MANILA, Philippines – Coming off their loss to Iran, the Philippine men’s national basketball team will aim to bounce back with a victory when they take on the Wellington Saints from New Zealand on Friday, September 4, at 1 PM.

Gilas, now standing at 3-2, is essentially in a must-win situation if they hope to leave the 37th William Jones Cup with the title. Their opponents from Friday are currently 2-3 and coming off a victory against Japan, 89-81.

Gilas will have to deal with 25-year-old star Ray Turner, who averaged 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in a game in his 4-year college career with Texas A&M in Division I NCAA action. The 6-foot-9 power forward also played for the LA D-Fenders in the NBA D-League.

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Adidas announced on Thursday, September 3, that they have struck a partnership with the number 10 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Justise Winslow of the Miami Heat.

A member of Duke’s 2015 national championship team in the NCAA, Winslow is expected to be a versatile swingman off the bench for Miami’s campaign in the 2015-2016 NBA season, with his ability to drive to the rim, play lockdown defense, and provide hustle being factors that could make him one of the top rookies over the next year.

Before joining Duke for his collegiate career, Winslow won 3 state championships at St. John’s High School in Houston and was named a two-time Gatorade Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American.

“I’m excited to be a part of adidas,” said Winslow via a press release. “I loved playing in their basketball shoes at adidas Nations and what they’ve been doing with Kanye and Originals is changing the game.

“I pride myself in being the best player on the court and having unique style off it and adidas will definitely help me do both.”

Winslow becomes the second big grab this summer by Adidas, who recently signed James Harden to a 13-year, $200 million contract. The popular shoe apparel brand is also represented by All-Stars John Wall, Damian Lillard, and Derrick Rose, as well as young Minnesota Timberwolves stars Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins (last year’s NBA Rookie of the Year).

Winslow is expected to play a major role for the Heat this NBA season as they compete for the Eastern Conference title. 

Besides selecting Winslow, the Heat had a pretty busy off-season by re-signing both Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade, and signing Amare Stoudemire and Gerald Green. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA - Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum says the Filipino boxer is ready to hang up his gloves after one more fight in 2016 and then make the switch to being a full-time politician.

Arum told the Los Angeles Times on Thursday night that the 36-year-old Pacquiao wants to get on with his political career and run for the Senate in the Philippines.

"I believe he'll take one more fight, then run for the Senate in the Philippines," Arum told the newspaper in a telephone interview from China.

"He could fight twice more, I guess, but it sets up better for him to fight, then run."

Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision to Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas four months ago in a fight that Pacquiao fought with a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Pacquiao then underwent surgery after the Mayweather fight which generated a record 4.4 million pay-per-view buys.

Arum told the Times it is unlikely Pacquiao and Mayweather could fight again.

"From what I've heard, Mayweather is retiring," Arum said. "I guess they could fight again, but many things would have to happen."

Mayweather has said his next fight against Andre Berto on September 12 in Las Vegas would be his last, but few are taking him seriously after he made the same claim about several of his most recent title fights. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines men’s national basketball team rallied from a 16-point deficit in the second half and sealed a victory against the Wellington Saints from New Zealand in overtime, 92-88, on Friday, September 4, at the Xinchuang Gymnasium in Taipei. 

The win improved the national squad’s record in the 37th William Jones Cup to 4-2, with two more games remaining in their schedule.

Dondon Hontiveros, 38, hit 3 3-pointers in overtime to force New Zealand against the wall, totaling 11 points in the period to finish with 21 overall. Asi Taulava, 42, sparked a third quarter comeback for Gilas and finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds.

Trailing big in the third period, Gilas needed a jolt of energy and Taulava provided it by registering 6 big points in the paint down the stretch of the quarter that gave the national squad some momentum heading into the final 10 minutes of the contest.

New Zealand went ahead 76-72 with a little under two minutes to go in the game, but big-time shots by Taulava and Jayson Castro tied the match with 42 seconds remaining. After Bryan Davis put his club back on top by two, Castro scored another layup to tie the game at 78, eventually leading to overtime.

In the extra 5-minute session, Hontiveros took over with his 3 huge 3-pointers - the last one putting Gilas on top 87-84 with 1:20 to go. After Castro and Wellington guard Eric Devendorf took turns putting up two points on the scoreboard, Taulava eventually sealed the win on an open layup coming from a nice Marc Pingris bounce pass.

The victory improved the national squad’s record in the 37th William Jones Cup to 4-2, with two more games remaining in their schedule. Up next on their plate is USA Overtake-Select, which, as of posting time, has won only twice in 5 games.

The Saints, who received 44 free throws to Gilas’ 15, fell to 2-4.

Davis led New Zealand with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Castro put up 22 points and 6 assists for the Philippine team.

Terrence Romeo, JC Intal, and Ranidel De Ocampo all missed the game for Gilas. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Perlas Pilipinas has done it.

The Philippine women's national basketball team upset India, 82-76, at the FIBA Asia Women's Championship in Wuhan, China on Friday, September 4, earning promotion to tier 1. 

Afril Bernardino scored 32 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists while Allana Lim added 20 points and 9 rebounds to lead the Philippines to the landmark victory. Merenciana Arayi, who was the hero for Perlas in their overtime win over Kazakhstan on Wednesday, finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds

Perlas led by as many as 19 in the third quarter after India came out cold to start the second half.

(READ: Pinoy Pride as Arayi, Perlas Pilipinas wow at FIBA Asia)

Perlas Pilipinas, ranked 58 by FIBA, earned the shot at promotion by winning Group B with a 4-1 record, defeating North Korea, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan after losing their opening match to Southeast Asian Games champions Malaysia. The Philippines will now get to compete against the best female teams in Asia, including Japan, Chinese-Taipei, China and South Korea.

The Philippines will be entered in Group A at FIBA Asia 2017 to compete for a spot at the FIBA Women's World Cup in 2018.

With the loss the 38th ranked India will be relegated to Group B. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - A wise person once said "sports don't build character; they reveal it." At the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, China, the women's basketball team of the Philippines showed that beneath their Perlas Pilipinas jersey lie hearts of champions.

Heroes come in all shapes and forms. Like Allana Lim, the 5-foot-8, former Far Eastern University star who led the Perlas with 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game; or former UAAP MVP Merenciana Arayi from Pangasinan, whose 28 points in an overtime victory over Kazakhstan cemented their first place finish in Group B; or 24-year-old Cindy Resultay, who iced a pivotal 1-point victory over North Korea that turned the team's fortunes after an opening loss to Malaysia.

In the Philippines' victory over India, 82-76, on Friday, September 4, it was former National University standout Afril Bernardino who scored 32 points and to go along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

(FULL REPORT: Perlas Pilipinas shocks India, earns promotion to FIBA Asia tier 1)

There was also head coach Patrick Aquino, who overcame a first practice session where none of his players showed up, and who had to redirect the team's disappointment over a fourth place finish at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games to resolution for a strong showing at FIBA Asia.

Along the way the team ranked no. 58 by FIBA had to defeat 3 times ranked higher than themselves (plus the also 58th ranked Hong Kong) to earn promotion to Group A at FIBA Asia.

Their games may not be televised, but what these women accomplished as underdogs won't soon be forgotten.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The welterweight championship clash between Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit has now a date as the title tilt has been rebooked to happen at the UFC 195 pay-per-view event on January 3, 2016 (January 2 in US).

UFC officials publicly confirmed on Friday, September 4 (PH Time) that the match-up was rescheduled for the organization’s first fight card in 2016.

{source} 

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://instagram.com/p/7Mi4K2JJZl/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">The welterweight title finds new home in Las Vegas for #UFC195! @Ruthless_RL vs @Carlos_Condit Who&#39;s joining us in Las Vegas for New Years?!?!</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by ufc (@ufc) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2015-09-04T04:54:56+00:00">Sep 3, 2015 at 9:54pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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The scheduled five-round encounter was originally slated to headline UFC 193 on November 15 (November 14 in US), but it had been scratched from the aforementioned event when Lawler suffered a thumb injury in training.

As a result of Lawler’s pullout, the women’s bantamweight title bout between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm has been moved to UFC 193.

Lawler (26-10) is coming off a successful title defense against Rory MacDonald this past July as he shattered his Canadian opponent’s nose with a powerful left hand about 60 seconds into the fifth and final round to secure a technical knockout victory.

Fighting professionally for more than 14 years, the 33-year-old veteran is riding high on a 4-match winning streak, scoring stellar victories over Jake Ellenberger, Matt Brown, Johny Hendricks and MacDonald.

On the other hand, Condit (30-8) earned the No. 1 contender status despite a 2-3 record in his last five outings and sat out most of 2014 due to a painful knee injury that he experienced in a technical knockout loss to Tyron Woodley in March of last year.

Condit, 31, made a triumphant return to the Octagon last May when he achieved a second-round stoppage of Thiago Alves.

UFC 195 is set to take place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ultimate Fighting Championship has found a willing dance partner for Urijah Faber as the former two-division titleholder is set to cross paths with highly-touted bantamweight Frankie Saenz at the UFC 194 pay-per-view event on December 13 (December 12 in US).

The fight booking was revealed during the broadcast of FOX Sports Live on Friday, September 4 (PH Time).

Faber (32-8) has not competed since dropping a five-round verdict to Frankie Edgar this past May in a featherweight super-fight as part of UFC Fight Night 66, which happened at the 20,000-capacity SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

The 36-year-old “California Kid” expressed on numerous occasions that he would like to participate at either "The Ultimate Fighter 22" finale on December 12 (December 11 in US) or UFC 194, but he struggled to secure an opponent for the organization’s blockbuster weekend.

However, Saenz (11-2) surprisingly answered Faber’s challenge as an impressive win over the veteran could improve his standing in the bantamweight rankings.

The No.14-ranked fighter from Phoenix, Arizona enters the scheduled three-round clash against Faber on a seven-match winning streak, with three of those triumphs have come inside the Octagon.

UFC 194, which takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, is headlined by the much-anticipated featherweight title unification bout between Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor.

In the co-main event, Chris Weidman will defend the world middleweight championship against Luke Rockhold. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - As every game counts in the second round of the NCAA Season 91 men's senior basketball tourney, 3 collegiate teams strengthened their respective campaigns by pulling off victories on Friday, September 4 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Mark Cruz powers Letran as Knights defeat Lyceum

Colegio de San Juan de Letran relied on Mark Cruz in the fourth quarter as the pro-bound guard drained 17 of his 26 points to defeat Lyceum of the Philippines University, 74-57.

The Topex Robinson-mentored Pirates sparked a final-frame rally that snatched away the lead from the Knight, 50-49.

However, Cruz spearheaded a 23-3 blitz that allowed him to score 6 baskets and built a 72-53 advantage for the Knights with 1:53 ticks left.

Fellow PBA draftee Kevin Racal also assisted Cruz in leading Letran by registering 19 points, while Jomari Sollano chipped in 10.

With the impressive win over Lyceum, Letran improves its win-loss standing to 10-2 and ties with San Beda College on top of the league board.

On the other hand, Lyceum downgrades to a 3-9 slate as Vic Nguidjol starred in the Pirates' attempt to pull off an improbable upset versus Letran with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Scores:

Letran (74) - Cruz 26, Racal 19, Sollano 10, Nambatac 9, Luib 5, Balagasay 4, Balanza 1, Apreku 0, Calvo 0, Quinto 0

Lyceum (57)– Nguidjol 20, Baltazar 14, Lugo 6, Lacastesantos 4, Alanes 4, Ayaay 4, Bulawan 3, Taladua 2, Soliman 0, Marata 0, Mbida 0

Quarter scores: 17-11, 28-25, 47-42, 74-57

CSB dominates EAC

College of Saint Benilde thumped Emilio Aguinaldo College in dominating fashion, claiming an 81-75 shutout.

JJ Domingo scored 16 points, while Jonathan Grey had 12 markers, 10 dimes and 9 boards as the Green Blazers upgrades their record to 3-9.

Meanwhile, Francis Munsayac had 15 points to lead the way for the Generals, who fall to the bottom of the standings at 2-10.

CSB (81) - Domingo JJ 16, Ongteco 12, Grey 12, Fajarito 8, Castor 7, Deles 6, Domingo JS 5, Young 4, Saavedra 3, Flores 3, Jonson 2, San Juan 2, Sta. Maria 1, Nayve 0

EAC (57) - Munsayac 15, Mejos 11, Diego 8, Pascua 6, Onwubere 6, Hamadou 6, Corilla 3, Bonleon 2, Pascual 0, General 0, Estacio 0

Quarter scores: 17-9, 37-18, 60-31, 81-57

Jalalon's triple-double fuels Arellano against Perpetual Help in OT

Jiovani Jalalon took charge of Arellano in overtime to author an exciting 84-77 finish against the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Jalalon mustered 32 points, 10 rebounds, 15 assists and one steal in an all-around effort that helped Jerry Codiñera's Chiefs to improve their win-loss card to 8-4 in the ongoing elimination round of the NCAA Season 91.

Eleven of the Legarda-based brigade's 16 baskets in the extra period came from Jalalon, including a tip in off a miss by Julius Cadavis and a breakaway conversion off a steal on Perpetual Help's Gab Dagangon.

Aside from Jalalon, Zachary Nicholls also contributed to Arellano's successful outing against the Altas with 14 markers, including four shots from downtown.

Although Bright Akhuetie sat out for the maroon shirts due to a shoulder injury, it did not stop Earl Scottie Thompson to create his own triple-double output of 24 markers, 12 boards and 11 dimes.

However, Thompson's remarkable performance was not enough to put Perpetual Help on the winning track as the Altas drops to 8-4.

Arellano (84) - Jalalon 32, Nicholls 14, Holts 8, Enriquez 8, Meca 7, Bangga 6, Salado 4, Cadavis 3, Gumaru 1, Ortega 1, Capara 0, Tano 0

Perpetual Help (77) - Thompson 24, Eze 19, Coronel 16, Gallardo 6, Dagangon 4, Ylagan 3, Oliveria 2, Cabiltes 2, Dizon 1, Tamayo 0, Bantayan 9, Sadiwa 0, Elopre 0

Quarter scores: 21-16, 39-40, 57-53, 68-68, 84-77 – Rappler.com

CEBU CITY, Philippines - The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers rode on the crucial 4 points of point guard Alfred Codilla which he scored with only 30 seconds remaining to stop what would have been another upset and squeaked past the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Jaguars, 78-74, Friday, September 4 in another electrifying seniors division game of the men's basketball tournament of the 15th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) held at the New Cebu Coliseum.

With 31.5 seconds remaining in the ballgame, Codilla, who was only afforded a few minutes of playtime, sank a crucial 3-pointer after receiving a pass from Jun Kent Manzo III  to forge a 74-all tie which sent the Green Lancers' bench into a frenzy.

With 7 seconds remaining, the Jaguars had a chance to still turn the game around in their favor but they were called for a 5 second violation with Mark Louie Labares not able to pass the ball to his teammates.

As the seconds were dying out, the Jaguars had another chance when Ricky Dyn Peromingan was able to steal the ball from Manzo, however, he missed his three-point attempt which could have brought the game into overtime.

With 1.8 seconds remaining, Peromingan fouled Codilla who then split his charities to seal the win for the Green Lancers, who now tote a 6-2 win-loss record.

The Jaguars further languishes in 6th place with its record of 2-5 with 5 more games to play in the second round.

Codilla may have only scored a total of 10 points but his crucial play earned him the best player of the ballgame title. Manzo and Josue Segumpan Jr. topscored for the Green Lancers with 13 points each.

Ralph Jude Dinolan scattered a total of 25 points for the Jaguars to no avail.

Segumpan's back-to-back shots from beyond the arc gave the Green Lancers a 9-point lead, 17-8, with a little more than two minutes left in the first quarter. 

Despite a trey from Peromingan and two layups from Nelvin Navarra, the Green Lancers still ended the first quarter in their favor, 25-16.

In the next quarter, the Jaguars came as close as 4 points, 38-42, on a rainbow shot by Renzo Theodore Senining before a scuffle ensued that saw Edmundo Bayhonan being hit from behind by Vincent Mendoza, who was promptly called for an unsportsmanlike behavior and the Jaguars were awarded two free throws, which Bayhonan converted, and ball possession for the Jaguars.

In the third quarter, the Jaguars continued to come close as much as 4 points, the last was in the 3:52 mark, but everytime they did, the Green Lancers would sink straight baskets to widen the gap to as much as nine points, a lead the Green Lancers maintained going into the final canto, 57-66.

In the final canto, the Jaguars slowly cut on the Green Lancers lead behind the efforts of Kevin Rey Villafranca, Juan Miguel Gastador, who was not feeling well, and Dinolan, whose five straight points brought them close at 3 points, 70-73.

The Jaguars then committed three turnovers which fortunately for them the Green Lancers failed to convert into points.

Meanwhile, the elimination round for the juniors division will end September 5, Saturday which will mean another exciting games with three teams holding the same 4-3 win-loss records - last year's third placer University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, USJR Baby Jaguars and UV Baby Lancers.

Win or lose, defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles and University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors are assured of the top 2  spots, respectively.

Games September 5 at the New Cebu Coliseum

Juniors

1 PM: SHS-AdC vs CEC

2:30 PM: USJR vs USPF

4 PM: UV vs USC

Seniors

5:30 PM: CITU vs SWU

Scores:

UV (78) - Manzo 13, Segumpan 13, Akomo 12, Codilla 10, Cabanero 9, Santillan 9, Suerte 8, Aguirre 2, Napao 2.

USJR (74) - Dinolan 25, Peromingan 13, Labares 10, Navarra 7, Villafranca 6, Gastador 5, Mantilla 4, Senining 3, Bayhonan 2.

Quarter scores: 25-16; 44-40; 66-57; 78-74   – Rappler.com

NORTON, USA - Red-hot Jason Day got his world number one chase at the Deutsche Bank Championship off to a solid start Friday, September 4 with a 3-under-par 68 that put him 3 shots off the first-round lead of Brendon de Jonge.

Zimbabwe's de Jonge notched seven birdies in his six-under 65 at TPC Boston to take a two-stroke lead over a group of nine players in the second event in the US PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs.

England's Luke Donald and Ian Poulter, Australia's Matt Jones, Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Americans Colt Knost, Kevin Chappell, Harris English, Charley Hoffman and Rickie Fowler were all tied on four-under-par 67.

The Fil-Australian Day, who followed up his maiden major triumph at the PGA Championship with a victory at the Barclays last week, paced a group of 5 on 68 that also included Gary Woodland, Ryan Palmer, Sean O'Hair and Daniel Berger.

Day teed off on 10 and birdied his first three holes to position himself to challenge not only for the trophy but for Rory McIlroy's number one world ranking.

"Once again I holed some good-quality putts to keep the momentum rolling my way," said Day, who had five birdies and two bogeys.

He began his day by landing his approach shot at the 10th 4 feet from the pin en route to birdie, rolled in a 9-footer at the par-three 11th and drained a 10-footer on 12.

"I didn't drive today as good as I should have, but I hit a lot of greens," said Day, who made nine fairways and 14 greens in regulation and was happy with a 10th straight round in the 60s in winds that became increasingly difficult as the day wore on.

"Overall it was a good day to get a 68 in," he said.

Spieth struggling 

Northern Ireland's McIlroy carded a one-under 70 while the third man in the world number one mix - second-ranked Jordan Spieth - struggled to a 4-over-par 75.

McIlroy, seeking a strong finish to a season disrupted by a serious ankle injury in July, was irked with himself after finishing with back-to-back bogeys at the eighth and ninth.

"Disappointed with the way I finished, but I felt tee to green, the way I drove the ball, hit my irons, for the most part it was very good," McIlroy said. 

"I felt like I hit a lot of good putts today that didn't go in, and that probably had to do with speed... Obviously not very nice to finish with a three-putt."

Masters and US Open champion Spieth had even more to lament after a round that included eight bogeys and four birdies.

Spieth hit just 11 greens in regulation and needed 33 putts. The par-four 14th epitomized his troubles as his approach found the front of the green but his putt raced past the hole to the fringe and his chip back came up short.

The 22-year-old American, who grabbed the number one ranking for two weeks before handing it back to McIlroy by missing the cut at the Barclays, now has serious ground to make up on Saturday to avoid a second straight early exit. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Daniel Padilla may be one of many Filipinos who eagerly anticipated the arrival of NBA MVP Steph Curry in Manila, but there probably aren't too many people who are more excited to meet him.

The teeny-bopper actor, who was drafted by the AMA Titans in the Philippine Basketball Association D-League last year but declined the spot, got a chance to meet the Golden State Warriors star on Saturday, September 5 at Raffles Makati.

The "She's Dating the Gangster" star was all smiles as he posed for photos with Curry, who is in Manila for a one-night-only engagement before shipping out to China tomorrow as part of Under Armour's "UA Roadshow featuring Steph Curry."

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS.. <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenCurry30">@StephenCurry30</a> Thank you..  <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GodisGood?src=hash">#GodisGood</a> <a href="http://t.co/LrV0GlSP3q">pic.twitter.com/LrV0GlSP3q</a></p>&mdash; Daniel Padilla (@imdanielpadilla) <a href="https://twitter.com/imdanielpadilla/status/640023257207312385">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to our luckiest fanboy you really deserve this. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DJPMeetsStephCurry?src=hash">#DJPMeetsStephCurry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/imdanielpadilla">@imdanielpadilla</a> <a href="http://t.co/7RgehMpukS">pic.twitter.com/7RgehMpukS</a></p>&mdash; ZY  (@xmkaelazyrl) <a href="https://twitter.com/xmkaelazyrl/status/640024180352675840">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Padilla tweeted afterwards, "I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS," and apparently neither could his fans on social media as #DJPMeetsStephCurry trended worldwide on Twitter.

Curry, 27, averaged 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds a game last NBA season, leading the Warriors to a 67-15 record in the regular season and their first NBA title in 40 years after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Curry is expected to take part in an exhibition later today at Mall of Asia Arena. Fans lined up at Under Armour locations last week for a one-day purchase promo that offered two tickets to the event in exchange for 5K purchases from the sports apparel merchant.

This is Curry's second stop on the Asia tour, having visited Tokyo yesterday. He'll head to China on Sunday, September 6 for a stop in Beijing, followed by Chongqing and Shanghai in successive days. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK - Two-time champion Rafael Nadal crashed to his earliest US Open exit in 10 years when Italy's Fabio Fognini pulled off a sensational 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 third-round victory.

The stunning result confirmed the sad, sudden decline of the 14-time major winner, who until Friday had won 151 Grand Slam matches when he had taken the first two sets.

Nadal will also finish the season without at least one Grand Slam title for the first time since 2004.

It was the 15th defeat of his miserable year, which has seen him beat just two top-10 players and where his best performances at the majors were quarter-final runs at the Australian and French Opens.

Fognini, the 32nd seed, becomes the first Italian in the last 16 at the US Open since Davide Sanguinetti in 2005 and will face Spain's Feliciano Lopez for a place in the quarter-finals.

"It was very tough against him," said Fognini, who smashed 70 winners, committed 57 unforced errors and saved 11-of-19 break points in his all-or-nothing assault.

"It was an incredible match to come from two sets down against Rafa who is one of the best players in the world."

Fognini has now defeated Nadal three times this year but his earlier wins were on clay in Rio and Barcelona.

"After the first two sets, I said 'OK, just concentrate, keep trying and anything can happen.' The fifth set was really difficult for both of us."

Nadal had raced into a routine two sets to love lead.

He was also a break up in both the third and fourth sets.

But the colorful, sometimes controversial 28-year-old Italian rallied with some superb shot-making as the Arthur Ashe Stadium duel ticked towards and past 1am.

By the end of the fourth set, the statistics were telling.

Fognini had unleashed 50 winners to Nadal's 24 while the Spaniard had converted just five of 14 break points.

Fognini broke for 2-1 in the decider with Nadal looking increasingly punch-drunk, an appearance with which the watching Tiger Woods would have painfully sympathized.

Nadal, stretched to a five-setter at the US Open for only the second time in his career, came off the ropes to hit back for 2-2 with a breathtaking running forehand winner which had the crowd on its feet.

Fognini pounced again, breaking for 3-2, then cracked as the 14-time major winner clawed his way back for 3-3.

In a nail-biting finale, breaks were exchanged again with Fognini surrendering a 40-0 lead at 4-3.

The non-holding pattern continued as a seventh successive break, sealed with a backhand winner crosscourt, put Fognini back in the driving seat and serving for the match at 5-4.

This time he did not falter, claiming victory when Nadal hit a weary backhand wide. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – While in Manila for his Under Armour Road Tour, reigning NBA MVP and Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry was made to answer a difficult question.

After being placed in a hypothetical situation where he was teammates with two NBA legends in Ray Allen and Reggie Miller, Curry was asked whom he would pass the ball to for a 3-point attempt if he was covered by a triple team.

“If there were 3 guys on you and you could not take the 3, who would you pass it to?” the 26-year-old NBA champion was asked, to which he first responded:

“I can’t shoot it?”

“Reggie Miller was my favorite player growing up,” Curry said, “but Ray is the all-time leading 3-point [maker] in the NBA, so I’ll go with him.”

Curry did note that you can’t go wrong with either one.

“You can’t really make a bad decision right. I feel like either I shoot it or I pass it to either one of them, we’re going to win the game. That’s my best answer for that one,” he said.

(READ: StephNiel: Super fan Daniel Padilla meets Steph Curry)

Allen has made 2,973 3-pointers in his career, per basketball-reference.com, which is most in NBA history. Miller is second with 2,560. Curry is already at number 50 in that list with 1,191 made shots from downtown.

As Curry’s career continues to progress, he’s expected to overtake both Allen and Miller. – Rappler.com

The Gilas Pilipinas squad faces USA-Select Overtake at the 37th Jones Cup on Saturday, September 5 in Taiwan at 5 pm. 

The US team, which features 3 former PBA imports (Marquin Chandler, Jameel Watkins and Calvin Warner) is 3-3 at the Jones Cup, while the Philippines is now 4-2 following a 92-88 overtime win over New Zealand’s Wellington Saints.

The Philippines leaned on elder statesmen Dondon Hontiveros and Asi Taulava during the late stages of the game for a come-from-behind victory. In the roster for today will be Calvin Abueva, Gary David, Ranidel De Ocampo, Dondon Hontiveros, JC Intal, Gabe Norwood, Marc Pingris, Troy Rosario, Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, Asi Taulava, Moala Tautuaa and Sonny Thoss.

Gilas faces Chinese Taipei B tomorrow in its final match of the tournament.

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines — So used to playing the underdog role as a 6-foot-3 shooter in the NBA, Stephen Curry relates all too well to the against-the-odds struggle of Gilas Pilipinas. 

The Philippine national men's basketball team is the perpetual underdog whether it plays against the world’s top teams or against its Asian neighbors. 

The reigning NBA MVP offered his advice to a Gilas squad bound for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship at the end of the month in China where they hope to win the gold and qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

"Go at it. Don't hold anything back. It's an amazing opportunity that's in front of you," said the 27-year old who's in Manila for the Under Armour Road Show on Saturday, September 5 at the Raffles Hotel in Makati.  

"Whatever style you wanna play, whether it's small ball or shooting a lot of 3s or playing up tempo, embrace it." 

"Play to the best of your ability. Show some heart and hopefully you'll achieve whatever goal you've set - obviously qualifying for the Olympics," he added. "Go at it. Have fun. Enjoy the process and leave it all on the floor." 

(READ: StephNiel: Super fan Daniel Padilla meets Steph Curry)

Curry knows full well what it's like to play for flag and country having won two FIBA World Cup gold medals with the USA team in 2010 and 2014. He also won a silver in 2007 at the FIBA U19 World Championship. 

"It's amazing," he shared how he felt playing for his national team. "Whenever we go overseas or you tune up wearing your country's colors and the name across your chest, it's something that's bigger than you. 

"It's a small group of people that I'm able to play with at that level and represent the country with and I've been fortunate to win two World Cup medals and hopefully we can do it again next summer in Rio." 

"When your whole country is behind you, there's no greater feeling than that," he added. 

(READ: Steph Curry selects Ray Allen over Reggie Miller for hypothetical 3-pointer)

The Golden State Warriors star point guard also shared his mindset when dealing with critics, especially after winning his first NBA title last June at the expense of the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers. 

"It's hard to argue with the year that we've had. I've never really listened to the critics it's more of just the determination and passion to get better and achieve the goals that I've set for me now and that's to do it all again because it was such a great feeling the first time," he explained. 

"I've been working all summer to get better because I feel like I haven't reached my full potential yet. I rely on my teammates to go on that journey with me. I'm excited about this season." 

Curry is in Manila for a day as part of an Asian tour for his sponsor shoe brand. He is also promoting his new signature shoe, the Curry Two. The shoe will be launched in China on September 6. 

Curry first visited Tokyo the day before and will move on to a 3-city trip in China. — Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - It's official: University of the Philippines has grabbed solo lead in the UAAP standings.

The Fighting Maroons defeated University of the East, 62-55, on opening day of UAAP season 78 on Saturday, September 5 at Smart-Araneta Coliseum. UP had ended a 27-game losing streak last season after a win over Adamson University, and didn't get its first win of the season until their seventh match. They finished Season 77 with a 1-13 record.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Yes.</p>&mdash; Did UP win today? (@didUPwintoday) <a href="https://twitter.com/didUPwintoday/status/640083778119962624">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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UP was without the services of long-time starters Kyles Lao and Mikee Reyes, who had graduated, and were playing their first regular season game with new coach Rensy Bajar.

Having a four-point cushion midway into the fourth period, UP was seemingly in trouble as import center Cheik Kone was whistled for his fifth foul, but another bigman stepped up to the challenge as Gelo Vito nailed three-straight shots from downtown.

However, UE responded with the gutsy effort from Chris Javier and Edson Batiller to cut the deficit to four with 20.8 ticks left, 55-59.

The Fighting Maroons had to convert their charities in the dying seconds to keep the rallying Red Warriors at bay as Dave Moralde split his free-throws from the foul line with a lucky bounce, while Jerson Prado drilled in two to secure the scintillating triumph.

The last time that UP was successful in its season-opening game was in July 2011 when the Diliman-based brigade also thumped the Red Warriors, 69-61, under the tutelage of Ricky Dandan.

Vito, a former La Salle Greenhills stalwart, finished with 11 buckers and was perfect in all of his three attempts from beyond the arc.

Aside from Vito, ex-San Beda Red Lion Dave Moralde contributed eight points to UP’s conquest versus UE.

Batiller amassed 17 points to lead UE in the losing exertion, while Javier mustered a double-double output of 10 markers and 10 rebounds. 

Scores:

UP (62) – Vito 11, Moralde 8, Desiderio 7, Manuel 7, Dario 6, Prado 6, Amar 4, Longa 4, Asilum 3, Kone 3, Juruena 2, Gallarza 1, Harris 0, Lim 0, Webb 0, Jaboneta 0

UE 55 – Batiller 17, Javier 10, Palma 6, Manalang 5, De Leon 4, Abanto 4, Charcos 2, Gagate 2, Yu 2, Sta. Ana 2, P. Varilla 1, Derige 0, Gonzales 0 

Quarter scores: 11-7, 29-25, 45-37, 62-55

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning NBA MVP Steph Curry might be in Manila only for a day, but he certainly made sure to leave an impression in front of thousands of fans at the packed Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, September 5.

After conducting some dribbling drills with both male and female basketball players, the Golden State Warriors star participated in a 15-minute scrimmage and provided some highlights.

Here are some of those, recorded in vines:

Here’s Steph throwing a fancy pass, which unfortunately for his team resulted in a blocked shot:

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Curry completed another pass later on, one that was spectacular as well, and finished with a basket:

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And, of course, he hit a few 3-pointers:

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Curry also brought out some fancy dribbling moves that provided this quality layup:

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He also broke a poor kid’s ankles:

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It wasn’t all high notes for Curry, however, as this kid managed to score on him:

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Oh, and he fell flat as well:

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But he did end things with a bang by throwing it down:

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - It may not have been the Dream Team, but Gilas Pilipinas got the job done against USA Select-Overtake with a victory, 78-74, on Saturday, September 5 at the 37th William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan. The win raises Philippines to 5-2 with one game remaining in the tournament while USA drops to 3-4.

Gilas, which was without point guards Terrence Romeo, Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro, relied on Matt Ganuelas-Rosser and Gabe Norwood to bring the ball up the court. Calvin Abueva provided a spark of energy early on, scoring 10 points in the first half. He finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Gary David and Sonny Thoss contributed 13 each.

Veterans Ranidel De Ocampo, Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros each chipped in 7. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That last Mo <a href="https://twitter.com/Tautuaa33">@Tautuaa33</a> dunk was sick <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rstream?src=hash">#rstream</a> <a href="http://t.co/Zi9kDgiyXl">pic.twitter.com/Zi9kDgiyXl</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ryansongalia/status/640109622364213248">September 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Among the US team were 3 former Philippine Basketball Association imports (Marquin Chandler, Jameel Watkins and Calvin Warner) plus former Los Angeles Clippers center Keith Closs.

Hontiveros, who had scored 11 points in overtime the night before in a win over a New Zealand squad, iced the game with two free throws with 2.35 seconds remaining, followed by another pair from Abueva after a foul on an inbounds pass. USA had one final trick up its sleeve after a full-court pass that was alley-ooped in taps style by Cory Bradford.

Gilas will wrap up their play at the Jones Cup on Sunday against Chinese-Taipei B at 1 pm. Iran, which finished with a 7-1 record, clinched the Jones Cup title earlier today with a 78-54 win over Russia. A win for Gilas would secure them a silver medal. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas opened its season against Adamson University with a victory, 70-64, to start its UAAP Season 78 campaign on Saturday, September 5 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Senior ace shooter Eduardo Daquioag converted 22 of his career-high 28 markers in the second half to help the Growling Tigers claim their first win in the double-round robin eliminations.

Meanwhile, fellow veteran Kevin Ferrer contributed 24 points to UST’s victory over Adamson. – Rappler.com