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SAN MIGUEL LIVES TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY

2009-01-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

Pingris shines as Beermen halt TNT
Friday, 23 January 2009
Wildcard survivor San Miguel Beer hasn't stopped to amaze, going 4-0 in knockout games in the all-Filipino tourney.

The Beermen again lived to fight another game, stalling the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters' own finals bid with a stirring 125-115 win in Game Five of their KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Astrodome Friday night.

Marc Pingris and Jay Washington both came through with a double-double game with five other Beermen putting in at least 10 points as they survived a fourth do-or-die setto dating back to the wildcard round.

"There's nothing miraculous there. We're just trying our best. We have no other choice," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The San Miguel mentor bared though that he had resorted to reading a Bible passage to his team as they're back on the brink of elimination.

"It somehow typifies our campaign. It says 'we have to rejoice in our sufferings as our sufferings produce perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope,'" said Tanquingcen.

And with the win, the Beermen remain hopeful they can survive the ordeal. They try to force a sudden death in Game Six set in the same venue Sunday.

San Miguel ducked Talk 'N Text's knockout attempt, beating the Texters in their own game -- up-tempo.

Pingris and Washington imposed their strength at the paint, getting the rebounds that fueled the Beermen's running game producing 25 fastbreak points as against the Texters' mere six.

Playing with tremendous will and determination, the Beermen seized control early and dominated the Texters, leading by as many as 19 points twice late in the third period.

The game became a little rugged towards the end with the Texters looking to rally. Yancy de Ocampo was ejected from the game in the last two minutes on a flagrant foul penalty 2 infraction on Danny Seigle.

Pingris led the Beermen with a career-high 28 points and 12 rebounds with Washington coming through with 19 points and 10 rebounds, his 13th double-double in the conference, the most among all players.

The Beermen widely distributed production with Lordy Tugade and Seigle firing 14 apiece, Dondon Hontiveros adding 12, Bonbon Custodio chipping in 11 and Jonas Villanueva contributing 10.

Mark Cardona paced the Texters with 19 though he sat out a few minutes in the fourth after hurting his left leg in a collision with Hontiveros.

Pingris and Washington threw their weight around early, allowing the Beermen to dominate the first half ending at 66-51 in their favor.

Pingris was 6-of-8 from the field while Washington converted six of nine field-goal shots as they combined for 31 points that went with eight rebounds and two steals in the first 24 minutes of play.

The whole San Miguel team shot much better in the first half, hitting at a 54.4 percent clip as against Talk n Text's 38.8 percent marksmanship. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 125 - Pingris 28, Washington 19, Tugade 14, Seigle 14, Hontiveros 12, Custodio 11, Villanueva 10, Racela 9, Gonzales 5, Pennisi 3.

Talk N' Text 115 - Cardona 19, Dillinger 18, De Ocampo R. 17, ritualo 13, De Ocampo Y. 11, Castro 10, Carey 10, Peek 9, Alapag 8, Reyes 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 30-25, 66-51, 93-74, 125-115

SAN MIGUEL MAKES IT TO SEMIS

2009-01-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

SAN MIGUEL MAKES IT TO SEMIS

Hontiveros stars in big comeback
Sunday, 11 January 2009
San Miguel Beer waged a searing chase from the depth of 21-point deficits in the third quarter and upended Barangay Ginebra, 98-93, sustaining its journey from the wildcard round to reach the KFC PBA Philippine Cup Final Four at the Cuneta Astrodome Sunday.

Dondon Hontiveros fashioned out a second straight 30-point showing, becoming the biggest factor as the Beermen stunned the Kings in their knockout setto to gain the right to challenge the Talk n Text tropang Texters in the best-of-seven semifinal round.

It will be Sta. Lucia Realty versus Alaska Milk at 5 p.m. then San Miguel against Talk n Text at 7:30 p.m. in the semis opener Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I want to continue playing. There was the opportunity to be of help to the team and I just grabbed it," said Hontiveros, stepping up as the Beermen bucked Olsen Racela's early exit on a flagrant infraction and overcame tremendous adversities.

The Beermen gained entry into PBA Final Four all the way from the wildcard round for the third time in franchise history. They pulled off the same trick in the 2004-05 Philippine Cup and the 2007 Fiesta Conference.

"We came from the dead. I thank the players for keeping the faith although we fell behind by as many as 21," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, shedding tears of joy.

"I also want to give credit to Ginebra for really pushing us. Despite a depleted lineup, they almost won the series. Breaks went our way in the end," Tanquingcen added.

The Kings pushed the Beermen to the limit only to fall short of their bid, thus, settling for fifth place in the all-Filipino tourney.

Hontiveros was the man of the hour for the Beermen, scattering 34 points, including 27 in the final half to fuel San Miguel's mighty comeback from 21 points down at 41-62 and 43-64.

Bonbon Custodio, Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle had significant contribution, helping the Beermen stay in further contention after having survived three knockout games in the tourney thus far.

Going to naught was Jayjay Helterbrand's sterling all-round game spiked by 30 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists.

Curiously, Helterbrand went wild right upon Racela's exit, pouring in 20 points in the first half with four triples, three two-pointers and two charities.

Alas, Helterbrand was held down to 10 in the second half.

"Pinakuha ka na agad sa depensa ni coach pag-tawid para ipasa na niya ang bola," said Hontiveros on their defensive adjustment.

From a two-point standoff, the Kings raced to a 15-7 lead and led by as many as 15, 36-21, before closing the opening half at 49-36.

The Kings did better than the Beermen practically on all fronts in the first 24 minutes of play and stepped up their game even more at the start of second half to enjoy the 21-point cushions.

Hontiveros, however, fueled the San Miguel fightback towards the end of the third, getting the Beermen back in the fight at 67-70 going into the payoff period.

The Beermen poured on the heat in the payoff period with Hontiveros scoring 14 and Custodio, Tugade and Seigle combining for the same output. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 98 -- Hontiveros 34, Custodio 13, Tugade 11, Seigle 9, Washington 8, Villanueva 7, Pennisi 5, Pena 4, Pingris 3, Baguion 2, racela 2, Gonzales 0.

Ginebra 93 -- Helterbrand 30, Salvacion 17, Menk 9, Mamaril 8, Tubid 7, Pacana 6, Artadi 6, Wilson 6, Valenzuela 4, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 14-22, 36-49, 67-70, 98-93

SMB SUBDUES AIR21, BOOKS QF SEAT

2009-01-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

SMB SUBDUES AIR21, BOOKS QF SEAT
Beermen to face Kings in best-of-3 series
Sunday, 04 January 2009
San Miguel Beer survived its wildcard journey and, with the relief, is starting from scratch versus Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinal round.
The Beermen outclassed the Air21 Express practically on all fronts, pulling off a 105-86 rout to gain entry into the KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
Picking up from where they left off in their game against the Coca-Cola Tigers last Dec. 28, the Beermen made it 3-0 over the Express in their head-on duels in the conference.
It's Sta. Lucia versus Rain or Shine at 5 p.m. and San Miguel against Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. at the start of the best-of-three quarterfinals showdowns Wednesday in the same venue.
"Great players make great plays. Yung mga players ko ang nagpadali ng panalo namin," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen on their conquest of the Express.
Air21 became the fourth team booted out in the all-Filipino tourney after Red Bull, Purefoods and Coca-Cola. The Express are coming back in the Fiesta Conference playing under the Burger King banner.
Lordy Tugade, Dondon Hontiveros, Bonbon Custodio, Danny Seigle and Dorian Pena all scored in double figures as the Beermen eased out the Express with a torrid shooting.
"I know we're not expected to be here (wildcard round). But there's reason for everything and I think God has reason in bringing us here. Going into the quarters, we'll be a better team after going through the wildcard. We'll be more confident," said Tanquingcen.
"Ginebra's a tough team whether Mark (Caguioa) is there or not. But I'm not taking anything away from my team. We're coming out and making the best we can," Tanquingcen added.
Tugade and Hontiveros rifled in 18 points each, Custodio and Seigle fired 16 apiece while Pena added 12 as the Beermen easily negated Gary David's 31-point explosion.
Arwind Santos and Don Allado were the two other Express who put in double-digit outputs with the former making 20 and the latter 12.
With an impeccable game, the Beermen established control in the second quarter and kept the Express at bay the rest of the way.
Seigle had been hot, having made 10 points when hit by Santos' wayward elbow opening a one-inch wide cut on his right cheekbone midway through the second period.
The two teams figured in a highly physical contest from the onset with Wynne Arboleda being called an offensive infraction for swinging the ball hard on defender
Tugade late in the first half.Tugade took over from Seigle in the second period, knocking in a triple, a twinner and three charities to help the Beermen get a 48-41 spread at the half.
Custodio, Pena, Hontiveros and Olsen Racela also had significant numbers as the Beermen seized control after engaging the Express in two deadlocks and eight lead changes.
David made 17 points, three rebounds and two assists in the first 24 minutes of play for the Express. (NC)
The scores:San Miguel 105 - Tugade 18, Hontiveros 18, Custodio 16, Seigle 16, Pena 12, Washington 9, Racela 5, Pingris 4, Pennisi 4, Calaguio 3, Baguion 0.
Air21 86 - David 31, Santos 20, Allado 12, Arboleda 7, Baguio 5, Quinahan 4, Cruz 3, Kramer 2, Billones 2, Intal 0, Canaleta 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 25-23, 48-41, 75-64, 105-86

EDWARD ANTHONY MASEN CULLEN

2008-12-16T04:33:00.000-08:00

Edward Cullen...
A character of the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Full name: Edward Anthony Masen Cullen
Date of birth: June 20, 1901
Date of change into a vampire: 1918
Source of change: Carlisle Cullen
Originally from: Chicago, IL
Spouse: Isabella Marie Swan
Hair color: Bronze
Eye color: Originally green, now vampire gold/black
Height: 6'2"
Physical description: Lanky, not bulky, boyish looking with untidy hair
Special talents: Mind-reading
Hobbies: Collects cars and plays piano
Cars he drives: Silver Volvo S60R and a silver Aston Martin V12

BEERMEN BACK IN SHARE OF LEAD

2008-11-12T05:47:00.000-08:00

BEERMEN BACK IN SHARE OF LEAD
Pennisi, Custodio star in fourth quarter as SMB tames Coke Tigers
Wednesday, 12 November 2008

Mick Pennisi went 5-of-8 from behind the arc including the go ahead triple with 6:41 remaining to help the San Miguel Beermen pull off an 88-84 victory over the Coca-Cola Tigers Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.A game they never thought would be this close nearly spoiled the Beermen's goal thanks to Jonas Villanueva, who defended well enough to keep Coca-Cola guard Alex Cabagnot off-balance when he took the potential game-tying three as the buzzer sounded.

It was the third consecutive victory and six in the last seven games for the Beermen, who wound up the first half of the eliminations with 7-2 (win-loss) record that kept them abreast with the Alaska Aces atop the team standings.
"We didn't expect (the game) to be this close but we also didn't take them for granted," said SMB head coach Siot Tanquingcen during the post-game interview.
Coming off a six-day break appeared to have turned the Bermen rusty.
They struggled with their offense and they didn't seem to know each other, committing one error after the other on a certain stretch in each of the four quarters.
San Miguel displayed their ugly game in the middle quarters where it committed 13 of its total 23 turnovers and enabling Coca-Cola to build an 11-point advantage in the second and third periods.
But the Beermen showed why they are considered one of the teams to beat in this tournament with Pennisi and Dondon Hontiveros – both coming off the bench – knocking in shots when they needed them the most.
Pennisi, who came off the bench, led all scorers with 18 points, his highest output in a San Miguel uniform while Dondon Hontiveros, who also didn't start, added 13 on a 4-of-9 shooting for his ninth straight game in double figures this conference.
The Beermen, who last won the all-Filipino title in 2001, trailed by a point at the end of third but rookie Bonbon Custodio and Pennisi completed a 7-0 run to open the fourth and pull SMB ahead, 70-66.
A 3-pointer by Cesar Catli and a split free throw by Nic Belasco tied the count at 70-all with 7:02 remaining before Pennisi knocked in the go ahead trey.
"We’re not really playing smart on both ends of the floor but at least we're finding ways to win," Tanquingcen said.
It was a game in which both teams shot poorly. SMB made just 37 percent of their shots (28-of-75) while Coca-Cola posted a 34% clip (29-of-83).
SMB held an 82-74 lead with 3:32 to play and appeared to have the game in control but the Tigers refused to go away.
With Cabagnot hitting the crucial shots, Coke scored 10 of the next 14 points to threaten at 84-86 with 17 seconds left.
But Jay Washington, who struggled with his shooting all night, nailed two free throws with 16 second to go to seal the win. Washington, who went 2-of-10 from the field, finished with seven points and scored his first basket with 4:48 to play.
Cabagnot and Mark Telan tallied 14 points apiece to the show the way for the Tigers, who closed their first elimination round with a 3-6 mark.(DBC)
The scores:
San Miguel Beer 89 – Pennisi 18, Hontiveros 13, Gonzales 12, Tugade 12, Pingris 11, Washington 7, Custodio 6, Villanueva 4, Bono 2, Racela 2, Pena 2, Eman 0.
Coca-Cola 86 – Cabagnot 14, Telan 14, Belasco 12, Catli 11, Calimag 10, Macapagal 8, Dimaunahan 5, Taulava 5, Enrile 4, Misolas 3, Rizada 0.Quarterscores: 16-21, 36-40, 63-64, 89-86.

TUGADE SHINES IN 2 OVERTIME PERIODS AS SMB OUTLASTS AIR21

2008-11-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

TUGADE SHINES IN 2 OVERTIME PERIODS AS SMB OUTLASTS AIR21
Beermen squander 19-point lead but still win exciting contest to reclaim solo lead
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
Lordy Tugade made four free throws in the second overtime as the San Miguel Beermen subdued the Air Express, 130-129, at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night after nearly losing control of the game in the fourth quarter.
Dondon Hontiveros scatterd 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting, Dorian Pena had 22 and 11 rebounds and Jay Washington added 19 and 13 boards for the Beermen who won five of their last six games and improved to a 6-2 (win-loss) record that propelled them back to the solo lead in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.

"I'm glad the players managed to hung in there, but we need to learn from our mistakes. We can't take (our mistakes) for granted," said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen, adding he had mixed emotions on the outcome of the game.

The game appeared to be lopsided by the time SMB erected a 19-point lead with 9:14 left in the regulation but the Beermen melted down offensively, allowing Air 21 to get back in the game and make it an exciting finish.

Their second straight loss and fifth overall in nine games was a bitter pill to swallow for the Express, no thanks to a controversy near the end of the first overtime period.

Ranidel de Ocampo's long heave that sent the game into a second extension appeared to have been a 3-point shot based on television replays. But league rules prevent game officials from rectifying an oversight in the last two minutes of the extra session unless the team concerned challenges it.

A jumper by Wynne Arboleda gave the Air 21 a 127-126 with 2:37 left in the second extra session before Tugade, who tallied with 15 points – 10 in the two extra periods -- including a 5-of-6 shooting from the line, sealed the game.

Bonbon Custodio, selected by SMB with the No. 8 pick in this year’s Draft, improved his career-high production to 17 points, coming up with eight in the second quarter to spark a 21-9 run as the Beermen broke the game wide open, 47-30.

Gary David led all scorers with a second career-best 36 points but fouled out with 35 seconds left in regulation.

Significantly his production went down as the second highest by any player this conference since Purefoods Kerby Raymundo's 37 points in his team's 108-105 victory against Air 21 last Friday. David's 30-point output in the second half was also the most by a local since Asi Taulava tallied 33 while leading Talk ‘N Text to a 131-105 win over Purefoods on May 16, 2004.

Wynne Arboleda scored 23 points and Arwind Santos added 15 markers and 16 boards for the Express.

Air 21 got off to a strong start and led 11-3 before SMB picked up the pace and closed the opening quarter at 26-21. (DBC)
The scores:
San Miguel Beer 130 - Hontiveros 25, Pena 22, Washington 19, Custodio 17, Tugade 15, Racela 15, Gonzales 8, Bono 7, Villanueva 2, Pingris 0, Pennisi 0.
Air21 129 - David 36, Arboleda 23, Santos 15, Se 15, Quinahan 12, Intal 7, Canaleta 7, Cruz 6, De Ocampo 5, Kramer 3, Sta. Maria 0, Billones 0.
Quarterscores: 26-21, 53-38, 84-71, 110-110, 130-129.

MAGNOLIA PULLS EVEN ON McCASKILL’S HEROICS

2008-08-02T00:56:00.000-07:00

MAGNOLIA PULLS EVEN ON McCASKILL’S HEROICS

Beverage Masters’ import finally win one over Thomas

Sunday, 27 July 2008

Amal McCaskill finally pulled one over Steven Thomas as Magnolia drew even with Air21 after four games of their 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

McCaskill pumped in a turnaround jumper off Thomas himself in the closing seconds as the Beverage Masters eked out a 104-102 win that reduced their battle to a best-of-three affair.

Magnolia beat Air21 for the first time in the tourney with Thomas in harness. For McCaskill, it was his first over Thomas in four matches.

Thomas had his big baskets at endgame but McCaskill had the final laugh after making the game-winning basket with time down to 1.4 seconds.

With no more timeout left, the Express could no longer map out a decent play, eventually yielding the game with Arwind Santos making an errant throw-in.

"It was anybody's ball game and it so happened that we made the last big shot," said Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"Dikit lagi ang laban namin from the elimination round and I don't see it getting easier the rest of this series," Tanquingcen added. "Malaking bagay sa morale namin na nakatabla kami."

Gary David sizzled with 32 points but fouled out on two successive offensive infractions entering the homestretch.

Santos and Thomas picked up the cudgels on the ouster of David but the Beverage Masters stood their ground, getting clutch shots from Lordy Tugade and McCaskill.

Thomas scored all of Air21's last five points, including a short stab off McCaskill, tying the count at 102 with 14.4 seconds to go.

McCaskill, however, saved the day for Magnolia, and the Beverage Masters avoided falling into a 1-3 hole in the series.

The two teams figured in another tight contest marred by a near brawl between the two teams while heading to the lockers at the halftime break.

The Beverage Masters came back strong from the halftime huddle, engaging the Express in seven deadlocks and three lead changes after trailing by eight at the turn.

David and Nino Canaleta failed to finish the game both on account of fouls while Wynne Arboleda sat out the last three minutes of the contest due to leg cramps.

Though worse in overall field-goal shooting, the Express took the half at 57-49 as they hit five triples to none for the Beverage Masters.

Gary David went 2-of-2 from beyond the arc in the first half and himself fueled the Express' decisive charge from a 26-all standoff at the start of the second period.

Air21 outscored Magnolia, 12-8, on second-chance points and, 9-4, on points off turnovers in the first 24 minutes of play. (NC)

The scores:

Magnolia 104 -- McCaskill 19, Tugade 19, Ildefonso 19, Pingris 10, Pena 10, Racela 7, Seigle 7, Hontiveros 6, Calaguio 3, Villanueva 2, Cortez 2.

Air21 102 -- David 32, Thomas 20, Santos 15, Arboleda 10, De Ocampo 8, Se 6, Kramer 4, Canaleta 3, Cruz 2, Billones 2, Intal 0, Sotto 0.

Quarterscores: 26-26, 49-57, 78-80, 104-102.

BEVERAGE MASTERS DRAW FIRST BLOOD AGAINST IMPORT-LESS AIR21

2008-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

MAGNOLIA knew it would be facing an import-less Air21 team and the knowledge seemed to have done more harm than good.
At least according to Beverage Masters coach Siot Tanquingcen, who was more dissatisfied than pleased following his team's 113-87 victory at the start of the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference semifinals Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
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“Magaling talaga ang Air21, pero parang masyadong naging complacent ang mga players ko. It seems we forgot what got us here, which is defense, so it was really a bad start from that aspect,” said Tanquingcen.
The win was Magnolia's first over Air21 this season, coming as it did in the most opportune of times, which is the opener of their best-of-seven series.
Amal McCaskill waxed the hottest among the Magnolia players, coming up with a PBA career-high 34 points that went with 12 rebounds while Lordy Tugade's 22 points led four locals who had at least 10 points each and stepped up in the continued absence of Danny Seigle.
But Air21 was without Steven Thomas, who first attended tryouts for the Korean league in the US and then stayed longer there after he attended the Cleveland Cavaliers training camp.
Still, the Express managed to hold their foes through 10 lead changes and seven deadlocks, leaving Tanquingcen with more creases on his forehead than when he came into the game.
“The first half was played poorly,” he stressed, referring to the fact his team even trailed 39-44 at one point.
Thomas, who averaged 23.4 points, 16.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game and led the Lina franchise to its first-ever outright semis berth and first No. 1 ranking in the playoffs, is set to arrive Monday and will play in Game 2 on Wednesday.The thought now gnaws on Tanquingcen.
“They're gonna get a confidence boost. Iba talaga pag me import ka,” he said. “We've got to make sure coming in that we do things right. We can't win if we conduct ourselves the way we did kanina.”
Expectedly, Express coach Bo Perasol was more satisfied with his boys' showing.
“We're not going to be hard on ourselves,” he said, already looking forward to Wednesday. “They will have to contend with us as a complete unit next time at ibang usapan na iyon.”
Ironically, McCaskill also seemingly drew the best from Homer Se, who surprisingly paced Air21 with a career-high 31 points to go with seven rebounds. Egay Billones' 13 points and Arwind Santos' 12 were the only other double figures for Air21, who barely got beaten off the boards, 46-53.
Once the Beverage Masters got their act together, however, it was simply a matter of time before the game's true colors came out and it did mostly in the fourth period.
Already going to the payoff quarter with a 77-59 spread, Magnolia put the outcome beyond doubt by erecting a 110-84 spread.
The second half domination was paved by McCaskill right in the third period, where he outscored the entire Air21 crew by himself by scattering 14, one more than the Express’ output.
As a result, the Beverage Masters managed to bloat a 50-46 halftime lead to as much as 71-52, on a layup by Tugade, 4:09 to go in the quarter.
The Express helped along their loss by going 2-of-12 from the field in the first 7:08 of the quarter.
Se, whose previous high was only 22 recorded in a 123-106 loss to Sta. Lucia in the Philippine Cup elims last January 13, was the lone real bright spot for Air21, but the 6-foot-5 center suffered cramps on his left leg after successively missing an undergoal stab and a followup, with 7:19 to go.
He returned later on and even had 10 points in the fourth period but the difference was too much for even him and his career game. (NCo)
The scores:
Magnolia 113 – McCaskill 34, Tugade 22, Hontiveros 11, Racela 10, Pena 10, Pingris 6, Ildefonso 6, Bono 4, Gonzales 3, Calaguio 3, Eman 2, Cortez 0, Villanueva 0.
Air21 87 – Se 31, Billones 13, Santos 12, David 9, de Ocampo 8, Canaleta 7, Arboleda 5, Kramer 2, Cruz 0, Intal 0, Espinas 0, Sotto 0.Quarterscores: 31-26, 50-46, 77-59, 113-87.

MAGNOLIA BARGES INTO FINAL 4

2008-07-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

MAGNOLIA BARGES INTO FINAL 4
Beverage Masters take on Air21 in best-of-7 affair
Friday, 18 July 2008
ANTIPOLO -- The Coca-Cola Tigers put up tremendous intensity and energy but seemed to forget how to shoot, enabling the Magnolia Beverage Masters to book the last slot in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Final Four.The Beverage Masters beat out the Tigers, 78-60, in their knockout tussle last night at the Ynares Center here, gaining the right to challenge the Air21 Express in a best-of-seven semifinals showdown.
The Final Four begins Sunday at the Astrodome in Pasay with Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull pitted in the other semis match-up."We’re tight offensively but our defense held on," said coach Siot Tanquingcen as they overcame the Tigers for a second straight Fiesta Conference semifinals and sixth semis in the last eight PBA tourneys.The Beverage Masters did struggle at the start but slowly picked up their game, winning the game without yielding the lead at anytime in the contest.It helped that the Tigers practically threw bricks in the contest.Coca-Cola shot a league all-time low of 20 percent in the entire contest and franchise-lows of 9.5 percent in the first quarter and 17.5 percent in the first half."I think it’s a result of a little of our defense and their poor shooting. We had a hand in their every shot," said Tanquingcen.Amal McCaskill, Lordy Tugade and Dondon Hontiveros played well on both ends of the court, leading the team to the semis against the Express.McCaskill said he’s well familiar with Steven Thomas’ game, expressing confidence Magnolia will emerge victorious.Tanquingcen thought it’s difficult to play Air21, believing their only advantage against the Express is their being the more experienced team.Chances are Air21 will play minus Thomas at the start of the semis Sunday as he’s been invited to attend the Cleveland Cavaliers’ training camp. His original plan was to return Saturday after attending just the tryouts for the Korean league in Las Vegas."Minus Steven, it would be very difficult but not impossible to make an upset. It would depend on how my players are going to take it mentally," said Air21 coach Bo PerasolMagnolia and Coca-Cola figured in a tough defensive battle in the first half ending in the Beverage Masters’ favor at 29-25.The Tigers trailed by as many as nine points but scored five charities in the last 20 seconds to narrow the gap to four going into the final half.Largely behind McCaskill’s efforts, the Beverage Masters pulled away in the final half en route to sending the Tigers to the season exit.Coca-Cola joined in the sideline deposed Fiesta Conference champion Alaska, All-Filipino ruler Sta. Lucia, Talk n Text, Purefoods and Welcoat. (NC)The scores:Magnolia 78 – McCaskill 18, Tugade 14, Hontiveros 14, Cortez 9, Pingris 6, Ildefonso 6, Racela 5, Pena 3, Bono 2, Gonzales 1, Villanueva 0, Tolomia 0.Coca-Cola 60 – Buenafe 22, Dixon 16, Taulava 9, Belasco 4, Macapagal 3, Dean 2, Cabagnot 2, Telan 2, Catli 0, Dimaunahan 0.Quarterscores: 15-12, 29-25, 52-41, 78-60

TUGADE-LED MAGNOLIA PUTS COKE ON THE BRINK

2008-07-14T05:03:00.000-07:00

Magnolia, which lost to eventual champion Alaska in the Final Four of last season’s Fiesta Conference, can arrange a showdown against Air21 in the best-of-seven semifinals with another win in Game 2 on Wednesday in Antipolo City.

“In a short series it’s good. But it does not mean anything because we need one more win. We feel good tonight but we have to go back to work tomorrow (in practice),” Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen said.

Protecting a 76-72 lead after three quarters, Magnolia used a 17-6 run capped by a three-pointer by Tugade for a 93-78 advantage with 6:05 to play. Mike Cortez’ three put the Beverage Masters ahead for good, 99-82, 4:37 left.

Tugade started the game at the wing spot with Danny Seigle sitting out the game because of a mild strain on his quadriceps. He shot 6-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-5 from the three-point area, and made 6-of-10 free throws.

Import Amal McCaskill also had a double-double performance of 20 points and 11 boards.

The 7-foot McCaskill also helped in limiting Coke’s import Jason Dixon, who was held to a personal conference-low six points with seven boards. The 6-foot-10 Dixon averaged 22.6 points and 11.7 rebounds in the elimination.

“We tried our best to contain him (Dixon). It’s hard to stop him. But somehow, we played good defense on him and at the same time we caught him on a bad night,” Tanquingcen said.

The Tigers mew second reinforcement Brandon Dean, their fourth after Calvin Cage, Gee Gervin and Donald Copeland, also struggled with eight points on 3-of-11 shooting.

But Tanquingcen expects the one-time Arkansas stalwart to play better in Game 2.

“May advantage and disadvantage bringing in a new import. Nangangapa pa sa system. Pero at the same time kasi coming in to this game, hindi rin kilala. I think may ibibigay pa because of his quickness and toughness,” he said.

Cortez came off the bench to contribute 18 points for Magnolia, while Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Ildefonso added 13 points apiece.

Asi Taulava led Coke with 20 points and 12 boards, while Nic Belasco added 17. (WG)

The scores:

Magnolia 108 – McCaskill 20, Tugade 20, Cortez 18, Hontiveros 13, Ildefonso 13, Pingris 8, Bono 7, Pena 6, Racela 3, Villanueva 0, Gonzales 0.

Coca-Cola 96 – Taulava 20, Belasco 17, Buenafe 15, Cabagnot 12, Macapagal 9, Catli 9, Dean 8, Dixon 6, Dimaunahan 0, Misolas 0.

Quarterscores: 30-18; 51-41; 76-72; 108-96.

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS GAVE BIRTH TO A BABY GIRL

2008-06-21T01:39:00.000-07:00

JACKSON, Miss. - Jamie Lynn Spears gave birth to a baby girl Thursday morning at a south Mississippi hospital, according to a friend of the Spears family. The friend, who asked not to be identified because the family had not yet announced the baby's birth, told The Associated Press that the baby was named Maddie Briann and weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.

The 17-year-old Jamie Lynn was the star of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101," a sitcom about prep school friends, and is the younger sister of pop star Britney Spears. The Spears family announced in December that Jamie Lynn was pregnant. The father is Casey Aldridge, a pipe-layer from Liberty, Miss. The couple is not married but announced an engagement several months ago.

Ellen Brannan, spokeswoman for Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, in McComb, would not give out any details. "We understand everybody's interested, but we don't give out information on anyone. Everyone's entitled to their privacy," she said.

The younger Spears lives near Liberty with Aldridge, 19, and has been seen around the small south Mississippi town often as her pregnancy became more apparent. Her family owns a home across the state line in Kentwood, La.

Spears announced her pregnancy through an article in OK! Magazine and was expected to receive a large payday for exclusive pictures of the newborn.

Nickelodeon issued a statement about the birth on Thursday, saying, "We wish her and her family well." Nickelodeon spokeswoman Marianne Romano said that filming of the fourth and final season of "Zoey 101" was completed last summer before Spears became pregnant.

Spears portrayed Zoey Brooks, a student at Pacific Coast Academy, a campus that had been an exclusive all-boys boarding school until Zoey and a handful of other girls arrived. At the end of the series, Zoey gets the boy _ longtime crush Chase (Sean Flynn).

___

Associated Press writers Erin Carlson in New York and Mary Foster in McComb, Miss., contributed to this report.

MAGNOLIA DOWNS COCA-COLA, MOVES INTO A TIE FOR 3RD

2008-06-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

The Magnolia Beverage Masters have agreed on taking the homestretch of the elimination round not a game, but a play at a time.

They had their reward as they gutted it out from start to finish against the Coca-Cola Tigers.

Magnolia beat out Coca-Cola in a defensive battle, pulling off an 81-77 victory that enhanced its bid for an outright semifinal entry in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.

The Beverage Masters held the Tigers scoreless in the final 1:15 of play and went to Marc Pingris and Lordy Tugade for the insurance free throws as they caught up with Coca-Cola at third place with similar 9-7 win-loss cards.

"As I expected, defense turned out to be the key. We choked them with our defense," said Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"This is a good win for us but we still have yet to achieve anything. We’re up next against Air21 and we’re not looking beyond that game. We’re taking it one play at a time. Mahirap madapa, everyone’s bunched together in the standings," Tanquingcen added.

With Amal McCaskill focusing on his defensive job against Coca-Cola counterpart Jason Dixon, the Magnolia locals took charge offensively with Lordy Tugade leading the way, firing nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Tugade scored all but one of San Miguel’s last seven points, including a tip-in off a Danny Ildefonso miss that pushed Magnolia ahead to stay at 78-76.

Dixon, who endured a busted nose suffered early in the third quarter, canned in a charity with 1:15 left and the Tigers went scoreless the rest of the way.

The final minute saw McCaskill block a shot by Dixon, Asi Taulava commit a passing error and Ronjay Buenafe and Alex Cabagnot miss a three-point shot each.

Tugade settled the outcome of the game with two charities making it 81-77 with time down to 8.1 seconds.

The two teams put tremendous defensive pressure from the beginning, limiting each other’s shooting below 40 percent in the first half.

Magnolia held Coca-Cola to eight points in the second quarter and took the turn at 32-27.

Though Dixon sat out a few minutes in the third quarter, the Tigers engaged the Beverage Masters in a nip-and-tuck battle, hitting heavily from afar.

Cesar Catli converted four of five three-point attempts with Donald Copeland, Alex Cabagnot and Nic Belasco adding a triple each in the period. (NC)

The scores:

Magnolia 81 – Tugade 14, Pena 13, McCaskill 12, Ildefonso 11, Pingris 10, Seigle 9, Racela 5, Cortez 2, Villanueva 0.

Coca-Cola 77 – Catli 17, Dixon 15, Taulava 15, Cabagnot 12, Copeland 9, Buenafe 6, Belasco 3, Calimag 0, Arigo 0, Telan 0.

Quarterscores: 17-19, 32-27, 59-58, 81-77.

chinen yuuri ~_*

2008-06-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yuuri Chinen (知念侑李 Chinen Yūri, born November 30, 1993), is a Japanese actor, talent and singer as well as member of Hey! Say! JUMP. He is under the management of Johnny & Associates. He was born in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture and lives in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.

Name: Yuuri Chinen (知念侑李, Chinen Yūri)
Profession: Actor and Singer
Date of birth: November 30, 1993 (age 14)(1993-11-30)
Birthplace: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Height: 151cm(4ft11in)
Weight: 42kg
Blood type: A
Habit: Sits on Hey! Say! JUMP members' laps and plays with other people's cellphones.
Ego: Thinks of himself cute rather than manly due to his size.
JPop group Hey! Say! JUMP, Hey! Say! 7
Talent agency: Johnny & Associates
Shoe size: 23.5 cm
Favourite Foods: Gyoza and Cucumber
Disliked Foods: Mushrooms, Celery, Green Peppers, Shellfish and Eggplant.
Favourite Colour: Green
Disliked Colour: Orange. Because it makes his head hurt when he sees it.
Hobby: Dancing (Jazz since he was three) and Soccer.
Family: Father, Chinen Kou, has received bronze in the Olympic gymnastics games. Mother,Oozawa Yuuri works as an announcer and an older sister.
Favourite Subject: PE because he says he is really good at gymnastics and it makes him look like a hero when he is doing flips. He also likes Social Studies.
Disliked Subject: English (He wonders why he has to learn it since he is Japanese.)
Strong Point: Challenges are what make him a stronger person.
Weak Point: When challenges become too difficult or extreme,he throws them away.
Favourite Song: Hitomi no naka no Galaxy by Arashi
Admired Senpai: Ohno Satoshi
Type of girl he likes: A quick thinker, cute, can dance with him also be fun around with.

christopher john alandy dy tiu

2008-06-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Real name : Christopher John Alandy-Dy Tiu

Nick name : Chris

Birthday : July 15, 1985

Age : 22

Schools:

HS: Xavier High School
College : Ateneo de Manila University
Course : BS Management Engineering

Jersey number

HS : 17
College : 17

Position : Point Guard

Eligibility : 1

Height : 5'10"

Weight : 165 lbs.

Ateneo Blue Eagles

Aim High

Only in his first year to play for the Eagles, former Xavier School team captain Chris is certainly a promising off-point guard. The 5'11" Michael Jordan avid fan was chosen MVP seven times and was part of the Mythical 5 trice. "Winning the Tiong Lian Basketball League Championship is my fondest basketball experience," he recalls.

All in One

Chris manages everything well in his busy life. Aside from basketball, he plays four other sports (golf, badminton, table tennis and swimming), graduated from high school with honors, was an academic excellence and leadership awardee, and is the SK Chairman of their village. "I learned hard work and passion in basketball, and I apply those in real life," he shares. Cutie Chris likes simple, sweet, humble and smart girls.

Chris' Favorite Things

His 'Grand Piano'

"I started playing when I was around seven. I stopped taking lessons about three to four years ago, but I still play on my own. I go out and buy my own pieces - love songs or Broadway tunes like 'All I Ask of You' from the Phantom of the Opera. Sometimes I play alone, and sometimes my friends ask me to play at parties or debuts."

His 'Security Pillow''

"My parents bought it for me in Hong Kong when I was around four or five. I used to be as big as that pillow. Now it's old and kind of manipis! I have a hard time sleeping without it. I use it to cover my eyes when I'm in bed."

His Golf set

"I'm not really good at golf - I'm just average - but I enjoy it. Sometimes I have such a busy sched, it's relaxing. I enjoy playing in Tagaytay - I like being in the middle of nature, and at the same time I get to hang out with my friends or my family."

His CD player

"I bring it around with me all the time. I listen to music before basketball games, when I travel - in buses, in airports. I like listening to slow music - R&B, love songs. It keeps me relaxed while I'm waiting for things to begin."

hansen nichols :)) my love !

2008-06-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hansen was one of the 30 NCR finalists in Pinoy Dream Academy’s first season but unfortunately he didn’t make it to the scholar shortlist. However for this Fil-Am guy, he’s not ready to give up on his dream just yet and he’s back to give singing another shot. Although his identical twin brother is pursuing an acting career in Hollywood, Hansen chose to follow his career in his home country. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer after surviving a car crash, Hansen was told that he might not sing again and almost did not push through with his surgery. He’s very thankful though for he still has his voice and is able to share it with others. “It’s worth the move, worth the sacrifice…It was a tough battle, but I’m still here.”

donaldo hontiveros :)) yea.

2008-06-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

Donaldo (Dondon) Hontiveros (born June 1, 1977 in Cebu City, Cebu) is a 6 ft 4 (1.93 m) and 175 lbs (79 kg) Filipino professional basketball player actively playing for the Magnolia Beverage Masters in the Philippine Basketball Association, although he is currently on leave from the team due to his duty as an active player for the Philippine national team. He has a son named Isiah with singer and fellow Cebu native Gail Blanco.

A devout Roman Catholic, Hontiveros studied and honed his basketball skills in his home province. Just like any accomplished athlete, success did not come easy for him. In fact his initial foray into basketball was greeted with heartbreak and disappointment.

He fancied basketball at a young age and tried to enter the sport at a competitive level in his first year of high school. But at that time, since he lacked the height, no one took notice of the young Dondon. Fortunately, the young Dondon had a growth spurt by the time he was in 3rd year so he was taken into the high school basketball team of Don Bosco Tech.

At last, they started to take notice, although his first year as a member of the team was spent mostly on the bench. By the time Dondon became a high school senior, he was already a regular on the team. At this point, he was already as tall as the team’s center. Hontiveros’ jump to the next level – college basketball – suffered a minor setback when he ended his senior high school year with an injury.

To keep himself competitive, he played in the intramurals at University of San Jose-Recoletos. Dondon eventually played college ball at the University of Cebu for three years. His skills blossomed while playing college basketball, and it was at that time that this Cebuano was geared for big-time basketball.

The year was 1998, and it was also the year that an ambitious initiative called the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) was making waves in its bid to be the professional league to rival the PBA.

Dondon Hontiveros was taken by the Cebu Gems, and he wasted no time in showing his offensive prowess – dominating opponents with his skillful moves, showcasing a run and gun type of offense, true to the tradition of Cebuano cagers.

After the 1999 season of the MBA, when the league’s popularity was beginning to diminish, Dondon requested to be released from the Cebu Gems to try his luck with the PBA.

The San Miguel Beer franchise eventually hired him. Soon, Dondon found himself a vital cog in the pro team’s offensive rotation.

Even if followers of Dondon’s career can safely say that their idol has arrived, this 30-year-old Cebuano has shown that he has transcended success and is now looking forward to what he can do for Philippine basketball.

Hontiveros’ vision is to bring back to his native Cebu an organized basketball clinic program, in order to provide for his hometown a truly effective way of discovering and developing talent from the grassroots level.

Dondon is proud of his Cebu basketball – the passion in the way the game is played in his hometown. But having been exposed to Philippine basketball at its highest level, he also recognizes the lack of training in the fundamentals of the game there, thus his vision to uplift the game in his roots.

i really really hate this day :((

2008-06-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

shet .. i hate it .. what the hell he is thinking .. pakielamero .. walang modo .. walang pinag aralan .. grrr
tapos bigla pang umulan .. waaah we don't have umbrella .. so we're like a poor human beings walking in the rain.. tapos ung mga lalake pah tawa ng tawa .. basang basa na nga kame .. buti nah lahn hindi kame pinagalitan .. cguro they understand naman our situation .. and the good thing is hindi ako nagkasakit .. pero hopefully bukas hindi ako magka sipon .. haizt ..

yea. moii perxxs deii in school ~

2008-06-13T08:01:00.000-07:00

waah. i'm so disappointed ! i'm expecting lahn pala for nothin. i expected nah mdaming cute guiz ! but gosh ! i never saw cute guiz on my first day !! sayang lahn eun effort cue ! lol. pero it's fine naman kc my new classmates are nice even though they are boiz. lol. it's kinda boring din kc our adviser keep telling stories .. take note .. a nonsense stories.. haha

jonas villanueva got his career best points ! yea.

2008-06-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Rookie guard Jonas Villanueva took advantage of Mike Cortez's absence as he fired a career-best 12 points, nine coming in the final frame as he helped Magnolia beat Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia Realty, 80-74, in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The 6-foot Villanueva, who averaged just 4.4 points in his first nine games this conference, scored five straight points – a three-pointer and a lay-up against the outstretched arms of new SLR import Lee Benson, giving the Beverage Masters a 72-57 lead with 7:04 left in the game.

Another basket by Danny Seigle, who finished with 11 points, put Magnolia ahead, 74-57, with six minutes to play.

“As much as possible, every young guy wants to get (playing) minutes,” Magnolia head coach Siot Tanquingcen said of Villanueva, the team's ninth overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft last August.

“Jonas is our up and coming point guard. He is learning from two very good point guards (Mike Cortez and Olsen Racela), but the good thing about him is he can move up to shooting guard. It speaks well of his talent,” he added.

Villanueva, a nephew of Jesus Is Lord (JIL) leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva, also came off the bench to collect four rebounds and four assists. In nine previous games he played, the one-time Fa Eastern U stalwart averaged just 12 minutes as the third point guard Cortez, sidelined due back spasms and the veteran Racela. He played 19 minutes against SLR.

“I know I have to wait for my time, and in this game kailangan tumulong,” said Villanueva, 25, whose previous high was 11 points in against Red Bull last Sunday, making it the second straight game he reset his career-high in scoring

The Beverage Masters improved their record to 8-7, while dealing the Realtors their fourth straight defeat to drop to 6-8. It also avenged an 86-88 defeat to Sta. Lucia in their first round meeting last April 6.

Magnolia’s new import Amal McCaskill, an NBA veteran who replaced Jameel Watkins, finished with 16 points and 18 rebounds.

“I’m satisfied,” Tanquingcen said. “Amal somehow gave us what we expected from him.”

“The main thing we’re concerned is we can’t relax, we have to make sure that we build on it. It’s either we end up in the semis, or quarters or wildcard,” Tanquingcen.

Dorian Pena split his free throws and Don-Don Hontiveros, who had 12 points in his first game back after missing their last three because of a severe ankle sprain, nailed a jumper for a 78-67 lead when Sta. Lucia moved within nine, 67-76.

Benson, the Realtors’ third import after Wesley Wilson and Jamar Brown, had 19 points and 17 boards, while Kelly Williams added 16 and 12 boards. Nelbert Omolon came off the bench to contribute 11.

Sta. Lucia, which was held to its lowest output this season, played without Joseph Yeo and rookie Philip Butel, who were reportedly suspended for the game by team officials for figuring in a fight with each other during a team practice last Monday. (WG)

The scores:

Magnolia 80 -- McCaskill 16, Hontiveros 14, Villanueva 12, Seigle 11, Pena 9, Pingris 7, Ildefonso 6, Tugade 5, Racela 0.

Sta. Lucia 74 -- Benson 19, Williams 16, Omolon 11, Espino 8, Mendoza 8, Miranda 6, Reyes 2, Aquino 2, Gonzales 2, Coronel 0.

Quarterscores: 20-16, 37-37, 60-51, 80-74.

kireii nathalie yea. addiction

SAN MIGUEL LIVES TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY

SAN MIGUEL MAKES IT TO SEMIS

SMB SUBDUES AIR21, BOOKS QF SEAT

*EDWARD ANTHONY MASEN CULLEN*

BEERMEN BACK IN SHARE OF LEAD

TUGADE SHINES IN 2 OVERTIME PERIODS AS SMB OUTLASTS AIR21

MAGNOLIA PULLS EVEN ON McCASKILL’S HEROICS

BEVERAGE MASTERS DRAW FIRST BLOOD AGAINST IMPORT-LESS AIR21

MAGNOLIA BARGES INTO FINAL 4

TUGADE-LED MAGNOLIA PUTS COKE ON THE BRINK

JAMIE LYNN SPEARS GAVE BIRTH TO A BABY GIRL

MAGNOLIA DOWNS COCA-COLA, MOVES INTO A TIE FOR 3RD

chinen yuuri ~_*

christopher john alandy dy tiu

hansen nichols :)) my love !

donaldo hontiveros :)) yea.

i really really hate this day :((

yea. moii perxxs deii in school ~

jonas villanueva got his career best points ! yea.

EDWARD ANTHONY MASEN CULLEN