MANILA, Philippines - Joanna Jedrzejczyk will defend the women’s strawweight championship for the second time against Valerie Letourneau in the co-headliner of the UFC 193 pay-per-view event on November 15 (November 14 in US).

UFC president Dana White revealed the championship clash during the promotion’s “Go Big” press conference on Saturday, September 5 (PH Time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Jedrzejczyk (10-0) claimed the UFC golden-plated strap in a dominant performance versus Carla Esparza this past March and then successfully defended her belt by thwarting Jessica Penne in three rounds last June.

The 28-year-old Polish was previously rumored to be crossing paths with Claudia Gadelha at UFC 195 on January 3, but the Brazilian fighter is sidelined with a hand injury.

“So Claudia’s hurt. She has a problem with her hand. This is what she said: ‘I’m not hurt. I can fight. I’m just waiting for my hand to heal up.’ That’s why she’s not fighting,” White said.

On the other hand, Letourneau (8-3) has been victorious in her first three Octagon assignments, besting Elizabeth Phillips, Jessica Rakoczy and Maryna Moroz.

Her 3 career losses have come against stiff competition, including Gadelha, Alexis Davis and Sarah Kaufman.

With the inclusion of the Jedrzejczyk-Letourneau title tilt, the three-round heavyweight scrap between Mark Hunt and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva is relegated to the undercard of UFC 193.

UFC 193, which takes place at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, is headlined by a women’s bantamweight title showdown between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry is only 27 years old with his entire career still ahead of him, but the Golden State Warriors star point guard is already thinking about his legacy.

"I wanna be a Hall of Famer and be somebody that people remember for a very, very long time and to inspire the next generation to keep building the game of basketball like it was built before me," the 6-foot-3 NBA champion admitted during a press conference for the Under Armour Road Show Manila leg on Saturday, September 5 at the Raffles Hotel in Makati.

(READ: Steph Curry offers advice to Gilas Pilipinas)

Curry, who made a name for himself in his 6-year NBA career so far as a lethal, reliable and creative shooter, also shared his immediate objective.

"I want to do all those things again for sure. That's a start," he said, referring to winning another NBA championship last June when they beat the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games.

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

"The feeling that we have on the podium after we won Game 6 in the Finals was such an amazing feeling."

"Every time I see a picture of us with the championship and the hats and confetti, I want to work hard to get back and do it again. That's the short term goal," added the 2009 7th overall draft pick who normed 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds for the 2014-15 NBA season.

(WATCH: Steph Curry puts on a show in Manila) 

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

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Defending champion Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles inch closer to its third juniors title in the men's basketball tournament of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) as they swept their elimination games with a 70-54 annihilation of the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons Saturday, September 5 at the New Cebu Coliseum.

The sole collegiate game saw defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras clinching their second win in-a-row in the second round of eliminations after repelling the challenge of the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 82-76, in a drama-filled ballgame.

With the feat, the Magis Eagles earned an automatic entry into the semifinals along with the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors who secured the no. 2 spot by streaking past the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, 83-79, and preventing what would have been a four-way tie for the second spot.

While the Magis Eagles boast of an immaculate 8-0 win-loss record, the Baby Warriors ended their elimination campaign with a 6-2 record after losing to the Magis Eagles and the CIT-U Wildkittens.

Finishing at no.3 is the University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters who totes a 5-3 card.

The University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Baby Jaguars ended at the no.4 spot after routing the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 73-61. The win gave the Baby Jaguars a 5-3 card in a tie with the Junior Webmasters, however, the latter takes the third spot by virtue of “winner over the other” because UC defeated USJR lastAugust 1.

The no.5 spot is occupied by the Baby Lancers who finished with a 4-4 record, the same record that the Baby Panthers has except that they were relegated to the 6^th spot because USPF had bowed to UV last August 29.

Making their exits are the CIT-U Wildkittens at 7^th place with a record of 3-5, the CEC Dragons whose one win in eight games gave them the 8^th place and the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Greywolves who did not win any of its ballgames.

UC Junior Webmasters, USJR Baby Jaguars, UV Baby Lancers and USPF Baby Panthers will advance to the quarterfinals which will start on Tuesday, September 8 wherein UC and USJR will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage.

The Junior Webmasters will go up against the Baby Panthers while the Baby Jaguars will be facing the Baby Lancers.

The winners will advance to the semifinal round which will follow a single round-robin format with the top two teams contesting the 2015 title in a best of three series while teams no.3 and 4 will be playing for third place which will be a knockout game.

This is the best elimination finish so far for the Magis Eagles, who dropped one of their elimination games last year against the CIT-U Wildkittens who have the knack of pulling upsets despite never making it to the playoffs.

Eroll Pastor was named as the best player with his 17 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals in a game that had the Magis Eagles leading in all quarters.

In the USPF versus USJR match, the Baby Panthers took an early 5-0 lead before John Kirck Gonzaga converted all 3 of his free throws to give the Baby Jaguars its first three points. Teammate Arnold Dave Ando then tied the game at 5-all, for what is the first of 6 deadlocks.

While the first quarter ended with the Baby Jaguars enjoying a three-point advantage, 20-17, the Baby Panthers was able to close the gap at 35-all anchored on the back-to-back triples of Ain Obenza to end the first half.

In the third quarter, the game was tied thrice before the Baby Jaguars unloaded eight points to pull away with a 5-point advantage, 54-49, going into the final canto.

Gonzaga topscored for the Baby Jaguars with 30 points.

The USC versus UV match was also littered with several deadlocks with the Baby Warriors ending the first quarter in their favor, 22-17.

In the second quarter, Briedyn Aleyth Smith exploded with nine points to tow the Baby Warriors to a 42-36 advantage at the half.

It was Raul Jancork Cabahug's turn to wax hot for the Baby Lancers in the third canto as he unleashed 10 points to allow the Baby Lancers to tie the game at 58-all going into the final canto.

In the fourth quarter, the game was tied several times as the lead exchange hands more than once too. The game had its final deadlock at 79-all with only 26 seconds remaining courtesy of Alje Mendez of the Baby Warriors.

The Baby Lancers was hurt by the fouls they committed as the seconds were pattering out with the Baby Warriors sinking four of its six charities, the last two for the win.

Smith topscored for the Baby Warriors with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 2 steals.

Meanwhile, in the collegiate contest, having only nine men on their lineup doesn't seem to bother the defending champions SWU Cobras as they now stand at the no.2 spot with a 6-2 win-loss record.

The loss, on the otherhand, pushed the CITU Wildcats further down with a 3-5 card.

Melvin Holper clinched the best player tag with his 18 points, as he sank 3 of his 5 three-point attempts.

Drama ensued with only 4 minutes remaining in the ballgame and the Cobras leading by eight points, 76-68, when Jovanie Luz reacted strongly to what Mark Jayven Tallo was saying during a timeout. After raising his voice, he was seen gathering his bag to walkout of the game but was prevented by his teammates.

The altercation seemed to have rattled the Cobras as they allowed the Wildcats to come closer by just a point, 76-75, until Holper sank a shot from beyond the arc inside the last two-minute mark. He was then fouled twice and by sinking 3 of his 4 free throws, he sealed the win for his team.

Game schedule - September 6 at New Cebu Coliseum

5:15 PM - UC vs UV

6:45 PM – USC vs USPF

Scores:

Juniors

First game:

SHS-AdC (70) – Pastor 17, Mantua 8, Velasco 8, Bersaluna 6, Chen 6, Chua 6, Javelosa 5, Visser 4, Colonia 4, P. Yu 4, J. Yu 2.

CEC (54) – Tempra 20, Roa 12, Orillaneda 8, Canoy 4, Tecson 4, Astillero 3, L. Casio 2, M. Casio 2.

Quarter Scores: 21-7; 36-17; 50-33; 70-54.

Second game:

USJR (73) – Gonzaga 30, Ortiz 14, Ando 8, Teleron 8, Dado 6, Ibero 5, Dela Cruz 2.

USPF ( 61) – Obenza 27, Hernando 9, Urot 8, Archival 7, Peligrino 5, Macalam 2, Soon 2, Lequin 1.

Quarter Scores: 20-17; 35-35; 54-49, 73-61.

Third game:

UV (79) – Cabahug 30, Ra. Alforque 9, Membrano 8, Oche 8, Ro. Alforque 6, Laurente 6, Maglasang 5, Amistoso 4, Padilla 2, Paraldo 2, Yerro 1.

USC (83) – Smith 20, Mendez 19, Pakanna 9, Bande 8, Damolo 8, Canieso 6, Mangaron 4, Chavez 3, Gato 2, Laurente 2, Ranuco 2.

Quarter Scores: 17-22; 36-42; 58-58, 83-79.

Seniors

CITU (76) – Dela Cerna 21, Dimco 18, Bucao 13, Pono 11, Lucena 6, Taghoy 6, Sanchez 2.

SWU (82) – Holper 19, Auditor 16, Baustista 16, Tallo 13, Luz 8, Pardo 7, Racho 4.

Quarter Scores: 20-19; 28-41; 57-64; 76-82. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas will have a chance to nab the silver medal at the 2015 William Jones Cup should they defeat one final foe: Chinese Taipei B.

The Philippines will wrap up its spirited run in the Jones Cup with a clash with the host country's team on Sunday, September 6.

Gilas, who is coming off a stirring victory over USA Select-Overtake, is soaring with confidence after a positive performance in this year's Jones Cup – a tournament head coach Tab Baldwin is using as a means for the team to learn and gain experience in the lead-up to the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship later this month.

A win over Chinese Taipei B will give Gilas its first silver medal of the tournament. The Philippines already tallied 4 golds and 3 bronze medals. They won a gold during their last participation in 2012.

Follow all the action through Rappler's live blog starting at 1 pm!

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– Rappler.com

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines - Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao hinted he has several more fights left in him after his American promoter said he will likely retire next year.

Pacquiao played down remarks by promoter Bob Arum that he would fight just once more in 2016 before hanging up his gloves to run for Senate.

"I know better what is happening to my body," Pacquiao defiantly said late Saturday, reacting to Arum's statement. "Just leave it alone. Better not to react to that," he told reporters.

Arum was quoted on Thursday as saying 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 said.

Pacquiao, who has won 8 world championships in different weight divisions, has previously parlayed his boxing fame into a career in showbiz and election as a congressman.

However he lost a unanimous decision to American Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas 4 months ago in a fight that Pacquiao fought with a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

Pacquiao has declined to say whether he will run for higher office in the 2016 national elections but has previously said he expects to fight again in April against an unnamed opponent. – Rappler.com

“We always wanted to be identified as the team who is really resilient, na kahit anong sitwasyon sa game laban lang ng laban. And I think that’s one characteristic of the tamaraw.” – Nash Racela 

Critical losses: Carl Bryan Cruz, Anthony Hargrove
Vital returnees: Mike Tolomia, Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto
Notable additions: Prinze Orizu, Monbert Arong, Wendell Comboy, Jojo Trinidad
Head coach: Nash Racela
Last title: 2005
Style of play: Running game, improved halfcourt execution
Last season’s record: 10-4 (1st runner-up) 

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University was adamant about staying under the radar for the past two years. For Season 78, following a solid run to the Finals a year ago, the Tamaraws are still tempering expectations. But there will be a sense of acceptance for their contender tag. 

“All teams will say to win games, get to the Final Four and eventually maybe championship,” head coach Nash Racela said of the team’s end goal this season.  

“I’d like to say the same thing. But – and I’ve been like that the last two years – this year we’ll start embracing it. The challenge of getting to the Finals and winning it all the way. It’s the biggest challenge but we’ll do our best.”

The Tamaraws are entering Season 78 with a renewed fervor to claim their first men’s basketball title in a decade after as close as a win away last year. FEU lost to National University in Game 3 as the Bulldogs claimed its first championship in 60 years. 

The pain of defeat is something Racela and his tougher, learned, and more determined team is using to fuel them to go all the way.

“Everything started when we lost the game. Right away we told them to remember the feeling of losing in the Finals and let’s use that as motivation going into the following season,” Racela explained. 

“At least mentally we were aware of how it felt to lose because it was really painful especially for them. Some people cried. They felt we were almost there, one game short of winning a championship. It was a bit elusive for us, but now, they know what it takes to maybe finally win it.”

Hungrier veterans at the helm 

The remaining veterans in the Tamaraws’ line-up have experienced the heartache of that loss, including mainstays Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo.

Both veterans playing on their final year want nothing more than to win the championship. 

“Dahil doon sa nangyari sa amin last year, ginawa namin motivation yun. Talagang nagtutulungan kami especially in practice (Because of what happened to us last year, we made that a motivation. We help each other in practice),” said 6-foot-4 forward Belo, who is gradually expanding his game out to the perimeter. 

Evidence of how lethal he can get from the outside can be seen in his game-winning 3-pointer against De La Salle in the Final Four last season – the shot catapulted FEU to the Finals. He has since put in more work on his range and precision, especially with an extended offseason. 

“Last year kasi 4 yung nilalaro ko talaga. Ngayon iniba ni coach, ginawa niya akong tres. Lagi ko na lang wino-work, especially sa defense. Kasi karamihan ng tres shooter so doon ko fino-focus sarili ko,” the 22-year old team captain explained.

(Last year I played the 4. Now coach changed it and made me a 3. I always work on it, especially on defense. Most 3 players are shooters so I need to focus on that.)

“Malaking challenge pero ina-accept ko naman e kasi alam ko naman na para din sa akin. Mas gusto ko nga yung nacha-challenge ako kasi doon ako mai-improve e.” 

(It's a big challenge but I accept it because I know it's for me. I like that I get challenged because it's a way that I can improve my game.) 

Tolomia, on the other hand, is also making the switch from shooting guard to point guard. Racela intends for him to better himself as a creator and orchestrator on the floor, especially as the 22-year old makes his transition to the PBA.

“Sa una mahirap kasi minsan nakakalimutan ko na point guard pala ako or na shooting guard ako,” Tolomia admitted. “Sobrang hirap nung adjustment ko lalo nung offseason sa FilOil. Mahirap. Nakikinig na lang ako kay coach Nash.” 

(At first it was hard because I keep forgetting of I’m a point guard or a shooting guard. It was a very difficult adjustment especially in the offseason during the FilOil tournament. It was tough. But I just listen to coach Nash.) 

Belo and Tolomia will be the key players anchoring the Tamaraws’ charge this year. The rest of the team will look to them to bail them out and lead them in each victory and defeat. 

Beefier supporting cast

FEU will have 7 rookies to shore up its roster this year. Their depth has been Racela’s perpetual problem for the past two years but this season, it seems he will have more options from the bench. 

Nigerian Prinze Orizu will fill in the center spot left behind by Anthony Hargrove for the Tamaraws. The 21-year old 6-foot-10 behemoth moved to the Philippines in February 2012 and his job is to work the boards and provided intimidation on defense.

“Prince is a young kid. He’s learning the game so I think compared to the other imports, the others are more mature,” Racela said of Orizu. “He’s a really big upside. He’s big. The only expectation we have from him this year is really defend, intimidate, get rebounds and neutralize the other bigs.” 

Rookie guards Wendell Comboy and Jojo Trinidad are expected to stabilize the team on the floor and help main guards Tolomia and Achie Iñigo get some rest. 

Comboy is an 18-year old fresh out of FEU’s high school team. During this offseason, he is usually the first and last player out of the gym at the school’s Diliman campus.

“Comboy is the only kid out of high school,” Racela said before giving out his own bold prediction on Comboy’s potential future. “He’s a good player. Could be another Mike Tolomia but he’s young. He needs to mature.” 

Trinidad is a Filipino American out of Loara High School in Anaheim, California. The 22-year old 5-foot-10 playmaker was born and raised in the Philippines before migrating to Anaheim when he was 5 years old. Racela has high hopes for him too.

“We’re hoping he helps us have stability. He could make outside shots, that’s one of his strengths,” he said. 

Meanwhile, shooting guard Monbert Arong was recruited from Southwestern University after Racela saw him play in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League two years ago. He has more experience under his belt having played in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. The 5-foot-11 marksman has two playing years left, including Season 78. 

“I hope he brings his game from Cebu,” Racela said. “He’s a really a guy who could shooter from the outside. He’s one of the better shooters that we have.”

Aside from a promising big men and guards, Racela is also developing two Fil-Norwegian players in brothers Ken and Steve Sagulo-Holimouist. The younger Ken is a 6-foot-8 big man the Tamaraws hope can help them down the road after spending more time with the program. Ken has only been training with the team for two months after healing a shoulder injury.

Steve is a more mature swingman Racela hopes can give Roger Pogoy and Belo some rest during games.

The timing and circumstances are different now for FEU. They had a different, more focused offseason where they played 3 tune-up games against PBA teams and other games against a national team from Malaysia and a college team from Korea. They also saw action versus a selection from the US on top of a FilOil preseason appearance. 

Racela explained the team put emphasis on developing and training the pieces they have.

But more than development, this Tamaraws squad has had a spurt of growth not only in confidence but in chemistry. That stronger bond is the very edge Racela sees as they embark on a new season. 

“I haven’t seen this team this together the past two years. I think maganda yung relationship na na-build namin over the years and I think that should be something na makakatulong sa amin,” he said. 

“We always wanted to be identified as the team who is really resilient, na kahit anong sitwasyon sa game laban lang ng laban (that whatever situation in the game we will keep on fighting). And I think that’s one characteristic of the tamaraw,” Racela said. 

“Sinasabi nila sa amin ang tamaraw daw tahimik pero pag ginulo mo, prinovoke mo, talagang lalaban daw yan. I think yun yung gusto namin ma-identify kami. Kumbaga silent type, tahimik, hindi mayabang. Pero pag pinrovoke, laban lang ng laban.” 

(They tell us that a tamaraw is quiet but if you provoke it, it will fight back. I think that’s how we want to be identified. A team that’s silent, quiet, humble. But when provoked, we will hit back hard.) 

Can FEU finally bring home the trophy this year?

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Gilas Pilipinas claimed the silver medal at the 2015 William Jones Cup after a blowout 96-67 victory over Chinese Taipei B on Sunday, September 6 at the Xinchuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.

The Philippine national men's basketball team finished the tournament with a 6-2 record for second place right behind champion Iran with its 7-1 win-loss card.

Gilas dropped games to perennial rival South Korea and 2013 FIBA Asia Championship tormentor Iran.

(HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei B – 2015 Jones Cup)

It is the Philippines' first silver medal in the competition to add to their 4 golds and 3 bronze medals from previous years. The country won a gold during their last participation in 2012.

Gary David led the way with 22 points while Jayson Castro and Moala Tautuaa added 15 and 12 markers, respectively.

The nationals bucked a slow start versus Chinese Taipei B and finally took the lead for the first time with under a minute remaining in the opening period and proceeded with the blowout.

Calvin Abueva absorbed a hard foul late in the first quarter, hurting his lower back but he was iced and ready to go in the second half, according to Sport5's Carlo Pamintuan who is in Taiwan.

With the result all but assured in the second half, Gilas had the luxury of playing relaxed and having fun as they experimented with their offensive capabilities.

Jimmy Alapag, Terrence Romeo, Dondon Hontiveros, and Marc Pingris sat out the final game of the Jones Cup.

Gilas will return home to prepare for its final tilt before the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship later this month, the MVP Cup.

The MVP Cup, happening from September 11 to 13, will feature teams Gilas defeated in the Jones Cup, the Wellington Saints from New Zealand and the Taiwan national team. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The De La Salle Green Archers relied on clutch free throws by Jason Perkins and a critical jumper by Jeron Teng late in the game to take down the NU Bulldogs, 67-63, on Sunday, September 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Winning their debut game of the UAAP season, La Salle nearly blew a 15-point second half lead as NU got within one in the final period. The Bulldogs, this season’s defending champions, fall to 0-1 with the defeat.

Teng spearheaded DLSU with 18 points and 4 boards while Perkins, who looked and played 20 pounds lighter, finished with 13 points to go with 12 rebounds.

Prized Green Archers recruit Andrei Caracut was superb as well in his collegiate debut, finishing with 13 points and 3 3-pointers.

“We had to come out really strong,” Green Archers head coach Juno Sauler said after the game. “We knew NU, being the defending champions, would give us a good fight, and they proved themselves even in the fourth quarter when they got back. I just told everyone told everyone to be ready for today’s game.”

“A win is a win and for me. It doesn’t prove anything yet,” said Teng. “We’re just here to have fun every game and we’re going to continue to learn every game.”

DLSU shot 40% from the floor and limited National U to 29% shooting from the field. The Green Archers raced to a 16-6 lead by the end of the first quarter and stayed ahead by double digits for most of the game until the Bulldogs’ fourth quarter run.

A free throw by Rev Diputado and 3-ball by Gelo Alolino cut into DLSU’s lead, 60-58, with 1:58 to go in the contest. A few possessions later, Alolino was fouled on the break and split his visit to the line, trimming the deficit to one.

Perkins then attacked the paint and drew the fifth personal on Alfred Aroga, who fouled out with 9 points and 10 rebounds. After Perkins made two charities to extend his team’s lead to 3, Teng hit a tough, off-balanced jumper a few possessions later to put La Salle on top 64-59 with 23 seconds to go.

J-Jay Alejandro hit a floater to give NU a puncher’s chance, but free throws by Julian Sargent sealed the victory.

“Turnovers. We committed crucial turnovers which led to easy baskets on their end, and our turnovers were costly because it happened in the backcourt,” Sauler talked about why DLSU lost their lead late. Overall, the Green Archers committed 17 miscues. 

Caracut had 4 of those, but still showed great poise for a player in his first college game.

“If there’s an opportunity for him where we think he has an advantage we will go to him,” Sauler said about his new player out of San Beda high school, “and it’s like that with everyone else.”

Alolino led the way with 16 points and 6 rebounds for the Bulldogs, who will be back in action on Saturday, September 12, when they face the UE Red Warriors. Alejandro registered 15 points.

Prince Rivero also played well with 11 points and 8 rebounds for La Salle, who will take on the UP Fighting Maroons onWednesday, September 9. 

Scores:

DLSU (67): Teng 18, Caracut 13, Perkins 13, Rivero 11, Sargent 6, Torres 3, Tratter 3, Go 0, Langston 0

NU (63): Alolino 16, Alejandro 15, Aroga 9, Diputado 8, Javelona 4, Salim 4, Neypes 3, Javillonar 2, Morido 2, Abatayo 0, Celda 0, Rangel 0, Tansingco 0

Quarter scores: 16-6, 33-23, 51-40, 67-63 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning NBA MVP Steph Curry stayed in Manila for just one day but his first trip here proved memorable as fans were treated to an afternoon of highlights and giveaways.

(READ: Steph Curry offers advice to Gilas Pilipinas)

The other half of the Golden State Warriors' Splash Brothers held a press conference, conducted a training camp and played in a scrimmage during his Manila visit on Saturday, September 5 as part of the Under Armour Road Show. (READ: Steph Curry: I want to be a Hall of Famer)

The NBA champion promoted his new shoe the "Curry Two." He previously visited Tokyo and will move on to a 3-city tour in China before slowing down to prepare for the upcoming NBA season and the Warriors' title defense. (WATCH: Steph Curry puts on a show in Manila)

Check out photos of his trip below! 

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

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Demetrious Johnson remained as the UFC flyweight champion by carving out another convincing unanimous decision over John Dodson in their rematch at UFC 191 on Saturday, September 5 (Sunday, September 6 in Manila) at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Answering questions from their first meeting in 2013 with a performance that left no doubt of his superiority, the 29-year-old "Mighty Mouse" swept the scorecards with 49-46, 49-46 and 50-45 marks from the judges.

"John Dodson was saying that I’m garbage, I’m boring, but look at my face," Johnson said in his post-fight interview. “I look prettier than a motherf••••r, and that’s what technique gets your right there.”

Johnson was merciless with his forward movement and output, battering Dodson with lead right hands and confusing his opponent by switching stances.

The 5-foot-3 native of Kirkland, Washington converted 4 of 16 takedown attempts, but even the unsuccessful shots served a purpose as he gradually sapped Dodson's gas tank.

According to Fightmetric statistics, Johnson likewise dominating the striking department, throwing more than 100 strikes and outlanding Dodson with a 186-to-111 ratio.

"The last time we fought, I was trying to get to him too much," Johnson stated. "This time, 25 minutes, I wanted to take my time. At one point I got poked in the eye. I wanted to keep it clean and say, 'Let's be technical in this fight.'"

With the impressive outing against Dodson, Johnson improves his professional standing to 23-2-1 and successfully defended his UFC gold-plated strap for the seventh time.

The stellar triumph also moves Johnson into a tie for fourth place all-time in consecutive title defenses.

On the other hand, Dodson downgrades his prizefighting record to 17-7 and snaps his 3-fight winning streak.

"I had more success in the first fight because both of us were going in not knowing what each other's strengths were. This time, he went in more cautious, more intelligent. I was trying to defend takedowns. He was trying to push pace. DJ did a wonderful job. He came after me. Hats off to him. I can't sit here and badmouth him. The man's a champion,” Dodson said of Johnson.

In other matches, Andrei Arlovski (25-10) outpointed fellow former champion Frank Mir (18-10) via unanimous decision.

Anthony Johnson (20-5) knocked out Jimi Manuwa (15-2) with a looping right hand and follow-up punches in the second round of their light heavyweight scrap.

Paige VanZant (6-1) submitted Alex Chambers (5-3) with a third-round armbar in a women’s strawweight bout. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – UAAP Season 78 opened with a bang on Saturday, September 5.

Host University of the Philippines put on a splendid opening show as its dance troupes had colorful, seamless performances, including the dazzling finale from 8-time UAAP Cheerdance champions the UP Pep Squad.

During the ceremony, the UST Growling Tigers also received its trophies for being last season's overall champions for both the seniors and juniors divisions.

This season's theme is "Tumitindig, Sumusulong." (Standing Up, Moving Forward)

See photos from the impressive ceremony below!

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Far Eastern University Tamaraws came into Season 78 of the UAAP seniors basketball tournament with a ton of expectations on their shoulders.

After their opening game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, not only did they meet the anticipation; they exceeded it..

With all guys on his team playing very impressively, Coach Nash Racela’s Tamaraws dominated the Blue Eagles from start to finish and wound up with a 88-64 victory on Sunday, September 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Roger Pogoy led the scoring for the winning side with 19 points and 4 3-pointers, while Mike Tolomia finished with an all-around performance of 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

FEU star Mike Belo played well with 16 points, while Raymark Jose also registered 16 to go with 10 boards.

Reigning UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena finished with 25 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds for the Blue Eagles, who shot just 30% from the field. Gwayne Capacio pitched in 14 points for Ateneo, who did not have any other double-digit scorer.

Von Pessumal finished with 9 points but shot 3-of-12 from the field. Arvin Tolentino and Hubert Cani had just two points each. Rookies Matt and Mike Nieto and Jerie Pingoy were all scoreless.

“Our objective on defense was to limit touches of Kiefer Ravena. He scored 25. He took 18 shots and 8 free throws so I don’t think we were successful defensively,” said Racela, whose squad lost to the NU Bulldogs in 3 games in last year’s UAAP finals.

“We don’t play for others,” said the third-year FEU head coach, whose Tamaraws recorded 17 assists. 

“Importante saamin (what's important) is we just focus on the task at hand, kahit sino yung kalaban namin (whoever our opponent is). We were just fortunate today outside shots were coming in especially at the start of the ball game.”

FEU raced off to a 23-11 lead at the end of the first quarter and was on top by 18, 44-26, at the half. It was a non-contest from there on out.

The dominant Tamaraws shot 51% from the field and 35% from downtown. They also out-rebounded the Blue Eagles, 46-40. 

FEU, now 1-0, will be back in action on Wednesday, September 9, when they go up against the UST Growling Tigers. OnSunday, September 13, they take on the DLSU Green Archers in a rematch of last year’s Final Four series.

“Na-realizenamin (we realize) na we’re playing 3 possible teams in the Final Four, so we’ll prepare for the next game. Not looking at La Salle yet but of course we’re doing our part. We’re just scouting, especially today; they played really, really well,” said Racela.

“Veteran core,” he commented about UST. “I think they’re 8 to 9 man deep, so mahirap na kalaban yan (so they're hard opponents). If [Karim] Adbul gets his timing back, it will be hard for all of us.”

The Blue Eagles, now 0-1, will try to bounce back on Saturday, September 12, against the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

Scores:

FEU (88): Pogoy 19, Tolomia 17, Belo 16, Jose 16, Escoto 6, Arong 5, Inigo 5, Dennison 4, Escoto 0, Holmqvist 0, Orizu 0, Tamsi 0, Trinidad 0

ADMU (64): Ravena 25, Capacio 14, Pessumal 9, Gotladera 6, Wong 4, Cani 2, Ikeh 2, Tolentino 2, Babilonia 0, Nieto 0, Nieto 0, Pingoy 0, Tolentino 0

Quarter scores: 23-11, 44-26, 64-49, 88-64 – Rappler.com

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - The basketball season is truly upon us. Print and broadcast carry the drama of the UAAP and the NCAA cage wars, and sad to say, the national team fighting its heart out at the William Jones Cup and the qualification of the women's team to Group I in the FIBA Asia championship are caught in the middle.

The Gilas Pilipinas campaign in Taiwan ended Sunday, September 6 with a 96-67 demolition of the Chinese-Taipei B team. The win capped off a 6-2 campaign, where the Philippine team lost only to Iran and South Korea, their chief rivals in the region.

Even as they were putting the finishing touches to a first-ever second place finish, coach Tab Baldwin barked: “Play defense!" in a timeout.

As Baldwin rotated his men platoon-wise at times in the tournament, he wants a team that hustles on defense especially on the boards, and passes to create the best opportunity to score. But, the nationals had to fall back on the gutsy penetration of Terence Romeo, who was the team’s most explosive performer before sitting out the final 3 games with an ankle injury, and court-to-court sprint of Calvin Abueva, who scored 20 against USA Select-Overtake on Saturday. 

Romeo and Abueva, along with using veterans Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood and Marc Pingris, have given a new stamp to the team, which were not able to recruit some of the best players in the PBA for various reasons. Using Dondon Hontiveros, Ranidel de Ocampo, Asi Taulava and Gary David in key stretches was another factor behind the team's good run in the Jones Cup. 

This is a squad playing without naturalized NBA veteran Andray Blatche and using the steadying presence of Moala Tautuaa, a 6-foot-8 Fil-Tongan player who failed to get his PH passport before age 16 per FIBA requirements. The team isn't as star laden as the squad that finished second in the 2013 FIBA Asia but Baldwin has managed to make something out of it. 

The team is playing on tryout mode as the lineup will be announced on Tuesday. It is also apparent the Russian team the Philippines beat is a "pulut-pulut" (thrown together) squad, one former PBA coach told this writer. It is also clear that the USA Select-Overload team defeated by the Filipinos are older but they had more gas in their tanks when they rallied to within 3 points. 

But the big names in the PBA are not in this team. This is a mix of young and veteran players. And they must follow the baton of Baldwin and his coaching staff. 

Baldwin doesn't like players taking a jump shot or a drive to answer a basket scored by the opponent. He abhors half-hearted defense and fans saw part of that when the Philippines defended gallantly in a losing cause against regional powerhouse Iran. 

Because of his no-nonsense approach, interest in the national team has been picking up. Hours before the Philippines vs Chinese Taipei B, the team's benefactor Manny Pangilinan tweeted that he was pleasantly surprised by the response of basketball fans. On the live telecast over TV5, you could see overseas Filipinos in the crowd cheering for the Philippines. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I&#39;m surprised myself at the level of keen interest, and support, as well as a strong sense of patriotism you guys have stirred.</p>&mdash; Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamMVP/status/640378650353795072">September 6, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Only 17 days are left before the FIBA Asia tournament in China. Trainers avoid pushing their athletes during this period because they want to avoid injury and burnout. But the sense of urgency is too great for basketball fans who want to see the national team battle for the only Olympic qualifying slot up for grabs. 

The MVP Cup, which takes place September 11-13 in Manila and will feature Gilas, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand’s Wellington Saints and another team to be confirmed, will show how far or near the Philippines is from that goal. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Steph Curry knows his history.

During his first Manila visit on Saturday, September 5, the NBA MVP wore a shirt that paid tribute to the legendary bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier dubbed "Thrilla in Manila," which took pace on October 1, 1975 at the iconic Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

(IN PHOTOS: Steph Curry makes a splash in Manila)

Curry's white shirt bore the text of "Thrilla in Manila" and "Muhammad Ali" in front and "World Heavyweight Championship 1975, Quezon City Philippines" at the back.

"I obviously like to bring a little Manila flavor with a little bit of the States," the Golden State Warriors point guard explained. "You all know how great Muhammad Ali was."

(READ: Steph Curry offers advice to Gilas Pilipinas)

Curry, 27, was also among the millions who watched the mega-fight between American Floyd Mayweather Jr and Filipino Manny Pacquiao last May. (READ: Steph Curry: I want to be a Hall of Famer)

The NBA champion visited Manila for a day as part of an Asian tour for his sponsor shoe brand Under Armour. He is promoting his new signature shoe, the Curry Two. The shoe will be launched in China on September 6. (WATCH: Steph Curry puts on a show in Manila)

Curry also visited Tokyo and is now on a 3-city trip in China. (READ: Steph Curry selects Ray Allen over Reggie Miller for hypothetical 3-pointer)

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Arellano University bowed out of semifinals contention after succumbing to College of St. Benilde in 5 sets, 23-25, 25-27, 25-23, 25-23, 15-10, in the Shakey's V-League 12 Collegiate Conference on Sunday, September 6 at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Lady Chiefs had a meltdown and dropped the last 3 sets after going up 2-0 as the Lady Blazers played spoiler for the semifinals race.

Jannine Navarro exploded for 31 points, including 26 attacks, in a massive upset of the NCAA champions. Jeanette Panaga added 10 points.

Menchie Tubiera led the fallen Lady Chiefs with 24 markers while Danna Henson and Cristine Joy Rosario contributed 13 points apiece.

Arellano, who gave up 44 errors in a match that could have secured them at least a playoff for the final four, walked away with a 3-4 carryover record.

Meanwhile, the rookie-laden University of the Philippines closed out its V-League stint on a positive note with a 25-19, 25-10, 25-18 sweep of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas on Sunday afternoon.

Rookies Isa Molde and Justine Dorog topscored for the Lady Maroons with 19 and 14 points, respectively.

Cherry Rose Nunang led the Lady Patriots with 8 points.

The conference's semifinals, which begins Saturday, September 12, will see the still undefeated Ateneo Lady Eagles square up against the UST Tigresses in a best-of-3 affair where the winner will advance to the finals.

The Lady Eagles kept their unbeaten record after overcoming the NU Lady Bulldogs, 15-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-23, on Saturday, September 5.

The FEU Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Bulldogs make up the other semifinals pairing for likewise fierce best-of-3 clash.

FEU outlasted UST on Saturday as well, 25-16, 19-25, 27-29, 25-15, 15-10, to secure its semifinals slot. – Rappler.com

Philippines vs Uzbekistan
FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier
8 pm kickoff, Tuesday, September 8
Philippine Sports Stadium
LIVE Coverage on ABS-CBN Sports+Action

This game is massive on so many levels. The Azkals have won their first two games but still sit behind North Korea in Group H of AFC's World Cup qualifying after the Koreans won 1-0 in Bahrain last Thursday. A win puts us back on level terms with them on points. If we draw, we are still in second place in the group at 7 points while the Uzbeks will be third with 4 points. A loss and Uzbekistan is level with us at 6 points. Only the group winner is sure to advance to the next round-robin phase, while the four best second-placers from the eight AFC groups also book passage to the last twelve. 

So if we cannot finish first in this tight group, a second-place finish with plenty of goals will be nice. The Azkals need to pile up on points, since a nightmarish October road trip looms: October 8 in Pyongyang and Bahrain in Riffa, Bahrain five days later.

We want to be level with DPR Korea going into the showdown in Pyongyang. A win on Tuesday gives us a 6-point cushion against Uzbekistan, and almost, ALMOST, turns Group H into a two-horse race as early as now. (Bahrain and Yemen, who have both lost all of their assignments, hold up the table.) 

A win confirms our status as a contender. A draw keeps us in decent shape. A loss would not be helpful at all. 

Dooley has some interesting starting lineup decisions to make. The coach began the Maldives friendly with a back three of Daisuke Sato, Amani Aguinaldo, and Jerry Lucena. But under little pressure from the visitors, that defense was revised several times in the game.

(READ: Azkals – Maldives postgame : A workmanlike win)

Since there are only three in the back instead of the usual four, the game may very well be won or lost in how Dooley fills up his formation diagram in front of the keeper, who presumably will still be Neil Etherdige. Roland Müller is in the lineup but Etheridge has done nothing to lose his spot between the pipes. 

I will be somewhat surprised if Aguinaldo is given the start at central centerback. (In a sense, Dooley's 343 formation employs 3 centerbacks.) I suspect that Dooley did not start Juani Guirado there to hide him for Tuesday and also to give Aguinaldo more international exposure. (Juani was originally on the start list then was removed just minutes before kickoff. Guirado looked perfectly okay after the game so I don't think it's an injury.)

I suspect that Dooley will put either Lucena or Guirado in the center. Although Dooley has trusted Aguinaldo in the pivot of the defense before in big games, (in last year's Challenge Cup and Suzuki Cups,) Uzbekistan is a different class of team and maybe he wants to go with experience over youth.

Juani turned 36 last month and Lucena is 35. Is it right to put two martial-law babies in a World Cup qualifying match of this importance? We may have no choice. The injury to Simone Rota hurts us here. Rota, a few years younger, has the size and experience to fill in at central defense but is nursing cracked ribs. Rob Gier is recovering from knee surgery.

Luke Woodland is also an option. The new Filipino-English Azkal only planed in on Sunday from New York, where he reportedly trialled with MLS side Red Bull New York. Is it wise to bring in a jet-lagged Woodland back at CB, (he played at that spot against Yemen) in such a pressure-cooker game, with, at most, one or two training sessions with the squad? Woodland is also naturally a holding, or defensive midfielder. Remember, Luke is also currently out-of-contract so his match sharpness could be a tad bit wanting.

The other big decision: where to place Stephan Schrock. The left side of the 343 looks set, with Stephan Palla playing behind Iain Ramsay. Does Schrock push out Reichelt at the right forward slot (as he did last Thursday, when Reichelt played at center forward), or pip Misagh Bahadoran at right wing? Remember, Javier Patiño is almost certainly going to be deployed up top.

Or does Dooley really throw us a curve and plant Stephan at right back? That would be a stretch. Although Schrock has played as a wingback for both club and country, one thinks that his talents will be better utilized further upfield, especially with just three true defenders in the formation. But then, this is Thomas Dooley, whose starting formations are notoriously hard to predict.

There's another call: where does Bahadoran go? At right wing or on the bench to start the game? Misagh has accounted for two of our goals already in the campaign. But with so many shiny new toys in Dooley's playpen, Misagh might have to content himself with the impact sub role. 

Neither Manny Ott nor Martin Steuble played last Thursday and one wonders if they will get a run-out on Tuesday. Perhaps Dooley was hiding them as well, to trot them out in Tuesday? What is for sure is that with the national team so bristling with weapons, there will be some seriously bad-ass players in bibs on Tuesday not getting playing time.

So here is how I think we line up versus Uzbekistan, barring any injuries or sickness. 

Ramsay Patino Reichelt

Palla Ingreso PYH Schrock

Sato Guirado Lucena

Etheridge

If Woodland is tested in defense and Schrock is placed in a forward slot, this is how Dooley might go.

Ramsay Patino Schrock

Palla Ingreso PYH Steuble

Sato Woodland Lucena

Etheridge

And this is one left-field study. 

Ramsay Patino Schrock

Palla Woodland PYH Bahadoran

Sato Aguinaldo Daniels

Etheridge

But formations are only a small part of the tactical story. The keys to the match will be 1), how the Azkals control possession in the midfield, and 2), how an aging defense (assuming the veterans get the nod to start), hold up against an Uzbek attack.

Oh, and there's a 3). Phil Younghusband needs to get his scoring boots on. He has yet to score an international goal this year.

Uzbekistan are tough but vulnerable. The Central Asian side's talisman is Server Djeparov. The 32-year old Korean league veteran is a striker with a dangerous left foot. Djeparov won the Asian Football Confederation player of the year plum in 2008 and 2011. This is a sample of his work.

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Djeparov, as his first name suggests, is also a creative force with his passing, and useful on dead ball situations.

The man who has found the back of the net for Uzbekistan 23 times was subbed out in last Thursday night's somewhat uninspiring 1-0 win against Yemen in Tashkent after 46 minutes. (The only goal was a terrific free kick strike from Alexander Geynrikh.) Was Djeparov's sub because of injury? If so, will he be well enough to play? We will have a better idea on Tuesday. 

Uzbekistan lost their opening match in Pyongyang last June, 4-2 to Korea DPR. The Koreans led 4-0 at the half before two second-half goals took some gloss off the scoreline for the home team. 

So they have three points from two games and yet could be groping for confidence. The fact that Uzbekistan could be weary from the traveling after the home game against Yemen, and you just might have a recipe for an upset against the Azkals. And yes, it would be an upset. Uzbekistan are ranked 76^th in the world, 49 slots ahead of the Philippines. They defeated North Korea and Saudi Arabia enroute to an elite eight slot in the the Asian Cup earlier this year, falling to eventual finalists Korea Republic.

Another challenge for Uzbekistan: they, like Maldives, are also learning to play under a new coach. After the 4-2 loss to North Korea their coach Mirjalol Qosimov resigned and Samvel Babayan, champion coach of Uzbek club Pakhtakor, took over.

So can we do it? I think there is a great chance to shock this Uzbek team. Tuesday can't come fast enough. – Rappler.com 

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

You’ve trained 13 weeks to get to the starting line. The last thing you want to happen is to have something happen on the course. Here are the two most common race-day injuries during a triathlon and how you can deal with them:

1. Cramps.  The sudden seizing of the muscles is caused by lack of warm-up, improper nutrition, going too fast and lack of conditioning.  So make sure you have a good pre race meal, have a gel every hour you’re racing, and keep yourself hydrated.  When you start each leg, start more slowly than what you trained for. Once you feel warmed up or comfortable, slowly build to your race pace. 

But if you do get cramps on raceday, slow down, stretch, and have a sports drink or gel. Once the muscle relaxes, start really slowly. Walk, don’t jog.

2. Blisters. You can avoid blisters by wearing synthetic socks or slathering on petroleum jelly on potential problem points.  If you do get a blister, put something in between your skin and whatever is rubbing against it. So if its in your foot, put a get wrapper or bandaid between your foot and the sock or shoe.

The best prevention is always preparation. Following a periodized training program, train with all the gear you’ll use on race, and practicing nutrition in training will help make race-day more enjoyable and injury-free. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas veteran guard Jayson Castro was named to the Mythical Five selection of the 37th William Jones Cup during the tournament awarding ceremonies on Sunday evening, September 6, in Taiwan.

Joining Castro in the Mythical Team are Iran’s Hamed Haddadi and Mehdi Kamrani, South Korea’s Moon Tae-young, and Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chi-chieh.

During the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila, Castro was also named to the tournament’s Mythical Team selection, which led to the birth of “The Best Point Guard in Asia” nickname.

Per fibalivestats.com, Casto averaged 13 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 boards a game during the Jones Cup, where Gilas finished 6-2 with victories against both Chinese Taipei teams, USA Overtake-Select, the Wellington Saints, Spartak Primorye from Russia, and Japan. Their losses came against South Korea and Iran.

The Philippines finished in second place to attain their first ever silver medal in the tourney. – Rappler.com

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors and the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers posted lopsided wins over their opponents Sunday, September 6 in the ongoing men's basketball tournament of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) held at the New Cebu Coliseum.

The USC Warriors recovered from their first loss in the second round of eliminations which they suffered at the hands of defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras as they made mincemeat of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 100-72.

The UV Green Lancers, for their part, added another win to their record with a 91-62 demolition of the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters.

The USC Warriors now tote a 7-1 win-loss record while the USPF Panthers are stuck at the bottom rung with an 0-8 card as victory continues to be elusive for the comebacking team.

For the second time this season, Charles Pepito was hailed as the best player of the game with his 16 points and 11 rebounds. Four other Warriors finished in double figures with import Shooster Olago topscoring with 22 points, Ian Jefferson Tagapan accounting for 13 points despite missing many attempts beyond the arc, Caesar Ian Ortega with 11 points and Victor Manuel Rabat with 10 points.

Brantford Borces led the Panthers with 18 points while Kino Matthews Bajamunde added 11 points.

The Panthers managed to keep up with the Warriors in the first quarter, tying the game 6 times and only trailing by two points, 22-20, going into the second canto.

In the second quarter, back-to-back triples from Panthers' Jawein Wisdom Ceniza and Thomas Laver once again brought the game at a deadlock, 30-all, with still seven minutes remaining in the ballgame.

The Warriors then went on a 15-0 run that allowed them to build a 13-point advantage, 45-32, at the halftime break.

In the third quarter, the Warriors continued to pile up on the points bringing their lead up to as much as 31 points, the highest in the ballgame, at the 2:10 mark with Pepito drawing five fouls which he converted to four points.

The Panthers rallied and managed to bring down the Warriors lead to 20, 77-57, points going into the final canto.

However, the Warriors was able to bring their advantage back to 31 points, 98-67, inside the last two minutes of the ballgame on Izak Kiefer Lim's basket.

Lyndon Colina scored 5 straight points for the Panthers, however, the Warriors still ended the game with a 28-point advantage.

The same for the UV versus UC match, the Green Lancers' lead also went up as high as 34 points at the 1:27 mark of the second quarter.

The Webmasters was not able to get much out of Melvin Butohan and Joseph Daniel Mayol who were both sick. Despite his illness, Butohan topscored for UC with 10 points alongside Filvenson Culango while Mayol only managed 3 points.

The win hands the Green Lancers a win-loss record of 7-2 while the Webmasters shares fourth place with the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats with their similar 3-5 record.

JV Veloso was named as the best player after scattering 13 points, pulling down 5 rebounds and making 2 assists. Also scoring in double figures were Rey Anthony Suerte and Alwin Aguirre who each contributed 10 points.

University of Visayas dominate University of Cebu

The Green Lancers were eager to draw blood by containing the Webmasters to just 9 points, 31-9, at the end of the first quarter.

The lead quickly ballooned to 29 points, 51-22, at the end of the first half.

The Webmasters tried to get back into the game but the Green Lancers were simply too much for them.

Meanwhile, the quarterfinals for the juniors division will begin on Tuesday, September 8 with the UC Junior Webmasters enjoying a twice to beat advantage against the USPF Baby Panthers, who placed third last season.

Game Schedule

Tuesday, September 8 at New Cebu Coliseum

5:15 PM – UC vs USPF (Juniors)

6:45 PM – USJR vs CITU (Seniors)

Scores

First game:

UV (91) – Veloso 13, Suerte 10, Aguirre 10, Akomo 8, Mendoza 8, Cabanero 7, Balabag 6, Codilla 6, Macion 6, Santillan 6, Manzo 4, Napao 4, Arong 2.

UC (62) – Butohan 10, Culango 10, Codilla 7, Tagudin 7, Dacalos 5, Puerto 5, Jabello 5, Suelto 4, Mayol 3, Montilla 3, Dumat-ol 2, Grafilo 2.

Quarter Scores: 31-9; 51-22; 68-44, 91-62.

Second game:

USC (100) – Olago 22, Pepito 16, Tagapan 13, Ortega 11, Rabat 10, Magat 6, Suarez 6, Lim 4, Maconocido 4, McAloney 3, Oleodo 3, Adlawan 2.

USPF (72) – Borces 18, Bajamunde 11, Quiachon 9, Ceniza 8, Alocillo 5, Colina 5, Sastrillas 5, Langahin 4, Laver 3, Bolivar 2, Cando 2.

Quarter Scores: 22-20, 45-32, 77-57, 100-72. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino-Scottish boxer John Thain defeated Lewis Van Poetsch in his hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland on Satuday, September 5 at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh.

Thain (13-2, 1 knockout) used his left jab to control van Poetsch (4-23) en route to winning all 4 rounds on all 3 judges scorecards (40-36).

The 27-year-old junior middleweight Thain has now won two straight since suffering back-to-back points losses in 2014. Thain, whose mother’s family hails from the Mindanao region, took nearly a year off and tells Edinburgh News that he’s considering dropping to 147 pounds.

A veteran of 60 amateur fights, the 6-foot Thain won the Scottish Youth title and Scottish ABA light welterweight titles before turning professional in 2010.

Prior to his two defeats, Thain had won his first 11 matches. – Rappler.com