PBA: B-MEG tries to keep in step with TNT; Alaska seeks back-to-back win

The B-MEG Llamados try to stay half a game behind the league-lead Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, while the Alaska Aces are on the hunt for their second set of back-to-back wins in their penultimate elimination round game, when the two of the winningest PBA franchises collide Friday, at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Alaska	Averages	B-MEG
91.00	Points scored	92.33
46.09%	Two-point field goal percentage	50.65%
43.29%	Field goal percentage	48.24%
15.14	Turnovers	11.83
22.43	Fouls	18.17
91.95	Possessions	88.19
5.57	Three-point conversions allowed	8.83
27.86%	Three-point field goal percentage allowed	38.41%

As of March 15, 2012   Import Match-Up

Averages	Adam Parada (Alaska)	Denzel Bowles (B-MEG)
Minutes	37.14	36.00
Points	19.71	26.67
Field goal percentage	50.51%	54.39%
Free throws attempted	6.71	10.67
Rebounds	14.00	11.67
Blocks	2.29	1.00
Fouls	3.00	3.67
Usage %	24.55%	35.31%

B-MEG import Denzel Bowles complements the gaggle of guards that the Llamados employs, scoring a bunch (fourth most among active imports), getting to the line (fifth), and more importantly, drawing double-teams for their shooters. It's why his usage percentage (second) is so high, as head coach Tim Cone uses him perfectly in the triangle. Adam Parada on the other hand, is a more complementary piece to LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio on Alaska. He excels in his defensive role, hauling down rebounds (seventh—although Joachim Thoss grabs a good bunch as well) and blocking shots (tied-third). Backcourt Blasters

Last two games: 98.5 points per game
Guards (Barroca, Urbiztondo,  Simon, J. Yap)	50.5 pts.	51.27%
Denzel Bowles	27 pts.	27.41%
Others	21 pts.	21.32%

  Since Roger Yap asked for his release, heading off to the ASEAN Basketball League's San Miguel Beermen, it's helped the playing time of the rest of the B-MEG guards, as Mark Barroca, Josh Urbiztondo, Peter June Simon, and James Yap have accounted for more than half of B-MEG’s offense in their past two wins. Whether they can keep up their torrential scoring may not be up to them, however. The team is hoping to work Jonas Villanueva back into the rotation and the addition of yet another guy who needs the ball in his hands could throw the Llamados off. "Defense wins games"

	Ave. FGM	Ave. FGA	FG%
Wins	33.50	84.00	39.76%
Losses	38.33	84.25	45.63%

  While Cyrus Baguio and LA Tenorio's heroics fill headlines, it's the entire Alaska team's defensive effort that keeps them in games, helping them to a 4-3 record. On average, the team allows the same amount of attempts, but in losses, they're conceding five more conversions, leading to a six-point difference in field goal percentage. Given their lack of scoring options, it's vital then that they keep the scores low to allow their dynamic duo to take over late. X-Factors Dud Rocket?

AVERAGES	MINS	PTS	FGA	FG%	REBS
First four games	19.75	6.5	6.5	42.31%	4.25
Last four games	11.50	0.0	1.0	0.00%	1.50

The Llamados attempted to get younger in the off-season, sending away Kerby Raymundo for JC Intal. While many thought that Intal would fit on paper, it actually hasn't worked out that way. Roger Yap's exit, which freed up minutes in the rotation, could have given Intal more playing time. Instead, it had the opposite effect, as B-MEG has gone with a small line-up more often, sticking the Rocket to the bench. He's had some great showings with his past teams though, so he could be primed for an explosion at any time.   "The Custodian" cleans up

Averages	PTS	REBS	AST	STL
Bonbon Custodio	7.71 (4th)	5.71 (3rd)	3.86 (2nd)	1.00 (2nd)

  Very quietly, Bonbon Custodio has been filling in the gaps of his more heralded teammates. In their last game against Petron though, Custodio showed that more than just a skills-player, he can also score as well, chipping in a conference-best 17 markers to help his squad get the win. Simply put, Custodio will do whatever it takes to get the win, so opponents ought to be wary of him. — JVP, GMA News