teams traded clutch baskets in the final seconds of the game.

Paul Lee drained a four-pointer to give the Hotshots a two-point lead, 97-95. In the next play, Dyip’s rookie Paolo Hernandez sank a step-back triple that brought his team back with the lead, 98-97. But the last laugh belonged to Muhammad when he delivered the winning basket with 7.8 seconds left in the game.

Kevin Ferrer has one last say but his desperation three was way off the mark as Terrafirma stayed winless in the conference.

It was also the 19th straight win of the Magnolia against Terrafirma since July 15, 2016. The Dyip was still called Mahindra Enforcer by then while the Hotshots were named Star.

“I know it’s an ugly win, but I will take it. One point, two points, three points, 10 points, 20 points, as long as we win the game,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.

Shabazz Muhammad had a team-high 20 points despite being in foul-trouble, while Zav Lucero stayed consistent by producing 17 markers and grabbed five important boards. Calvin also helped the team cause by adding 15 points.

Antonio Hester produced 39 points and 16 rebounds against his former team for Terrafirma, which played in the absence of Christian Standhardinger but played their best game of the conference.

The Scores:

MAGNOLIA 99 - Muhammad 20, Lucero 17, Abueva 15, Ahanmisi 9, Lee 9, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 8, Barroca 7, Mendoza 3, Eriobu 2, Reavis 1, Laput 0, Alfaro 0, Balanza 0.

TERRAFIRMA 98 - Hester 39, Ferrer 18, Pringle 17, Hernandez 7, Olivario 6, Ramos 5, Cahilig 3, Sangalang 3, Carino 0, Hanapi 0.

QUARTERS: 17-20, 48-44, 69-71, 99-98.

Adamson University clinched two wins in a row after outclassing De La Salle University, 65-54, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 11, at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Archers bounced back in the third frame after falling behind 19-33 in the second, forcing a 35-all deadlock with 6:07 to go on an Arabell Bacierto triple.

However, the Lady Falcons reinstated its advantage as Elaine Etang, Jam Meniano, and Brianna Bajo led a strong finish in the third quarter for an 11-point lead heading in the fourth, 48-37.

Etang, who was part of Gilas Women’s 3x3 roster that competed in the FIBA 3x3 Nations League, paced the team with 15 points, five rebounds, and five steals.

“I want to commend the players with the tight schedule. We only had two days to prepare and they bought into what we wanted to do for La Salle – the girls responded well,” said Adamson head coach Ryan Monteclaro. 

Kat Agojo delivered 12 markers and five boards, while Cris Padilla contributed nine points, three boards, three dimes, and three deflections.

Meanwhile, Lee Sario tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against five turnovers as the green and white squad dropped to 0-2.

Tricia Mendoza added 10 and nine boards in the losing cause, in a game in which La Salle committed 31 turnovers.

Both teams will be back in action on Sunday, September 15, at the Adamson Gym.

The Lady Falcons will try to sustain their unblemished scorecard on its home court against Season 86 defending champion University of Santo Tomas, while the Lady Archers will aim to get its first win against Ateneo de Manila University.

The Scores:

AdU 65 – Etang 15, Agojo 12, Padilla 9, Apag 6, Meniano 6, Alaba 5, Limbago 4, Adeshina 4, Mazo 2, Bajo 2, Cortez 0, Alaba 0, Ornopia 0.

DLSU 54 – Sario 12, Mendoza 10, Paraiso 7, Camba 6, Dela Paz 5, San Juan 5, Dalisay 4, Bacierto 3, Sunga 2, Delos Reyes 0, Villava-Cua 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarterscores: 9-11, 33-23, 48-37, 65-54

San Miguel Beer got back at NLEX with a 119-114 win that boosted its playoff chances in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Beermen brought in a new reinforcement in Sheldon Mac in lieu of Jordan Adams but the locals carried much of the load to record a 4-2 slate in Group B.

They are now tied with Barangay Ginebra at second place, behind the pacesetting Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 5-1.

CJ Perez led the scoring for SMB with 24 points together with five rebounds while June Mar Fajado added 17 markers and nine boards.

But Marcio Lassiter was the one put on the spotlight as he moved past Allan Caidic to become the No. 2 in the most career three-pointers made after making four triples to have a total of 1,243, seven beams shy of tying Jimmy Alapag for most in the league.

Marcio Lassiter achieves three-point milestone

Lassiter had a total of 17 points in the game and his timely three-point conversions, helped the Beermen come back from an eight-point deficit in the third canto before outplaying the Road Warriors in the final period.

"Coming into the game, my expectation is to win. But thanks to my teammates they kept finding me, and getting to the elite list feels amazing," said Lassiter.

"But the most important thing is to win, and it's a great win for us tonight," he added.

As usual for NLEX, Robert Bolick led the way with 24 points, followed by the improving Mike Miranda with 18, while import Myke Henry, who might be playing his last game as a Road Warrior contributed 17.

The scores:

SAN MIGUEL 119 – Perez 24, Fajardo 17, Lassiter 17, Mac 16, Trollano 16, Romeo 13, Cruz 10, Ross 3, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 1, Rosales 0, Nava 0.

NLEX 114 – Bolick 24, Miranda 18, Henry 17, Valdez 15, Rodger 11, Amer 10, Herndon 9, Policarpio 4, Marcelo 4, Fajardo 2, Nermal 0.

Quarters: 27-23; 57-57; 86-92; 119-114.

Alec Stockton, Bryan Santos, and Schonny Winston pulled out the trigger in the end game to give Converge a 107-99 win over NorthPort on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The FiberXers led by the trio came out in a big 18-3 run late in the game to gain the victory and cut the team’s three-game slump. They are now tied with Batang Pier at fourth place in Group A with 3-4 identical records.

Stockton produced 21 points including a three-point play in the dying minutes of the game, while Santos finished with 15 markers including two crucial back-to-back triples that brought them back to the game, and Winston added 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Converge coach Franco Atienza said that they started well at the first half of play but struggled in the third period when NorthPort tied the game at the end of it after posting a 16-point second quarter lead.

"We started out quite well in the first half, but then 'yung third quarter was our loophole in this game," said Atienza.

"Basically, we all know na we're up against a really fast team, No. 1 in fastbreak, No. 2 turnover points and No. 1 in steals. So we just wanted to slow the game down somehow, but you cannot really keep a good team at bay for so long," added Atienza.

"It just so happened that in the fourth quarter we had our resolve. We were able to get a grind out win."

Scotty Hopson was just limited to 12 points only on 3-of-14 shooting but still grabbed 12 boards and dished off six assists, while star center Justin Arana just chipped in with only four points before fouling out of the game.

"We're glad that our locals... stepped up, but more so on the defensive end," noted Atienza.

Venky Jois led all scorers with 24 points on top of 14 rebounds and Arvin Tolentino had his own double-double of 21 markers and 10 boards to lead NorthPort.

The Batang Pier did get awarded a franchise-best 57 free throws, which is also the ninth-most for any team in league history, but could only get 36 points out of those charities.

Scottie Thompson stood out the best king of the night by posting 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists to exact revenge on George King and the Blackwater Bossing in their rematch at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last night.

Thompson’s triple-double led the Barangay Ginebra to a 112-98 victory over the Bossing to gain a solo second in Group with 4-2 slate.

"I'm slowly getting back, and that’s what I wanted to achieve at this conference, to be healthy again. I know that it will come,” said Thompson, back from an injury that sidelined him in the last Philippine Cup.

"Overall, we have to get better. For me, I also have to serve as role model for our younger players. Be a model in the game and in practice for the young guys so that they will also buy into the system that we are doing,” added Thompson.

Justin Brownlee added 20 points and nine rebounds to back-up ST9, while RJ Abarrientos tallied 15 markers.

Stephen Holt also produced 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to help their cause, while Japeth Aguilar also churn out the same number of points in a game where the Kings led by as many as 19.

"I think we needed to kind of have an attitude change and come out with a higher level of intensity because they've proven to be a strong team," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. and they did exactly what he said.

Ginebra might have seen another monster game from Bossing’s import George King when he produced 19 points in the first half but they limited him to only two in the second half and that spelled doom for Blackwater.

George King still paced the Bossing with 21 on 7-of-14 from the field, while Troy Rosario backed him up with 18 points and seven rebounds. Christian David added 13 points while Justine Chua fired 12 for Blackwater, which misfired on 1-of-9 shooting from the rainbow country.

The Gin Kings now have a three-game win streak after the defeat they suffered from Blackwater on their first meeting last August 30. The win also snapped Bossing’s three-game romp.

The scores:

BARANGAY GINEBRA 112 – Thompson 21, Brownlee 20, Abarrientos 15, Holt 14, J. Aguilar 14, Ahanmisi 8, Go 7, Tenorio 6, Mariano 4, Pinto 3, R. Aguilar 0.

BLACKWATER 98 – King 21, Rosario 18, Barefield 15, David 13, Chua 12, Ilagan 6, Escoto 5, Kwekuteye 3, Mitchell 3, Suerte 2, Corteza 0, Montalbo 0, Ponferrada 0.

Quarters: 36-22; 67-58; 91-82; 112-98.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters relied on their huge fourth quarter surge to promptly get back on the winning track after defeating Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters 122-107 on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Caelan Tiongson, Andrei Caracut and Gian Mamuyac poured out the buckets they needed while Adrian Nocum and Aaron Fuller painted their own will to lead a 24-4 run from a 95-97 deficit that gave the Elasto Painters a safe 119-101 lead, only 1:22 left.

Nocum led the Elasto Painters with 16 points, partnered with a career-high 10 rebounds to notch his first career double-double while import Aaron Fuller added 16 markers and 11 boards, even though he’s buckled with foul trouble.

Gian Mamuyac poured out 14 points which included back-to-back triples during their fourth quarter run. Anton Asistio and Jhonard Clarito put up 13 and 10 respectively while ROS prized rookies Tiongson and Felix Lemetti both tallied 12 points.

Guiao played down the win, saying Phoenix isn't playing to its potential.

“They’re struggling. I think their import got in a little late. Maybe if their import arrived earlier, they have a big chance to go in the next round,” said Guiao of the Fuel Masters.

“But we really had a hard time containing the import in the first half most especially. He is really a prolific scorer. We just tried to make his a little difficult, just to make him less efficient. But we know he’s going to score anyway.”

Brandone Francis still led Phoenix with his 31 points but only scored two in the final canto when he was just limited to a 1-of-6 shooting from the field.

Jason Perkins also showed a monster game especially in the shaded lane as he poured out 22 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters wanted to redeem themselves after failing to sweep the first round of the elimination round when they were defeated by June Mar Fajardo’s buzzer-beating jumper in their last game.

The Elasto Painters will face the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, which seek their first win of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup when they meet on Tuesday, 5pm of September 9 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Should ROS get the dub, they will have a solid hold of the lead in Group B when they recorded a 5-1 in the standings, and will be one victory ahead of coach Yeng Guaio’s target to be able to secure a spot in the crossover quarterfinal round.

However, Guiao is cautious of the struggling Fuel Masters that will rely on the capabilities of their new import Brandone Francis, who averaged 39 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in his first two games in the league.

"We are cautious in our approach to the Phoenix because we have beaten them without an import. We just pulled away in the end,” said Guaio.

"Now they have a good import. They've been struggling, yes. But I think their import is also just making the adjustments. By Tuesday he must be better adjusted to the team and our style of play so we will have a harder time putting together a win against Phoenix this time,” added by the fiery mentor.

True enough, Phoenix put up a gallant fight in their meeting as they came back from a couple of 20-point deficits to threaten within 86-91 in the fourth quarter of play.

Good thing for the Elasto Painters, they still have plenty of weapons to gas out the Fuel Masters in the end and take a 116-99 victory.

Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater will face each other in a rematch during the second round of PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup elimination round.

Both teams are targeting their fourth win of the conference when they clash tonight in the main event of the double-header at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

In their first meeting, the Bossing stunned the Gin Kings 95-88 during the debut game of George King and gave the team their first win of the season after failing their first three.

King, a former NBA player who wore Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks jerseys, tallied 33 points and collared 19 rebounds in that battle. Since he reinforced Blackwater, they were on a roll recording a three-game win streak. They have defeated the winless Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 123-11, and the NLEX Road Warriors, 110-109.

"We're fortunate to have won the last three games but we feel like our backs are still against the wall and we need to keep pushing," said Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso.

On the Ginebra side, they wanted to avenge their loss against King and the Bossing. The Gin Kings are also on a roll right now with a two-game winning streak after defeating Road Warriors, 119-91, then the Fuel Masters, 110-101. 

“It’s a big game for both of us opening up the second round,” said Ginebra tactician Tim Cone as he tasked Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar and the rest of the gang to be at their best in the rematch.

In Group B, the teams are closely bunched together led by Rain or Shine with 4-1, then Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer with identical 3-2, closely behind them are Blackwater and NLEX with 3-3 slate, while Phoenix is left behind with 0-5.

Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quimbao leads the De La Salle Green Archers to defeat the National University Bulldogs in their toe-to-toe battle, 78-75 in the opening game of the UAAP Season 87 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers superstar scored nine of his 22 points in the clutch including the winning triple with 9.8 seconds left that basically ended the game.

“What we want didn’t click, I just pointed to myself that I need to take over and there’s a guy that we need to rely on,” said Quiambao, who also collared eight rebounds, and seven assists.

DLSU head coach Topex Robinson was also on high about his prized 6’7” forward.

“That’s the beauty about having him. He will always make the right decisions. He even said that put the blame on him no matter what,” Coach Topex said.

True enough to his words, KQ led the Green Archers comeback from a 71-64 deficit and spearheaded the 14-4 run to end the game.

The Scores:

LA SALLE 78 – Quiambao 22, M. Phillips 12, Gollena 10, Abadam 8, Ramiro 6, Gonzales 6, Macalalag 5, David 4, Agunanne 2, Dungo 2, Marasigan 1, Konov 0.

NU 75 – Figueroa 15, Palacielo 15, Manansala 10, Padrones 7, Jumamoy 6, Francisco 6, Enriquez 4, Yu 2, Garcia 2, Lim 2, Perciano 2, Santiago 2, Dela Cruz 2, Diassana 0.

Quarters: 23-18, 45-45, 60-65, 78-75.

JuneMar Fajardo scored another highlight for his illustrious career as he sank a buzzer-beating jumper to lead San Miguel Beermen in giving Rain or Shine Elasto Painters their first loss of the season, 113-112 on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

SMB was in trouble when Chris Ross fouled Felix Lemetti at the four-point area and the Rain or Shine rookie made all his free throws to give the Elasto Painters a one-point lead.

Then, the heroics of the 8x MVP came when he sprinted down the court, received the forward pass from CJ Perez, and drained the game-winner.

"Tsamba na lang yon (it’s just a lucky shot)," said Fajardo of his game-winning 12-footer, foiling the Elasto Painters' sweep bid in the first round of the PBA Governors Cup eliminations.

"Dying seconds, kailangan itira. Mabuti pumasok (Dying seconds, need to take the shot. good thing it went in)," added Fajardo, saving the Beermen from what could have been a sorry loss in the game they set the pace most of the way.

Beside the final shot at the buzzer, “The Kraken” produced another monster game with 27 points and 19 rebounds to lift the Beermen to a 3-2, tied for the second spot with NLEX in Group B.

JMF’s winning moment also preserved the 41 points tallied by SMB’s import Jordan Adams who also made a crucial jumper during their see-saw battle at the closing minutes of the game.

Even though Rain or Shine suffered their first loss of the conference, Coach Yeng Guiao still managed to smile as his team almost stole the game from the mighty Beermen.

The Filipino-Swedish rookie Lemetti led the Elasto Painters with 28 points highlighted by 5-of-6 three-pointers, 1-of-1 from four-point area, and his final four freebies that almost sealed the game.

Aaron Fuller continued to be consistent and played big with his 24 markers and 18 boards.

The scores:

San Miguel 113 – Adams 41, Fajardo 27, Perez 10, Cruz 10, Trollano 9, Lassiter 6, Tautuaa 4, Romeo 4, Rosales 2, Ross 0.

Rain or Shine 112 – Lemetti 28, Fuller 24, Nocum 21, Mamuyac 12, Datu 10, Caracut 6, Clarito 4, Santillan 3, Belga 2, Norwood 2.

QUARTERS: 33-28 , 55-53, 86-80, 113-112.

The TNT Tropang Giga claimed a share of leading the Group A after overpowering the still winless Terrafirma Dyip, 107-89 in their match last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson just shook off a nagging ankle injury to lead TNT in their win as he registered 26 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks.

"There was some pain, but they told me that nothing's broke or anything like that. I've played through pain my entire life so strap 'em up and let's go,” said Hollis-Jefferson.

The local unit backed RHJ up in powerful fashion, as five other players scored in double digits: Roger Pogoy & Poy Erram scored 14 each, while Kim Aurin logged in 13. Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac both racked up 10 markers apiece.

Tropang Giga still missed the services of Kelly Williams, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Henry Galinato, and recently Calvin Oftano who’s alway been a vital piece in their recent victories.

Terrafirma itself was short-handed with Juami Tiongson out with a partial tear on his left hamstring, while Kenmark was sidelined by a groin injury.

Despite the Dyip injuries woes and dropping their fifth straight game, they still managed to fight a good fight for the majority of the game and even staying within 80-85 after falling behind by as much as 10 in the opening frame.

Import Antonio Hester finally found his groove as he notched 23 points and grabbed 18 boards, after just registering 2 points in their last game.

Christian Standhardinger registered his own double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Stanley Pringle was just limited to 12 points, though he also hauled down 12 rebounds.

The scores:

TNT 107 – Hollis-Jefferson 26, Erram 14, Pogoy 14, Aurin 13, Nambatac 10, Castro 10, Exciminiano 7, Khobuntin 7, Payawal 3, Heruela 3, Vosotros 0, Ebona 0.

Terrafirma 89 – Hester 23, Standhardinger 18, Ferrer 13, Hernandez 13, Pringle 12, Cahilig 3, Hanapi 3, Ramos 2, Sangalang 2, Grospe 0, Olivario 0.

Quarters: 30-22; 55-49; 76-68; 107-89.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are trying to paint a perfect slate in the first round of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ cup elimination round when they face the San Miguel Beermen in the main game of the Thursday double-header at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

In their previous game last Friday, the Elasto Painters got their 4-0 record when they dominated the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 116-99.

Rain or Shine is the only team right now with an unblemished record in the conference and they are determined to remain perfect in the first round.

“The other teams are just getting their groove as they prepared late in the pre-season. You will just see their true potential in the middle of the eliminations and towards the end,” said ROS coach Yeng Guiao in Filipino.

“It’s just beautiful to see that you are winning,” added Guiao. “All of these (wins) are temporary. We’re hoping we can stretch our win as much as we can. What we are targeting is six wins. We believe that if you get six wins, you’ll be safe to enter the next round.”

Renewed Hotshots win second win in a row

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived the grit of the import-less NorthPort Batang Pier, 105-94, to register their third win in five outings of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Sophomore Zavier Lucero played his best game so far in a Magnolia uniform against his former team that also drafted him. He was then traded to the Hotshots in the off-season in exchange for Jio Jalalon and Abu Tratter.

Lucero lodged 16 points and 12 rebounds to earn the player of the game honors.

Hotshots import Glenn Robinson III registered a game-high 25 points and collected 11 rebounds, while Paul Lee added 20 markers, 11 assists and five boards, to enlist three Magnolia players with double-double performance.

Calvin Abueva and Jerrick Ahanmisi also produced double digit numbers by scoring 10 apiece.

On the opposite end, Cade Flores led NorthPort with his own double-double by producing 23 points and 10 rebounds to fill the void that import Venky Jois and William Navarro left as they sat out of the game due to ankle injuries.

Batang Pier star Arvin Tolentino who just scored 51 games two games prior, was just limited to 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field, though he grabbed 12 rebounds to become the fifth player to have a double-double in the contest.

The Meralco Bolts are now leading the pack in Group A of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup after dominating the Converge FiberXers, 116-88 yesterday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Meralco, now with a 4-1 record, still played superb even though not yet in full force as key players like Cliff Hodge, Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan, and Aaron Black did not play due to injuries.

Allen Durham led the Bolts with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, while Chris Banchero finished with 24 points, 12 of which came from the second quarter alone.

They also received solid contributions from the likes of Anjo Caram and Alvin Pasaol in the blowout win. Caram had a total of 16 points (11 in the 3rd canto), while Pasaol had 12 markers, 10 of which came in the 2nd half where Meralco led by as much as 30 points.

The FiberXers suffered their third defeat in five games while playing without starting center Justin Arana who sprained his ankle in their previous game. They also lost their back-up center Patrick Maagdenberg during the game when he sustained a knee injury during the game.

Scotty Hopson, who’s been consistent since he reinforced Converge tallied 33 points, grabbed six rebounds and six assists to lead the FiberXers. Alec Stockton and JL delos Santos added 13 and 12 respectively but not enough to bring back the team to life.

The Scores :

MERALCO 116 - Durham 27, Banchero 24, Caram 16, Pasaol 12, Mendoza 10, Cansino 6, Newsom 5, Quinto 5, Jose 5, Rios 3, Bates 2, pascual 1.

CONVERGE 88 - Hopson 33, Stockton 13, Delos Santos 12, AMbohot 10, Santos 8, Winston 5, Maagdenberg 4, Andrade 3, Fleming 0, Racal 0, Nieto 0, Caralipio 0, Melecio 0, Fornilos 0, Cabagnot 0.

QUARTERS: 26-32, 53-50, 86-73, 116-88.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots and NorthPort Batang Pier will try to finish the first round of the double-round eliminations of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup with a 3-2 slate when they face each other on Wednesday, September 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The winner of the game will be over the 0.500 mark while the defeated team will have a record of 2-3 in Group A. The Hotshots and Batang Pier were grouped with TNT Tropang Giga, Meralco Bolts, Converge FiberXers and Terrafirma Dyip.

After the game, the two teams will be on their way to the 2nd round robin which will start on Saturday, when the Hotshots face the Bolts in Panabo City.

Barangay Ginebra walloped NLEX, 119-91, on Tuesday to get back on winning track in the 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Coming from a 95-88 upset by Blackwater, Ginebra fired on all cylinders in the first half with a 60-percent clip from the field and ended it with a 63-41 lead.

Stephen Holt played his best game as a Gin King, leading the team in scoring with 26 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing off six assists.

Maverick Ahanmisi added 20 markers for the team while Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos also played their best game for the conference by producing 19 points each in helping the Gin Kings evened their record at 2-2 in Group B.

Resident import Justine Brownlee put up only 13 markers in 38 minutes of play but still grabbed seven boards and dished nine dimes.

"I thought we played a really good tempo. The other guys outside Justin Brownlee played aggressively and looked for their shot, and they took some pressure off Justin," said Cone.

"I also thought NLEX's a little tired from their out-of-town game where they won in overtime," the Ginebra coach added.

Meanwhile, NLEX couldn't keep up with the searing pace set by the Gin Kings, suffering a blowout four days after a 112-108 shock overtime win over the San Miguel Beermen in Cagayan de Oro.

NLEX main man Robert Bolick still managed to fire away 19 points, five rebounds, and seven assists while Myke Henry was limited to only 16 points but still collared eight rebounds and registered seven assists. Henry also committed seven turnovers that might be a result of fatigue and Gin Kings suffocating defense against him.

Robbie Herdon added 15 while Dominick Fajardo registered 14 and Jhan Nermal 10 for the Road Warriors.