Another Sorry Loss for Talk N' Text Courtesy of Purefoods' Teamwork

Remember the buzzer beater of Chico Lanete? It was a hurt breaking game for the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT). When all the while they thought they would win the game, a buzzer beater from Lanete erases those smiles from their faces.

Their 2nd encounter was almost the same I can still see the smiles of Mac Mac Cardona and Jason Castro, who thought that they had revenged from their sorry loss. They wish. But, there's no star to grant their wishes, hi hi. Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) come back from a 17 point deficit to win the game 93-96. Sorry Cardona, sorry Castro, PF's team work ate your hearts out.Ü

I remember Kerby Raymundo can't get his basket. But, no need to blame him since he never forgets to make assists. Well, it was pretty obvious that a point guard should lead the team in assists. Know what? Raymundo is the 2nd team leader in assists as far as PF is concern. I really find it amazing how he finds an open man for the easy basket. And the lucky recipient has almost always been Enrico Villanueva. Probably the main reason why Villanueva got his offense going. But in this ballgame, it was not just Villanueva who got the pretty dishes from Raymundo. James Yap also had that beautiful assist from Raymundo making him earn a 3 point basket. One thing that also enabled Villanueva earned easy baskets is on how Raymundo stretched his hands to clear away the opponents' defense. Great job for The Kid, he's The Man.Ü

J. Yap, he had a big game. His shots must not be compared to Cardona's. J. Yap's shots are graceful and artistic. I remember his layups in the first half. He did it gracefully in the right side, then he did the same move on the left side. Cardona's shot, as what Jason Webb described it, is an ugly one, ha ha ha. Well, J. Yap never disappoints the fans with his brilliant moves. I cheered for him as he passed against the tight defense of 2 TNT players. And I always clap my hands whenever he shot the 3 point heart breaker.Ü

Speaking of teamwork, I bet TNT got surprised when the 3 point baskets come from the least expected guards - Lanete, Topex Robinson, and Roger Yap. Oh, I missed R. Yap so much. This game is the first time that I saw him play again. Nice to see you back R. Yap.

The Best Player of the Game (BPG) is Villanueva. He punctuated the ballgame with a slam. With Raymundo giving him the benefit of being freed from the opponent's defense, he returned the favor with his points. And I admire the way he plays. I admire him even more when he exhibited a kind heart when I happen to meet him after their game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). Well, it was a double-double for Villanueva, 24 points and 10 rebounds. I wonder how Cardona and Castro can smile after the game, hee hee. PF breaks their hearts once more. PF is definitely the team with whom you can't be complacent. PF is the team that holds the record for coming back from a 29 point deficit. They even come back from a 6 point lead with less than 24 seconds remaining. Well, it was just another sorry loss for the TNT.

Purefoods TJ Giants Buzzer Beaters

I have been loving watching Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) games. Aside from Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), I am a PF fanatic. Aside from Chris Pacana, I'm a Kerby Raymundo fan.

Well, I've collected three (3) of the most exciting ball games of PF. Their buzzer beaters. It would really make your body hair stand for excitement and happiness.

James Yap Buzzer Beater

He had done this many times before. And he did it once more. That's why he had been called 'The Big Game James'. It was PF vs Air21 Express on October 31, 2008. If you never know what PF can do, you might lose your hopes in the last minute of the 4th Quarter. It was 25 seconds remaining, Air21 had their 5 point lead (91-96). But Kerby, having his career high, never gave up yet. His 3 point shot provide greater hopes for the PF team. 15 seconds remaining, Air21 ball, 94-96. PF have no choice but to foul. They had fouled Gary David. Luckily, David missed one (1) of his two (2) charities, only extending the lead to 3 points (94-97), with 12.9 seconds remaining. Good it is that Enrico Villanueva had reached in for the rebound. PF has no time out left. Rico passed the ball to Chico Lanete. Chico crosses the half court and dished the ball to Jonathan Fernandez. Tan-Tan then gave the ball to Kerby. Kerby, with the clock winding down, makes a 3 point attempt, but his shot doesn't go. James battled for the rebound against Arwind Santos. He turned around, shoot the ball, and *kaboom*, he made a 3 pointer, extending the ball game for 5 more minutes. And all their efforts are worth it. They won the ball game, 108-105, with Kerby as the Best Player of the Game (BPG), having 37 big points and 11 big rebounds.

Chico Lanete Buzzer Beater

There's no Roger Yap for PF, so someone from the point guard (PG) position has to step up. And that would be, Chico this time. November 7, 2008, PF vs Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT), 25.2 seconds remaining, 87-86 in favor of TNT. James has the leather, he passed it to Rico, then Rico passed it to Kerby. Only about 10 seconds left, Kerby take the shot, but he missed it. Rico battled for the lose ball, and gave it to Chico who had struggled for the ball as well against Mac-Mac Cardona. The moment he got a good grip of the leather, with only a second left, he just takes the shot, and he did it. A miracle shot from the all night hot, Chico Lanete. PF won, 88-87. And who else could be the BPG, yes, it's Chico. He has his career high of 24 big points, with 5/7 from the 3 point territory.

Enrico Villanueva Buzzer Beater

The most recent of the PF buzzer beater games was courtesy of Rico. It was PF vs San Miguel Beermen (SMB) on a PBA Sunday, November 23, 2008, my birthday. The score was 82-83 in favor of SMB with only 5.7 seconds remaining. Again, it was Kerby who made it possible for PF to reach this one. James, though having a high-fever, still played. Unfortunately, he can't deliver the points he used to contribute. It was 76-81 back on 2:44 minutes when Kerby hit a 3 pointer. Still anybody's ballgame. Not only that, Kerby made a back-to-back basket. He had a 3-point play opportunity, letting the PF to gain the lead, 82-81. But SMB won't give up. They have all the time to get the lead back, and all the stars of PBA, ha ha. Yes, SMB is an all-star studded team. And almost for the last 2 minutes, no one had earned a basket. Not until DonDon Hontiveros had his fade away shot, grabbing the lead 82-83 with 34.7 seconds remaining. It's PF's turn to turn the ball over. But, James had been called for an offensive foul against Mic Penisi who, as what the officials had said, already established his position. But believe me, Penisi is moving, it should not be an offensive foul. But, it was the break of the game. Only 30 seconds left, SMB ball. It was a bright idea for Coach Ryan Gregorio not to let his players commit a foul. Anyway, there would be 6 seconds left after the play to be executed by SMB. Luckily, SMB failed to get a basket, Penisi just throw an airball. With 5.7 seconds remaining, Coach Ryan called for a time out. And I just love what Coach Ryan had told his men, 'We'll gonna win this guys'. Yeah, that's my Coach. The play was designed for Kerby. He's the man of the hour. He was the one who scored the last 6 points of the team. But with the double, then triple defense of SMB, he can't get away to take the shot, but he got away to pass the ball to the free Rico underneath the basket to win the ball game. And yes, it was Kerby's night again. It was Kerby's birthday gift for me, hi hi. He got 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. And, in case you don't know, he was still suffering from amoebiasis that night.

Enjoy! I love these games!

Purefoods Survived Despite Unbelievable Calls from the Officials

I never watched Game 1. I am only watching Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) games. My friend, whom I treated as my younger sister asked me to update her of the game since she won't be ablt to watch it. And it's my pleasure updating her.

To my surprise, James Carlos Yap will be playing. News had told that he might not play due to injury. As what the commentators said, two Yaps (James and Roger) are missing. But not this time. J. Yap is there to play.

PF had a poor start. Air21 Express showcased a full court press. They had their, uhm, good defense. First Quarter ended with 15-22 in favor of Air21. I thought PF would lead at the Second Quarter with 35-32 in favor of Air21 before the Quarter ends. But, it was so disappointing since it ended 37-43, still, in favor of Air21.

But my hopes ain't over. I felt good when they tied at 53 despite the dirty defense exhibited by Air21. It even become more exciting since it was Kerby Raymundo who make the basket for the lead. It was a 3 point play for him. Seems like the momentum was now in PF. Homer Se just had an air ball after PF got the lead. Not just that, Air21 had committed a lot of fouls, ha ha. Not only players, but Coach Bo Perasol as well. *wink wink* It is not surprising. Perasol and Air21 is used to it, ha ha. It was 72-66 in favor of PF at the end of Third Quarter.

Now, this one's unbelievable. Team manager Alvin Patrimonio was called for a technical foul? Say what?! Oh well, how could Patrimonio not react to the offensive foul called against Enrico Villanueva when it was supposed to be a 3-point play. Hmmm, smells something fishy huh? I just can't believe it. I just said 'booooooooooooooo'. That technical foul was followed by three more technicals. One for Coach Ryan Gregorio who did nothing, and two for Topex Robinson. Topex made me laugh, ha ha. He, himself asked for the second technical foul from the referee. And he was ejected from the game. No R. Yap, now, no Topex. It was all Chico Lanete. And know what? Lanete was pushed by Wynne Arboleda, no foul. Making Arboleda shot a 3 point basket. Then showed his tongue. Grrrr..

But, I admired PF team. Despite unbelievable and almost one-sided calls, they managed to stay focused. It was 80 all with 4 minutes remaining in the Fourth Quarter. 89-86 in favor of Air21 with 1:38 minutes left. Still everybody's ballgame. I can't remember who made the basket, but it was 89-88 in favor of Air21 with 1:16 minutes left. The ball game was so exciting. It was 92-91 in favor of Air21 with only 40 seconds left. Kerby now has 32 big points. I almost gave up. It was 96-91 with only 23.5 seconds remaining. But Kerby never let me down. He just scored a 3 pointer to make it 96-94. Whew! In the last play before the end of the pay off period, it was 97-94 in favor of Air21. PF has no time out left. Kerby attempted another 3 point shot but failed to gain the basket. But J. Yap had the offensive rebound against Arwind Santos with about 3 seconds left. He had his turn around 3 point shot, and it was a tie ball game at the end of the 4th Quarter. This was the 3rd game where PF would be playing for an Over Time.

It was all because of Kerby and J. Yap. It's our night. Aaron Aban stand out as well for me, in defense particularly. It was 105-100 in favor of PF with 1:27 minutes remaining. 105-103 with 58.6 seconds remaining. 108-103 with 14.9 seconds remaining courtesy of the should be flagrant foul of Arboleda, but was called as a regular foul instead. 108-105 with 3.7 seconds remaining, PF's ball, and... we won!!!

And who could be the Best Player of the Game? None other than Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo who scored almost 1/3 of the PF's score. Double-Double, 37 big points and 11 rebounds. Congrats Kerby!!! Congrats J. Yap!!! Congrats PF!!!

Scores:

Purefoods 108 -- Raymundo 37, Yap J. 31, Villanueva 13, Lanete 7, Aban 7, Belga 4, Fernandez 4, Simon 3, Alonzo 2, Salvador 0, Robinson 0.

Air21 103 -- Arboleda 25, Se 25, David 21, Santos 18, De Ocampo 4, Quinahan 3, Billones 3, Kramer 2, Intal 2, Canaleta 2, Cruz 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Quarterscores: 15-22, 37-43, 72-66, 97-97 (reg.), 108-105 (OT)

Leather Ejected, James Yap Runs Away Like A Kid

Last night, it was a do or die game for SLR vs Alaska (Game 1) and TNT vs Purefoods (Game 2). I failed to watch the first game for it started 4:40PM, I was still at the office by that time. Game 1's winner was SLR, a come from behind, having Joseph Yeo as the Best Player of the Game.

Luckily, I was able to watch Game 2 from the very first minutes of the first quarter. Kerby Raymundo was playing good that time. Unlike from what I've read from comments at pba-online, 'The Kid' was now showing his real play, my thought at that moment. If I'm not mistaken, he scored 6 out of the 8 points of the team. It was 14-2 in favor of Purefoods when suddenly, after the time-out called by coach Chot Reyes, the TNT have a 16-1 run. All of a sudden, it was 18-15 in favor of the Phone Pals.

(Sigh!) I really wanted Purefoods to win. I wanted them to be the team that could surpass the Wildcard Phase and eventually meet Ginebra in the Quarters. But, on the way that they are playing, I doubt they could win the game. There's just something wrong. They hadn't figured it out all conference-long.

Come second and third quarter, offense and defense of TNT was just so perfect. Bringing them 21 point lead at the end of the 3rd. 12 minutes left, I've got 12 minutes hope that James Yap, who was featured on half time, could show his million moves to come back from that big big deficit. 12 minutes for him to prove that he really is the 'Big Game' James.

Entering the 4th quarter, a 3 point play was engineered by the injured Reda Rhalimi. Feels like the momentum is now at Purefoods. I was still hopeful. At the 9-minute mark, the game was "A MESS". Jondan Salvador is having a physical move against the more physical defense of Terrence Leather who was called for a foul at the third strong bump with each other. And then, the Terrence Leather I saw during their match vs Ginebra, was the same Terrence Leather I am seeing now. It's as if he would throw a fist on Jondan, the latter step back and the referee stops the commosion. But, Leather is unstoppable, he even throwed the ball with a bang on Jondan's face. Ouch!!! The attitude of Leather made him ejected of the game, having called for a 2 technical foul. The same reason why he was out of the playing court vs Ginebra.

On the lighter side, for a laugh, here comes James Yap. While Ali Peek tries to stop Leather, King James sneeked a knee on Leather's leg. Making Leather run after him. And like a kid, literally, a kid, he ran away from Leather. The number of times the brawl was replayed, that's the number of times me and my brother laughed. Then, the next thing you saw, everyone's on the court. Oh well, for you to picture out what I've been trying to draw here, I've attached the video of the Royal Rumble, I mean, the PBA game. :)

As a result, 2 Technical Fouls was called against Leather, and 1 each for Peek, Salvador, J. Yap, Villanueva, and Sanz. Aside from the personal foul that lit up the rumble. Raining Technical Fouls. Earlier in the first half, Coach Ryan Gregorio was called for a technical foul as well.

I just thought that with Leather ejected, the TJ Giants would gain the momentum, and finish the quarter with a win. But I was so, so, so disappointed. The giants are not playing as a team, they are playing individually. A couple of offensive fouls were even called against them, PJ Simon having 2, if I remembered it right.

Less than 2 minutes left, I was hoping that a T-Mac hands would come in the hands of J. Yap. That with a double digit deficit, a back-to-back 3s could still bring them for the win. But, it's impossible. (sad)

Final score was 98-83, with Cardona as the Best Player of the Game.