Powerade provided some dramatic shots in the game but Mac Cardona made the shot that mattered most.

Cardona’s patented teardrop shot found the mark with eight seconds left and Tigers’ rookie JVee Casio failed to convert in the ensuing play as Meralco came out with a thrilling 98-96 escape Wednesday night in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Gabby Espinas had another impressive all-around performance for the Bolts with 25 points and 11 rebounds while Cardona chipped in 18, none bigger than his last field goal to steal the win from the hard luck Tigers.

An undermanned Talk ‘N Text team battles winless Shopinas.com in the opener of the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters and the Clickers square off at 5:15 p.m. with the former hoping to strengthen their hold of the top spot.

In the main tiff, Meralco and Powerade collide at 7:30 p.m.

Talk ‘N Text enters the game with a depleted roster but remains the favorite to prevail against Shopinas, which has yet to win in the PBA after nine starts.

B-MEG withstood the third quarter comeback of Meralco and held on for a 95-79 win Friday night in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

James Yap had another explosive game with 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field and got plenty of support from Peter June Simon and Kerby Raymundo as the Llamados finally reached the .500 mark with a 4-4 slate.

Simon had 17 points before leaving the game after a bad fall while Raymundo added 15 for the team of coach Tim Cone.

“James exploded and took over the game just like that. That’s what great players do,” said Cone on his 6’3 sharpshooter.

Published on November 11, 2011

A 22-point lead wasn’t comfortable enough for the B-Meg Llamados as they still had to rely on Peter June Simon and Kerby Raymundo for clutch baskets in the fourth quarter to hold off a late charge by the Meralco Bolts en route to a 95-79 victory Wednesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome. 

 Simon scored 12 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and teamed-up with Kerby Raymundo (15 points) to open the period with a 13-5 flurry that kept the Bolts at bay and secured B-Meg’s second successive winand fourth overall in eight games in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Meralco hopes for a tough defensive stand when it collides with B-MEG in the opener of the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Bolts and the Llamados battle at 5:15 p.m., followed by the interesting tussle between Rain or Shine and Barako Bull at 7:30 p.m.

As proven in their five wins, Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio said their best defensive effort is needed against a talented team like B-MEG.

Published on November 4, 2011Humbled by Rain or Shine the last time out, Meralco just refused to lose again, bouncing back with a 93-87 win over Barangay Ginebra in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night. 

 The Bolts worked hard on both ends throughout and emerged triumphant, ending the Kings’ amazing two-game run of come-from-behind wins.

Published on November 3, 2011

Meralco and Barangay Ginebra, among the teams right behind pacesetting Rain or Shine, meet Friday in a game both protagonists consider a good challenge. 

Both are raring to come out in their 7:30 p.m. game that they feel could well test their character. 

“It’s a crucial game for us to see if we have improved and can compete with teams that have higher standing,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.