Interesting numbers and records set in PBA in Dubai

In Dubai, basketball never make it to sports news headline. It is always under the "other news" sections of the biggest publications.

For Filipino expats, it's a different ballgame - especially when the PBA is in town. The first game between Rain or Shine and Globalport drew a respectable crowd while Rain or Shine's match against Ginebra filled the Al Arabi Al Shabab stadium to the rafters - it's an SRO.

Dubai is a city of world records and how best fit it is that the recent PBA games in Dubai also set some records of sorts for the league.

Let the numbers tell the story further:

1. It's the 4th time PBA brought official games to Dubai - 7 games in total

    - 2007 - Ginebra, Purefoods
    - 2011 - Ginebra, Talk 'n Text and BMEG
    - 2012 - Ginebra, Rain or Shine and Barako
    - 2015 - Ginebra, Rain or Shine and Globalport

Talk 'n Text and Rain or Shine hold the record of the only teams that played 2 consecutive back-to-back games in the last 10 years in the league. Interestingly, Barangay Ginebra always joins the PBA when visiting Dubai. The loud and mammoth crowd testifies that Dubai is indeed the home away from home of the Barangay, so why not...

2. 3 of the most fiery coaches in the PBA today were present - Coaches Yeng Guiao, Pido Jarencio and Frankie Lim

They could scream and shout and let it all out on the hard court. Coach Pido almost didn't make the trip as he was hospitalized for food poisoning prior to the trip

3. Terrence Romeo set a career high 40 points, convert doubters to fans

He's a man on a mission. He sure knows how to get the crowd. The audience who were then cheering Rain or Shine ended up applauding and wishing he'll be picked for Gilas.

4. JR Quiñahan set his conference high 24 points, off the bench *

5. Palestinian import Omar Krayem scored 24 points - his career high in the PBA

6. Mark Caguioa scored 16 points in a sizzling hot first quarter - his highest output in a quarter in the last few conferences

He got the crowd early into the game with his hot shooting.

7. 4 superstars were missed because of injuries, Greg Slaughter and Chris Ellis of Ginebra, Chris Tiu and Jeff Chan of Rain or Shine

Jeric Teng made the trip but caught injury in practice. Kelly Nabong also missed the trip for Globalport.

8. Globalport star rookie Stanley Pringle was in uniform but did not play

He is still not 100% well from a recurring injury, and coach Pido didn't want to risk that.

8. Japeth Aguilar returned from injury and played his first game in the Governors Cup

He had an impressive showing of 15 points and 10 boards - most at the crucial stretch of the game.

9. First time that Jayjay Helterbrand did not play a single minute under coach Frankie Lim

Longtime Ginebra fans terribly missed the fast and the furious tandem live on the hard court.

10. First time in league history that official games were broadcasted live at 12:45am in Manila **

11. For the first time, Orlando Johnson scored below 30 points in the tournament

...but he still topscored for Ginebra. Thanks to the support of the locals.

12. Ginebra's Mongolian import Sanchir Tungalag had one of his lowest playing minutes so far (under 4 minutes)

The most popular team's Asian import, dubbed as "Kobe Bryant of Mongolia" continues to struggle for playing time. This is his lowest contribution to the game so far, not counting the one game he never sweat any single minute at all.

13. Beau Belga still receives the loudest boos. 

Who cares, he's sporting the best socks anyway.

14. Rain or Shine got their first win in Governors Cup after a 0-2 start, at the expense of Globalport

...and lose against Ginebra the next day. Although playing 2 games inside 24 hours, coach Yeng don't want to make that an excuse. It's tough, but he admit this will just help the team better in terms of character.

15. Import Jarrid Famous played his first game back in the PBA for Globalport

The former Meralco import scored 26 points in his return.

16. Rain or Shine registered the highest score at the half as they led 66-49

The team's final score 119 against 112 of Globalport is also Rain or Shine's highest output in many years.

17. This is Commissioner Chito Salud's farewell visit to Dubai as a commissioner

He will assume the president role, when new commissioner Chito Narvasa assumes office next season.

18. Rodney Brondial gained more followings after showcase of hustle plays on both sides of the court

He's diving for loose balls and grabbing 'em rebounds. He must have learned a lot for Ginebra assistant coach Freddie Abuda, the Scavenger.

19. Sol Mercado, the latest addition to Ginebra is a delight to see, surprisingly

Traded for Joseph Yeo just few weeks before this trip, he continues to gain fans respect as a playmaker for Ginebra.

20. LA Tenorio had his best performance in the Governors Cup so far

He was the Best Player of the Game with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.

21. Ginebra is now 2-0 against Rain or Shine in their 2 Dubai match-ups.

The Gin Kings won by a hairline 89-88 in their first Dubai meeting.

There are other interesting numbers off the court that's worth a look. Like, how many shoes they have bought, how many shawarmas they've eaten, how they liked the boodle fight as a welcome dinner, and what pasalubongs they got for their families and friends... but, let's just stick to the games.

Photo by dBuzzketball

...and oh, how court side reporter and actress Erika Padilla turned heads in Dubai.

Boy Dubai with Erika

PBA you've made Dubai the happiest place for OFWs this week that you're here.

Very well done Clique Events for staging an enormous show. This could also be the first time a PBA event in Dubai was spearheaded by a lady. Congrats!

Thank you PBA for keeping the league relevant to Filipinos in Dubai and overseas.


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* verifying from the PBA, if it's his conference high too
** verifying from the PBA