Liga Pilipinas - The Newest Basketball League focusing on Regional Development

[Blackie]

Being able to practise with ex-pros is good experience in and of itself. Set an age limit how will they get this? Keep patient learn as much as you can thier time will come. Cebu so far is number 1 what other team is there to learn from.

[C2Hamm]

Originally Posted by thadzonline

If you read my article in a previous Basketbolista issue, I guess I have already asked about this before...Liga should not put itself in conflict with collegiate hoops

i agree with you on that. thats why i am questioning the suggestion on the age limit.

[bolabasket]

M. Lhuillier Niños all set for playoffs
08/08/2008 | 03:18 AM

CEBU CITY, Philippines - The M. Lhuillier-Cebu Niños are now raring to see action while waiting for the results of the Trace Laguna Stallions vs. Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes wild card game.

The Stallions, winner of the final week of the tour elimination title gets the twice-to-beat advantage when the playoffs series starts on Monday at the different venue.

“We have made the necessary preparations and I think we are now ready to play in the playoffs," said Cebu coach Raul Alcoseba.

Cebu finished the tour elimination phase on top of the heap with a total of 49 points after sweeping all four-leg titles. Cebu holds the home-court-advantage when the best-of-five series starts.

However, Alcoseba admitted that the playoffs is tougher.

“We are speaking of the playoffs here and we are expecting for tougher and harder games ahead, that’s why we are preparing hard," Alcoseba said.

The other wildcard match up includes Baguio Victory hosting the Iloilo Mang Inasals at the University of Baguio gym; the Lipa-Batangas Barakos against the Quezon Red Oilers at the Lipa Cultural Convention Center; the Misamis Oriental Meteors against the Ilocos Sur Bravehearts at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City and the Stallions against the Heroes. - Sun.Star Cebu

[thadzonline]

Originally Posted by C2Hamm

i agree with you on that. thats why i am questioning the suggestion on the age limit.

well, I hope those Liga Pilipina officals take heed for the good of Philippine basketball

[trigun_08]

Home > Sports > Top Stories M. Lhuillier Niños all set for playoffs
08/08/2008 | 03:18 AM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us CEBU CITY, Philippines - The M. Lhuillier-Cebu Niños are now raring to see action while waiting for the results of the Trace Laguna Stallions vs. Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes wild card game.

The Stallions, winner of the final week of the tour elimination title gets the twice-to-beat advantage when the playoffs series starts on Monday at the different venue.

“We have made the necessary preparations and I think we are now ready to play in the playoffs," said Cebu coach Raul Alcoseba.

Cebu finished the tour elimination phase on top of the heap with a total of 49 points after sweeping all four-leg titles.
Cebu holds the home-court-advantage when the best-of-five series starts.

However, Alcoseba admitted that the playoffs is tougher.

“We are speaking of the playoffs here and we are expecting for tougher and harder games ahead, that’s why we are preparing hard," Alcoseba said.

The other wildcard match up includes Baguio Victory hosting the Iloilo Mang Inasals at the University of Baguio gym; the Lipa-Batangas Barakos against the Quezon Red Oilers at the Lipa Cultural Convention Center; the Misamis Oriental Meteors against the Ilocos Sur Bravehearts at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City and the Stallions against the Heroes. - Sun.Star Cebu

[blocker]

Hi everybody! I'd like to know if all the wildcard twice to beat tournaments be simultaneously for all teams? Or will it be (for example...) Week 1 Baguio vs. Iloilo, Week 2 Tagaytay vs. Laguna, etc....

So I guess the games are no longer shown on TV, because as of late, I've stopped flipping the channel to IBC 13 every hour.

[bolabasket]

LIGA PILIPINAS WILDCARD, LIPA HOSTS QUEZON
Posted August 9th, 2008 by liga

LIPA -- The wildcard phase of the 2008 Liga Pilipinas Smart Playoffs kicks off Sunday with the Lipa-Batangas Barakos hosting the Quezon Red Oilers at the Lipa Cultural Center here.

The Barakos, 5-5 at home, enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the wildcard, along with the Laguna Trace Stallions, Baguio Victory and Misamis Oriental Meteors, having finished from 5th to 8th place after the 13-leg, 7-week
elimination round.

A win would send Lipa-Batangas to the best-of-five quarterfinals against the Pampanga Buddies. If the Red Oilers prevail, however, a knockout match will be played Monday.

The Barakos will rely on Bonbon Custodio and Al Vergara to close out the wildcard -- sponsored by Smart, Accel, Molten, Metathione, Nature's spring, Burlington and Laptop Phoneshop -- with a win.

"Naghahanda na ang taga-Lipa para sa laban sa Quezon. Dahil nga homecourt mahalaga na dumating ang aming sixth man -- yung crowd," said Barakos team manager Mar Silverio.

Quezon is unfazed at the disadvantage.

"We are well prepared and the team is in high spirits primarily because of the support given us by Gov. Rafael Nantes," said Red Oilers coach Oliver Bunye. "Sabi nga ni Gov., maglaro lang sa Liga, panalo na kami."

Two new players, Miko Quinday and Ryan Regalado, are beefing up the Oilers, joining hands with Ramsey Williams, Mark Magsumbol and Jerome Chua in their bid to surmount the Barakos' edge.

Also on Monday, the Stallions take homecourt advantage against the Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes at Trace College in Los Baños.

On Tuesday, the Victory host the Iloilo Mang Inasals at University of Baguio, while the Meteors welcome the Ilocos Bravehearts at Xavier University on Wednesday.

The quarterfinals start on Aug. 18.

[Liga Pilipinas]

HIGHER-seeded teams have the home court and twice to beat advantage.

August 10 (Sunday) -- Lipa City Youth and Cultural Center
(12) Quezon Red Oilers d. (5) Lipa-Batangas Barakos, 97-90

August 11 (Monday) -- Trace Computer and Business College Gym
5:00 PM (8) Laguna Stallions vs. (9) Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes

August 11 (Monday) -- Lipa City Youth and Cultural Center
5:00 PM (5) Lipa-Batangas Barakos vs. (12) Quezon Red Oilers

August 12 (Tuesday) -- University of Baguio Gym
5:00 PM (6) Baguio Victory vs. (11) Iloilo Mang Inasals

August 12 (Tuesday) -- Trace Computer and Business College Gym
5:00 PM (8) Laguna Stallions vs. (9) Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes (if needed)

August 13 (Wednesday) -- Xavier University Gym
5:00 PM (7) Misamis Oriental Meteors vs. (10) Ilocos Sur Brave Hearts

August 13 (Wednesday) -- University of Baguio Gym
5:00 PM (6) Baguio Victory vs. (11) Iloilo Mang Inasals (if needed)

August 14 (Thursday) -- Xavier University Gym
5:00 PM (7) Misamis Oriental Meteors vs. (10) Ilocos Sur Brave Hearts (if needed)
**END OF ROUND ONE**

Note: Schedule subject to change. Additional games to follow.

[bolabasket]

Liga Pilipinas
Baguio hosts Iloilo


BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Victory hopes to duck the adversity that now stares the Lipa-Batangas Barakos in the eye when on Tuesday they play hosts to the Iloilo Mang Inasals in the 2008 Liga Pilipinas Smart Playoffs at the University of Baguio gym here.

The Barakos, holding a twice-to-beat privilege, fell to the visiting Quezon Red Oilers, 97-90, Sunday at the Lipa Cultural Center, setting up a knockout for a spot in the quarterfinal round against the Pampanga Buddies beginning Aug. 21.

Seeded seventh after the 13-leg, 7-week elimination, Baguio, backed by Victory Liner and Sunbolt Sports Drink, will advance to the best-of-five playoffs – sponsored by Smart, Accel, Molten, Metathione, Nature’s Spring, Burlington, and Laptop Exchange – with a win over the Mang Inasals at 6 p.m.

An Iloilo triumph, however, would set up a rubber match between the two teams for the right to face the Taguig Batang Global in the quarterfinals starting Aug. 19.

The 12th-ranked Red Oilers leaned on their tough pressing defense, a brilliant, all-around game by Ramsey Williams, and the hot hands of new recruit Ryan Regalado to shock the 5th-seeded Barakos.

Quezon employed a 2-2-1 trap that caught Lipa by surprise, stunned the hometown crowd, and spoiled the debut of former pro Don Camaso.

A 13-0 third quarter surge, all courtesy of Maeng Junio, erased a 41-38 halftime deficit and gave Lipa a 71-68 after three quarters.

Iloilo coach Jerry Jaranilla is unfazed at the prospect of facing a wildcard opponent with a homecourt advantage.

"The team is ready to challenge Baguio," Jaranilla said. "It’s a game that favors whichever team wants it more."

Ongoing at press time was the game between Tagaytay-Cavite and Laguna at the Trace College gym in Los Baños.


QUEZON 97 — Regalado 24, Quinday 13, Raymundo 12, Williams 11, Panzo 10, Macanig 9, Pinera 7, Chua 4, Orias 3, Magsumbol 2, Bolado2, Mondragon 0, Garrido 0,

LIPA 90 — Junio 17, Vergara 17, Sanders 13, Lim 10, Moody 10, Custodio 8, Camaso 6, Alfad 4, David 4, De Castro 3, Estrada 0

Quarters: 20-28; 45-41; 68-71; 97-90

[bolabasket]

Liga hostilities in high gear
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin M. Henson
Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The wildcard phase is now underway in Liga Pilipinas’ inaugural season and action is furious as eight teams try to survive head-to-head matchups on the way to the quarterfinals.

Liga CEO Noli Eala said the grueling 13-leg, seven-week eliminations showcased the potential of a truly nationwide league with a home-and-away “tour” concept.

“Our format mimics international conditions so in that respect, we’re different,” added Eala. “In the eliminations, each leg featured a mini-tournament of five straight days where teams played for a championship. There was a lot of pressure on players to get and stay in shape. Otherwise, they wouldn’t last. I think we’ve proved the concept works with fans appreciating the excitement it brings.”

A point system was used to rank Liga’s 13 teams at the end of the eliminations. A championship in a mini-tournament was worth 10 points. Second place earned five points, third gained three and fourth counted for zero. A win in a game meant a point.

Here was how the teams ranked: 1. Cebu Ninos, 2. Pagadian Explorers, 3. Taguig Batang Global, 4. Pampanga Buddies, 5. Lipa, Batangas Barakos, 6. Baguio Victory, 7. Misamis Oriental Meteors, 8. Laguna Stallions, 9. Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes, 10. Ilocus Sur Bravehearts, 11. Iloilo Mang Inasals, 12. Quezon Red Oilers and 13. Zamboanga Amores.

Cebu, Pagadian, Taguig and Pampanga booked automatic quarterfinal slots. In the wildcard phase where the higher seed has a twice-to-beat advantage, the pairings are Batangas vs. Quezon, Baguio vs. Iloilo, Misamis Oriental vs. Ilocos Sur and Laguna vs. Tagaytay-Cavite. Eliminated was Zamboanga for bringing up the rear.

* * *

“Although Zamboanga didn’t qualify, it showed a lot of promise because the team enlisted 10 homegrown players, two over the required minimum,” said Eala. “Personally, I was impressed with Pareno, a sweet shooter who’s deadly from three-point range and a jumpshooter with a high elevation like Sunday Salvacion. I was just as impressed with point guard Chris Concepcion who reminds me of L. A. Tenorio.”

Eala said watching the Liga games opened his eyes to other talents.

“One of the most outstanding players is Pagadian’s main man Mark Yee who played for San Sebastian Cavite,” said Eala. “He’s a 6-2 wingman with long arms like Philip Cezar. There’s Iloilo’s Chito Jayme who’s applying for the PBA draft. He’s very athletic, a shooter and penetrator. Baguio has Edvert Ton who shot eight triples in a game and Banares who’s a strong point guard like Wynne Arboleda. Cebu has Jayford Rodriguez who plays like Allan Caidic and Ian Zaladaga who plays like Samboy Lim. Quezon has a new Fil-Am Ramsey Williams and Ryan Regalado. Williams had 11 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals in Quezon’s win over Batangas in a wildcard game the other day. Pampanga’s Jared Dillinger hasn’t dominated as expected but I think it’s because he’s a marked man. No doubt, he’s a gifted player and I know he’s applying for the PBA draft.”

Eala said the coaching level in Liga has made the games even more exciting. Former UST champion coach Aric del Rosario is back on duty to call the shots for Pampanga. Multi-titled Yayoy Alcoseba is on the Cebu bench. Others who are performing above par are Pagadian’s Eric Samson, Taguig’s Jude Roque, Batangas’ Roger Sia, Baguio’s Djalma Arnedo, Misamis Oriental’s Jun Noel, Laguna’s Nomar Isla, Tagaytay-Cavite’s Ato Morano, Iloilo’s Jerry Jaranilla and Quezon’s Oliver Bunyi.

* * *

The wildcard games are shown on NBN-4 from 10:30 p.m. to midnight from Wednesday to Sunday. Starting the quarterfinals next week, the schedule will be 2 to 4 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

Pagadian and Taguig will begin hosting the best-of-five quarterfinals on Monday next week while Pampanga will take its turn on Wednesday, Aug. 20 and Cebu on Thursday, Aug. 21. The semifinals and finals are also best-of-five affairs.

“At the start, the players looked a little lost on the court because of our format,” said Eala. “But after seven weeks of play, everyone has adjusted to the system. The players are in shape, they’re showing good teamwork. The games are getting better and better in terms of quality so is the performance of our core of 17 referees. We’re still a work in progress but every day, we’re seeing improvement in our systems, in our games, in our coaches, in our referees and in our players.”

Eala said Liga’s sponsors Smart Sports, Pagcor, Laptop Exchange, Metathione, Molten and Burlington are solidly behind the promotion of the innovative league.

“More and more prospective sponsors are starting to believe in Liga, in what we stand for,” continued Eala. “The passion is evident. We’re bringing basketball back to where the fans want it – on their homegrounds. We’re seeing the benefits of a nationwide league and the country’s basketball program can only get better for it. It’s equally gratifying to note that Liga has provided at least 221 jobs for players and team officials so that’s another major contribution. Liga is truly revolutionizing the game.”

[bolabasket]

LIPA MAKES IT TO QUARTERS; MISAMIS OR VS ILOCOS
Posted August 12th, 2008 by liga

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Aug. 12 --- Homecourt advantage belongs to the Misamis Oriental Meteors Wednesday when they battle the dangerous Ilocos Sur Bravehearts in the Liga Pilipinas Smart Playoffs at the Xavier University gym here.

Game time is set at 6 p.m.

A victory will send the Meteors - after the Lipa-Batangas Barakos Monday - to the best-of-five quarterfinals where they are on a collision course with the Pagadian Explorers starting Aug. 18 in the tournament backed by Smart, Accel, Molten, Metathione, Nature's Spring Water, Burlington, and Laptop Exchange.

Lipa-Batangas, stunned by Quezon in their wildcard matchup Sunday, 97-90, at the Lipa Cultural Center, returned with a vengeance to oust the Red Oilers, 113-100, and arrange a showdown with the Pampanga Buddies beginning Aug. 21.

Bonbon Custodio unloaded 25 points, Al Vergara had 22 and ex-pro Don Camaso added 19 as the Barakos completed a miracle comeback from 15 points down, 75-60, at the end of the third period with a 53-point fourth quarter output, denying the Red Oilers a shot at becoming the first team to put away a twice-to-beat opponent in the playoffs.

Over at Trace College in Los Banos, the Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes, following the cue of Quezon, upset homecourt team Laguna Stallions, 74-67, forcing a do-or-die for the right to duel the elimination round top seed Cebu Ninos next week.

Meanwhile, the wildcard game between the Baguio Victory and the Iloilo Mang Inasals late Tuesday, and the rubber match pitting Laguna and the Tagaytay-Cavite Heroes were ongoing at press time.

Scores:

LIPA 113 – Custodio 25, Vergara 22, Camaso 19, Sanders 18, De Castro 14, Lim 8, Neo 5, David 2, David 2, Junio 0, Moody 0, Alfad 0,

QUEZON 100 – Williams 20, Raymundo 15, Pinera 15, Magsumbol 14, Macanig 12, Regalado 12, Orias 6, Quinday 3, Panzo 2, Bolado 1, Garrido 0, Chua 0, Mondragon 0.

Quarters: 10-21; 36-45; 60-75; 113-100

[ankle breaker]

im wondering why is bonbon custodio not playing in the PBA.being one of the go to guys during his UAAP days with UE, he should be at least in the PBA as a role player or 2nd stringer.

[C2Hamm]

Originally Posted by ankle breaker

im wondering why is bonbon custodio not playing in the PBA.being one of the go to guys during his UAAP days with UE, he should be at least in the PBA as a role player or 2nd stringer.

he entered the draft this year.

[bolabasket]

ILOILO LIVES FOR ANOTHER DAY; STALLIONS ADVANCE
Posted August 13th, 2008 by liga



BAGUIO – Erwin Sta. Maria got back at his former team, firing a game-high 24 points to lift the Iloilo Mang Inasals past the Baguio Victory, 93-82, and forged their wildcard series to a knockout game in the Liga Pilipinas Smart Playoffs at the University of Baguio gym here.

Sta. Maria, the 6-foot-2 ex-Victory guard, took over the mantle of leadership for the Mang Inasals the moment Chito Jaime, Iloilo's top gunner, went down with an injury and left the game in the third period.

Sta. Maria steadied the ship in the absence of Jaime, scoring crucial baskets that kept the Victory at bay, while frustrating the very same fan base supportive of him not too long ago.

Jaime, the league's leading scorer with a 19.6 average, finished with 13 points before he was taken out of the game.

He was one among the five players who finished in double figures for the Mang Inasals, who are looking to repeat their road success in their bid for a quarterfinals berth opposite Taguig Batang Global.

In contrast, the Laguna Stallions foiled the upset bid of the Tagaytay/Cavite Heroes with a big 91-63 rout at their home turf at the Trace College Center in Los Banos to formally advance in the quarterfinal phase of the tournament backed by Smart, Accel, Molten, Metathione, Nature's Spring Water, Burlington and Laptop Exchange.

The Heroes earlier lived for another day, 74-67, that paved the way for the do-or-die encounter.

The Stallions will now meet the Cebu Ninos in the best-of-five quarterfinals beginning August 21.

Iloilo led beginning the second quarter, never letting Baguio got untrack and allowing the opposition to come any closer than three, 66-63.

The last time the Victory closed in came at the last 62 seconds, 82-87, before the Mang Inasals finished off the job with a closing 6-0 run.

Benjamin Mangahas led the Victory's losing cause with 22 points.


The scores

Iloilo (93) -- Sta Maria 24, Barcellano 17, Jaime 13, Go 13, Laborte 10, David 6, Senirez 4, Tan 2, Solis 2, Sencil 0, Dumot 0.

Baguio (82) -- Mangahas 22, Ton 14, Saguindel 9, Al. Gamboa 9, Ar Gamboa 7, Faundo 7, Zagala 7, Marzan 3, Balares 2, Carino 0, Boado 0.

Quarterscores: 18-22; 43-32; 70-65; 93-82.

[bolabasket]

LIGA UPDATE: ILOILO ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS
Posted August 13th, 2008 by liga

LIGA UPDATE -- In Baguio City, 11th seed Iloilo Mang Inasals displayed game-long determination in the face of the twice to beat homecourt advantage of Baguio Victory, hacking-out a 107-100 win to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2008 Liga pilipinas Smart Playoffs versus the 3rd seed Taguig Batang Global.

Iloilo is the first team to win against the home team and joins Lipa-Batangas and Laguna as wildcard entries. The Mang Inasals got a combined 81 points from Erqwin Sta. maria, Go, Barcellano and David with the former Baguio Victory star leading all players for 2nd consecutive game with 27 points.

Series with Taguig start on Monday, August 18th.

[bolabasket]

Also, Misamis Oriental Meteors beat Ilocos Sur Bravehearts 72-71 last night to advance to the quarterfinals. Jerome Paterno and new recruits Aaron Aban and Patrick Cabahug helped the Meteors hold off the Bravehearts rally in the final minute. They now face the Pagadian Explorers in the quarterfinals.

So the quarterfinal pairings will be:

Cebu Niños vs Trace Laguna Stallions
Pagadian Explorers vs Misamis Oriental Meteors
Pampanga Buddies vs Lipa-Batangas Barakos
Taguig Batang Global vs Iloilo Mang Inasals

[thadzonline]

Originally Posted by ankle breaker

that's why they are on the team becuse they can play. but sad to say, yayoy is not viewing that way. his vision is always shadowed by his fave oldies. good thing they are still delivering. someday the young guns will catch the veterans and it will be too late for yayoy to realize his mistake. or maybe there is a good reason behind that why he's benching luga and berame.
if were berame, i would have not left toyota otis or i should have transferred to other teams like hapee or harbor.

Come on, they cant just say "Hey Im young, get me some playing time"..They have to earn it and the way these two guys have played so far, they didnt deserve more time on the hardwood yet, they have to work harder to get where they want to

[RayV]

Originally Posted by bolabasket

Also, Misamis Oriental Meteors beat Ilocos Sur Bravehearts 72-71 last night to advance to the quarterfinals. Jerome Paterno and new recruits Aaron Aban and Patrick Cabahug helped the Meteors hold off the Bravehearts rally in the final minute. They now face the Pagadian Explorers in the quarterfinals.

So the quarterfinal pairings will be:

Cebu Niños vs Trace Laguna Stallions
Pagadian Explorers vs Misamis Oriental Meteors
Pampanga Buddies vs Lipa-Batangas Barakos
Taguig Batang Global vs Iloilo Mang Inasals

Well, will you look at that... what is Triple A doing there? got released from Aces??

[ras627]

Originally Posted by RayV

Well, will you look at that... what is Triple A doing there? got released from Aces??

I think aaron aban does not fit alaska game. as well as don camaso did not impress his coach

[bolabasket]

Originally Posted by RayV

Well, will you look at that... what is Triple A doing there? got released from Aces??

His contract with Alaska just expired.