PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup Games Schedule: April 3-7, 2013

With the Holy Week break over and the Easter Sunday games schedule seeing both Air 21 and Barako Bull snapping their respective losing skids, it is a brand new week in the PBA for the ongoing 2013 Commissioner's Cup. If you want to stay tuned to the exciting action at the PBA games, make sure to take note of the schedule for this coming week so you won't miss a single game from your favorite team.

Image credit: www.pba.ph

PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup: The Week That Was

Double Lane Violation Fiasco in Aces-Coffee Mixers Game

The PBA officiating team has been in the spotlight yet again after a double lane violation call was protested during the match between Alaska Aces and San Mig Coffee Mixers last Saturday, March 23. Aces coach Luigi Trillo protested the violation call noting how it cost them a shot at winning the game.

An official statement was made by the PBA via Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial saying, "Whether the shot is made or not, once there's a lane violation, a jump ball will be called and the shot will be waved off."

The incident took place during Aces' Calvin Abueva's stint at the free throw line with 12.1 seconds left in the game. He had the opportunity to tie up the game if he converted the second free throw, but since Jazul and Baguio of the Aces and Simon and Barroca of the Mixers came into the lane before the shot was released, the free throw was nullified.

Coach Luigi Trillo claimed that "[that] call took it from us."

Due to his protest, however, the PBA fined Aces head coach Luigi Trillo P40,000 due to his complaints. According to the PBA's statement, the first P20,000 fine was for "repeatedly issuing statements to the press that tend to undermine the public confidence in the game's outcome...and confuse the public as to the correctness of the call made by the game officials." The other P20,000 fine was supposedly for "violating the rule prohibiting any member of a team from approaching or confronting the game officials before, during or after a game."

Barako Bull Continues Its Losing Woes

The Barako Bull Energy Cola had a promising start in the PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup after winning their first two outings. But since clinching their third win, it has been a downward spiral for them. Last Sunday, they eventually lost their sixth game in a row against a Caguiao-less Barangay Ginebra squad.

This has prompted consultant Rajko Toroman to look at other possibilities in order to restore the franchise's performance in the conference. The team's current standing of 3-7 puts them second to last in the league standings. Hence, the coach and management staff at Barako Bull is sensing some desperation with news that there might be a possibility of replacing their import Evan Brock. When asked to comment regarding this bit of news, Toroman said, "All things are being considered."

Rain or Shine Ends Losing Streak vs TNT

Since Rain or Shine was swept by the Talk N Text Tropang Texters during the PBA Philippine Cup, they had not been able to get one against their opponent. So when these two teams met last Sunday, March 24, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, all eyes were on coach Yeng Guiao's squad if they would be able to end their losing skid against Talk N Text.

And they were able to finally snap that losing streak, and at a very convincing manner at that, with a 31-point lead against the Texters via a 116-85 rout. The Elasto Painters had a strong start to the game, which eventually carried on for the remainder of the game.

Talk N Text forward Ranidel de Ocampo cited how the Elasto Painters played an inspired ball game. Meanwhile, the loss brings Talk N Text down to number four in the team standings, which means they are now in a tie with San Mig Coffee Mixers, Barangay Ginebra and Air 21 at 5-5.

PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup Game Schedule: March 18 to 31, 2013

The action at the ongoing PBA 2013 Commissioner's Cup is nearing the close of its first stage. Hence, every game is pivotal from here on out as teams are battling for position on the team standings. If you're a big fan, you don't want to miss the remaining games. To keep tab on your favorite team's next schedule of games, you can check out the game schedules in the PBA for this week:

Take note of these dates and never miss a single action in the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup!

PBA Commissioner: Lifetime Ban on Balkman, Fined 250K

Renaldo Balkman met with the Commissioner at the PBA Office following his meltdown that involved teammate Arwind Santos, among other players, during a match against the Alaska Aces last Friday, March 8. The league commissioner has decided to impose a lifetime ban on Balkman, which will keep him from playing in the league in the future, on top of a PhP 250,000 fine. 

The announcement was made Monday afternoon and was published on the league's official Twitter account, with several media personnel in tow to hear the commissioner's announcement. 

The decision came after an untoward incident that took place in the midst of Balkman's worst game in the league so far. He has played tremendous for the Petron Blaze Boosters giving them five straight wins before the night of March 8. But with only six points under his name and a looming loss against the Aces for solo leadership position, Balkman lost it and started shoving his teammates and choked Petron's team captain, Arwind Santos, who were only trying to pacify him as he complained to the referees. 

Balkman has issued a public apology following the incident. In today's meeting with the commissioner, all players and coaches of the Petron Blaze Boosters joined him to show their support. However, PBA commissioner Salud issued the following statement behind their decision to impose the lifetime ban on the import:

You can read the rest of the PBA Commissioner's statement here. What did you think of the verdict?