Cardinals Edge Out Letran Knights

Mapua drew strength from a superb effort from Big man Mark Acosta as it downed injury-plagued Letran, 66-51, yesterday to boost its stock in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Acosta saw his pre-season effort harnessing his outside shooting finally bearing fruit as he pumped in five triples to finish with a game-high 20 points as the Cardinals nailed their third win in five outings to stay inside the magic four.

San Beda Red Lions Walloped Perpetual Help

San Beda drew strength from American behemoth Sudan Daniel’s rare triple-double effort as it walloped Perpetual Help, 101-77, yesterday to seize the solo lead in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The 6-7 Daniel registered the first triple-double performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds and a league-high 10 blocks to power the Lions to their fifth win in row and the solo lead.

EAC's Charges over CSB

Emilio Aguinaldo leaned on Emilian Vargas’ breakout game as it downed St. Benilde, 76-71, wednesday to barge into the win column in the 86th NCAA basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

Vargas, a former EAC player who transferred to Santo Tomas two years ago before finally deciding to return to the Generals, unleashed nine of his game-high 17 points in whipping up a third quarter storm that keyed the Generals’ first win after faltering to three straight losses.

Lakers Even Series, took Game 6

Playing at home is considered to be a good sign of the Lakers as they massacred the Boston Celtics, 89-67 and force a game 7. The game was wide open from the first quarter with the Lakers leading my as much as 27 points. Kobe Bryant had 26 points and 11 rebounds while Pau Gasol stepped up with 17 points, 13 rebounds and a playoff career high 9 assists. Ron Artest added 15 points while Sasha Vujacic came form the bench to score 9 points.

With the loss, the Boston Celtics have to play game 7 with the momentum back to the Lakers. And to make it worst, they could possible play game 7 without their starting center Kendrick Perkins who suffered an injury on his right knee.

Game 7 Promises to be a War.

Lakers-Celtics in Game 3

With the series tied at 1-1, every team has a chance to go for the jugular in game 3. The momentum is back in the Celtics side after that game 2 win over the Lakers in the Staples Center. They will carry that momentum in their homecourt. The C's will try to win the next 3 games of the series at the TD Garden to capture their 2nd championship in the past 3 years. But to claim the title back, they must pass through a major obstacle against the person who wanted to get revenge, Kobe Bryant. Bryant will not anymore tolerate of what happened to him and his Lakers team in the 2008 NBA Finals where the Lakers were massacred by the same Boston team.

Defense would be the key in the series and the team with most contributions form the bench will be pivotal in the next games to come.

Dwight Howard is the Defensive Player of the Year

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is the 2009-2010 NBA's Defensive Player of the Year. He edged out Rajon Rondo registering for 28 first team votes and 57 points overall. With the shot blocking ability and the intimidating presence in the paint made captures that award. He is the first player in consecutive seasons averaging 13.2 rebounds and 2.78 blocks per game. Rajon Rondo was 2nd getting 23 first team votes and registering 50 points, Lebron James was third with 45 points, Kobe Bryant had 34 points and Gerald Wallace finished with 30 points to roundup the First All-Defensive team.

2009-2010 Rookie of the Year Award goes to Tyreke Evans

The Sacramento Kings rookie sensation named Tyreke Evans was named the 2009-2010 NBA's Rookie of the Year Awrd edging out Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings. It was a tight match between the three rookies with Brandon Jennings scored a rookie career high of 55 points in just his 7th game of the NBA season and Stephen Curry's spectacular 2nd half season run. But Evans did most of the damage with his consistent play. Consistency makes him a mile apart from his fellow rookies. Tyreke Evans was the 4th player in the NBA History averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebound and 5 assists as a rookie. Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and Lebron James did it also in their rookie season.

Mavericks Live for Another Day

Behind Caron Butler's 35 points explosion, the Dallas Mavericks is not slowing down and end up fighting with a 103-81 win over the upset-minded San Antonio Spurs. Even losses on games 2,3 and 4, they salvage this one cutting the deficit 2-3 on the series. After a controversial 2nd half of benching out Butler in the 2nd half of game 3, Rick Carlisle is now convinced that the player they added on their roster midway through the season, could be the player they needed in this series. Dirk Nowitzki added 15 points while Jason Terry and Jason Kidd had 12 and 11 points respectively.Its up now for the Spurs to clinch the series on their homecourt in game 6 as the Mavs will try to level the series with a win on the road.

Jamal Crawford named the 6th Man of he Year Award

This was the turning point of the 30 year old Crawford. Being a starter for most part of his career, he found a new role on the Hawks lineup. Coming from the bench proved to be the role where he found the best of him. He averaged 18 points per game by logging 31 minutes on the floor for the Atlanta Hawks. And now he will helped the Hawks climb back on top against the Milwaukee Bucks where the series tied 2-2. Jamal Crawford deserves to the NBA's KIA 6th Man of the Year Award.

Grant Hill named the NBA Sportsmanship Award

As cool as he can be,Grant Hill of the Phoenix Suns receives the 2009-2010 NBA Sportsmanship Award and is the recipient of the Joe Dumars Trophy for the honor. He was awarded before the start of their playoff game against the Blazers. Known for is calmness and coolness,and a veteran of 16 seasons in the NBA, Hill was the winner for this award, topping Chauncey Billups of the Denver Nuggets with 2485 points of Billups' 2155 total points. Hill is the first three time winner of this award,as he was also the NBA's Sportsmanship awardee in the 2004-05 and 2007-08 season.

Bucks Grounded the Hawks

The Milwaukee Bucks live for another day, overcoming the late charge by the Hawks,winning 111-104 and making the series tied 2-2. Brandon Jennings is as terrific once again as he leads the Bucks for 23 points. Carlos Delfino had six 3-pointers en route to his 22 points effort and John Salmons added 22 points as well. Joe Johnson lead the Hawks with 29 points, reserve Jamal Crawford had 21 and Josh Smith added 20 points on top of 9 rebounds. Atlanta, the third seeded team in the East, will try to defend homecourt advantage in Game 5.

Wade Carried Heat over the Celtics

Dwyane Wade was spectacular, amazing, incredible and at times unbelievable leading the Miami Heat charging back in the series with a sounding 101-92 win over the Boston Celtics. He finished with 46 points, 19 in the fourth quarter going 4-of-4 in the 3-point range. Going in the 4th quarter, the Heat saw trailing for 6 points 71-77. But a decisive Miami run with Wade as the core of the offense in route to their first win of the series. Quentin Richardson added 20 points for the heat. Rajon Rondo leads the C's with 23 points and 9 assists. Th Celtics will try to wrap-up the series with a game 5 win at home.

Oklahoma City Thunder Scott Brooks name the Coach of the Year

Way back after the first 13 games of the 2008-09 season, the Oklahoma Thunder announced that Scott Brooks will be their interim head coach and later become the full time coach for the Thunder late in the season.It was not a fortunate effort for the Thunder as they are 22-47 under the coaching of Scott Brooks. Then, the 2009-2010 season begun, the Thunders adjust to his system and goes on to land on 8th playoff spot with an impressive record of 50 wins and 32 losses. The Thunder are quite impressive as to their Coach leading the way for the Thunder and is still fighting a hard fought playoff series with the Lakers.

Dwight Howard named the Defensive Player of the Year

Intimidating a lot of teams in the regular season and in the playoffs,"The Superman" Dwight Howard was named the Defensive player of the year with its shot blocks and monster rebounds for the Magic. It was not a surprise after all that this Magic center continues to play its best throughout the season. Making a big man with an intimidating presence in the paint, swatting shots after shots in the season.

Red Hot Phoenix Suns Get Back At Blazers

The Phoenix Suns was not as impressive on game 1 but they made a searing comeback and goes on to win the game in game 2, thus, making statement that they can be a dark horse in the west. Losing game 1 in their best of seven series with the Trail Blazers seems that their momentum stops. But on winning impressively in game 2, the Suns is now back into the groove as what they have done in the second half of the season.

Behind 29 points by Jason Richardson, the Suns were too much for the Blazers, 119-90 on a night were Grant Hill stepped up with 20 points on 10 out of 11 shooting and the all needed defensive play on Andre Miller, Portland's hero in game one. Miller only finished with 12 points after a 31 point performance in Game 1.

WBC Lightweight Champion Found Dead

Edwin Valero the boxer with 27-0, 27 knockouts found dead on the jail were he is detained. Killing his wife was the cause of his imprisonment. In there are confirmed reports that over the months, he is forcing his wife to take drugs, a move that later begun the harassment to his wife.

Valero was still the WBC Champion and could possibly face the Pound for Pound King Manny Pacquiao for a match. This fight started to squandered as Valero made headlines of having accused of battering his wife.

Valero will only be remained the fighter with the majority of his wins by way of knockout.

Burger King Gives Up Gary David

Gary David is once again reunited with his former team as he was traded by the Burger King Whoopers, together with Chico Lanete, to the Coca Cola Tigers in exchange for Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales. It is a big loss for the BK Whoopers as it unfolds its ties with Gary David. The Burger King management has no plans of trading Gary David but with the loss of its main pointguard in the person of Wynne Arboleda due to suspension. The Whoopers, looking for an opportunity to find a real point guard settled down on Coca Cola Tigers ace point guard Alex Cabagnot. This is the first trade for the year 2010 in the PBA.

Round by Round Action : Pacquiao Vs Cotto

Round 1: The fighters are in the middle of the ring. Cotto uses his left jab to keep Pacquiao from guessing and to destroy Pacquiao's fight plan right from the very start. A barrage of left jabs keep Pacquiao from bay and Cotto is so aggressive, solidifying that he is the bigger fighter between the two fighters.

Scorecard: Cotto Round > 10-9

Round 2: As Cotto gained momentum from round 1, Paccquiao is on the offensive in this time. Hitting Cotto with a series of six combo powerful combinations with Cotto answering back for one to two punches only. Pacquiao uses its speed advantage and making Cotto look so slow. Pacquiao uses for the first its rope-a-dope style that Muhammad Ali once used.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9


Round 3: As Pacquiao discovered its range, he masterfully maneuvered all the angles on hitting Cotto with a lot of combinations, The fighters traded punches but a three-punch combination ending with a vicious right hook put Cotto in the canvas for the first time in the fight. But Cotto stood up, and with the heart of a champion, fought back in the later part of the round hitting pacquiao with a three punch combination ending with an uppercut as Pacquiao stood still in the center of the ring, simply silently telling Cotto to hit him hard.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 4: Repeating what happened in the 3rd round, the fighters traded punches once again. With solid left jabs from Cotto and his one-two combination, while Pacquiao uses its speed. With the fighters trading punches, Pacquiao caught Cotto with a solid uppercut as Cotto stumbled to the ground for the second time around in the fight. Cotto looked groggy and Pacquiao is heading for an onslaught. But Cotto is save by the bell this time.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-8

Round 5: With Pacquiao beginning to discover the strategy on how to break down Cotto mentally and physically, Pacquiao looked so determined in putting the end of Cotto but Cotto refused to give up, hitting Pacquiao with left jabs and a right powerful straight. But Pacquiao gained the advantage and making a lot of combinations, thus, using repeatedly the rope-a-dope style, the strategy draining Cotto in its mental game.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 6: The same strategy from Round 5, Pacquiao uses the rope-a-dope style and inviting Cotto to hit him hard,thus, maneuvering Cotto with a lot of solid combinations. There are times that Pacquiao also cornered Cotto. But Cotto, a thinking fighter in his prime,also brings the fight in the center of the ring.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 7: The second half of the fight began, but Pacquiao still has the speed and power to overcome Cotto's size and strength. With the heart of a champion and a fighter to his name, Cotto refuses to give up and occasionally countering Pacquiao offense. But Pacquiao gained the upperhand by throwing more punches accurately.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 8: Pacquiao solidifies his advantage on Cotto throwing a lot of bombs in Cotto's face but Cotto simply refuses to give up.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 9: One of the best rounds in the fight, Pacquiao unleashes its full potential, clobbering Cotto with a barrage of solid punches. Cotto could not fought back as he was repeatedly hit by Pacquiao. With the blood all over his face, Cotto still managed to overcome Pacquiao's attack. Bloodied, winded and tired, Cotto refuses to give up. Cotto changing his tactics from a puncher to a boxer , running away from Pacquiao's onslaught.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 10: Cotto boxes well,circling Pacquiao at times and hitting him back. But Pacquiao continuously brought its "A" game,and the agressor between the two fighters this time. There are times, that Pacquiao stop in the center of the ring,obliging Cotto to fight and not to run.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9


Round 11: Pacquiao once again coninued its mastery on hitting Cotto with accurate combinations on Cotto's face.Cotto seems like an old warrior that is bloodied throughout his face. Still, he refuses to surrender.

Scorecard: Pacquiao Round > 10-9

Round 12: Bloodied all over his his face, Cotto seems like to survive this fight, but Pacquiao has another thing in mind and still has the killer instinct on stopping Cotto. Cotto was cornened once again and Pacquiao throwing a lot of combination. Bloodied and all on the face of Cotto, referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight with 55 seconds in the round.Awarding the technical knockout to the Filipino Boxing idol.

MANNY "The Pacman" PACQUIAO is the only boxer with septuple (seven weight) world champion in boxing history, the first ever boxer that accomplished the feat. Its history in the making. Pacquiao has captured titles in the following weight divisions:WBC flyweight world champion at 112 pounds, IBF super bantamweight world champion at 122 pounds, Ring Magazine featherweight at 126 pounds, Ring Magazine super featherweight 130, WBC lightweight world champion at 135 pounds ,IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion at 140 pounds and the most recently the WBO welterweight world champion with the catch weight 145 pounds. In addition, he is the only boxer to win the lineal championship ("the man who beat the man") in four different weight classes.