FIBA World Cup 2023:

Dominican Republic edges out valiant Gilas Pilipinas, 87-81

August 25, 2023 – Philippine Arena

Dominican Republic edges out valiant Gilas Pilipinas, 87-81
player photo courtesy of FIBA
FIBA World Cup 2023: BOCAUE, Bulacan – Gilas Pilipinas put up a valiant fight but fell short in their first game of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, losing 87-81 to the Dominican Republic in front of a record-breaking crowd of 38,115 at the Philippine Arena.

➤ NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge for the Dominican Republic, scoring 26 points and hauling in 10 boards, while guard Victor Liz had 18 points and 6 rebounds. Philippine NBA star Jordan Clarkson put up an impressive 28 points for the Gilas with 7 rebounds and 7 assists, while PBA legend Junemar Fajardo contributed 16 points and hauled in 7 rebounds.

➤ The Philippine basketball team led in rebounds, hauling 32 total to the Dominicans 26, but DR massacred them on the offensive boards, with the Dominicans enjoying a 17 to 3 advantage. The Dominicans also exploited Pilipinas basketball’s turnovers, scoring 26 off 19 Gilas turnovers, and fared better in second-chance points, making 15 against 2 of the Philippines.

➤ Both teams were evenly matched throughout the game, but it ultimately turned into a rivalry between the NBA’s finest. Despite Clarkson’s monstrous 28-point effort, he fouled out in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, with Karl-Anthony Towns prevailing over him. Gilas was down 79-76 with only 3:32 remaining when he was disqualified for an offensive foul. It came after several questionable calls that hurt Gilas’ chances. In contrast, despite having shooting woes all night, Towns made most of his charity lane freebies, making 15 of 16 freethrow attempts.

➤ AJ Edu made a good account for himself, making a lot of key defensive stops to limit the effectiveness of Towns, while Kiefer Ravena also fared well in the minutes he was on the court, as did Dwight Ramos, who backstopped Gilas with 13 big points.

➤ The Gilas Pilipinas basketball team will next face a dangerous Angola squad that caused an early scare in their first-game loss to powerhouse Italy, 67-81. The tip-off between Group A rivals begins this Sunday at the Philippine Arena.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 22-18; 42-42; 66-64; 87-81.

dominican republic nt: 87

Towns 26, Liz 18, Feliz 12, Montero 6, Delgado 6, Peña 5, Vargas 5, Figueroa 5, Mendoza 2, Quiñones 2, Solano 0, Suero DNP.

gilas pilipinas: 81

Clarkson 28, Fajardo 16, Ramos 13, Edu 7, Pogoy 6, Thompson 5, Ravena 2, Abando 2, Aguilar 2, Sotto 0, Malonzo 0, Perez DNP.

Posted on August 26, 2023 - Philippine Arena

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Philippine Basketball 2018:

Gilas blasts Jordan in Game 2, 82-73

November 21, 2018 – Meralco Gym

Philippine Basketball News 2018: Gilas Pilipinas blasted Jordan national team 82-73, in Game 2 of their exhibition game as buildup for the FIBA World Qualifying Tournament this Wednesday at the Meralco Gym. The game was unceremoniously ended as Jordan walked out of the playing court after a verbal altercation between coach Yeng Guiao and Jordan mentor Joey Steibing.

Notes:

➤ A near brawl was triggered after a Jordanian cager threw a ball at Scottie Thompson during a dead ball. Poy Erram also had an altercation with another Jordanian after a rebound play.

➤ Tempers flared for Jordan after the Philippine basketball team rallied from a 19 point deficit, and continued by mounting a double-digit lead thanks to a 31-4 unanswered blast.

➤ The game was halted with 6:23 remaining in the fourth quarter as entire Jordan basketball team headed straight into the locker room. Gilas was officially awarded the game by default.

➤ Gilas will play Lebanon NT this Friday and on Saturday to continue their buildup for the upcoming FIBA qualifiers.

Posted on November 21, 2018 - Meralco Gym

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

PBA Semifinals 2018:

Magnolia boots out Ginebra, 112-108

November 16, 2018 – Ynares Center

PBA Semifinals News 2018: Magnolia Hotshots booted out Barangay Ginebra, 112-108 to book a Finals ticket in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup this Friday at the Ynares Center. Import Romeo Travis bucked a hamstring injury to lead the Hotshots with 50 points and 13 boards, while Ian Sangalang made 14 points and 6 rebounds.

Notes:

➤ With 10 ticks remaining in regulation, both Scottie Thompson and Joe Devance miffed their clutch trey attempts and failed to salvage Ginebra in crunch time. The Gin Kings were effectively eliminated from campaigning for a third straight title this season.

Justin Brownlee backstopped the losing Gin Kings with 32 points, 9 caroms and 7 dimes, while Japeth Aguilar chipped-in 25 buckets and 14 rebounds.

Magnolia will get a long rest as they await the other finalist between the Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces, who will battle in Game 4 of their semifinals series on Saturday, November 17, at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 20-27, 51-53, 81-79, 112-108.

magnolia: 112

Travis 50, Sangalang 14, Lee 11, Jalalon 9, Barroca 8, Herndon 8, Simon 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Brondial 0, Melton 0.

ginebra: 108

Brownlee 32, Aguilar 25, Tenorio 12, Thompson 12, Devance 11, Slaughter 7, Mercado 5, Mariano 2, Chan 2, Ferrer 0.

Posted on November 16, 2018 - Ynares Center

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

PBA 2018:

Ginebra bags No. 1, demolishes Talk 'N Text, 112-93

November 4, 2018 – Araneta Coliseum

PBA News 2018: Barangay Ginebra bagged the No. 1 ranking, as it demolished the Talk ‘N Text KaTropa, 112-93 to begin their quarterfinals campaign in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup this Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Import Justin Brownlee blasted TNT with his triple-double of 31 buckets, 16 boards, and 11 assists, while big man Greg Slaughter finished with 25 points and 4 caroms.

Notes:

➤ Flashy guard Scottie Thompson also submitted 11 points and 8 rebounds for the Gin Kings.

➤ Barangay moved the ball better overall with 34 assists compared to TNT’s 24 total dimes and shot better with 38 of 66 shots made in field goals (57%) opposed to KaTropa’s 36 of 97 (37%).

Ginebra is now the leader of the Governors’ Cup pack as they registered a 9-2 win-loss slate and are assured of a twice-to-beat advantage once the playoffs commence. The Gin Kings will battle 8th placer NLEX in the quarters.

➤ Import Marqus Blakely paced the defeated TNT with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while RR Pogoy chipped-in 22 points. Ace guard Jayson Castro also added 12 points and 12 dimes.

➤ TNT missed the services of star player Terrence Romeo who was out due to sickness. The KaTropa are now effectively out of contention in the Governors’ Cup after losing their third straight and dropping to a 4-7 win-loss slate.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 24-22, 54-45, 82-69, 112-93.

ginebra: 112

Brownlee 31, Slaughter 25, Thompson 11, J. Aguilar 10, Ferrer 9, Mariano 9, Tenorio 7, Mercado 4, Chan 3, Dela Cruz 3, R. Aguilar 0, Caperal 0, Manuel 0, Caguioa 0.

talk 'n text: 93

Blakely 23, Pogoy 22, Castro 12, Rosario 11, Reyes 8, Cruz 7, Trollano 4, Williams 2, Carey 2, Tamsi 2, Garcia 0, Golla 0, Paredes 0, Taha 0.

Posted on November 5, 2018 - Araneta Coliseum

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

PBA 2018:

Ginebra slips past Phoenix, 101-99

September 29, 2018 – Xavier University Gym

PBA News 2018: Barangay Ginebra slipped past the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 101-99, in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup this Saturday at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro City. Celebrated import Justin Brownlee helped the Gin Kings salvage the game late with his 34 points and 15 rebounds, while Joe Devance also added 15 markers and 4 boards.

Notes:

Scottie Thompson also posted stellar numbers for the Gin Kings with his 12 buckets and 14 caroms, while LA Tenorio chipped-in 10 points and 5 assists.

➤ It was a seesaw battle as there were several lead changes up until 8:19 in the 4th with Phoenix leading 87-85, but Ginebra broke out in clutch time to snatch the victory. Phoenix had a chance to win the game later with 10 ticks left and Barangay Ginebra leading with two, 101-99, but Matthew Wright lost the ball to Brownlee.

Wright led Phoenix with his 27 buckets and 4 rebounds, while Eugune Phelps was limited to 23 points and 13 boards. Calvin Abueva and Jason Perkins also registered vital numbers and scored 17 and 13 points apiece.

➤ The Gin Kings did not have injured stars Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and Sol Mercado.

➤ Ginebra is now the league leader in the 2018 Governors’ Cup as they surged to 5-1 while bumping-off the Fuel Masters who dropped to a 5-2 win-loss slate.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 23-23, 43-41, 68-61, 92-90.

GINEBRA: 101

Brownlee 34, Devance 15, Thompson 12, Tenorio 10, Ferrer 8, Caperal 8, Mariano 6, Chan 4, Caguioa 4.

PHOENIX: 99

Wright 27, Phelps 23, Abueva 17, Perkins 13, Jazul 6, Chua 5, Intal 4, Alolino 2, Wilson 2, Revilla 0.

Posted September 30, 2018 - Xavier University Gym, Cagayan de Oro

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Qualifiers 2018:

Gilas survives trey barrage, decks Qatar NT, 92-81

September 17, 2018 – Araneta Coliseum

Asian Qualifiers 2018 News: Gilas Pilipinas survived a first-half scare as it defeated a determined Qatar NT in the FIBA World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers this Monday evening at the Araneta Coliseum. Japeth Aguilar led the Gilas fightback with his 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Alex Cabagnot made-up for his lackluster performance in his game against Iran, and ended-up with 16 markers as well.

Notes:

Stanley Pringle also contributed 13 points for Gilas Pilipinas, while “Big” Beau Belga chipped-in 11 points.

➤ Pilipinas outrebounded Qatar as they hauled 54 caroms to 40, while also maximizing bench scoring at 66 to 8.

➤ Qatar NT led by as much 17 points in the first half, 20-37, as they shot an unbelievable 7 of 13 (54%) three-point shooting barrage. The Filipinos turned the tide in the third quarter as they wrestled the lead 59-58, courtesy of a 20-6 run, as they made crucial defensive stops to stifle the pesky Qataris.

➤The Filipinos played minus their home-crowd as they are serving their first game of two suspensions to play home games without an audience. FIBA served the penalty due to the infamous Australia-Philippines brawl last July in Bulacan’s Philippine Arena.

➤ The losing Qataris were led by big man Mohd Yousuf Mohammed who scored 26 points and 7 rebounds, while Tanguy Ngombo and Nasser Al-Reyes both finished with 17 buckets.

Aguilar and Matthew Wright replaced Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan for the Qatar joust, while Pringle was chosen as the naturalized player instead of Christian Stanhardinger for this game.

Greg Slaughter did not suit-up due to his ankle injury.

➤ The Philippine basketball team will next face Kazakhstan NT on November 30 to continue their Asian Qualifiers joruney.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 15-26, 39-52, 67-64, 92-81.

gilas pilipinas: 92

Aguilar 16, Cabagnot 16, Pringle 13, Belga 11, Lee 8, Wright 6, Sangalang 5, Lassiter 5, Erram 4, Taulava 3, Thompson 3, Norwood 2.

qatar nt: 81

Mohammed Mohd 26, Ngombo 17, Al-Rayes 17, Khalid 10, Mohammed Hassan 4, Gueye 3, Abdelbaset 3, Abdelhaleem 1, Lashin 0, Avdic 0.

Posted on September 18, 2018 - Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Asian Qualifiers:

Gilas Pilipinas stumbles to Iran NT

September 13, 2018 – Tehran

Philippine Basketball News 2018: Gilas Pilipinas failed to conquer the Iran NT which played almost the entire game without Hamed Haddadi this Thursday in the FIBA World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers in Tehran. Gilas threw away the impeccable game of Christian Stanhardinger who dropped 30 points and 12 rebounds. He was nearly unstoppable inside the paint against Iran’s other bigs.

Notes:

➤ Veteran gunner Samad Nikkah Bahrami hit clutch baskets and finished with 21 markers and 8 boards to lead Iran with an 81-73 win, while quick guard Sajjad Mashayekhi contributed 19 buckets and 4 dimes.

Haddadi did not play the whole three quarters, except in the fourth with 56 seconds left, when they were away big and assured of a victory. It was reported that Haddadi was actually nursing a groin injury.

➤ The Filipinos fought tooth and nail against the Iranians up until the final three minutes when Iran registered an 11 point lead, 77-66, courtesy of Bahrami dagger shots.

➤ Gilas failed to capitalize on the absence of Haddadi on the floor as they shot a dismal 5 of 28 (17.9%) clip from the rainbow country. Both Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter shot a woeful 1 of 7 threes from the arc, while Paul Lee Dalistan shot blanks on 0 of 2 treys.

➤ The game also got physical on two instances as Beau Belga was hit in the kisser with an elbow by Bahrami, and later a bloodied Lassiter was clipped in the face by Arsalan Kazemi.

➤ The Philippine basketball team is in a must-win situation against Qatar NT this Monday, September 17 at the Araneta Coliseum.

➤ Gilas is now third (4-3) in their FIBA grouping followed by Japan and Kazakhstan who are at 4th with a 3-4 slate. Only the top three from Group F will go ahead to play in the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2019 in China.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 21-22, 40-38, 63-59, 81-73.

iran: 81

Bahrami 21, Mashayekhi 19, Kazemi 11, Arghavan 8, Yakhchali 7, Jamshidi 6, Mirza 5, Hassanzadeh 4, Davoudichegani 0, Haddadi 0, Mozafarivanani 0.

GILAS PILIPINAS: 73

Standhardinger 30, Cabagnot 9, Belga 7, Lee 6, Thompson 5, Almazan 5, Lassiter 4, Taulava 3, Norwood 2, Sangalang 2, Maliksi 0, Erram 0.

Posted on September 14, 2018 - Tehran

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

Philippine Basketball:

Gilas Pilipinas chooses Stanhardinger over injured Slaughter

September 12, 2018 – Manila Time

Philippine Basketball News 2018: Gilas Pilipinas will battle Iran NT in the fourth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers tomorrow Thursday (September 13) sans injured Greg Slaughter and Stanley Pringle. Coach Yeng Guiao chose to field-in Christian Stanhardinger as the naturalized player to have a better match-up against Iran led by behemoth Hamed Haddadi at center position.

Notes:

Slaughter had the greenlight of FIBA to play as local, but his ankle injury sustained from his last game with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, sidelined him from practicing with the Gilas’ crew. It was questionable if he could play at 100% against Haddadi given his injury.

Pringle would have also been a shoo-in in the line-up but being restricted as a naturalized player meant that it was either him or Stanhardinger who will be chosen for the post.

➤ Also cut from the line-up were Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright, who are both serving a one-game FIBA suspension.

➤ The final line-up includes Stanhardinger, Poy Erram, Asi Taulava, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan, Ian Sangalang, Allein Maliksi, Alex Cabagnot, Scottie Thompson, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood and Marcio Lassiter.

➤ SBP president Al Panlilio announced the final roster this Wednesday morning.

➤ After the game against Iran, Gilas will then face Qatar on September 17 in a closed-door matchup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Posted September 12, 2018 - Manila Time

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

PBA Finals 2018:

Ginebra crowned Champions, blasts SMB, 93-77

August 8, 2018 – SM MOA Arena

PBA Finals News 2018: Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings were crowned PBA Champions as they blasted the Ssn Miguel Beermen, 93-77, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals this Friday evening at the SM MOA Arena. Justin Brownlee lifted the Gin Kings to the podium with his monstrous 31 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks and 2 steals, while “Gregzilla” Greg Slaughter also contributed 13 markers and 9 boards.

Notes:

Scottie Thompson who was named the Finals MVP of the Commissioner’s Cup, dropped 12 buckets, 13 caroms and 5 assists.

Junemar Fajardo led the dispirited Beermen with with his 29 goals, while temperamental import Renaldo Balkman hoarded 24 points. Balkman also hurt his ankle before the half ended.

Barangay Ginebra ended the Grand Slam hopes of SMB who won the last two PBA championships.

➤ The Gin Kings finished the Finals series at 4-2 slate.

➤ 20,490 fans crowded the SM MOA Arena

➤ Coach Tim Cone won his 21st PBA title overall, and 3rd as Ginebra coach.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 14-17, 35-38, 62-46, 93-77.

ginebra: 93

Brownlee 31, Slaughter 13, Thompson 12, Tenorio 11, Chan 10, Mercado 6, Ferrer 5, Devance 4, J. Aguilar 1.

san miguel: 77

Fajardo 29, Balkman 24, Heruela 11, Cabagnot 6, Santos 5, Pessumal 2, Ross 0, Lassiter 0, Rosser 0, Vigil 0, Standhardinger 0.

Posted August 9, 2018 - SM MOA Arena Pasay

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

PBA FInals 2018:

Ginebra defies San Miguel, 87-83, seizes Game 5

August 5, 2018 – Araneta Coliseum

PBA Finals 2018 News: Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings defied the San Miguel Beermen, 87-83, and seized Game 5 in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup this Sunday evening at the Araneta Coliseum. Scottie Thompson led the Gin Kings to a 3-2 lead with his magnificent double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds on 7 of 12 field-goal clip, while Justin Brownlee also contributed 18 markers, 9 boards and 4 assists.

Notes:

Thompson also scored 6 straight clutch points with 1:07 remaining to lift Ginebra into victory.

LA Tenorio also contributed 15 buckets and 5 assists, while Greg Slaughter had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.

➤ Temperamental reinforcement Renaldo Balkman fought for the losing SMB with his 34 buckets and 20 caroms, while Junemar Fajardo also added 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Barangay Ginebra had four players in double figures. The Gin Kings shot 34 of 79 (43%FG) from the field while SMB had 33 of 87 (37%FG).

Ginebra may seek to end the series or San Miguel may win anew to set-up a do-or-die, when they battle each other once more in Game 6 this Wednesday at the SM MOA Arena.

Game Scores:
Quarters: 24-26, 40-40, 66-66, 87-83.

ginebra: 87

Thompson 20, Brownlee 18, Tenorio 15, Slaughter 13, Devance 8, Aguilar 8, Chan 15, Mercado 0, Cruz 0, Ferrer 0.

san miguel: 83

Balkman 34, Fajardo 23, Lassiter 13, Cabagnot 5, Ross 3, Standhardinger 3, Santos 2, Nabong 0.

Posted August 5, 2018 - Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City

Written by Rock Punzalan for Philippine Basketball News Team

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