#jared dillinger

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Hello Barangay Ginebra

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Bolts use big 4th quarter to beat Road Warriors

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net Meralco unleashed a killer fourth quarter to beat NLEX, 91-84, Sunday to nab its second victory in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Bolts used a 19-4 tear to break the game open in the fourth, turning a slim 69-67 lead to a commanding 88-71 advantage with 5:25 left as the Road Warriors fired blanks late. Jared Dillinger poured 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while reinforcement Alex Stepheson tallied 18 markers, 24 boards, and three blocks to keep Meralco’s record unblemished after two outings. “Another good win for us tonight. Our defense really stepped up in the second half, we did a very good job defensively,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black, who also drew solid contributions from its other locals. Chris Newsome added 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists, Reynel Hugnatan had 13 markers, four boards, and three dimes off the bench, and Baser Amer got 12 points, four assists, and two rebounds. Black also commended the Bolts’ defense after keeping their opponents below 86 points for the second consecutive game and limiting the Road Warriors to just 38% shooting from the field. “ I thought in the first half, we were a bit lax. We gave up a lot of points in the second quarter, but in the third and fourth, we did a lot better,” Black, whose team improved to 2-0, said. “We’ve been pretty solid, so we have to continue to do that.” Wayne Chism paced the Road Warriors with 18 points and 17 rebounds, but shot 8-of-24 from the field. Garvo Lanete also had 14 markers as NLEX remained winless after two games. The scores: MERALCO 91 – Dillinger 20, Stepheson 18, Newsome 15, Hugnatan 13, Amer 12, Chua 6, Caram 3, Hodge 2, Uyloan 2, Daquioag 0, Faundo 0. NLEX 84 – Chism 18, Lanete 14, Alas 8, Guinto 7, Lastimosa 6, Tiongson 6, Camson 5, Khobuntin 5, Monfort 5, Anthony 2, Baracael 2, Rios 2, Soyud 2, Taulava 2, J. Villanueva 0. Quarters: 26-19, 40-45, 69-67, 91-84. Written by: Randolph B. Leongson The post Bolts use big 4th quarter to beat Road Warriors appeared first on Philippine Basketball Association. http://j.mp/2mh8qaq

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Jared Dillinger’s return crucial for struggling Meralco

PBA Media Bureau Meralco had been mired in the longest losing streak in the ongoing Oppo PBA Philippine Cup – a skid that lasted six games – before finding a way to clinch a crucial win that helped them stay alive in the tournament. And there’s nothing like welcoming back a key player that has been out with an injury – in the Bolts’ case, veteran forward Jared Dillinger – to help break out of a slump. Though Dillinger struggled shooting the ball, going only 1-for-nine from the field, his presence was more than enough to elevate Meralco’s play and they were able to defeat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 82-72, for just their third win against seven losses this conference. “I’ve said it the entire conference. The retirement of Jimmy (Alapag) prior to the start of the conference and JD being out for most of the conference basically meant we lost two of our top four players,” Meralco coach Norman Black said. “If we were a deep team like San Miguel which has a guy like RR Garcia coming off the bench, maybe we could withstand that. But we’re not as deep as the other strong teams in the league. We lost Jimmy to retirement and JD almost the entire conference truly hurts a lot.” Dillinger missed the team’s first nine games and he was sorely missed as the Bolts, after coming off a finals appearance in last season’s Governors’ Cup, found itself languishing at the bottom of the standings. But his return has helped fill in a lot of the little things that Meralco has missed and Black believes that the veteran has made his presence felt. “He practiced the last three days and the level of our practice went up immediately,” the coach said. “He’s a quality player. He has the experience. He’s talented. He also gives us more opportunities to do defensively because he can guard small men and he can guard big men. We can do a lot of switching like we did tonight. His absence has helped us but his presence really helped us tonight.” For Dillinger, he’s just glad he’s back on the court. “I joined the practice for the last three days. It took too much time to get my feet wet. I’m trying to help my team out any which way I can. But I’m happy to be back,” he added. http://j.mp/2kcF2N4

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Returning Dillinger still groping for form

PBA IMAGES Jared Dillinger was still far from his old form when he made his return from injury on Sunday. The Meralco swingman played just nine minutes in the Bolts’ 86-84 loss to the Blackwater Elite in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup. The 32-year-old, a major piece in the Bolts’ rotation, is coming off a hamstring injury he sustained in Game 2 of their 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal showdown against TNT that kept him out for the rest of the series and best-of-seven Finals duel with Barangay Ginebra. Dillinger took only one attempt, grabbed three rebounds and committed two turnovers in his short stint, nowhere close from the form that helped the Bolts to make a deep run last conference. “I haven’t played in two months, I just started to practice maybe three days ago. Coach Norman just wanna pull me in a little bit. Just trying to run up and down. My legs aren’t there yet, I’m still feeling weak, so It’s gonna be a process,” Dillinger said. And with ace point guard Jimmy Alapag officially retired, Dillinger urged his teammates to step up. “It’s gonna take a little time to adjust with Jimmy(Alapag) no longer there anymore. I think we all have to collectively step up, some guys will need to step up. And we’re gonna  need to start growing  up as a team and try to do our part a little harder because we got some growing pains,” he said. Dillinger remained upbeat despite in the absence of Alapag and vowed to get even better as the season goes on. “ Looking at the bigger picture, we got new guys who could provide some energy in our rotation and make a difference. Justin Chua just got some playing time, Rabeh (Al-Hussaini) is picking up his game, we have two skilled rookies in Jonathan (Gray) and Ed (Daquioag) and there’s Joseph Yeo. “It’s a growing process. There’s nowhere to go but up and we got a week to figure it out.” Dillinger said. Onofre John Andres The post Returning Dillinger still groping for form appeared first on Philippine Basketball Association. http://j.mp/2gwXcKU

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2016 Governors’ Cup Semis Preview: TNT KaTropa vs Meralco Bolts

PBA IMAGES Sister teams TNT and Meralco are on a collision course, and we’ll see just much glory is thicker than blood between these two clubs. TNT and Meralco have players and coaches who have played on both sides, and that adds a lot of potentially dramatic flavor to this match up. Among these are Jimmy Alapag, Jared Dillinger, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Jai Reyes, and, of course, coaches Norman Black and Jong Uichico. This is the first time in history, however, that TNT and Meralco are meeting in the semifinals, and though it seems like the “deeper” KaTropa should march on to the Finals unperturbed, the Bolts would want nothing more than to be the one to upend their “bigger sibling” and finally move up to join the cast of elite teams in the league. Meralco and TNT have met 3x this season already, with TNT winning twice (PHL Cup & GOVS Cup). That means they may have a bit of a psychological edge in this encounter, but remember that guys like Jimmy, Jared, and Norman — being former TNT members — know how TNT plays (vice versa with coach Jong). If there’s any team in the league with enough players who have “inside info” about TNT, it’s Meralco, and there’s no better time for them to use that knowledge than in the semifinals now.  Meralco also has a bone to pick with TNT since the Ka Tropa handed Meralco their first loss of the Govs Cup after the Bolts started with back to back wins. Meralco beat PHX & Alaska in succession before TNT handed them a 98-95 loss thanks to 24 big points from Jayson Castro. For sure, Castro will be a marked man here, and guys like Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Allen Durham, and Dillinger will be expected to carry much of the load on both ends for the Bolts. 1. FIRST MEETING: AMMONS X DURHAM – Mychal Ammons wasn’t around when TNT beat Meralco earlier this conference, so it’ll be interesting to see how he matches up with Allen Durham here. Durham struggled in that game, and for sure he wants to score a lot more here. Ammons, meanwhile, will have to assert himself in terms of scoring and rebounding to help TNT get the jump in Game 1. Last games: Ammons (vs PHX) – 7pts, 13rebs, 2asts, 1stl, 3/5 FGs. Durham (vs MAH) – 24pts, 16rebs, 6asts, 1blk, 3 triples, 7/14 FGs. Stats:  Ammons – 15.4ppg, 14.9rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, 1.1bpg, 56.1% FGs. Durham – 30.5ppg, 15.0rpg, 5.3apg, 1.6bpg, 1.0 triple per game, 42.9% 3pt, 55.9% FGs. 2. TEAMMATES TO RIVALS: CASTRO X ALAPAG – For the longest time, Jimmy Alapag served as a mentor of sorts to Jayson Castro, but now they find themselves on opposing sides with a berth in the Finals at stake. They know each other’s moves so well, and it’ll be interesting to see what the mental chess match is going to be between them. Last game vs each other: Castro – 24pts, 7rebs, 5asts, 1blk, 2 triples. Alapag – 11pts, 3rebs, 12asts, 2 triples, 48 FGs. Stats: Castro – 23.2ppg, 3.8rpg, 7.5apg, 1.2spg, 2.8 triples per game, 39.5 3pt%, 46.3 FG% Alapag – 8.5ppg, 2.6rpg, 5.4apg, 2.3 triples per game, 46.3 3pt%, 48.4 FG% 3. FIL-AM FLAVOR: ROSALES/REYES X NEWSOME/DILLINGER – These two teams have relied on their respective Fil-Ams to give them boosts at different points this conference. The backcourt duo of Kris Rosales and Ryan Reyes has made TNT’s perimeter game more dynamic, while the wing pairing of Chris Newsome and Jared Dillinger have given Meralco a lot of depth, versatility, and athleticism. For certain, these Fil-Ams will play big roles in the outcome of this series, too. Last game vs each other: Rosales – 13pts, 1ast, 4/8 FGs Reyes – 6pts, 3rebs, 4stls, 2/8 FGs Newsome – 9pts, 5rebs, 3asts, 3/7 FGs Dillinger – 15pts, 1reb, 1ast, 2 triples, 6/12 FGs 4. GIRIAN SA ILALIM: RDO X HODGE – Ranidel De Ocampo and Cliff Hodge are two of the most versatile power forwards in the league. Both like to attack facing the basket, with RDO specializing in hitting the three and Hodge’s athleticism aiding him in being one of the strongest players not just for Meralco but for the PBA. Their battle in the paint will surely cause a lot of fireworks in this series. Last game vs each other: RDO – 9pts, 6rebs, 1ast, 3/7 FGs Hodge – 18pts, 8rebs, 1ast, 1stl, 1blk, 7/10 FGs 5. BAGUHAN O BETERANO? – ROSARIO/TAUTUAA X HUGNATAN/NABONG – Rookies Troy Rosario and Mo Tautuaa have surely given TNT a lot of depth and muscle at the frontline, and the pressure will be on the veteran duo of Reynel Hugnatan and Kelly Nabong to try and contain TNT’s young frontcourt duo. Rosario’s outside shooting will stretch Meralco’s defense, and Tautuaa’s size will give Meralco a ton of match up problems, but coach Norman will probably try to counter this with the combined physicality of both Hugnatan and Nabong.  Last Game vs each other:  Nabong – 8pts, 3rebs, 1ast, 4/5 FGs Hugnatan – 8pts, 4rebs, 1ast, 2/9 FGs Tautuaa – 8pts, 8rebs, 1ast, 2stls, 4/9 FGs Rosario – DNP (averages – 9.0ppg, 5.4rpg, 43.3 FG%) 6. MERALCO: BIDA SA PASAHAN! – MER currently is 2nd in the league in assists right behind GIN. With guys like Jimmy Alapag & Chris Newsome consciously looking for ways to get their teammates good looks, it’s no wonder Meralco’s offense has been buzzing. They’ll need to step up their game, of course, as TNT’s defense isn’t exactly easy to penetrate. If Meralco’s playmakers can move the ball well, however, that should be a good sign for the Bolts. Last Game vs TNT:  Assts – MER 28, TNT 12 Alapag – 12asts Durham – 5asts Newsome – 3asts Caram – 2asts Hodge, Nabong, Buenafe, Dillinger, Hugnatan, Jamshidi – 1ast each 7. TNT: BIDA SA OPENSA! – Speaking of offense, however, nobody does that better than TNT, which leads the league in PPG. TNT is also 2nd in the league in 2pt & 3pt% as well as Fastbreak Pts. Coach Uichico’s wards are built for speed and scoring, and they will definitely put a lot of pressure on Meralco to keep up. In their last game, however, it was Meralco which shot a little better from the field and scored a ton in transition, so the Bolts may just have TNT’s number. Stats:  Scoring – TNT 111.6ppg, MER 102.9ppg 2pt% – TNT 52.8%, MER 51.6% 3pt% – TNT 36.3%, MER 33.9% Fastbreak Pts – TNT 15.3ppg, MER 13.1ppg The post 2016 Governors’ Cup Semis Preview: TNT KaTropa vs Meralco Bolts appeared first on Philippine Basketball Association. http://j.mp/2ddYhG7

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Jared Dillinger Denies Lee | Governors Cup 2016

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Bolts atone for ‘lazy’ showing with Game 4 rout of Aces

PBA IMAGES Meralco head coach Norman Black was disappointed with the way his team played in the second half of Game 3. “Lazy” was how Black described Meralco’s Game 3 showing as it fell, 92-72, and dropped to a 2-1 series deficit in a best-of-five semifinals duel against Alaska. The Bolts heard their coach’s grievances loud and clear and took it as a challenge. “We all wanted to make it a point that we would go all out there tonight,” said Jared Dillinger. And on Monday, Meralco bounced back big, forcing a deciding Game 5 with an 86-70 win. “I think we did that. From top to bottom, I think everyone went out there and gave it 150-percent. That’s all you can ask for,” said the Fil-American swingman. Dillinger was pivotal in the win, pouring 17 points and five rebounds, and sparking a third quarter run that had the Bolts running away from a tight game. He even drained a triple from the other end of the court to beat the third quarter buzzer, a basket that pushed the Bolts lead to 10, 62-52, setting the tone for their huge finishing kick. “It definitely carried some momentum going into the fourth quarter. At the start of the fourth, we hit a couple of shots and that kind of ballooned the score up,” he said. And with Game 5 set on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Dillinger hopes Meralco will be able continue its dream run with each step moving the team closer to what would only be its first finals appearance. “It’s anybody’s game now. Take out the Xs and Os and it’s all about hustle and effort at this point,” he said. “We know their tendencies and they know our tendencies. It’s just about who has more heart and guts to execute the game plan.” The post Bolts atone for ‘lazy’ showing with Game 4 rout of Aces appeared first on Philippine Basketball Association. http://j.mp/1Y3nqAU

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Jared Dillinger shoots Meralco past Alaska as Bolts tie PBA semis series, 1-all

Meralco’s Jared Dillinger came alive at just the right time, making some big-time shots as the Bolts hurdled Alaska, 92-87, in Game 2 of the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. Dillinger scored 13 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter – including two big three-pointers in the last three minutes of the game – as the Bolts came back from a double-digit lead to tie the best-of-five series, 1-apiece. ‘The Daredevil’ shot 7-for-14 from the field, including an impressive 5-for-10 from outside the three-point arc. He hit three of his triples in the fourth quarter, where they outscored their opponents, 31-17. Import Arinze Onuaku led Meralco with 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting. He also posted 14 rebounds and six assists in a strong showing. Rookie Chris Newsome, the fourth overall pick of the PBA Draft, added 19 points and eight boards. Veteran Reynel Hugnatan also added 15 points while point guard Jimmy Alapag scored only three markers but notched a game-high eight assists. Down 77-63 at the 9:15 mark of the final period, Dillinger knocked down a trey to kickstart a huge 17-2 rally for Meralco. Onuaku then scored on a post-up play and Newsome left everyone behind for a big dunk in transition that brought them back within striking distance, 77-70. Alaska import Rob Dozier banked in a shot to give the Aces their only points in that stretch. Dillinger, though, didn’t waste any time, scoring off a swift counter-attack. Alapag then set Onuaku up with a well-place drop pass for an easy basket before making a big play for himself as he drilled a pull-up three-pointer that made it a one-point game, 79-78 After a turnover by Alaska point guard RJ Jazul, it was Dillinger, fittingly, that put his team up with a jumper, 80-79, with 4:16 remaining. The Aces tied the game at 82-all but Dillinger hit a triple from the corner to push the Bolts ahead. After Dozier scored on the other end, Dillinger again came up big with his fifth trey of the game, 88-84. Meralco got some key baskets from Onuaku and Hugnatan in the endgame as well. Alaska coach Alex Compton was visibly upset at the referees after the game as the Aces were attempting to stop the clock by fouling but the officials failed to blow the whistle. The Aces took control of the game in the second quarter. Calvin Abueva made a nice play where he pressured Meralco’s Anjo Caram into a turnover before sprinting the other way to get the fastbreak finish while Dozier also added a couple of points after a flagrant foul called on Dillinger. A Chris Banchero basket on a drive down the baseline made it a nine-point lead, 31-22, after the 11-3 burst from Alaska. Tony Dela Cruz also made some big contributions, finishing in transition and knocking down a three-pointer in a 9-2 run that extended the Aces’ lead up to 12, 44-32. Meralco, though, managed to close the period with five unanswered points, including a late three-pointer from Hugnatan set up by Alapag that made it a seven-point game, 44-37. The two imports battled each other to a draw over the first two periods, with both Dozier and Onuaku firing off seven points in the first and entering the half with identical stat-lines of 15 points and six rebounds. Abueva finished with 18 points while Cyrus Baguio had 10. The scores: Meralco (92) – Onuaku 22, Dillinger 20, Newsome 19, Hugnatan 15, Hodge 7, Alapag 3, Ry. Buenafe 2, Caram 2, Ferriols 2, Faundo 0, Amer 0. Alaska (87) – Dozier 28, Abueva 18, Baguio 10, Banchero 9, Dela Cruz 5, Baclao 5, Thoss 4, Jazul 4, Hontiveros 2, Menk 2, Exciminiano 0, Eman 0. Quarterscores: 14-17, 37-44, 61-70, 92-87. http://j.mp/1SK3jWZ