Cotto's camp ready for possible rematch with Pacquiao

Emanuel Steward, trainer of World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, expressed confidence that his ward will come out a better fighter if given a chance for a rematch with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Cotto, who knocked out Yuri Foreman for his third world title last week in New York City, is considered the plan B for Pacquiao's November 13 fight date should a summit meeting with Floyd Mayweather Jr. fail to materialize.

Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito of Tijuana, Mexico has also been named as a possible opponent.

"I would very much entertain a rematch with Pacquiao and Cotto," Steward, an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, told GMANews.TV.

"It would be very different if they fight again now that [Cotto] has his team put together just the way he wants it. He's just a better balanced fighter now. He will be able to utilize his boxing talents a lot more than the last fight where he fought with his head down too low. Manny was actually the taller fighter in the fight and he's only 5'6". Miguel has a lot more mental confidence now than he did before."

Outside of the opportunity to win an eighth world title in as many divisions, a rematch with Cotto would prove little for the boxer who won a congressional seat in the province of Sarangani.

Then the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, Cotto was highly competitive for the first two rounds before being dropped in the third and fourth rounds.

The fight degenerated into a one-sided affair until the referee halted the fight midway into the 12th round.

When asked whether a Cotto rematch appealed to him, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach replied, "Who would want to see Cotto get his ass kicked again?"

Roach went on to dismiss Cotto's ninth round body shot knockout of Foreman, crediting most of the result to the knee injury Foreman suffered in the seventh round.

"I won't even respond to that," said Steward, who also trains heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko. "If you look at the first three or four rounds, nothing was wrong with Foreman's knee and Cotto was still winning the fight. With or without the knee problem, Cotto would have finished him in the ninth or tenth round."

Steward pointed to the Foreman fight, which attracted over 20,700 fans to Yankee Stadium, as evidence of Cotto's continued marketability.

Steward said that it is the opponents that he has faced -- and not those who have beaten him -- that defined the Puerto Rican fighter's legacy.

"Even though he's lost fights, he's lost to top fighters and he's never dodged anyone. I think that's what the fans respect about him, that he's been consistently fighting the best fighters out there. Losing to the best endears you to fans much more than if you fight safe fights all the time, much like it did for Oscar de la Hoya."

The Foreman clash was Cotto's first fight working with Steward.

Cotto was trained by long-time assistant trainer Joe Santiago for the Pacquiao fight after falling out with uncle Evangelista Cotto. The fighter is currently 35-2 (28 KO) and is promoted by the same company that handles Pacquiao, Top Rank.

Will the NSAC's 'findings' on blood tests finally silence Manny Pacquiao's critics?

Also, the same experts, devalued the significance of testing blood. I've personally gone on record and disagreed with some of their statements. However, will the results from the public forum finally silence Pacquiao's critics? Let's examine further.

Manny has faced a public lashing like no other boxer has face before. Unfounded claims sparked a public witch hunt in the media. Battle lines were drawn between those who supported Manny and those who criticized him. And the greatest critics of all have been the Mayweathers.

Floyd Mayweather Jr

Floyd Mayweather Jr used his "soap box" to publicly accuse, insinuate, question, and/or smear Manny Pacquiao's name and integrity. Of all the people who would be impacted the most by the NSAC's findings, it would have to be Floyd Jr. Floyd's entire "drug crusade" was based on random blood testing up until the day of the fight.

Now that the NSAC has basically squashed that idea, what will Floyd Jr do? Well, we have no idea because he's taking a temporary vow of silence. But, when he does decide to speak, will he tone down the criticism of Manny?

Will Floyd Jr stop saying Manny is afraid to take a $25 million dollar drug test? The biggest reason Floyd kept saying this was because Manny wouldn't agree to do up until the day of the fight. Well, now that Floyd's own hometown athletic commission won't support him, will Floyd relax on these harsh accusations?

Unfortunately, Floyd Mayweather Jr wasn't the only Mayweather to attack Manny Pacquiao. For the last 8 months, FLoyd's uncle and pops have viciously attacked Manny in the media. In fact, just within the last few weeks both publicly lashed out at Manny again.

Roger Mayweather Jr

Perhaps, no Mayweather has made more absurd accusations about Manny Pacquiao than Roger Mayweather. Just a week ago, Roger came out and said Manny is still on A-side meth. Roger told everyone to look it up on the internet if they wanted to know more about it. Well, nobody can find anything on the internet. So, Roger taught us a little bit more about A-side meth by saying you take it orally and it makes you twice as strong.

And if that weren't enough, Roger accused Manny of being scared to take the blood tests. Will these findings put a cork in the mouth of Roger once and for all?

Floyd Mayweather Sr

The other half of the 1-2 Mayweather brotherly combo, Floyd Sr has once again said that Manny is cheating. He says that even if Manny is off PEDs, he's already benefitted from the side effects. Floyd Sr also stated that Manny was afraid to take the blood tests.

Despite Manny's public comments of saying he would take blood tests, it didn't sway the Mayweathers' public bashings. Unless Manny agreed to their specific demands, they were on the attack. Well, now that the NSAC blasted the notion of these tests, will it finally silence that Mayweathers?

Unfortunately, the Mayweathers weren't the only boxing figures to blast Manny Pacquiao. Just recently, Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi also publicly criticized the Pac Man....

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Gasol reduced to spectator to Kobe show

BOSTON —Pau Gasol finally got the ball with a chance to shoot, and Kevin Garnett sent it back at him. A few minutes later, the same thing happened.

Gasol was little more than a spectator of the Kobe Bryant show in Game 5 of the NBA finals on Sunday night. And if he doesn’t become part of the offense again, he might be watching something else: another Boston Celtics celebration at the Los Angeles Lakers’ expense.

The forward from Spain either couldn’t get himself involved or the Lakers wouldn’t involve him. Gasol got only four shots in the first half and finished with 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting in the Celtics’ 92-86 victory that gave them a 3-2 lead in the series.

Even worse for the Lakers, he looked passive and pouty, getting overwhelmed by Garnett and often complaining to the officials, just as he did when the Celtics beat the Lakers in the 2008 finals.

Gasol was hardly the Lakers’ only problem. Nobody else was in double figures until his free throw with 2:25 remaining, and they would’ve been blown off the TD Garden floor if not for Bryant’s sensational third quarter.



But Gasol is the one who is most expected to step up and be the No. 2 man, the All-Star big with enough skills to score inside or out. And he had been mostly making up for his miserable 2008 series, averaging 20.5 points on 54 percent shooting in the first four games while largely outplaying Garnett.

But he has occasionally expressed frustration when the Lakers forget to throw the ball into the post, and he got few touches in the first half. He put up only four shots, then was swatted twice by Garnett in the third quarter when the ball did come his way.

Just for good measure, Tony Allen got him, too, racing in from nowhere to stop Gasol’s attempt under the basket.

This resembled a Lakers game from the 2005-06 season, when they had little talent around Bryant and forced him to be great nearly every game for a chance to win.

He was superb in the third quarter, scoring 19 points on a series of long jumpers. But that’s not going to beat the Celtics, who are prepared to deal with big nights from Bryant as long as nobody else has them.

“We are going to have to win a game eventually in this series where he goes off for a big number," Boston coach Doc Rivers said before the game. “But that number, whatever it is, it’s still not the final number. Other people still have to score for them."

Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum couldn’t, going scoreless after combining for 15 points in the first quarter. Gasol couldn’t do much better in his lowest-scoring game of the series.

He needed to be better in 2008, and still does now. - AP

Dudot Jaworski being groomed as PSC chairman

Words came out that former Rep. Robert “Dudot” Jaworski Jr. is a cinch for the chairmanship of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) following the victory of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy”Aquino in the recent election.

A former PSC chairman himself confirmed yesterday the development to Tribune, claiming that Jaworski will be appointed as PSC boss in the first few months of the Aquino administration, or as soon as the newly elected Chief Executive formally assumes power on June 30.

Aside from being a former basketball player and representative of Pasig City, Jaworski is also the son-in-law of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, raising speculations that his possible appointment was heavily influenced by his closeness and affinity to Aquino’s outspoken uncle.

Tribune tried, but Jaworski couldn’t be reached for comment.

Another source inside the Aquino camp said the prime movers pushing for Jaworski’s possible appointment effectively skirted the law which bars the President from appointing his fourth-degree relatives.

Aquino and Jaworski are just related by affinity.

“It could be possible,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The people behind the (possible) appointment are making it look good.”

Cojuangco has been strongly batting to give the Olympic body a voice in the selection of the PSC chief so that “both agencies will always be on the same page on critical issues.”

Cojuangco, in fact, even called for a straw vote where he required members of the POC expanded executive council to nominate two names. POC spokesman Joey Romasanta and former sports editor Clarito Samson’s names were floated, but sources said the nomination was not for the PSC chairmanship, but only for members of the PSC board of commissioners.

The POC, through Romasanta, feigned innocence over the possible appointment, stressing that “the matter is for the (new) President to decide.” He also said there is no restriction on his appointment because Jaworski has no direct relationship to Aquino and he just happens to be the husband of Cojuangco’s daughter, Mikee.

“If the news is true, well and good,” said Romasanta, also the country’s chief of mission to the Guangzhou Asian Games. “He’s no stranger to sports. I know he can handle the pressure well and could productively collaborate with officials of the POC.”

“If he will be the next chairman of the PSC, we’ll pay him a courtesy visit immediately.”

“I will also volunteer myself to liaison between the PSC and the POC to improve the relationship of the two bodies. It think it’s about time for us to be on the same page. We cannot move forward in the preparation for the Asian Games because we’re still waiting on who will be the next PSC chairman.”

Jaworski, actually, is just one of the many officials on the shortlist of those being considered. Also being eyed are POC executives Mark Joseph, Manny Lopez and Steve Hontiveros as well as former PSC boss Philip Ella Juico and Samson.

Pacquiao ready for Mayweather, Hatton or Cotto

Seven-division world champion and Sarangani Province Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao said he is ready to face anyone in the ring, whether it is Briton Ricky Hatton, American Floyd Mayweather, Jr., or Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao said this upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday morning from his vacation in the United States and Mexico.

“Pwede pa siyang mag-rematch,” Pacquiao said of Hatton before breaking out into laughter.

Hatton, whom Pacquiao knocked out in Round 2 on May 2, 2009, recently suspected that Pacquiao may be using performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).

As for Mayweather and Cotto, the Filipino boxing superstar told reporters: “May negosasyon na kaming dalawa ni Mayweather... Pati si Cotto gusto daw ng rematch.”

“Ako naman anytime,” he went on. “Basta ako, wala naman akong pinipiling laban… basta ako okay.”

Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar de la Hoya revealed that the contracts for the much-awaited Pacquiao-Mayweather bout are “very close” to finalization.

Cotto, meantime, is said to be a possible opponent for the Filipino boxing sensation should the Pacquiao-Mayweather talks crumble again.

Pacquiao defeated Cotto last November 14 via a 12th round technical knockout (TKO) to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

The Puerto Rican bounced back on June 5 to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) junior middleweight title by defeating Israeli Yuri Foreman by a 9th round TKO. Pacquiao even watched the bout at ringside at the Yankee Stadium in New York.

Public service

Meanwhile, the Sarangani Province congressman talked about the Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade Awards given to him by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).

“‘Di nila basta-basta binibigay ‘yang award na ‘yan. Napakasuwerte ng mg Pilipino at nabigyan tayo ng ganiyan,” he remarked.

He then talked about his new career as congressman.

“Tayo ay magseserbisyo nang totoo. Gagawin ko ang lahat ng makakaya para makapagdala ng biyaya sa aking distrito… taos puso talaga akong tutulong kagaya nung sinabi ko nung kampanya,” he stated. “Simulan natin sa Sarangani.”

He also said that he would help the sports sector win the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal.

Ateneo annexes Martin Cup crown

Reigning back-to-back UAAP champion Ateneo survived Mapua, 68-64, to snare the 16th Fr. Martin Summer Cup crown at the San Beda St. Placid Gym in Mendiola, Manila over the weekend.

Jason Escueta scored 14 points while Kirk Long, who hit the game-winning triple in an 86-83 semifinal win over Perpetual Help a few days ago, chipped in 11 for the Eagles, who arrived from US training stint just recently.

“I’m sure this week we’ve been struggling a little bit with our legs, that’s why if you noticed we have not been pressing at all full court, just picking up from half court,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

“We just don’t have the energy right now but I think after five to six days off, we could have re-energized and come back strong,” he added.

Earlier, Ateneo made it a twin victory after its high school team beat Arellano U, 87-64, to clinch the juniors’ crown in the tournament organized by Ato Badolato and Joey Lim with Aric del Rosario as commissioner.

Last chance for Rubillar

It’s now or never for five-time world title challenger Juanito Rubillar who will go for broke in his rematch with IBO lightflyweight champion Hekkie Budler at the Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa, on June 19.

Rubillar, 33, left Manila for Johannesburg via Hong Kong Saturday with manager Bebot Elorde and trainer Archer Villamor. The traveling party will run smack into World Cup fever but Elorde said soccer is farthest from Rubillar’s mind.

“Juanito knows this is his last chance,” said Elorde. “He’s been a pro for 16 years. If he doesn’t win the title now, I think he never will. He’s ready for Budler. He knows what to do.”

Rubillar lost a majority 12-round decision to Budler for the vacant IBO 108-pound championship in the same venue last Feb. 27. Two South African judges saw it for Budler and another scored it a draw in a highly controversial verdict that was widely criticized in media.

“(Budler) was gifted victory courtesy of the three South African judges, two of whom stretched the imagination beyond belief by calling Budler a winner while the third made it a draw,” wrote Boxing News’ Pete Moscardi who was at ringside. “This was just not a close call with Budler, the home favorite, being given the benefit of the doubt. It was a sad day for South African boxing.”

The media furor was so widespread that a week after the fight, promoter Shona McTaggart offered Rubillar a rematch. The purse will be $2,500 less than what Rubillar was paid in the first meeting and only three plane tickets were provided but Elorde said he can’t complain.

“We’re not in a position to demand,” said Elorde. “Budler is the champion now unlike in the first fight where the title was vacant. We don’t know who will be the referee and the judges. We’re just happy to get a second chance. We’ll do the best we can under the circumstances.”

Rubillar sparred over 180 rounds to prepare for the rematch with stablemates Sylvester Lopez, Ryan Bito and the Altarejos brothers. He wore out the tape of his fight against Budler, studying the South African’s style more thoroughly.

“Budler is a Jewish pastor so I told Juanito to pray harder,” said Elorde. “For two months, Juanito was out jogging at five in the morning then went to Mass at the St. Rita Chapel in Sucat. God will be on his side when he fights Budler. With God’s help, Juanito will come home a world champion.”

Rubillar will employ a two-fisted body attack to wear down Budler. He won’t let it go the distance.

“We don’t want to lose by another hometown decision,” said Elorde. “We’re going for a knockout. Juanito will try to end it early. The sooner, the better. We’re allergic to judges especially if they’re South African.”

Budler, 22, was only four years old when Rubillar turned pro in 1994. The Filipino challenger’s experience is overwhelming but youth is on Budler’s side. Rubillar has a record of 48-14-7, with 23 KOs, compared to Budler’s slate of 15-0, with five KOs.

It will be Rubillar’s sixth attempt to capture a world title after losing to Zolani Petelo for the IBF minimumweight crown in 1999, Jorge Arce for the WBC lightflyweight diadem in 2004, Edgar Sosa for the WBC lightflyweight belt in 2008, Giovanni Segura for the WBA lightflyweight championship last year and Budler for the vacant IBO lightflyweight throne.

Moscardi said he gave Rubillar every round starting the sixth in the first bout. “The pattern swung dramatically in the sixth as Budler was forced backwards to avoid the crushing punches being directed at his body,” said Moscardi. “He gamely tried to flurry back but looked in danger of being broken in half by Rubillar’s thunderous hooks to the midriff and rib cage. The decision looked a formality. Then the bombshell was dropped with Isaac Tshabalala scoring 114-114 and Lulama Mtya and Deon Dwarte having it 117-113 and 115-113 respectively for Budler.”

Budler has fought 12 of his 15 fights at the Emperor’s Palace so the venue is happy hunting grounds for the champion. Rubillar hopes to negate Budler’s hometown advantage by putting the pressure on the South African from the start and not letting up until the title is in the bag.

Manila manhandles Alabang, books semis berth in Baseball Philippines

Manila booked the first semifinal berth in the Dunkin’ Donuts Baseball Philippines Series VI as it fashioned out an abbreviated 15-7 victory over Alabang after the game was called off in the sixth inning due to heavy rains and lightning at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa yesterday.

The Sharks outhit the Tigers right in the first three innings, posting an 11-0 lead midway into the third inning en route to victory as they bounced back from a painful 5-7 setback to expansion team Pampanga Saturday in the tournament presented by Dunkin’ Donuts and organized by Community Sports.

Manila had five and four runs in the second and third innings, respectively, with Niño Tator and Saxon Omandac hitting two-run singles in each frame.

Fil-Am catcher Bobby Siatong belted a two-run homer in the third for Alabang as the Tigers scored five runs. But the Sharks’ lead proved too big for the hosts to overcome.

Manila hopes to close in on a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis as it goes up against Taguig in its last outing on June 20.

Earlier, Justin Zialcita hit five RBIs as Batangas blasted Pampanga, 9-3, to annex its second straight win after an opening day setback.

Zialcita, a Fil-Am from Pasadena City College, went four-of-five at bat, including a pair of run-scoring doubles in the second and eighth innings and an RBI single in the fourth to key the Bulls’ follow-up win to their 15-7 romp over the Taguig Patriots last week.

It was indeed a big rebound by the defending champions, who dropped a 4-5 loss to the Manila Sharks in the inaugurals of the tournament.

Batangas team manager Randy Dizer said the Bulls are slowly regaining their form with the veterans blending well with the young players.

The Bulls scored four runs in the second as Mark Ong hit a two-run double after Junifer Pinero reached first on a fielding error, Vladimir Eguia singled and Charles Cantangui was hit by a pitch to load the bases. After two groundouts, Zialcita sent Pampanga starter Allen Dizon’s pitch to left field to score Cantangui and Ong.

Zialcita doubled in the fourth to send Nick Sarda home – one of the two runs in the inning – as the Bulls padded their lead to 6-0.

With the Bulls up at 7-3 with two outs at the top of the eighth frame, Pelos Remollo reached third on a single by Josh Rapaport before Zialcita pushed them to home plate on a single to left field off Ernesto Binarao.

Batangas rotated its pitchers superbly with starter Amber Plaza playing four innings and yielding two runs and a hit. Ong played two innings in a relief job and issued a hit before UAAP MVP Romeo Jasmin took over in the last three, allowing four hits while striking out three.

The Sand Kings, who stunned the Sharks, 7-5, last Saturday, dropped to 1-3 in the company of Taguig.

The tournament is backed by Gatorade, Industrial Enterprises Inc., Philippine Transmarine Carriers Inc., Harbour Centre, The Heritage Park with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio as partner.

Marcus Douthit might be it for Smart Gilas

Naturalization prospect Marcus Douthit hits town today, raring to strut his stuff and hoping to impress Smart Gilas Pilipinas coach Rajko Toroman in a tryout for a spot in the national team gearing up for the Asian Games and the FIBA Asia Championship.

“We’ll see what he (Douthit) can do,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim. “What we can do is hope that he is the one we’re looking for.”

Lim, however, said it will be up to Toroman whether or not to tap the 30-year-old, 6-10 Douthit for the team in need of a strong inside player who can go up against the big men in Asia.

Toroman invited Douthit to a tryout right after the 21st FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha, Qatar where the injury-hit Team RP finished only seventh.

Douthit is coming off a stint in the Russian league where he logged impressive numbers. He is expected to join the Nationals in the five-team pocket tournament slated June 24-27 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Battling it out with Smart Gilas in the four-day tournament are Jordan’s national team, Dong Guan club of the Chinese Basketball Association and PBA ballclubs Ginebra and powerhouse Talk n Text.

Douthit, who averaged 8.3 points on an impressive 52.1-percent clip, 4.9 rebounds for Krasnie Krilya Samara in the Russian League and 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in the Euro Challenge, hopes to likewise join the team in the William Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei next month and the Stankovic Cup in Lebanon in August.

A native of Syracuse, New York, Douthit played for Providence College and was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 rookie class that included the Magic’s Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson, the Hawks’ Josh Smith, the Sixers’ Andrei Iguodala, the Pistons’ Ben Gordon, the Bulls’ Luol Deng and the Cavs’ Anderson Varejao.

Pierce powers Celtics to 3-2 NBA finals lead

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Paul Pierce scored 27 points and Kevin Garnett had 18 with 10 rebounds as Boston beat Los Angeles 92-86 Sunday to put the reigning champion Lakers on the brink of elimination in the NBA finals.

Rajon Rondo had 18 points and eight assists for the Celtics, who defended their home court for the second straight game to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

Pierce shot 12-of-21 from the field as Boston put on a shooting clinic in front of a crowd of 18,624, hitting 56.3 percent from the field to move within one victory of capturing their second championship in three years.

"This is a tough mental group," Pierce said. "As the series goes on we are finding things we can do.

"We have been one of best road teams all year and we are too close to our goal. We got to get one (more win). We got to get one."

The series now shifts back to California, where the Celtics will try to win their NBA-leading 18th title in franchise history with a win in game six Tuesday at Staples Center arena. A game seven would also be in Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant did his best to rally the troops, scoring 19 of his game high 38 points in the third quarter for the Lakers who became the first team in the series to lose two games in a row.

Spain's Pau Gasol finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, who are not only vying for back-to-back titles but seeking a measure of revenge after losing to the Celtics in the finals two years ago.

Bryant didn't get much help from his teammates as the Lakers shot just 39.7 percent from the field.

Jackson seemed convinced the Celtics would fold down the stretch, telling his players during a fourth quarter timeout to not give up hope.

"This team has lost more games in fourth than any other team in the NBA," Jackson said in the huddle. "They know how to lose in the fourth and they are showing us that right now."



Unfortunately for Jackson and the Lakers, Boston had already set the tone early. The Celtics came out quickly at their Garden arena, scoring the opening six points of the game before taking a 22-20 lead at the end of the first.

Pierce scored eight points in the first quarter and continued his hot hand in the second with seven more. The Celtics bench, that was so crucial in game four, also chipped in Sunday as the Celtics built a six point lead at the half, 45-39.

The Lakers seemed to have no answer for Los Angeles native Pierce, who boldly predicted last week that the series would end early and the teams wouldn't be heading back to the west coast for a game six.

While his prediction didn't come true, Pierce did his best to make sure his Celtics at least went back to LA with a series lead.

"We knew Kobe would come out aggresive and we did a good job of making him make tough shots," Pierce said.

Game four was the most physical contest in the series and some of that aggression carried over to game five. Late in the second quarter Rondo was slapped with a technical foul for giving Laker Ron Artest a one-arm shove under the Lakers basket that made Artest wobble.

Rondo was upset because he felt Artest had been too aggressive in stopping teammate Garnett on a drive just seconds earlier.

Artest, like many of his teammates, had a disappointing game shooting just four-of-14 from the field and sinking just one of four three throws.

13 brings luck to Talk ’N Text

After clinching the first outright Final Four slot in the PBA Fiesta Cup, Talk N’ Text coach Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes said his team can now afford to rest.

“Being in the semis, it now allows us to rest,” said Reyes, whose squad secured the semifinal slot by hacking out a hard earned 85-82 win over the importless San Miguel last Saturday.

The Beermen played without import Gabe Freeman, who was under the weather and Reyes said it was a break they capitalized on to extend their winning streak to 13 and improve their record to 14-2 for the solo top spot.

“We’re lucky we caught a break with Freeman on sickbay,” Reyes said.

Freeman, the Best Import last season who averaged 20.6 points and 15.6 rebounds this conference, missed the game because of a high fever, forcing SMB to play with an all-Filipino lineup in the road game presented by Phoenix Fuel at the Victorias City Stadium in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

The Beermen actually played well in the early goings but felt the absence of Freeman in the end as the Tropang Texters, behind Jimmy Alapag, made big plays down the stretch.

Alapag scattered 15 points, including four pressure-packed free throws inside the final 16 seconds that put the Texters on top, 85-82, for good.

“We were running on fumes in the last quarter, but we’re able to gut it out,” Reyes said.

It was San Miguel’s second straight loss in a week and third in the last four games after winning nine straight games.

The loss dropped the Beermen to an 11-4 record, but SMB mentor Siot Tanquincen remains optimistic that they can still clinch the other outright semifinal slot.

“We lost a couple of close games (the other was an 82-83 loss to B-Meg Derby Ace last week), but I think we’re still in very good shape especially with the way we played even without an import,” Tanquincen said. “We just have to learn from the mistakes.”

To make it to the Final Four outright, the Beermen must win their last three games against Coca-Cola on Wednesday, Rain or Shine on Friday and Alaska on June 26.

They can also claim the spot if their closest rivals – reigning Philippine Cup champion B-Meg Derby Ace (10-5), Barangay Ginebra (9-6) and Alaska (9-6) –lose one of their remaining games.

Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. — Coca-Cola vs San Miguel
7:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Alaska

Stags send warning vs NCAA rivals with title-clinching win vs Tams

San Sebastian expressed its readiness for an ambitious back-to-back NCAA crown. The Stags made known their intention after upstaging the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 79-78, in the winner-take-all championship match of the 2010 Filoil Flying V First Five Preseason Invitational Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Pamboy Raymundo split his charities off a foul by Ping Exciminiano, a call that sent coach Glen Capacio and the rest of the Tamaraws up in arms in the final 2.9 seconds of the match.

Raymundo missed his first shot, but calmly sank the second charity for the marginal tally.

The Tamaraws had one last chance to defend their crown and become the first team to repeat as champion in the four-year history of the league, but Aldrech Ramos missed a wide-open three-pointer as time expired.

"It's hard to say if we could win back-to-back titles," said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin. "But we must work on our mistakes during the tournament and prepare for some of the tough teams that we expect come the NCAA season."

It was the fourth crown in a span of nine months for the Stags.

Aside from their NCAA championship last October, the Stags won the CHED National Games and the previous Philippine Basketball League conference where the core of the squad represented the Excelroof 25ers.

With the Stags in high gear, the Recto-based dribblers are touted as the undoubted favorites in the country’s oldest collegiate basketball league that opens on June 26.

Calvin Abueva delivered yet another monster game, finishing with 23 points. He scored 12 in the fourth quarter while also doing his share in rebounding.

Abueva wound up as the tournament's Most Valuable Player, his second individual accolade after being named most outstanding player as well in the Finals of the PBL last March.

Also providing the spark for the Stags were Ronald Pascual, who tallied 22 points and Raymundo, who contributed 16.

The Stags led for most of the way, padding their advantage to as high as 14 points in the second period.

But RR Garcia, rookie Terrence Romeo and Reil Cervantes kept FEU in the thick of the fight. Behind their trio, the Tamaraws even grabbed a 71-67 with 4:23 to go to set up an exciting windup.

Raymundo eventually tied the game on a triple (73-73) with 1:53 left.

Ramos hit a jumper then Raymundo scored on a banked shot to tie the game at 75-all.

After Abueva drew a charge from Romeo with exactly one minute left, Anthony del Rio hit a three-point play over Garcia for a 78-75 lead with 44.6 seconds to go.

However, Ramos hit an open triple to tie the game with 34.7 seconds remaining.

Earlier, Adamson secured third place with a 57-55 win over Jose Rizal University while San Beda won the Badolato Cup juniors title by besting Ateneo, 79-68.

Ikeda second best amateur in Japan golf tilt

Hyogo Prefecture, Japan— Chihiro Ikeda became the second best amateur player to finish in the pro-laden $1.7-million Suntory Ladies Open Golf Tournament held at the Rokko Kokusai Golf Club.

Ikeda, who just turned 18, produced a closing four-over-par 76 and assembled a 72-hole total of 309. She was second behind another amateur golfer Hsuan Yu-Yao of Chinese-Taipei, who carded 304 despite a seven-over 79 on the final day.

National team coach Bong Lopez believes that her ward will etch her name in the women’s professional golf within the next two years. The key is to consistently participate in pro events to strengthen her game.

Ikeda carded two 74s in the first two days to easily make the cut. But she had a disastrous third round where she had a birdie-less game.

Touring pro Akane Iijima of Japan ruled the tournament with a one-over 73 for 286 overall. She only made two birdies with no bogey to show, which were enough for the win.

Erstwhile leader Yukari Baba (75) and Australian Nikki Campbell (71) were tied for second with 287s. Shinobu Moromizato was alone at fourth with (71) 288.

Coca-Cola Tigers escape past Ginebra in a wild finish

John Williamson scored seven of Coca-Cola’s last 11 points and teamed up with Asi Taulava in the endgame as the Tigers pulled off a 96-95 come-from-behind win over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings Sunday in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Playing in his debut game, the 6-foot-6 import out of University of Cincinnati carried the load for the Tigers in the payoff period before Taulava came through with a power play off Rudy Hatfield that broke the game’s final deadlock and put Coca-Cola ahead for good, 95-93.

Williamson, coming in as a late replacement for Rashad Bell, led the Tigers with 24 points and nine rebounds. His split from the foul line with nine seconds remaining stretched the Tigers’ lead to three, 96-93, opening the door for a possible game-tying basket by the Kings.

The league’s crowd darling almost did it as Sunday Salvacion recovered the rebound off a Mark Caguioa miss, hurriedly positioned himself in deep left corner, and buried a fade-away shot with a defender’s hand on his face as the clock was ticking down.

The shot went in at the buzzer, sending the Ginebra bench in frenzy and creating pandemonium inside the playing arena.

But a review of the game tape showed one of Salvacion’s foot stepping inside the three-point area, allowing the Tigers to escape with the win after trailing by as many as 11 points in the opening half.

“This win is so significant because it builds improvement on our team. Our main focus was to improve," said coach Bo Perasol with a big sigh of relief. “I told my players to just get the process improved, either we go to the wildcard phase or the playoffs in preparation for anything."

The Tigers are now 6-9 overall as they won for the second time in three outings, enhancing further their bid for the wildcard phase.

Taulava also dominated inside with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Ginebra’s 7th loss in 16 outings formally slammed the door on its hopes of making the semifinals outright. At the most, the team’s only hope is landing an automatic berth in the quarterfinals.

Mark Caguioa led the Kings with 24 points, but committed a crucial offensive foul on Marvin Cruz with 10 seconds remaining and Ginebra just down by two.

Willie Miller added 21 and Denham Brown 20, including two free throws with 1:55 left that tied the game for the last time, 93-93. - RCJ, GMANews.TV

Scores:

Coke 96 - Williamson 24, David 16, Taulava 15, Macapagal 11, Mendoza 9, Rizada 6, Allera 5, Rodriguez 4, Espino 4, Cruz 2, Gonzales 0, Antonio 0.

Ginebra 95- Caguioa 24, Miller 21, Brown 20, De Ocampo 10, Villanueva 5, Helterbrand 5, Cortez 3, Hatfield 3, Wilson 2, Salvacion 2, Intal 0, Cruz 0, Tubid 0.

Quarter scores:22-30, 48-57, 73-69, 96-95

Yuri Foreman will make another run after surgery rehab

Former WBA junior middleweight (154 pounds) champion, Yuri Foreman, will begin rehabbing on Monday, and could return to the ring in as early as sixth months following Friday's surgery on his right knee to repair a torn ACL and meniscus as well as to clean out debris, according to a recent e-mailed statement from the Brooklyn resident's publicist.

The 90-minute surgery was performed by Dr. Laith M. Jazrawi, this, as a result of an injury that caused Foreman's twice falling to the canvas in the seventh round of an eventual, June 5, ninth-round knockout loss to Miguel Cotto at Yankee Stadium.

According to the release, Foreman will be on crutches for two weeks, participate in rehabilitation for approximately four months, and "If all goes well, he's back in the gym in six months."

The 29-year-old Foreman (28-1, eight knockouts) told reporters during the post-fight press conference that the injury -- for which he wears a brace on his right knee during bouts -- was a chronic one that he initially suffered when he was about 15 years old.

Foreman, who was released on Friday, was born in Gomel, Belarus, grew up in Israel, and, is studying to become a rabbi.

In November, Foreman became the first Israeli to win a professional boxing title when he dethroned Puerto Rico's Daniel Santos by 12-round, unanimous decision, flooring Santos twice during the bout.

Foreman was hurt in the last Saturday's seventh round of his fight against Cotto, which he eventually lost when referee Arthur Mercante Jr. waved it off 42 seconds into the ninth round after Cotto crumpled Foreman to the floor with a left hook to the body.

Miguel Cotto vs. Yuri Foreman Highlights (HBO Video)


Foreman visited Dr. Gerard Varlotta, a joint specialist at The Rusk Institute in New York, and was told on the Monday after the bout that he would need surgery on the knee. Foreman said Varlotta was ringside for the fight and saw the injury happen.

The aspiring rabbi hurt himself when he slipped to the canvas in the seventh round on a steamy night in the Bronx. Foreman elected to continue fighting, even though he could barely move around, and survived to the end of the round.

Early in the eighth, Foreman was trading blows with Cotto when his lead trainer, Joe Grier, threw a white towel into the ring to stop the fight

Mercante angrily tossed the towel out, even though dozens of people were already flooding through the ropes.

Mercante overruled the towel, believing that it had come from a source other than Foreman's trainer, even as he later found out that that was not the case.

Mercante, instead, asked Foreman whether he wanted to keep fighting, to which the ex-champion answered, "Yes," after which the ring was cleared and the bout continued.

"I heard that someone was yelling, 'Stop the fight, stop the fight,' and then, the towel was thrown in. At that moment, I didn't know who threw the towel in, although I have a pretty good idea who did it now," said Mercante, acknowledging that the towel came from Grier.

Grier's actions were a response to Foreman's wife, Leyla Leidecker, who pleaded loudly from near ringside for the trainer to stop the fight.

"When I resumed the fight, I called time to let both guys rest," said Mercante. "Yuri was always game to fight. Both men showed the mark of champions in a great fight tonight."

Foreman's biggest weapon is his speed and defense, and his movement was compromised by the balky right knee.

Cotto was able to stand in front of Foreman and finally landed a crushing body shot early in the ninth round that ended the fight.

In victory, Cotto earned the WBA junior middleweight crown to become the sixth Puerto Rican fighter to win a fourth title over the course of three weight classes.

Cotto also received a guaranteed $2 million to Foreman's $750,000 for the bout.

Foreman said that besides the knee injury, he came out of the first main event at Yankee Stadium in more than three decades in good shape-a few bumps and bruises and some swelling from the barrage of blows landed by Cotto, now a three-division world champion.

"I was there the entire fight. The brace is for an old injury. I was making side-to-side movements, however, and it just gave out. I felt a sharp pain and that's why I went down," said Foreman afterward.

"Arthur Mercante let me try to work it out. I'm a world champion, or a former world champion," said Foreman. "I would have never quit. I did not want the fight to be stopped."