James Yap, Simon-led B-MEG Derby Ace draws first blood anew
 James Yap put on a spectacular performance but the biggest shot of the night belonged to PJ Simon, whose three-pointer with 15.1 seconds remaining highlighted B-Meg Derby Ace"s 108-102 victory against Rain or Shine in the opener of the PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinals series at the Araneta Coliseum Friday.
"James kept us alive the whole game and PJ provided the finishing touches," proclaimed Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio, who said he felt good survived the challenge from a "highly athletic" team.
The Llamados blew a 12-point lead in the second quarter then sputtered in the fourth quarter to allow the Elasto Painters to make the game exciting.
Rain or Shine, which also lost Game 1 of its quarterfinal series against the same team in the previous conference, came to life in the final two minutes on successive three-point shots by Gabe Norwood and import Rod Nealy that pulled the Elasto Painters within 102-103 with 82 second to go.
Rain or Shine, which outscored B-Meg Derby Ace 36-8 from the ...
San Miguel books semis seat
 In the end, powerhouse San Miguel Beer still took the shortcut to the semifinal round, overcoming a bumpy ride entering the homestretch of the elimination round.
The second wind SMB gotten on the return of Gabe Freeman carried the team all the way to a playoff win over B-MEG Derby Ace Friday night, allowing the Beermen to join the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in an early entry into the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Final Four.
The Beermen withstood the Llamados, 88-83, in a furious battle at ...
Llamados forge playoff for Final 4 spot
 The late-charging B-MEG Derby Ace caught up with San Miguel Beer at second place at the wire.
The Llamados capped a mighty finish in the elimination round with a 106-100 drubbing of the Barako Energy Coffee Masters Sunday night to force a playoff with the Beermen for the second outright semis seat in the PBA Fiesta Conference.
Derby Ace and San Miguel dispute the precious berth at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
It's a double playoff with Rain or Shine and Barangay ...
B-MEG gains share of 2nd with crucial win over Kings
 Cliff proving himself to be the better Brown than Denham was a key factor as B-MEG Derby Ace stayed on a hot streak and in strong contention for an outright entry in the PBA Fiesta Conference Final Four.
The Derby Ace import outplayed his Barangay Ginebra counterpart as the Llamados whipped the Kings, 101-83, Wednesday to catch up with the San Miguel Beermen at second place with three play dates left in the double-round elimination phase.
Cliff came through with 24 points, 16 rebounds, ...
B-MEG Derby Ace stops Talk 'N Text streak
 Tacloban City - Though assured of an outright semifinal berth, Talk 'N Text fought tenaciously here Saturday with a tab at history.
But the night was uncooperative and unkind.
KG Canaleta drew a crucial foul from Harvey Carey and knocked in a free throw with eight-tenths of a second left as B-Meg Derby Ace foiled Talk 'N Text's attempt at rewriting history, squeezing out an 88-87 win in their PBA Fiesta Conference road game at the Tacloban Convention Center.
Canaleta lifted B-Meg Derby ...
B-MEG nips ROS, Llamados inch closer to top 2
 Sol Mercado sizzled hot almost throughout only to fizzle out in the crunch.
Mercado exploded for a career-best 45 points but missed money shots, allowing B-MEG Derby Ace to preserve an 86-84 victory over a late-charging Rain or Shine squad in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.
The Llamados scored a third straight win that firmed up their hold of third spot at 10-5, a game and half behind the San Miguel Beermen (11-3) and a full game in front of the Barangay ...
B-MEG clips SMB, closes in on no. 2
 Poor shooting, numerous turnovers and early ouster of import Cliff Brown on fouls didn't stop B-MEG Derby Ace from getting even with San Miguel Beer.
A team taking pride on being the league's best defensive team, Derby Ace pulled off another win through a tough defensive effort going with a big shot by "Big Game" James Yap at the finish.
Yap knocked in an eight-foot jumper from the left corner with 6.7 seconds left and the Llamados overcame playing import-less in the last five minutes of ...
Llamados back on track
 After coming out short the last time versus Alaska Milk, B-MEG Derby Ace had little improvement, barely hanging on at the finish against Sta. Lucia.
The Llamados squeezed out a 73-66 win over the Realtors and thus regained a piece of third place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday night.
"It was an ugly win but still something positive in terms of the outcome. We couldn't play that way up against tough teams," said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio after the ...
Tenorio lifts Alaska past B-MEG in OT
 The rematch of the Aces in the PBA Fiesta Conference elimination round went down with LA Tenorio laying down the biggest hand in the end.
Tenorio came through with a personal conference best of 26 points, including a huge four-point binge inside the last 2.5 seconds of overtime as the Alaska Milk Aces survived the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados, 99-97, in a gripping battle at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Friday night.
The peppery point guard and forward Joe De Vance took charge with import Diamon ...
B-MEG Derby Ace bucks injuries, slow start to beat Coke
 Not even a golf ball-sized lump on top of his left knee could keep James Yap from coming up with ways to help B-MEG Derby Ace.
With the former MVP chipping in his ample share, the Llamados pulled off a morale-boosting 104-91 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers Sunday in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Roger Yap, PJ Simon and Marc Pingris led those who stepped up the most when James got hobbled by his injury, resulting in the victory that bounced the Llamados back from a ...
Talk 'N Text clobbers B-MEG, closes in on leading Beermen
 In an awesome performance speaking well of what its souped-up lineup can do, Talk n Text walloped B-MEG Derby Ace, 114-89, Wednesday night in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Tropang Texters cut loose from a tight game with a big opening blast in the second half and went on to humble the Llamados for their second win in a row after their acquisition of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes.
It was Talk n Text's seventh straight win overall that improved the team's ...
Llamados down Express, continue to play catch-up with leaders
 Panabo City B-MEG Derby Ace dealt Air21 severe beating in the middle quarters, carving out an 83-71 win in their out-of-town tussle in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Center here Saturday night.
Cliff Brown played well in his first road game in the local pro league, leading the Llamados to a third straight win and their sixth in nine games overall.
Halfway through the double-round elimination phase, coach Ryan Gregorio and his troops are two games behind the ...
B-MEG Derby Ace breaks out of logjam, now in solo 3rd
 Defensive demon B-MEG Derby Ace pulled together a solid job on both ends of the court Sunday night, blasting Barangay Ginebra, 95-82, to gain solo third place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Llamados, the league's best defensive team but dead last in scoring, came through with their best offensive effort since their Philippine Cup title conquest, beating the Kings for their fifth win in eight games.
James Yap, Cliff Brown, Nino Canaleta, Rafi Reavis and Don ...
B-MEG Derby Ace, back on track
 Taking a two-day rest after getting hurt in their last game against San Miguel Beer Sunday, James Yap returned with a flourish, hitting a career milestone to help B-MEG Derby Ace get past Rain or Shine Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Yap joined the league the 5,000-point club as the Llamados beat the Elasto Painters, 75-67, in a defensive battle to move up to third place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.
The 2006 MVP winner made 20 points on 8-of-19 field-goal shooting and ...
Struggling Llamados must find hoop vs E-Painters
 Ryan Gregorio knows exactly why his team is struggling and he has discussed the problem with his coaching staff and troops.
The B-MEG Derby Ace coach is obviously alarmed by their current plight and anticipates that things could get even worse if their offense doesn't improve.
So he is keeping his fingers crossed that their concerns would be addressed Wednesday when they battle Rain or Shine a team that is also experiencing a roller coaster ride.
Nobody can blame Gregorio if he ...
No stopping the Beermen
 There's still no stopping San Miguel although the Beermen battled without an import almost half of the way versus the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados Sunday.
With Olsen Racela and Joseph Yeo providing the spark and energy coming off the bench in the third quarter, tournament leader San Miguel fought back from 18-points deficits and upended B-MEG Derby Ace, 80-72, in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jay Washington, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot put the finishing ...
B-MEG Derby Ace's Wade awesome in win over Barako Coffee
 Wade may be doing some positive things for B-MEG Derby Ace, but the Llamados themselves are wondering whether his skills are enough to fulfill their quest in the PBA Fiesta Conference.
"Is he right for us? Does he fit the need? Those questions will be answered in the next few days," Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio said after Wade led his team to a 93-80 win over Barako Energy Coffee Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Wade led all scorers with 27 points, on top of another game-high 17 ...
Alaska exacts revenge of sorts versus B-MEG Derby Ace
 Cagayan De Oro - Talk of surprises in the early goings of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference, and Alaska Milk had one to offer Saturday night here.
Alaska was swept by Purefoods (now called B-MEG Derby Ace) in four games in the Philippine Cup finals yet the Aces beat the all-Filipino champs in their first meeting in the reinforced tourney though handicapped by the early exit of import Diamon Simpson on fouls.
The Aces lived on in the last 3:43 of play minus Simpson, upending the Llamados, ...
Coca-Cola hands B-MEG Derby Ace 1st loss
 B-Meg Derby did exactly what it had to do. The Llamados gave James Penny a lot of attention and accidentally took him out with still a little over five minutes left in the fourth quarter as the Coca-Cola import sustained a four-centimeter cut near his right eyebrow after accidentally getting elbowed while defending B-Meg Derby Ace counterpart Lorrenzo Wade one-on-one.
Penny's absence though did not dampen the spirit of his teammates, particularly Gary David, Asi Taulava and Mark Macapagal ...
B-MEG Derby Ace stakes unblemished record vs tough Coca-Cola crew
 B-Meg Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio said he has not set a time table for Kerby Raymundo's return.
The LLamado star frontliner has been out since the team opened its campaign in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference because he is currently undergoing rehab for his injured right knee that has bothered him since last conference and it may take a while before he could rejoin his teammates.
Gregorio said Raymundo will join the roster once he's 100 percent healthy. "We don't want him to risk his ...
Chalk up win no. 2 for B-MEG Derby Ace
 As the PBA celebrated its 35th year of existence, the league gave away special prizes to the fans while B-MEG Derby Ace gave Air21 sound beating in the featured main game.
The Llamados, the Philippine Cup champs, made it two in a row in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference with a 92-75 whipping of the Express at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday.
Former Senator Nikki Coseteng made the ceremonial toss in the contest highlighting the first day of the league's weeklong anniversary celebration. Also ...
B-MEG Derby Ace off to a good start
 The Philippine Cup ruler was off to a triumphant start in the import-laden tourney.
Coach Ryan Gregorio and his troops won their first game under the B-MEG Derby Ace banner, topping Sta. Lucia Realty, 86-79, in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday night.
Import Lorenzo Wade played limited minutes due to early fouls but the Derby Ace locals rose to the occasion as the Llamados, formerly the Purefoods TJ Giants, beat out the Realtors in a fierce battle.
"We ...
Llamados, Aces finally strut wares
 Philippine Cup champions Purefoods TJ Giants will be identified as the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados this conference.
No big deal.
B-Meg Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio says their goal stays the same and defense remains the thrust of their campaign.
"We are determined to figure prominently and hopefully go all the way out again with defense as our ticket," he proclaimed.
Fittingly, the Llamados make their debut in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference Wednesday against the Sta. Lucia Realtors, ...
"Miraculous, incredible, nearly impossible, but we did it." - Gregorio
 Ryan Gregorio claims Purefoods' victorious stint in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup was a miracle.
At the post-game interview moments that followed his team's four-game sweep of the Alaska Aces Wednesday to win the KFC Philippine Cup, the Purefoods chieftain confessed that he entertained thoughts about giving up on coaching, recounting the Giants' roller coaster ride in the elimination round.
He only stayed put, he said, because of management's unwavering support and tremendous encouragement ...
Sweet sweep for Purefoods, Giants Phil Cup champs
 Purefoods completed its drive to some historic firsts Wednesday by riding the backs of its most trusted men.
James Yap and Roger Yap each came up with big games as the Giants beat the Alaska Aces 86-76 to pull off the first-ever four-game sweep in a KFC-PBA Philippine Cup championship series at the packed Araneta Coliseum.
Awarded with his first Best Player of the Conference earlier, James Yap was also honored as the Handyfix-PBA Press Corps Finals MVP as he wrapped up a tournament to ...
James Yap is conference MVP
 Somewhere in heaven, former President Cory Aquino must be flashing her old familiar winning smile.
That after her favorite son-in-law, James Yap, dedicated the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference he officially won Wednesday to Mrs. Aquino, who passed away last year.
"Paboritong-paborito ako nu'n at alam kong tuwang-tuwa siya ngayon para sa akin," Yap stated to scribes after being handed the elegant plaque by no less than PBA Commissioner Renauld Sonny' ...
Giants go for clincher
 Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said he and his Giants have no reason to celebrate until they have clinched win number four.
The Giants have a chance to wrap up their titular series against the Alaska Aces and earn the distinction as 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup champions with another victory in Game 4 scheduled at 7 o'clock Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
"I always look at [Alaska coach] Tim Cone as the best coach in the league. At this point there is no reason for me to be ...
Purefoods in command, 3-0
 Purefoods is set to give Alaska a dose of its own terrible medicine.
The Giants banked on a late surge fueled by the Aces' own collapse to carve a 79-78 decision Sunday and move within another win of sweeping their KFC-PBA Philippine Cup championship series at the packed Araneta Coliseum.
James Yap scored 14 points and PJ Simon 12 while KG Canaleta and Kerby Raymundo each hit a clutch endgame basket that were enough to lead Purefoods into a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven duel before a ...
Raymundo FT lifts Purefoods past Alaska, Giants up 2-0
 Kerby Raymundo, drawing a crucial foul from Joe Devance with 1.7 seconds to go, knocked in the deciding free throw as Purefoods salvaged an 86-85 win over Alaska Milk in Game Two of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
The Giants squandered a 48-39 halftime lead but recovered in the nick of time, making it two-zero in their best-of-seven championship showdown.
"We really fought hard to come back. We're down by 14 but we didn't give up and kept on ...
Aces, Giants brace for key adjustments in Game 2
An initial loss in a long series is nothing new to Alaska coach Tim Cone and neither is bouncing back from it.
And that is exactly what Cone and his Alaska Aces aim to do when they square off with the Purefoods Giants Friday in Game Two of the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup championship series at the Araneta Coliseum.
"In a seven-game series you don't have time to, excuse the pun, cry on your milk. You just got to keep on going. One game doesn't make a whole series," Cone said following ...
Purefoods takes opener
 If it is any indication, the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Finals is going to be a long drawn-out affair.
Even Giants coach Ryan Gregorio thinks so after his team eked out an 81-77 victory Wednesday at the start of the best-of-seven duel at the Araneta Coliseum.
"It's a great momentum win for us, but the battle is far from over," said Gregorio after his team came out of a tough game in which neither combatants led by more than seven points.
"Our only advantage is we started on the right foot ...
Alaska - Purefoods final showdown fires off Wednesday; James Yap health alert on
 James Yap's back injury will be sharing the spotlight when Purefoods and Alaska begin their titular series for the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday.
The injury has acted up since Game 3 of their semifinal match-up with San Miguel and has kept bothering the Giants' lead scorer from time to time.
Ryan Gregorio, who will attempt to become the first Purefoods coach to win two All-Filipino championships, said James Yap's state of health is under close watch but has not distracted their ...
Giants march on to finals; Game 1 Wednesday
 Purefoods is back in the place where it is most usually is and used a star-laden lineup as ladder.
For the third straight game the Giants mastered the San Miguel Beermen, carving an emphatic 87-78 victory Sunday to earn a return trip to the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup championship series at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Roger Yap came up with another sterling all-around game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, leading Purefoods' balanced effort on both ends of the court that spelled the big ...
1st of 2 tries for ticket to finals up for Giants Sunday
 Definitely, the Purefoods TJ Giants' intention is to deliver the knockout blow on the embattled San Miguel Beermen Sunday.
The question is whether the Giants can sneak in with that or the Beermen would be able to duck.
For Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, the best way for them to close out the series is to stick with what they did well in the last two games.
Three-two up and all pumped-up, the Giants go for the kill versus the Beermen in Game Six of their 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup ...
Purefoods nears finals
 Suddenly, Purefoods is in command in its semifinal duel with the highly fancied San Miguel Beer team.
The Giants continued to defy the odds, stunning the Beermen, 94-82, for the second straight game to gain the pivotal 3-2 lead in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
As in Game Four, the Purefoods starting unit did a heckuva job and the reserves had key contributions as the Giants moved to within a win of a second all-Filipino ...
Giants, Beermen break deadlock
 Ryan Gregorio believes his team is headed for a titular series with finalist in waiting Alaska Aces.
The eloquent Purefoods coach made his bold statement Wednesday in the aftermath of the Giants' 97-84 victory that evened their 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with San Miguel at two games apiece.
"Honestly I feel we have a legit crack [at making the Finals] because of the way we've been playing and the way we've been concentrating and being in focus in trying to stop this ...
Purefoods evens series anew
 Roger Yap barely missed his first career triple-double by one rebound and Purefoods weathered a fiery charge by San Miguel Beer in the second half to beat the Beermen, 97-84 in Game 4 Wednesday, to even their KFC PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at two games apiece at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Giants saw their 22-point lead whittled down to three points early in the fourth quarter but they persevered in the most challenging moments.
Purefoods clinched the game with a 14-3 run with ...
San Miguel from start to finish, now up 2-1
 Going back to their old ways, the San Miguel Beermen moved back on top in their Final Four duel with the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants.
The Beermen restored order in their game after a floundering performance Friday, smothering the Giants, 88-76, for a 2-1 lead in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
"The main thing was the effort we put in. We went back to basics. Bumalik kami sa depensa na nagpapanalo sa amin sa elimination round. ...
Reavis-led Purefoods buck Kerby loss to Category even series
 Kerby Raymundo picked up two quick fouls and was ejected from the game with 4:11 left in the second quarter that almost jolted the entire Purefoods bench.
Fortunately, Rafi Reavis and KG Canaleta raised the level of their games to cushion the impact of Raymundo's absence and helped the Giants fashion out a 103-84 romp against the San Miguel Beermen Friday that evened their KFC-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome at one game apiece.
The Giants, who lost the series ...
Giants, Kings looking for energy, sizzle to square series
 They are facing opponents who have come out and played as sharp as could be expected.
Yet Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico and Purefoods counterpart Ryan Gregorio are pleading with their players to first hurdle their biggest enemy, ones that lie within themselves.
"We want players that, even when things are not going well, they'll find a way," said Uichico.
"They need to step up," stated Gregorio.
The words came after the Giants and Kings suffered lopsided 104-79 and 99-83 losses ...
Game 1 to well-rested Beermen
 Just like in the other series, the well-rested team played better, pouncing on a spent-out foe in the opener of the San Miguel Beer-Purefoods showdown.
The Beermen returned with aplomb from a 24-day layoff and ripped the Giants, 99-83, for the crucial head start in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals duel at the Araneta Coliseum Wedneday night.
"Our long break became a big advantage for us, giving our injured players time to recover. Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso ...
Final Four wars commence at Araneta
 The Purefoods TJ Giants took a well deserved rest Monday after finishing off Rain or Shine in the deciding Game 5 of their quarterfinal series Sunday.
Their coach, Ryan Gregorio, said their duel against the Elasto Painters was physically and mentally draining.
Nevertheless, he proclaimed his troops are ready to get back onto the battlefield and engage San Miguel in Game 1 of the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series Wednesday.
Although the Giants have shown signs of fading in ...
On to the semis for Purefoods
 When James Yap regained his fiery touch, Purefoods rediscovered its deadly form. James Yap scored a game-high 28 points, leading the Giants to a cruising 95-85 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Sunday and into the semifinals of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the packed Araneta Coliseum.
"It's a great relief to finally hurdle Rain or Shine. That team is tough," said Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio after the win in the deciding game of the best-of-five quarterfinals ...
Rain or Shine survives Purefoods rally, forces Game 5
 Eddie Laure redeemed himself from a big Game Two booboo as he emerged Rain or Shine's savior in surviving a fourth knockout game in two weeks, forcing a sudden death with Purefoods in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals showdown.
Before a huge Friday crowd at the Araneta Coliseum, Laure nailed a trey coming off the bench in the final minute then the Elasto Painters made crucial defensive stops as they topped the Giants, 103-100, for the second straight game, thus, extending their ...
Giants, Texters aim for final 4 anew vs now inspired Elasto-Painters, Kings
 Caloy Garcia believes his team could make it two in a row to force a deciding Game 5.
The Rain or Shine coach made his pronouncement shortly after the Elasto Painters earned a new lease on life Wednesday night.
"I still believe we can make a comeback in this series, "Garcia said.
One loss away from being swept, the Elasto Painters survived another late game meltdown and beat the shorthanded Purefoods TJ Giants, 95-92, in Game 3 of their 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal ...
Rain stops, sun finally shines for Rain or Shine
 Jeff Chan made four three-pointers in the fourth quarter as Rain or Shine rallied to beat Purefoods, 95-90, in Game 3 of their KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal series at the Araneta Coliseum.
One loss away from being swept in their best-of-5 showdown, the Elasto Painters summoned all their energy and never gave up even when the shorthanded Giants had seized control after three quarters.
Chan, a non-factor in Games 1 and 2, finally found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, going 4-of-5 ...
Purefoods, Talk n Text try to bring out the broom and crash into Final 4
 Purefoods and Talk N' Text have something in common when they step onto the court Wednesday night. The two teams have their sights trained at the Final Four.
Their chances of joining early semifinalists San Miguel and Alaska appears imminent. The Giants and the Tropang Texters both enjoy an imposing 2-0 lead and need just one more win to wrap up their respective quarterfinal series in the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup.
But Ryan Gregorio, the Purefoods' coach, remains cautious, warning ...
Yaps carrying load for Giants in quarters
 There's nothing negative about James Yap and Roger Yap especially in the best-of-five quarterfinal round of the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup which has seen the Purefoods TJ Giants race to a 2-0 lead over Rain or Shine.
The Positive Pair,' as some would be calling them right now, carried much of the load - offensively and defensively - as the Giants continued to dominate the Elasto Painters whom they have also beaten twice in the eliminations.
In Game One, which Purefoods won, 90-85, ...
Yap free throws lift Purefoods to 2-0 bubble
 James Yap and Roger Yap were once again Purefoods' men of the hour as the Giants made it two in a row over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with a stirring 95-94 come-from-behind victory at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Moments after Talk n Text fashioned out a 106-105 stunner of a win over Ginebra Kings, the Giants essayed their own thriller, pulling through on two foul shots by James Yap with six-tenths of a second left.
Roger Yap also played a big role as he rallied the Giants from ...
Giants keep streak going, win series opener vs. ROS
 James Yap scored a conference-high 31 points and combined with Roger Yap for successive threes in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter that lifted Purefoods to a 90-85 victory against Rain or Shine in the opener of their KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal series Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The game nearly turned ugly the closing seconds when Sol Mercado confronted Roger Yap after a botched play by the Elasto Painters.
"We expected a tough Game 1 because momentum was on their ...
Purefoods-Rain or Shine, Ginebra-Talk n Text quarterfinal duels start at Big Dome
 Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico will not be lulled by what his rival says. Not when he has enough reason to keep his team on its toes.
So expect the Kings to display the same fire and energy they have splendidly displayed in the windup of the eliminations when they tackle the Talk N Text Tropang Texters Friday at the start of the 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine tries to carry over its surprising wildcard momentum when it tangles with ...
Purefoods to quarters, Sta. Lucia to wildcard
 Purefoods completed a four-game romp at the close of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination phase Friday night, gaining automatic entry into the quarterfinals with an 88-78 win over Sta. Lucia Realty at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Friday night.
The Giants dominated the Realtors in the second half, thus, towing the Talk n Text Tropang Texters to an outright passage into the quarters while relegating Sta. Lucia to the wild card phase.
The knockout wild card plays begin Sunday in ...
Purefoods stalls Alaska's outright semis bid, gains share of 3rd
 Purefoods Tender Juicy foiled Alaska Milk's first attempt at an outright entry into the semifinals, muddling up the race on a 94-77 whipping of the Aces in their crucial tussle in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Friday.
The Giants shifted their game into high gear in the final half, seizing control and going on to score the vital victory that kept their slim chance at landing at No. 2 at the close of the double-round elimination phase.
Purefoods, which will be contented ...
Alaska takes 1st of 3 cracks at outright final 4 slot vs Purefoods
 With a bit of pressure off their backs, the Alaska Aces try get another win that would earn them safe passage to the semifinals of the 2009-10 KFCPBA Philippine Cup.
In a battle between two defensive teams Wednesday, Alaska outplayed Sta. Lucia down the stretch for an 85-77 victory that snapped a two-game skid and moved the Aces a win away from advancing to the Final Four.
The Aces (12-3) have three chances to go for it. But they could clinch it Friday night with a repeat win against the ...
Purefoods beats ROS
 KG Canaleta propped Purefoods past gritty Rain or Shine 101-88 Sunday, keeping the Giants' hopes for an automatic semifinals seat alive in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Canaleta scattered 14 of his 15 points inside the last 13 minutes of play that gave immeasurable boost to a Purefoods team that almost squandered what was once a 19-point lead.
In the end, the spark Canaleta gave propped the Giants to their 10th win in 16 games.
Should Purefoods win its remaining ...
Giants end 2009 with repeat win over Whoppers
 PUREFOODS again went to the major component that has been the key to its success in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Getting its act on defense when it mattered most, the Giants turned back Burger King on Christmas Day, 85-74, at the Cuneta Astrodome in a game where they held the opposition to just six points in the final seven minutes to clinch the win.
"Coming into the game, we knew we couldn't challenge Burger King to a shootout," admitted Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio. "We needed to buckle ...
TNT trips Purefoods in CDO
 Macmac Cardona, the league scoring leader, was off but still found a way to help Talk n Text beat Purefoods in a road game in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Xavier University Gym here Saturday night.
Cardona struggled for only eight points but had a crucial basket keeping the Tropang Texters afloat before eventually completing a 101-98 win over the Giants for solo third place in the tourney.
Jimmy Alapag played big in his return from a one-game layoff, enduring a pulled hamstring as he ...
SMB survives Purefoods endgame scare
 San Miguel Beer overcame a late rally by Purefoods TJ Hotdogs as it eked out a victory Sunday night to stay within striking distance of leader Alaska Milk in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Dondon Hontiveros and Arwind Santos each spewed 18 points while Denok Miranda and Mike Cortez added 15 and 11 points, respectively, to send the Beermen to their 10th win against four losses, just one game behind the Aces' conference-best 10-1 slate.
It was the Giants' fifth setback ...
Defense wins it anew for Purefoods TJ Giants
 Roger Yap made key steal in the closing minute to help Purefoods beat the struggling Barako Bull 70-66 Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
It was another close-shave win for the Giants, who blew a 21-point second quarter lead and had to play excellent defense in the closing minute to earn their fourth consecutive victory.
Against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, the Giants also squandered a 15-point advantage and needed a late run in the fourth to come away with the win.
"No ...
Roger Yap shines as Purefoods gets back at Ginebra
 Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio realizes there's a lot of things to work on and is keeping his fingers crossed that the Giants could still clinch an outright semifinal spot in the 2009-10 KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.
Roger Yap scored 21 points and the Giants held Barangay Ginebra to three field goals in the last five minutes to streak to their third consecutive victory, an 89-81 decision over the Kings Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum.
P.J. Simon tallied 14 points and James Yap had 13 for ...
Purefoods downs Coke, gains share of 4th
 The Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants had their contribution making their special company event more meaningful.
The Giants scored their first back-to-back victories in the 35th PBA season, following up their 68-63 win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors Saturday with an 88-79 whipping of the Coca-Cola Tigers at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
"We really prepared hard to break our win-loss-win-loss ride. It came at the right time when we're celebrating a special event," said Purefoods coach ...
Purefoods nips Sta. Lucia in low-scoring game
 Purefoods outperformed Sta. Lucia in the conference's lowest-scoring game here Saturday, and the Giants finished above .500 at the close of the initial round of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup double-round elimination phase.
In a battle between the Finals protagonists two seasons ago, the Giants subdued the Realtors, 68-63, in their out-of-town showdown at the Robert Barbers Memorial Sports Complex and caught up with their victims at fifth place halfway through the elims of the all-Filipino ...
Backcourt aces lift Alaska to big win over Giants
 Alaska Milk topped the first round of the 2009-2010 KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination phase, capping an 8-1 win-loss record with a 101-87 thrashing of Purefoods at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The Aces played a solid game throughout as they kept their domination of the Giants whom they swept in four meetings in the 2008-2009 campaign.
At 8-1, the Aces start the second round a full game in front of the second-running San Miguel Beermen (7-2).
The Barangay Ginebra Kings could also be at ...
Purefoods rips Rain or Shine
 Purefoods remained true to its rollercoaster ride Sunday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Giants coach Ryan Gregorio now hopes that trend stops for the better.
"I am pretty sure, sooner or later we will stabilize," said Gregorio following his Purefoods 103-69 win over Rain or Shine that held true the team's penchance to bounce back from a loss.
"Our most immediate goal right now is to grab two straight wins and we could do that in our next game against Alaska on ...
5 in a row for sizzling SMB
 San Miguel Beer stayed on a murderous run, essaying yet another lopsided win at the expense of Purefoods Wednesday night.
The Beermen sustained the momentum of their four-game streak, making it five in a row in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup with a 92-76 spanking of the Giants at the Araneta Coliseum.
San Miguel, behind a torrid shooting and an efficient defense, built huge leads lead right in the first half and refused to slow down, scoring a ghastly rout in the contest pitting two teams ...
Maierhofer-led Purefoods continues mastery of TNT
 Anybody can learn from a bitter lesson and Purefoods is no exception.
Taking their coach's oft-stressed words to heart, the Giants bucked manpower problems and Talk 'N Text's tough stance for a 108-102 victory Sunday to get back on track in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rico Maierhofer, Purefoods' No. 2 pick in the rookie draft, tallied career-highs with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Giants back from an upset 79-93 loss to an Asi ...
2nd half rain of 3s notches first win for Tigers
 Coca-Cola was grittily determined not to be buried deeper in a hole it was already in.
The Tigers proved this by pulling off a 93-79 shocker over the Purefoods Giants Friday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Coke refused to be daunted by a 15-point third-quarter deficit, mostly banking on its veterans to turn the table on a Purefoods squad aiming for a share of second-running spot.
"The players tonight refused to lose, even though we're struggling," said Tigers ...
Raymundo, Giants bounce back, beat Barako Bull
 Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio claimed taking Barako Bull for granted could be suicidal.
So they accorded their rivals the respect they rightfully deserve and the Giants reaped the dividend in the form of a 92-77 victory Friday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
"In the end the respect we accorded them paid off. We played tough defense on one end and focused on our execution at the other end," Gregorio said.
The result, Gregorio said, was a "good win" after ...
Ginebra topples Purefoods, grabs piece of lead
 Ronald Tubid provided the spark coming off the bench in the last three minutes as Barangay Ginebra upended Purefoods, 95-87, to gain a share of early lead with Alaska Milk in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
Tubid pumped in a trey then scored on a drive following his own steal, triggering a decisive 11-3 run that keyed the Kings' second win following a triumphant debut against the San Miguel Beermen Wednesday.
Jayjay Helterbrand put in team highs of 19 points and ...
Purefoods drubs BK, sends strong warning
 Purefoods Tender Juicy, among the teams undergoing a massive buildup in the off-season, was off to a flying start in the 2009-2010 PBA season proper, taking the starch out of Japeth Aguilar's pro debut.
The Giants worked well with their upgraded roster, humbling Aguilar and the rest of the Burger King Whoppers, 93-80, in the kickoff game of the KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
"To be honest, we didn't put much emphasis on Japeth. We knew he just had one practice with ...
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