ABL: Barracudas release all imports

Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

 

THE Brunei Barracudas want to swim to a fresh start.

The manager of Brunei's first professional basketball side said that the team have released all five of their imports and will be focusing on developing local talent for next season's Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The team's season ended on Sunday when they fell 87-65 to the Philippine Patriots at the Ynares Sports Arena in Manila.

A win for them would have seen the Bruneians through to the play-offs.

"It is not that their contracts were terminated, they were always signed for only until the end of the season," Benny Ang told The Brunei Times yesterday.

"They all came back with us from the Philippines and they will be allowed to stay, meet the fans for as long as they want.

"Next for the Barracudas, we are going to spend the off-season preparing the locals for next season. Our priority now is to whip the locals into shape.

"We are going to put them through the paces and see who can step up. We are going to bring it back to basics, the fundamentals like defence and stamina.

"This year they just weren't ready, and they will be the first to admit it," he added. Read More...

Source: TBT

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It's D-Day for Barracudas

Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 24, 2010

 

JUDGMENT Day is at hand for the Brunei Barracudas.

Facing the Asean Basketball League (ABL) leaders, the Philippine Patriots, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Manila at 4pm today, only a win will secure their berth in the play-offs.

A lot will lie on the shoulders of new Australian import Simon Conn, the 6-foot-9 Melbourne-native replacing centre Mike Pilgrim, who was sensationally released because of disciplinary issues earlier this week.

With the KL Dragons beating Satria Muda BritAma at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta yesterday, a loss for the Barracudas will spell the end of their campaign in the inaugural ABL season.

The KL Dragons beat Satria Muda 70-67, and had the Malaysians lost, the Barracudas would have automatically moved into the playoffs thanks to a better head-to-head record (2-1).

The Malaysians were previously tied at 20 points with the Barracudas, with identical 8-6 win-loss records.

The Patriots might be the table-toppers, but the Barracudas are not going to get any favours from the Filipinos who need the win to remain at the ABL summit.

If the Singapore Slingers beat bottom-of-the-table Thailand Tigers in Bangkok today and the Patriots lose, the Slingers will go on top. Read More...

Source: TBT

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Dragons gobble Satria Muda to close in on ABL playoff spot

Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 24, 2010

 

THE KL Dragons have one foot in playoffs after beating Satria Muda BritAma 70-67 in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) yesterday.

With 53 seconds left to go in the Dragons' last regular season game, Loh Shee Fai made the winning three-pointer to give the away fans at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta something to celebrate.

It was the Malaysians' first win in three meetings over the Indonesians, and they now wait with bated breath for the outcome of the match between the Philippine Patriots and Brunei Barracudas today at 4pm.

Should the Barracudas lose the game at the Ynares Sports Arena in Manila, the Malaysians will secure the fourth and final playoff spot.

The Dragons' Jamal Daryl Brown top-scored for his team with 20 points while Chris Daniel Kuete Lonichi contributed 18.

Brown also pulled down 11 rebounds, with Lonichi contributing 10.

On the other end of the court, Nakiea Miller and Alexander Gordon Hartman contributed 47 of their team's 67 points.

Miller was the game's top scorer with 25 points, with Hartman adding 22. Miller also grabbed a game-high 19 rebounds, with Christian Ronald Sitepu a distant second for the Indonesians with seven. Read More...

Source: TBT

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The Barracudas on why Pilgrim becomes axed man

Amir Amin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, January 23, 2010

 

MIKE PILGRIM'S sudden exit from the Brunei Barracudas has evoked an emotional response from the fans, who feel that an injustice has been done.

Benny Ang, the manager of the Barracudas, has responded to the fans' outcry, telling The Brunei Times yesterday: "As the team's management we understand the fans' response (to Pilgrim's exit).

"We are sorry we have to drop him ... we know that the fans have an emotional attachment to the player," Ang said.

"We would like the fans to know that the decision was not taken in a haste. The decision to drop Pilgrim was made due to a combination of a series of events that had occurred throughout the season.

"It was due to Pilgrim's attitude ... that had led to this," he said.

"This was a decision taken with careful consideration. Mike had been given chance after chance to improve his attitude but has failed to heed all warnings fired in his direction," Ang added in a Jakarta Globe report yesterday.

The Barracudas fans cried foul over Pilgrim's dismissal which came just two days before the team's final match of the regular season. Read More...

Source: TBT

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Barracudas waiting for Young Knights to slay Dragons

Amir Amin
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, January 23, 2010

 

ALL eyes in Brunei will be on the Satria Muda (Young Knight in Indonesian) BritAma versus KL Dragons match in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) today at 3pm, as the result might decide which team make the playoffs.

KL Dragons need to win the match at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta to claim the final playoff spot.

They are currently level on 20 points with the Brunei Barracudas, with identical 8-6 win-loss records.

The Barracudas, Brunei's first professional basketball team, will automatically move into the playoffs should the Dragons lose, thanks to a better head-to-head record (2-1).

If the KL Dragons win tomorrow, the Barracudas will face an uphill task of qualifying for the playoffs, facing table-topper Philippines Patriots at the Ynares Sports Arena in Manila tomorrow at 4pm.

The Bruneians caused an upset last December, exploiting their home ground advantage to the fullest, by beating the Patriots 74-69 at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas to hand the Indonesians their second defeat of the season.

However, they will be marching into Manila without their star player, American import Mike Pilgrim, who scored a game-high 20 points in that match. Read More...

Source: TBT

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Barracudas axe Pilgrim

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, January 22, 2010

 

THE Barracudas pushed the self-destruct button yesterday sending American import Mike Pilgrim packing with one game still to be played in the regular season of the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The news came after the Barracudas' 95-89 defeat to the Singapore Slingers at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas on Wednesday.

"I thank him for his efforts and services here. Brunei was after all his first professional outing," said Benny Ang, the Barracudas manager, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"We hope his experience in Brunei will help him become a better person and a better basketball player, too. We wish him all the best," added Ang.

Asked why Pilgrim was axed, Ang replied: "The situation just didn't work out the way we wanted it to and we needed to move on. It was a tough decision for us to make as well."

With the 15-game ABL season coming to an end, the Barracudas will have their do-or-die game against the Philippine Patriots at the Ynares Sports Arena in Manila on Sunday while the other playoff contenders, the KL Dragons, will be playing Satria Muda BritAma at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta on Saturday.

Should the Dragons lose on Saturday then the Barracudas will automatically move into the play-offs thanks to their better head-to-head record (2-1) against the Malaysian side. Read More...

Source:  TBT

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Barracudas fail to nail playoff spot

By Low Lin Fhoong, TODAY | Posted: 21 January 2010 0757 hrs 

SINGAPORE - Humbled 78-71 by the KL Dragons in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday, the Singapore Slingers bounced back to beat the Brunei Barracudas 95-89 at the Brunei Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.

Leading the Slingers were American imports Michael Leblanc and Kyle Jeffers with 26 and 19 points, respectively.

The Slingers are now second in the six-team league with just one game remaining, against the Thailand Tigers at the Nimibutr National Stadium this Sunday.

The Philippine Patriots lead the league with 24 points, the Slingers are a point behind and Indonesia's Satria Muda BritAma have 22.

Brunei and KL, who both have 20 points, are vying for the final play-off spot.

Slingers general manager Michael Johnson was ecstatic after the win, telling MediaCorp: "The guys are just jumping off the walls ... They played some great basketball and hung in tight, right till the end.

"The Brunei fans came with their drums and it was unbelievable, it was as close to a play-off atmosphere as we could get."

Singaporeans Hong Wei Jian and Desmond Oh earned kudos for their gutsy displays last night, contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively.

"These guys were impressive tonight, but it was not just them, all the players who did well in such an atmosphere," said Johnson.

The semi-finals for the ABL play-offs will see the Slingers battling Satria Muda. The best-of-three series tips off at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on Jan 31. - 

Source: TODAY

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Barracudas absorb 89-95 loss to Slingers

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, January 21, 2010

 

THE Barracudas suffered a 89-95 setback to the Singapore Slingers in their Asean Basketball League (ABL) match last night at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Despite the loss, which snapped their four game winning streak at home, the Barracudas are still in contention for the fourth spot in making the playoffs in the inaugural league.

The Barracudas and the KL Dragons have identical 6-8 win-loss records for 20 points.

"We're not out yet and we still have another chance against the Patriots on Sunday. We're not relying on other teams to help us get into the playoffs but we'll remain focus and push all the way and hope that we can conjure up a victory," said Bong Ramos, the Barracudas head coach, in an interview with The Brunei Times after the match.

Leo Avenido had a game-high 30 points for the Barracudas including going 13 for 13 from the free throw line. Reggie Larry added 23 points, Francis 'Kiko' Adriano scored 16 points and Mike Pilgrim chipped in 12 points.

The Slingers had five players in double figures with American import, Michael LeBlanc, leading the way with 26 points while compatriot Kyle Jeffers poured in 19 points. Al Vergara contributed 15 points while local boys Hong Wei Jian and Desmond Oh contributed 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Slingers waxed hot in the first quarter, posting a 27-16 lead before returning to their dugout with a commanding 49-35 advantage.

The Slingers went on a shooting spree in the second half and extended their lead to 20 points before the Barracudas rallied to cut the deficit to 72-83 going into the final four minutes of the game. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Barracudas looking forward to win five straight at home

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, January 20, 2010

THE Barracudas are confident of five straight wins at home when they host the visiting Singapore Slingers tonight at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

A victory for the Barracudas guarantees a top-four finish in the six-team ABL regardless of whether the KL Dragons win their last match against Satria Muda BritAma at the BritAma Arena on Saturday.

Only the top four teams will make it into the postseason with the regular season coming to an end on Sunday.

"This is the same senario as our previous game. It's another must-win match that confirms passage into the next round. We're confident that we can make it five in a row at home. The team is ready and highly motivated for the match," said Ramos in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"We really need this game and are hoping for more fans to come and support us. A good turnout is very important as the more fans we have the bigger our advantage is at home," said the ex-Indonesia coach.

The Barracudas have won their last four games at home with Satria Muda BritAma being their latest victims with an 85-81 victory last Saturday.

The Slingers are coming off a 71-78 loss to the KL Dragons, which threw them back into contention, at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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BSRC Open: Updated Schedule

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BSRC Open: Winning starts for Ilonggos

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, January 18, 2010

THE Brunei Shell Recreational Club (BSRC) five-on-five Open basketball tournament tipped off with wins for both the Ilonggo Slashers and Ilonggo Stingers yesterday at the Multipurpose Hall of Mumong Sports Complex in Belait.

In the opening game, the favourites for Group B, Stingers thrashed Pipers 88-46.

Meanwhile, the Slashers, favourites of Group A, defeated the BSRC-Sunnybee 85-61 in the second match.

Organised by the BSRC's basketball committee, 11 teams divided into two groups will do battle for top honours in the inaugural competition.

Group A comprise of BSRC-Sunnybee, Ilonggo Slashers, HOB, Megalift and Gun Yen. Ilonggo Stingers, Shika, DMD, Polly Sounds Est, Easyway and Pipers make up Group B.

A basketball clinic for kids and women would also be conducted during the course of the competition.Present as BSRC Club President, HJ Idris Abd Gapar who deliver the Inspirational message to the participants. The tournament is headed by Arnel Aldovino the BSRC BAsketball Section Chairman who welcome all the participants.

The tournament organizers with their favorite Brunei Barracudas super star Mike Pilgrim who came with Benjamin Sim to support the tournament and they give away game tickets to the lucky fans. 

Source: The Brunei Times | photos: BruneiBasketball.com

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Barracudas job undone

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, January 18, 2010

 

THERE are more work to be done for the Barracudas after the KL Dragons retook fourth place, the last playoff spot, from the Bruneians by notching a crucial 78-71 victory over the Singapore Slingers in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).
The Barracudas overtook the Dragons for fourth place on Saturday night after their fourth straight victory at home with an 85-81 win over Satria Muda BritAma at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

However, the Dragons regained the hotspot after their second triumph over the Singapore side this season holding a 6-8 record for 20 points. The advantage is still with the Barracudas who hold a better head-to-head record (2-1) over their opponents and have a game in hand.

"The Dragons had a good game against the Slingers. They played like it was their last and delivered by winning the game. The Slingers didn't execute and didn't give them a fight until the last quarter," said Bong Ramos, the Barracudas head coach, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"We just have to keep our focus and win the rest of our games and make it into the playoffs," added Ramos.

When asked if there was a possibility that they could even snatch third position if they win their last two games in the 15-game season, the 48-year-old Filipino mentor replied: "That is going to be a difficult task but right now our aim is to make it into the playoffs. We just need one more win and we should be there."

Meanwhile, Mike Pilgrim credited the team for playing with hearts in picking up their first win over the Indonesian side in three meetings. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Basketball: BSRC Open tips off today

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 17, 2010

 

THE Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) Five-on-Five Open tournament is set to tip off today at the Multipurpose Hall of the Mumong Sports Complex in Belait.

Organised by the BSRC's basketball committee, 11 teams divided into two groups will do battle for top honours in the inaugural competition.

Group A comprise of BSRC-Sunnybee, Ilonggo Slashers, HOB, Megalift and Gun Yen. Ilonggo Stingers, Shika, DMD, Polly Sounds Est, Easyway and Pipers make up Group B.

Arnel Aldovino, the chairman of the BSRC's basketball committee, told The Brunei Times that they would also conduct a basketball clinic for kids and women during the tournament.

The competition initially was to be held after the three-on-three tournament which was won by Freshmen in November last year but was postponed due to technical reasons.

The opening ceremony will be held at 5pm.

Source: The Brunei Times

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Barracudas almost there

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 17, 2010

 

Brunei team beat Satria Muda to put one foot into the playoffs

THE Barracudas last night put one foot into the playoffs with an 85-81 victory over Satria Muda BritAma in their Asean Basketball League (ABL) match at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.
The win is their fourth straight at home with all five imports in double figures. American Mike Pilgrim led the way with 26 points for the hosts.

Filipino import, Leo Avenido, had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds while compatriots Don Camaso and Francis 'Kiko' Adriano chipped in 16 and 15 points respectively.

Another American Reggie Larry also had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
On the other hand, Nakiea Miller had a game-high 32 points and hauled down 16 rebounds for a double-double to lead Satria Muda. Alexander Hartman contributed 19 points in a losing effort.

It was a closely contested affair right from the start with Satria Muda applying full court pressure defence causing the Barracudas to make turnovers.

The Indonesian side managed to open up a five-point lead in the period, but Avenido converted on a three-point play towards the end of the quarter to tie the scores at 20 apiece going into the second period. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Will it be 3rd time lucky?

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, January 16, 2010

 

THE Barracudas are hoping that third time's the charm when they face Satria Muda BritAma in their Asean Basketball League (ABL) match at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas tonight.

Bong Ramos, the Barracudas head coach, believes that the team are ready to slay their opponents in their own backyard.

The Barracudas have won their last three home games (against the Thailand Tigers, KL Dragons and Philippine Patriots) and are hoping to make it four in a row to help secure the last playoff berth come the end of January.

"The team are ready and we have been practising daily. We are confident that we can make it four games in a row at home, but anything can still happen," said Ramos when met at a training session yesterday.

"We lost the last time out (in Jakarta) because we were not fully prepared as we were not used to their court. It was hard to play away and adjust to their home court. But this time we will entertain them at home," added the 48-year-old Filipino mentor.

"We'll just give it our best shot and hopefully the players will be able to step up in the game. Supporters will definitely be a factor and we're hoping the fans will come to support us," said Ramos.

Having met twice already, Brunei's first professional basketball team fell to their worst defeat of the season with a 97-62 thrashing at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta on Nov 8 but fared better in the second outing losing 98-84 at the same arena last Sunday. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Barracudas, Dragons fighting for 4th spot

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, January 14, 2010

 

THE heat is on for Brunei Barracudas and KL Dragons.

Both teams are fighting for the coveted fourth position in the Asean Basketball League, the final spot in the six-team league which will guarantee them a berth in the playoffs.

Currently in fifth, the Barracudas have three games to prove they are worthy of a place in the playoffs which start on Jan 30.

They have their work cut out for them though since all their matches are against the top three teams.

Losing 98-84 to third-placed Satria Muda BritAma last Sunday, the Barracudas will be looking for their first win against the Indonesians when they face them for the third time at the National Indoor Stadium at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas on Saturday.

Their next game will be against the second-placed Singapore Slingers next Wednesday in what could be their last home game of the season. The Slingers have won both previous encounters.

Four days later, they take to the Ynares Sports Arena in Manila to face table toppers Philippine Patriots in their last regular season game, taking some heart in the fact that they have already beaten them once this season.

The odds are against Bong Ramos' men since they have won only one match - against the Patriots - out of the six lineups against the top three, and know they will have to win at least two matches if they are to overtake the Dragons. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times 

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Reece to start looking for potential talents for national basketball squads

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

 

ALL basketball enthusiasts will be glad to know the news that the national basketball coach, Kevin Reece, will be selecting players in the upcoming weeks when he puts his plan into full throttle of changing the face of Brunei basketball.

The seat has been left vacant for too long since the previous coach, Bennett Palad of the Philippines, left one and a half years ago and Reece, who is popularly called Coach K, wants to start his job by developing the sport from the grassroots.

"We're looking forward to youth training starting with the Under-16. Not only that but we're also looking at the Under-13 maybe some time after Chinese New Year. However, we'll have to take it one at a time before going to the higher levels," said Reece in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday when met.

Having been confirmed as the man for the job on Dec 23 last year, Reece is beginning to settle down with his job in the Sultanate.

"I'm settling really good here despite it being a slow process. I'm learning and getting a better idea of my job criteria since it's the first time for me being a national coach," said Reece.

"I've to recreate myself as far as administration and others are concerned," added the LA Lakers fan.

When asked on whether he has plans of coaching the girls national team as well, the 39-year-old American replied: "As of now, my plan includes all of the national teams from juniors to seniors for both the men and women. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Barracudas had a bad day

Jason Thomas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

 

BONG Ramos did not have any excuses for the Barracudas' 98-84 loss to Satria Muda BritAma in Sunday's Asean Basketball League action.

After a promising first-quarter at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta which the visitors led 22-19, the team fell apart in the second quarter when the hosts went on a 24-0 run.

The Barracudas were unable to swim back and trailed by double digits for the rest of the match.

"At the start of the game we played alright, but in the second quarter we played badly," said the head coach.

"What happened? We just could not make a shot.

"But you know how it is, basketball is a game of streaks," he said.

Foul trouble meant centre Mike Pilgrim was forced to sit out a few minutes of the second quarter, substituted when the Barracudas had just lost their lead and were trailing 27-26 two minutes into the second quarter.

When asked whether Pilgrim's loss had any impact on the scoring drought, the ex-Indonesia national team coach agreed that it did have an adverse effect.

"He was one of the reasons," admitted Ramos, "but we were also not making shots. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Maya Silk Emporium – New Arrivals

New Arrivals of And1 and Adidas basketball shoes at Maya Silk Emporium. (click photo for more.)

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Two-way race for final playoff spot

James Kon

It will be a two-way race for the final playoff spot between Brunei Barracudas and the KL Dragons after Barracudas lost to Satria Muda BritAma 98-84 at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta yesterday.

With KL Dragons stunning the Philippine Patriots on Saturday night with an unlikely 77-59 win, Brunei Barracudas and the Malaysian side KL Dragons are levelled on 17 points each after 12 matches.

However Barracudas still have the advantage thanks to a better points score difference.

Benny Ang, the Operation Manager of Barracudas in a telephone interview said: "It will be very tight, right down to the final game. We have three matches to go and we have to face the top three teams of the league namely - Satria Muda BritAma on Jan 16, Singapore Slingers (Jan 20) and the final game against the Philippine Patriots on Jan 24."

"If we are on par with the KL Dragons by the end of these matches, we will be able to qualify because our scoring points difference is better," Ang expressed. Read More…

Source: Borneo Bulletin

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Barracudas buried

Jason Thomas

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, January 11, 2010

A DISASTROUS second quarter by the Barracudas spelt their demise in yesterday's Asean Basketball League (ABL) match against Satria Muda BritAma.

Losing 98-84 at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta, Brunei's first professional basketball club suffered a scoring drought that ran for seven and a half minutes in the second period where they were outscored 33-10.

Despite the result, the Barracudas are still fourth in the six-team league while Satria Muda BritAma remain in second place behind the Philippine Patriots.

Leading 22-19 at the end of the first quarter, the Barracudas were on course to reverse the 97-62 loss suffered in their first meeting on Nov 8 at the same venue. However, their lead did not last long.

The Indonesians took a slim 27-26 advantage two minutes into the period through Nakiea Miller, and the visitors would never again be in the driving seat.

The league's best rebounder with 14.3 per game, Miller pulled down 15 boards yesterday.

Barracudas' Mike Pilgrim was substituted during a time-out at 7:55 as a result of picking up two quick fouls, and it was as if the team had pressed the self-destruct button. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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Barracudas want revenge

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 10, 2010

 

THE Barracudas face a tough trip to Jakarta but are confident they can record another victory on the road against Satria Muda BritAma in their Asean Basketball League (ABL) match at the BritAma Arena in Jakarta today.

The Barracudas kept themselves on track for a playoff berth with a 94-89 triumph over the Thailand Tigers and in doing so knocking the Thais out of playoff contention last Monday at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok.

Satria Muda are also in a triumphant mood coming off a 69-57 victory over the KL Dragons at the Maba Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

"It's going to be a tough game especially if they play at the same intensity against the Dragons earlier in the week," said Francis 'Kiko' Adriano, the captain of the Barracudas, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"If we can match their intensity and aggressiveness and stay out of foul trouble, I think that we have a good chance of snatching a victory," added Adriano.

The captain named the dynamic duo of American imports, Alex Hartman, who is third in the league in scoring averaging 19.8 points per game, and Nakiea Miller, who leads the league in rebounds with 14.3 per game, as the main threats in today's match.

"The key for us is to limit their imports to below their average. I think we're in good shape to put up some defensive stops," said the 34-year-old Filipino.

"As I've said before, right now the morale of the team is high and it's important for us to maintain it because we need to win and be part of the final four at the end of the season," added Adriano. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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BSRC five-on-five basketball tourney

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, January 9, 2010

 

THE Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) will hold the BSRC five-on-five Open basketball tournament on Jan 17 at the Mumong Indoor Sports Complex in Belait.

The competition initially was to be held after the three-on-three tournament which was won by Freshmen in November last year but was postponed due to technical reasons.

"We are expecting 12 teams to register for the tournament with some of them coming from the capital," said Arnel Aldovino, the chairman of the BSRC basketball committee, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

According to Aldovino, the committee will also be conducting a basketball clinic for kids and women during the competition period.

"We are hoping to complete the tournament in four weeks and we're planning to hold a competition for kids and women later in the year," said Aldovino.

The tournament is open to all residents of Brunei and is aimed at promoting the sport in the country.

Application forms are available at Marilyn Cake House (Kuala Belait branch) and entry fee is $300 per team.

Interested parties must return their forms on or before Jan 12.

For enquiries contact Dorothea Williams Bungsu at 3374889 or email dorothea.wbungsu@shell.com.

The Brunei Times

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Barracudas hoping to reach semis

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, January 7, 2010

THE Barracudas couldn't have ask for a better start to the new year as they hold the advantage in their run for the playoffs which starts on Jan 30 in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

Cooking up a 94-89 victory over the Thailand Tigers at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok on Monday night was made even sweeter after the KL Dragons, who are also in a race for a playoff spot, crashed to Satria Muda BritAma 69-57 on Tuesday night at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

"It is an advantage for us now after winning our last game while they lost. Their remaining games (against the Patriots and Slingers) will be against strong teams to beat," said Francis 'Kiko' Adriano, the captain of the Barracudas, in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

"Right now the morale of the team is on a high and we're looking forward to our next match against Satria Muda," added Adriano.

"We will continue to focus on our game one at a time.

"Our goal is to get into the last four and hopefully with the support and prayers from all of the people who believe in us, we will be able to achieve that goal," continued the 34-year-old Filipino.

The captain had a sensational game against the Tigers when he put in a season-high 30 points and hauled down 10 boards for a double-double in the triumph.

"It was a tough game for us but we played aggressively right from the start and we never gave up till the end of the game. We committed some turnovers and they were able to catch up on us," said Adriano. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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AWARDS NIGHT - 1st KIARONG CUP 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament - D’ CAFÉ TEAM - The CHAMPION

BANDAR Seri Begawan, BRUNEI. The 1st Kiarong Cup 3-on-3 Basketball tournament was concluded with D’ Café Red Team as the Champion Team. Leading the team, Alex Barawed, took the stage to grab their first title and to defend it to the next season. FBA Director Mr. Rick Real Ret and Sports Coordinator Mr. Eduardo Estrella attended the event in support of Kiarong Tuesday Club’s (KTC) aim. This awarding ceremony was held in Le Gallery Suites Hotel last 29 December 2009.
With his remarkable performance of the season, Exequiel Lachica grabbed his first Season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Averaging 33.75 pts, 15 rebs, and 11 assists per game, only showed his relentless effort and tireless work ethic to bring his team on top 3 place of the tournament. Though their team did not went through to the finals, his attitude and performance in every game, gave his spot to become be unanimously voted as the first MVP of this league. “Everybody in this tournament, had fun and they gave whatever was due for this event. My teammates also delivered their efforts to really get the championship title that we all wanted but we came short and we humbly accepted our defeat. Maybe the next season we will be in good shape and will have a good start. This award is not only for me, but for all my teammates also”, he uttered thankfully during his acceptance speech.
Commanding performance of Alexander “Cute” Barawed brought his team to grasp their first title. Consequently he was recognized as the Finals MVP of the Tournament. Averaging 27.13pts, 12 rebs and 8 asssists per game clearly shows that he deserved to receive this prestigious recognition. “In every event there will only be one champion, in this case we just luckily took this 1st title. All teams also did their shares in making this tournament a memorable one. I just played the game that I normally does, I didn’t expect that I will be receiving this award. And for this we are all champion and MVP in my heart,” he proudly said.

Special awards were also been given to the following:

Morssidi “Moque” Mohamad – Most Cooperative Player
Mahlon Campos – Most Surprising Player
Andrew Jong – Most Exciting Player
Dominador “Jun” Barawed Jr. – Most Persistent Veteran
Alex Mangga – Most Determined Player
Cecil Vasquez – Crowd’s Favorite Player
KTC’s Tournament organizers were very thankful that this event was concluded successfully. They are hoping that the next event will be more exciting and more fun with all the efforts of the members and officers. Excitement with all the KTC members as they awaits for the official launching of their own website for their own informative page of every events and endeavors of their club.
KTC would also like to thank all those who supported this tournament and wishing everybody to continue their support in all their aims and visions. To God be the glory.

Source and Photos: Rex Villanueva

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Brunei Barracudas skin Tigers in Bangkok

James Kon

Brunei Barracudas boosted their chance of clinching a playoff spot in the Asean Basketball League following their 94-89 win against the Thailand Tigers at Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok last night.

Philippines import of Barracudas Francis Adriano has a huge impact on the game finishing with 30 points and 10 rebounds to skin the Tigers.
Brunei Barracudas have the final laugh in the final meeting of both teams where they defeated the Tigers on Nov 14 at the Brunei Indoor Stadium but lost 77-66 on Nov 22.

Barracudas led all the way last night and managed to carve out a 10-point lead at the end of the first quarter with 28-18.

In the second quarter, Barracudas continued their momentum and stretched their lead to 54-41 by the end of the second quarter.

The third quarter saw a rejuvenated Tigers storming back into the match to close the gap at 81-70 at the end of the third quarter.

The Tigers then managed to erase Barracudas' lead in the fourth quarter and then took a one point lead with just five minutes left in the match.

However, Barracudas managed to close out the final minutes of the game with solid defence and offence to take the crucial win at 94-89.

The next game will be against Satria Muda BritAma at the BritAma Arena in Indonesia on Jan 10.

Source: Borneo Bulletin

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Barracudas tame Tigers

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

 

Brunei side on track for ABL playoffs

THE Barracudas survived a late scare to defeat the Thailand Tigers 94-89 for their first win of the year in their Asean Basketball League (ABL) match at the Nimibutr National Stadium in Bangkok last night.

The victory puts the Bruneians on the right track for the ABL playoffs due to start on Jan 30.

The Barracudas once again had a distributed scoring game with all five imports in double digits.

Captain Francis 'Kiko' Adriano led the way with a game-high 30 points. The Filipino added 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Adriano's compatriot Leo Avenido contributed 20 points while American Reggie Larry had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Larry's compatriot Mike Pilgrim chipped in 15 points.

Another Filipino Don Camaso also scored 12 points in the victory.

American import, Chaz Briggs, topscored for the Tigers with 27 points and hauled down 15 rebounds to his name for a double-double.

Attaporn Lertmalaiporn chipped in 14 points in a losing effort.

Brunei's first professional basketball team carried an 81-70 advantage heading into the final stanza before the Tigers rallied behind Briggs, who scored 15 points, to outscore the Barracudas 17-7 to cut the lead to one at 88-87 with less than four minutes left to play in the game.

The Tigers finally took the lead with about three minutes left through a shot by Attaporn and they were the last points the Tigers would put on the scoreboard.

The Brunei side rode on their luck despite missing key free throws down the stretch whereas the Tigers failed to make their shots to see the game end in favour of the Barracudas. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Race for ABL playoffs hots up

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Monday, January 4, 2010

Barracudas, Tigers and Dragons in survival of the fittest

ONE berth, three teams. It is a case of 'survival of the fittest' as the inaugural Asean Basketball League (ABL) heads into the playoffs with only five games left in the regular season.

It is too close to call who would make up the top four and join the favourites Philippine Patriots into the semi-finals starting on Jan 30.

League leaders, the Patriots, lead the six-team table with a league best 9-2 record with 20 points.

The Filipinos are just two wins away from securing the top seed and home court advantage going into the playoffs.

Satria Muda BritAma are not far behind in second place with a 6-5 record with 17 points followed by the Singapore Slingers the only other team above the .500 mark with a 6-4 record and 16 points.

The threesome of Thailand Tigers, Brunei Barracudas and KL Dragons are fighting it out to fill the fourth and final spot in the playoffs.

The Tigers are now in fourth position with a 3-9 record for 15 points.

The Barracudas and KL Dragons occupy the last two slots with identical 4-6 records for 14 points.

The Tigers have three more games to play but only victory in all the matches might see them enter the final four.

They, however, have a reason to be confident as all their remaining games will be played at home. The first will be against the Barracudas tonight followed by the Patriots on Jan 17 and the Slingers on Jan 24.

The Thai side beat the Barracudas at home 77-66 on Nov 22 and defeated the Slingers 65-62 on Dec 7.

Meanwhile, the Barracudas and the Dragons will have very difficult games ahead which might even see both teams end up with similar records at the end of the regular season. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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Their mission: Stay alive

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 3, 2010

 

THEY are well rested and are prepared to maul the Tigers.

That's how the Barracudas hope to spend their new year in Thailand playing their way to victory in the Tigers' den.

The Barracudas, who meet the Thailand Tigers in their Asean Basketball League (ABL) match at the Nimibutr Indoor Stadium in Bangkok tomorrow, must win the tie to stay alive in the playoff run.

"We need the win. I know we'll have a good shot at it. We're going into the game high on confidence and ready for the challenge," said Mike Pilgrim, one of the American imports of the Barracudas, in an interview with The Brunei Times.

"We may be short-handed in terms of bench, but we're definitely ready. The practice sessions have been great after a week off," added Pilgrim.

"In addition, the local players on the team have been playing great and we know what we have to do in the match," continued the Barracudas' centre.

This is the third time the two sides meet with the series split between them.

The first encounter saw the Barracudas grab a late 91-86 victory at home on Nov 14.

The Tigers avenged the defeat on Nov 22 overturning a 13-point deficit late in the third quarter to win 77-66 in Bangkok. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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It's time Brunei sports turn professional

Amir Amin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, January 3, 2010

 

THE year 2009 had seen Brunei won a haul of medals in various regional competitions. Looking forward, it is perhaps time for the Sultanate to introduce a professional system to help our athletes further excel in their events.

The nation had already witnessed what professional athletes could bring to the country in two sports: football and basketball.

Professional football team DPMM FC and basketball team Brunei Barracudas did the nation proud last year.

DPMM FC became the first foreign side to win the Singapore League Cup in June by beating the Singapore Armed Forces 4-3 on penalties.

The Barracudas, meanwhile, beat the Philippine Patriots, the Asean Basketball League (ABL) high-fliers, in Berakas on Dec 13 to become the first Brunei side to ever beat a Philippines team in a competitive basketball match.

Currently most of the athletes in Brunei are semi-professional, treating the sporting aspect of their lives as more of a hobby.

By turning professional, the athletes can devote more time on training to improve their skills, physical condition and experience.

This is how trophies and cups are won.

The question to be asked will then be, what other sports can the Sultanate develop professionally?

Bowling, golf, tennis and cue sports are some that come straight to the mind. Read More...

Source: The Brunei Times

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New and slimmer Mike

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, January 1, 2010

A NEW year, a new Mike Pilgrim. Slimmer and tougher.

"I lost three kilogrammes in December alone," said the Barracudas centre when met at a practice session yesterday. today.

The Barracudas making their playoff run in their remaining five games in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) play the Thailand Tigers on Monday and Pilgrim is ready for the Thai test.

"Fans will see a tougher and more motivated Mike Pilgrim on the court in the new year," said Pilgrim in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

The 25-year-old American has adjusted well to the warmer and more humid weather and the way of living in the Sultanate and he is ready to rock.

"It's all good now. I'm really used to my new environment now and the food is pretty good," said Pilgrim, who had difficulty adjusting to his new 'home' when he first arrived in September.

"I think the heat here helps me get in shape," added Pilgrim.

But, he has no secret diet or formula just plain old-fashioned hard work and determination.

"I've been working out with the team and it has been a long time since I last worked so hard. I'm also looking after my diet. I'm drinking less Pepsi and replacing it with water," said American.

Asked to compare his home town, Ohio, in the United States, to Bandar Seri Begawan the 6ft 9in American said: "It's a lot slower here but the best thing about Brunei is that it's really peaceful and I like the people here."

Despite being here for only three months, Pilgrim and his compatriot and teammate, Reggie Larry, have acquired a 'celebrity status' among basketball fans in the Sultanate. Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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A sports wish list for the New Year

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, January 1, 2010

REMEMBER that hugely popular "makan bola, tidur bola, minum Coca-Cola" (eat and sleep football, drink Coca-Cola) 2006 World Cup advertisement?

A lot of Bruneians can relate to this ad and it's not surprising since football is the No 1 sport in the Sultanate.

Thus, it is rather ironic that the national football team and all the clubs in the country cannot play in international competitions due to a global suspension slapped by the Federation Internationale de Football Association on the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (Bafa).

On Sept 29 at its executive committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro football's governing body, Fifa, decided to ban Bafa for government interference in its affairs.

Fifa declared in a statement: "Bafa was suspended due to government interference in its affairs which started with a decision by the Brunei authorities to dissolve the Bafa and to replace it with a new association.

"The suspension applies with immediate effect and means that Brunei club DPMM FC will no longer be permitted to play in the Singapore League," the statement added. "The suspension will run until Bafa is reinstated by the government." Read More…

Source: The Brunei Times

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