MANILA, Philippines – It was a merry Tuesday, January 30, when comrades from the fabled Yco Painters basketball team met. Ed Roque, Felix Flores, Arturo Valenzona, Nonong Belmonte and Orly Castelo were joined by Jimmy Noblezada, the muscular 1970s forward. Their merriment became somber when they received news that the man who gave them assists in the national team or who stole the ball from their guards passed away that morning.

The great court general of the 1960s, Joaquin Rojas, 79, had been ill for the last few years in Cebu. His close friend, Julian Macoy, said the wake is at St Peter's in Imus, Cebu City.

Macoy, famous for scoring 126 points for University of San Carlos against Cebu Normal School in the Cebu Collegiate Athletic Association in 1958, was a contemporary of Rojas, who excelled in a different way.

"Without a doubt, Jake was the best court general in our period," said Valenzona in a phone interview. "He was low key but very effective. He could shoot, pass, penetrate, and even rebound and I am taller by an inch," added Valenzona of Rojas, his backcourt rival, who was 5-8.

In this old Free Press magazine, Rojas (seated #12) is a member of the legendary Philippine Olympic Team bound for the 1968 Mexico City Games.

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Macoy, in a separate interview, said Rojas was not fast but he was quick. "Remember the (University of Washington) Huskies team which came here? Jake intercepted the ball several times and the opposing guard said he was the best he ever played against," said Macoy.

Ramon Fernandez, the Philippine Basketball Association star now a commissioner with the Philippine Sports Commission, said in a Facebook post that Rojas was his "inspiration," "RIP Dong, thank you for inspiring me to pick up the sport."

These days, Macoy said, the point-guard shoots. In our time, the play revolved around the point-guard, he added. And Rojas played that role superbly. The teams he played became champions: Ysmael Steel, the national team that regained the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) title in 1967, Mariwasa and in the maiden season of the Philippine Basketball Association, the Toyota Comets.

A product of Eddie Gullas' first University of the Visayas champion squad which upset Ateneo in the 1957 intercollegiate, Rojas took time to bloom. As the 1960s emerged, he was one of three players recruited from Cebu by Macoy to play for Yutivo and after a year, Rojas went to Ysmael Steel where his reputation was made.

From 1965 to 1971, Rojas led the national team in a period where the Philippines lost the Asian basketball title, regained it and lost it again as regional foes became more disciplined, taller and fitter.

In the 1966 Asian Games quarterfinal, leading by 10 points vs South Korea in the second half, Rojas fouled out. The Philippines resorted to a slowbreak and lost its momentum. A last-minute bid to wrest victory ended in a fumble. South Korea won 83-82, dethroning the Philippines.

But in the 1967 Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) championship, Rojas' heads up play and the clutch free throws of Danny Florencio gave the title back to the Philippines, 83-80, over South Korea.. In the 1968 Olympics, Rojas' playmaking was in-form especially in the second half against the US team led by future NBA stars JoJo White and Spencer Haywood where the Philippines lost to the Americans, 96-75.

In the 1969 ABC tournament, a wayward Japanese elbow to Rojas' brow blunted his form but it took a last second reset of the final moment of play for Japan to prevail, 78-77. Still, the Philippines marched to a finals showdown vs South Korea, where Shin Dong Pa scored 48 points as they wrested the title away from the Filipinos, 95-86.

"He never raised his voice in calling plays. He never called attention to himself. They just followed him," said Valenzona. Former national coach Nemie Villegas added: " He doesn't look at the receiver but knows where he is. He can drop pass or even kick the ball out. "

In the 1971 MICAA championship between Mariwasa and Crispa, Rojas penetrated the defense for his trademark layup against 6-8 American import Paul Scranton, who never managed to block it, or to pass to a cutting teammate. Mariwasa won in a big upset.

At 37 years old, Rojas, donning number 22, played a season for the Toyota Comets in the first Philippine Basketball Association season in 1975-76. His skills were no longer as they used to be but for moments, Rojas gave the crowd and those on the TV set glimpses of the form that made him one of Philippine basketball's great court generals. – Rappler.com

MINNEAPOLIS, USA – Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles faces an uncertain future despite winning his Super Bowl shoot-out with Tom Brady on Sunday.

Foles, 29, went toe-to-toe with New England Patriots counterpart Tom Brady in a thrilling 41-33 upset victory for the Eagles at the US Bank Stadium.

But in a rare twist of circumstance, MVP Foles is likely to find himself relegated to a back-up role next season when the Eagles' first choice quarterback Carson Wentz recovers from a knee injury.

Foles, a devoutly religious Texan who plans to be a pastor when he retires from the NFL, was thrust into the starting role when Wentz was injured in December.

After a shaky start, Foles improved steadily, producing a dazzling performance against Minnesota in the playoffs before serving up Sunday's masterpiece, which included three touchdowns and 373 passing yards.

If he reverts to being a back-up next season, he would be the first Super Bowl-winning quarterback not to have a starting spot since Trent Dilfer, who was cut by the Baltimore Ravens after their 2000 Super Bowl win.

The Eagles may now choose to hold onto Foles as insurance in case Wentz does not recover from his injury, or seek to cash in with a trade.

On Sunday however Foles was happy to bask in his success, reflecting on the crowning glory of a career that he almost walked away from two years ago.

"About a couple of years ago, there was a time where I was thinking about hanging up the cleats," he told reporters.

"And I think as people, we deal with struggles. And that was a moment in my life where I thought about it, and I prayed about it.

"I'm grateful that I made the decision to come back and play."

{source}   <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLYEAGLESFLY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLYEAGLESFLY</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SBLII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SBLII</a> <a href="https://t.co/uZRu87xnNy">pic.twitter.com/uZRu87xnNy</a></p>&mdash; Rick Lovato (@TheSnappingLife) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSnappingLife/status/960368270619660289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Foles's performance on Sunday even included a touchdown when he turned receiver to collect a looping pass from tight end Trey Burton in a clever trick play, nicknamed a "Philly Special."

The bold move on fourth down reflected the aggressive nature of Eagles coach Doug Pederson, who said his faith in Foles as a back-up had never wavered.

"I'm so happy for Nick," Pederson said afterwards. "A lot of people counted him out and didn't think he could get it done. I believed in him, the staff believed in him, the players believed in him.

"We just needed time together."

Eagles center Jason Kelce said few had doubted Foles' talent, even though his career had appeared to be fizzling out after being released by both the St Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs before landing at the Eagles last year.

"We all knew he's a good player," Kelce said. "And that if we could protect him, give him time to throw, with the receivers and arm that he has, he would get the job done," Kelce said. "I'm so happy for that guy."

London-born running back Jay Ajayi, who appeared before reporters draped in a British flag, added: "Everyone doubted Nick and talked about him. He just continued to step up to the plate and hit home runs. You saw what he did tonight. A special player."– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Zark’s-Lyceum Jawbreakers almost squandered a double-digit advantage but remained composed in the dying moments to repulse the Wangs-Letran Couriers in a thrilling 95-93 win in the 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Pasig Sports Arena Monday, February 5.

After losing in its debut game, Zark’s now leads the pack with a 4-1 card while Wangs suffered its first defeat in 3 outings.

The Jawbreakers led by as much as 14 points in the 4^th quarter, 81-67. But that cushion slowly vanished as the Couriers tied the game at 91-all behind a 10-2 run, capped by a JP Calvo triple and a Jeo Ambohot short stab.

Jayvee Marcelino and Bonbon Batiller exchanged buckets to keep the game in the balance with 1:26 minutes left, until Marcelino’s twin brother, Jaycee, got an open look at the basket off a Jersper Ayaay handoff to bring Zark’s up 93-91.

Determined to keep its winning streak alive, Zark’s clamped down on defense and forced Wangs to miss 3 consecutive attempts, the last one coming with 10 ticks remaining as Batiller airballed his baseline jumper.

“The good thing about this is it’s going to make us sharper. Close game, natututo kami (we are learning) and we’re going to learn from our mistakes and that’s the reason we joined this league—to learn,” said Zark’s head coach Topex Robinson.

Mike Nzeusseu paced the Jawbreakers with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks while CJ Perez had 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals. Ayaay had an all-around outing of 11 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and two steals in the win.

Bong Quinto starred for the Couriers with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists while Calvo chipped in 16 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 3 steals.

Christian Fajarito had 13 points and 9 rebounds while Ambohot logged in 11 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists in the loss.

In the second game, Prince Eze proved too much for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, dropping a triple-double to lead the University of Perpetual Help Altas in an 88-72 romp.

Eze scored 24 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-18 shooting, hauled down 20 rebounds, swatted away a league-record 11 shots and dished out 3 assists in steering the Altas to their second straight win for a 2-1 card.

John Villanueva added 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals while AJ Coronel had 11 markers, 6 boards and 3 assists in the win.

The Heavy Bombers played catchup basketball throughout, getting buried by as much as 20 points in the 4^th quarter, 75-55.

Leonardo Esguerra paced JRU, which dropped to a 2-1 card, with 21 points and 8 boards. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Prince Eze played like a man possessed for the University of Perpetual Help Altas as he notched his first career triple-double in an 88-72 demolition of the Jose Rizal University Monday, February 5. 

Although triple-doubles are already a fixture in basketball, Eze’s wasn’t like any other performance Filipinos hoops fans have seen.

The Nigerian delighted the crowd at the Pasig Sports Center, swatting shot after shot after shot. He finished with 24 points on 12-of-18 shooting, 20 rebounds, 3 assists and a PBA D-League record of 11 blocks. He joins Kent Salado, Ray Parks Jr., Jeron Teng and Mike Tolomia in an elite list of the only players with triple-double performances in the D-League. 

Eze achieved what he had failed to accomplish in all his years with the Altas but recording the triple-double was much more than statistics.

"It’s my first. I was supposed to have that in the NCAA but I couldn’t get that," said Eze.

“Every time I see someone going for a layup, I feel like ‘Oh my God, if this guy goes with this layup, we might lose,’ then I have to chase it, like throw it away so that next time, they get scared of going to the rim."

Perpetual head coach Frankie Lim, who joked that Eze was still “out of shape,” said that he plans to turn the lanky center into the most imposing player in the NCAA.

“He’s playing his last year so sabi ko sa kaniya, ‘Gawin kitang MVP dito sa NCAA pero kailangan makisama ka sa akin. You have to be committed in the program.’ Okay naman siya so far,” said Lim, who is in his first year Perpetual’s tactician.

(He’s playing his last year so I told him, “I will make you an MVP in the NCAA but you have to get along. You have to be committed in the program.” He is okay so far.)

“He played a long time sa Perpetual, I think he deserves to have a good year.”

However, Eze has another mission rather than taking home the NCAA’s highest individual award.

“MVP? I want to go in the playoffs, that’s my plan. Winning the MVP, that’s not my plan but every game I go to, I want to play, I want to dominate, I want to stop the offense from scoring,” said Eze.

“If I become MVP, it’s fine, but that’s not my plan. My plan is go to the Final Four with our new guys." – Rappler.com

GANGNEUNG, South Korea (UPDATED) – Former world anti-doping chief Dick Pound slammed the Olympic response to the Russian doping scandal on Tuesday, February 6, warning "we talk more than we walk" and saying that the Games' credibility had taken a serious hit.

Pound was speaking at an International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Gangneung, South Korea, 3 days before the Pyeongchang Winter Games, which have been engulfed in complications from Russia's drugs conspiracy.

Pound's comments were tough enough to prompt a suggestion from the floor that he be silenced, a request which in turn triggered a furious response from the Canadian.

The IOC has formally banned Russia from Pyeongchang but has allowed 168 "clean" athletes to take part under a neutral flag and may still allow the Russian flag at the closing ceremony.

This is despite a highly orchestrated plot culminating in Russia's hosting of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where tainted samples were switched through a hole in the anti-doping laboratory's wall.

"I believe that in the collective mind in a significant portion of the world and among the athletes of the world, that the IOC has not only failed to protect clean athletes but has made it possible for cheating athletes to prevail against the clean athletes," said Pound.

"We talk more than we walk. 

"The athletes and the public at large in my view no longer have confidence that their interests are being protected. Our commitment to both is in serious doubt and with respect I don't think we can talk our way out of this problem."

However, it appeared to be an unpopular opinion from Pound, who along with Britain's Adam Pengilly was the only delegate to abstain from an otherwise unanimous vote of confidence in the IOC's handling of the Russian suspension.

'Flagrant attack' 

Pound said Russia's ban could be lifted without it acknowledging its conduct or even committing to stopping it. He said the IOC had also failed to protect the whistleblowers who brought the scandal to light.

"They've been left out there, hanging alone, with no protection whatsoever from the Olympic movement," said Pound, adding: "I would say more attention has been paid to getting Russian athletes into the Pyeongchang Games than dealing with the Russian conduct."

"I'm sorry, but that is not an appropriate response by the IOC to a flagrant attack on the Olympic Games and on clean athletes by Russia," he said.

Pound also criticized the "perverse" judgments of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which last week reversed life Olympic bans on 28 Russian athletes and staff. 

After 15 of the Russians applied to take part in Pyeongchang, the IOC refused to give them invitations.

But on Tuesday, CAS told AFP that 32 Russians would launch a fresh appeal to compete, including the highly decorated Korean-Russian speed skater Victor An.

"We are in trouble now," said Pound.

"We need to make it clear to the world that our decisions and actions are based on principles that distinguish the Olympic movement from entertainment sports.

"We're not talking about politics... we're talking about how we respond to attacks on those fundamental values by a country which voluntarily agreed to respect those values – and which then attempted to destroy them," he added. – Rappler.com

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – A half-naked activist sporting bunny ears and a fluffy tail braved the Olympic chill in Pyeongchang to protest the fur trade Tuesday, February 6, but, shivering on high heels, side-stepped the thorny issue of dog meat.

As temperatures plunged to -16°C, hardy animal rights campaigner Ashley Fruno, peeled off down to just a white bra and knickers while waving a sign that read "champions don't wear fur" outside the Olympic media center.

However, despite withstanding the bone-chilling cold for more than 15 minutes in her skimpy undies, she insisted People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) had no plans to protest South Korea's controversial dog meat trade.

"It's certainly cold out here, but it's nothing compared to what the animal go through on fur farms," she told reporters.

"Unfortunately fur is being worn by many Koreans and fur should not be seen at the Olympics. It's animal cruelty so we ask everyone here to please go fur-free.

"With so many stylish and toasty alternatives to fur available, there's no excuse for harming a hair on a bunny's back."

Animal rights activists have called for South Korea to stop eating dogs at previous major sporting events, notably at the 2002 World Cup when Brigitte Bardot fronted a campaign that provoked a backlash in the country.

The government banned the sale and consumption of dog meat in the run-up to the 1988 Seoul Olympics out of concern the issue could embarrass local organizers.

"Animal cruelty is animal cruelty, whether it's dog's or rabbits, minks or racoons," said Fruno, who admitted that being Canadian helped only a little in trying to beat the freeze in Pyeongchang.

"We'll be speaking out about many issues while we're in Korea but we don't have a specific dog meat campaign planned."

Nonprofit organization PETA have sparked anger from women's rights groups in the past for stripping off to campaign for animal rights.

"In Asia the fur trade is very large and China is actually one of the world's largest fur exporters," said Fruno. 

"On fur farms in China, rabbits are crammed into cages and killed by being beaten to death, strangled, or having their throats slit while fully conscious."

Last year South Korea closed its biggest dog market – Seongnam market, which sold more than 80,000 dogs, dead or alive every year – to avoid criticism in the build-up to the Pyeongchang Olympics.

The dogs are locked in cages before usually being beaten to death, because it is thought to boost the production of adrenalin that Korean men believe increases virility.

Once dead – or nearly dead – the dogs are dropped into boiling water and skinned. Many cooks then use a blow torch to glaze the carcass. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As far as Ricci Rivero is concerned, he is still a member of the Gilas Pilipinas 2023 prospect pool and a member of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.

The standout collegiate guard confirmed this after Gilas’ practice in the Meralco Gym, Monday, February 5. In an interview with reporters, he insisted that he just took a leave from the team, like his brother Prince and teammate Brent Paraiso, and that he will continue to practice for Gilas.

“Wala pa namang sinabi na-cut ako or tinanggal ako sateam,” said the younger Rivero. “Basta ‘yun lang, nag-request pa lang kami [nina Prince at Brent] na mag-leave of absence muna for a while. But I still go to class every day and all. ‘Yun lang.”

(“There hasn’t been any announcement that I was cut or removed from the team. We just requested a leave of absence for a while. But I still got ot class every day and all. That’s all.”)

“As of now, wala pa talaga kaming kinausap… wala pang kumausap sa amin,” he added when asked whether other schools have reached out to the trio and tried to acquire their services. “Wala pa talaga kaming na-accommodate na ibang schools.”

(“As of now, we really haven’t talked to anyone… no one has talked to us. We really haven’t accommodated other schools.”)

This clarifications come after reports from media outlets have surfaced that the Archer trio have been kicked out of the team and that the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) are reportedly recruiting them.

However, Ateneo team manager Epok Quimpo denied that the blue and white had a "headstart" to recruiting the Riveros in a post he shared from Spin.ph

The DLSU Office of Sports Development also issued clarifications through DLSU Sports’ Twitter regarding the leaves of absence hours after the reports first erupted through social media.

Regardless, the absences of these players especially Mythical 5 member Ricci, would continue to weaken a DLSU team that already lost two-time MVP Ben Mbala and one-time UAAP champion coach Aldin Ayo.

Ricci averaged around 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in a breakout Season 80 and was a key piece in the Archers’ hotly-contested Finals series against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Try <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShootMeBaby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShootMeBaby</a> fam and tag <a href="https://twitter.com/RicciRivero06?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RicciRivero06</a>  <a href="https://t.co/oDCurXIQQC">pic.twitter.com/oDCurXIQQC</a></p>&mdash; Official RicciSquad (@riccisquad) <a href="https://twitter.com/riccisquad/status/959777578448924672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank You <a href="https://twitter.com/Dyndean?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dyndean</a> for buying <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShootMeBaby?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShootMeBaby</a>  Guys try it - order now in Lazada  <a href="https://t.co/znn8gmprQV">https://t.co/znn8gmprQV</a></p>&mdash; Ricci Rivero (@RicciRivero06) <a href="https://twitter.com/RicciRivero06/status/959748248192794624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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With UAAP basketball out of their minds for the time being, the trio has started to advertise a startup brand of hot sauce called “Shoot Me Baby” on Twitter. – with reports from Beatrice Go/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Rising junior tennis star Alex Eala was awarded a wild card to participate in the 2018 Roland Garros Junior French Championships to be held on May 21 to June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. 

International Tennis Federation (ITF) board member and Fédération Française de Tennis (FF Tennis) President Bernard Giudicelli said in a Facebook post that he was impressed by Eala's performance against Czech player Linda Noskova and thus will be given a wildcard to compete in the 2018 Girls Single of the Roland Garros qualifiers. 

"I spent last Sunday in Tarbes Les Petits As final watching Alex Eala winning a fantastic match," read the post. " So I decided to reward Alex and Linda a wild card for qualies of the Girls Single for Roland-Garros 2018." 

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Eala was the girls singles title holder of the recently concluded Les Petits As-Le Mondial Lacoste, where she rallied back from a one set deficit to defeat Noskova, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (5). Eala was unseeded during the competition and entered via a wildcard. 

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The 12-year-old Filipina teamed up with Belgian Sophia Costoulas in the doubles matches and eventually faced her for a spot in the singles quarter-finals. After securing a quarter-finals berth, Eala squared off against unseeded Japanese Kyoka Kubo and advanced to the semi-finals vs Hungarian 13th seed Katerina Dimitrova. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Don’t look now, but the once-belittled University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons now have 3 representatives in the Gilas 2023 pool, and one of them just committed this week.

Enter Will Gozum, the 6-foot-7 reigning NCAA Juniors MVP who was an integral part of the Mapua Red Robins’ Finals war against the College of St. Benilde-La Salle Greenhills. He now reunites with the Gomez de Liano brothers Juan and Javi, this time in the collegiate stage. 

It was this reunion possibility, Gozum said, that made him return to the school that once cut him as a high-schooler due to undisclosed reasons over the aggressive recruiting efforts of National University (NU) and the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

“Nung high school pa lang sinasabi na namin na balak talaga namin ay mag-champion talaga pag college – ‘yun talaga ‘yung plinano namin kaya babalik at babalik talaga,” he said in an interview after Gilas practice in the Meralco Gym on Monday, February 5.

(“Back in high school, we were already saying that it’s really our plan to become champions in college. That’s really what we have planned so I’m really bound to return.”)

He also had nothing but praises for the GDL brothers, both of whom are budding stars in a UP team now viewed as a strong Final 4 contender after failing to crack the playoffs for the last 21 years. Thirteen of the 23 Gilas prospects, including Juan GDL, Gozum and team captain Paul Desiderio, were either newly born or not even born yet at that time. 

“Sobrang bait niyang dalawang ‘yan,” he said. “Kahit nasa high school pa ako, sinusubaybayan nila ‘yung game ko. Kung pangit, pinapabawi nila ako. Kahit down ako, [ine-encourage] pa rin naman nila ako. Sila rin ‘yung dahilan kung bakit babalik ako sa UP.”

(“Those two are so kind. Even back in high school, there were supervising my game. If I had a bad game, they’d allow me to have a comeback. Even when I’m down, they still kept encouraging me. They’re part of the reason why I’m coming back to UP.”)

Gozum also said that playing with Juan in Gilas helped a lot in making him commit to State U.

Juan GDL, reigning UAAP Seniors Rookie of the Year, then revealed to reporters that NU was “super close” in nabbing the highly-touted Mapuan big man since he lived in the same alley in Espana, Manila with current NU head coach Jamike Jarin. Incidentally, UST is also in Espana, which would’ve made Gozum a constant target for recruitment pitches from both universities.

The younger GDL also said that Gozum’s return means taking care of unfinished business, as the trio of the GDL brothers and Gozum were unable to win a title for UP Integrated School during their time there.

“Our goal is really to give UP a championship,” Juan said, echoing Gozum’s earlier statement. “You know, just take it slowly, try to reach the Final 4 first and then take it one game at a time.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The 2018 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup returned for a double-header in the Pasig City Sports Complex, Tuesday, February 6.

First Game: CEU vs Che’lu-SSC

 The Centro Escolar University (CEU) Scorpions gave the Che’lu-SSC Revellers a stinging 105-88 loss in the opening game thanks to the strong performance of Rodrigue Ebondo. 

Ebondo left his imprints early on in the contest, scoring 10 first quarter points to help CEU gain the early advantage, 25-20. While he only scored a single point to close out the first half, his teammates picked up the slack to keep the Scorpions rolling over the Revellers. Judel Fuentes and Rich Guinitaran formed a fearsome perimeter tandem, draining three after three to lift CEU, 51-42, at halftime.

Then it was all Ebondo for the next two quarters. Aside from emphatically blocking anything that came his way, he did his best Kobe Bryant impression and easily made fadeaway mid-range jumpers over the Che’lu defenders. The Revellers tried to hang on but were unable to make key stops against Ebondo and the rest of the Scorpions.

Ebondo straight up dominated in his 31 minutes of action, nailing game-highs of 28 points, 23 rebounds and 8 huge rejections for the CEU win. Orlan Wamar led the supporting efforts with 18 points, 7 boards and 3 assists. On the other end, it was Kent Ilagan who led the way with 19 points and 4 rebounds. Allyn Bulanadi chipped in 13 points of his own in the loss.

Second Game: Akari-Adamson vs Go for Gold-CSB 

Akari-Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons weathered a late run by the Go for Gold-CSB and finished with a 98-92 victory.

The game appeared to be a no-contest early on, with the UAAP Final 4-contending Falcons soaring high above Go for Gold in the first quarter, 32-18, thanks to solid teamwork and white-hot shooting by Jonathan Espeleta. He scored 19 of his 24 points in the opening frame alone, outscoring the entire Go for Gold squad.

Edward Dixon broke out for CSB in the second with 8 points, but the team as a whole was unable to stop the Falcons from scoring and ended the half down 16, 56-40. The third quarter didn’t do Go for Gold any good either, as they were still down 14, 74-60. Frustrations clearly showed from the CSB side as Salem got into a heated scuffle with Michael Macion in front of the Akari bench during a loose ball situation with 2:57 left in the third. As a result, Adamson’s Papi Sarr and Tyrus Hill were both assessed technical fouls for leaving the bench in their attempts to stop the fight.

However, things would turn around for Go for Gold in the final frame, as the former National University (NU) standout tandem Jayjay Alejandro and Matt Salem finally showed up with their patented perimeter shooting, combining for 17 points in the quarter and helping Go for Gold get within 6 points all the way up from a 25-point deficit in the third. However, time was not on the side of their spirited rally as they ultimately ended up still losing their second game for the season. 

Despite going cold in the latter 3 quarters, Espeleta still led Akari with 24 points, followed by Sean Maganti with 14 of his own. Meanwhile, the late run by Alejandro and Salem placed them on top of Go for Gold’s scoring tally with 19 and 15 markers, respectively. 

The Scores

First Game:

CEU (105) – Ebondo 28, Wamar 18, Guinitaran 14, Fuentes 14, Aquino 8, Manlangit 6, Arim 6, Cruz 5, Cavallero 2, Intic 2, Saber 2

Che’lu-SSC (88) – Ilagan 19, Bulanadi 13, Faundo 12, Calisaan 11, De Leon 8, Valdez 5, Capobres 5, Batino 5, Jeruta 4, Costelo 2, David 2, Baetong 2, Santos 0

Quarter Scores: 25-20, 51-42, 79-67, 105-88

Second Game:

Akari-Adamson (98) – Espeleta 24, Maganti 14, Lojera 13, Lastimosa 12, Ahanmisi 11, Sarr 10, Catapusan 4, Buenaventura 3, Bernardo 2, Macion 2, Hill 2, Mojica 1, Camacho 0, Longalong 0

Go for Gold-CSB (92) – Alejandro 19, Salem 15, Dixon 12, Gutang 12, Casino 9, Leutcheu 6, Gaco 6, Domingo 6, Pasturan 3, Naboa 2, Pili 2, Young 0

Quarter Scores: 32-18, 56-40, 74-60, 98-92

STANDINGS (as of Feb. 6, 2018)

Zark’s-LPU 4-1

CEU 2-0

Akari-AdU 2-1

Gamboa-St. Clare 2-1

JRU 2-1

Perpetual 2-1

Wangs-Letran 2-1

Che’Lu-SSC 2-2

Marinerong Pilipino 2-2

Go For Gold-CSB 1-2

AMA 0-3

EAC 0-3

Mila’s Lechon 0-3

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – Colombia's Laura Gomez only took up speed skating 6 months ago for fun and last week was relaxing at home. Then came the sudden call to jet to the other side of the world for the Olympics.

It has been a rollercoaster 7 days for the 27-year-old, whose Pyeongchang Winter Games dream was realized so abruptly that she does not even have an official Olympic body suit or uniform in South Korea.  

"I am in shock now because I was only told last week," said Gomez, who along with team-mate Pedro Causil will claim a slice of history as they become the first Colombians to compete at speed skating at a Winter Games.

"To be in Korea is a super surprise, I don't know how I am here," said Gomez.

"I started (speed skating) in July and it was for fun – and now I am in the Olympic Games."

Gomez, who is actually a roller-skating specialist and has represented Colombia in the sport, was on the reserve list for speed skating until a place became available in the fall-out of the Russian doping scandal.

She said the bracing weather in Pyeongchang – where temperatures have dipped to -20°C (-4°F) – had come as another shock.

"It is cold, it is horrible because we are used to the summer all the time," said Gomez. "But this is the real winter and we are at the Winter Olympics."

"I am super happy." – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Wetter winters and coastal erosion linked to climate change are threatening the future of golf, a report backed by governing body the R&A warned on Wednesday, February 7.

Golf is facing an increase in unplayable holes, winter course closures and disruption to professional tournaments due to increased rainfall, while rising sea levels could jeopardize all the world's coastal courses by 2100.

Cricket is also facing "disruption at every level" of the game as a result of wetter winters and more intense summer downpours driven by climate change, said the report from Britain's Climate Coalition, which includes 130 organizations.

Football is also affected, particularly at grassroots level, by adverse weather, while the Scottish skiing industry could collapse within 50 years as winters become too mild for regular snowfall.

Extreme weather is made worse by climate change, causing more golf course closures, while wetter, warmer autumns and winters cause damage and disease to grass and greens, the report said.

In the Greater Glasgow area alone there was a 20 percent reduction in playing time on golf courses in 2016/2017 compared with 2006/2007.

And one in six Scottish golf courses are on the coast, where they are at risk of erosion due to rising sea levels, caused by melting glaciers and oceans expanding as they warm, and more intense storms.

Montrose Golf Links, one of the oldest courses in the world, has seen the North Sea advance 70 meters towards the course in the last 30 years, forcing some holes to be realigned and some abandoned.

Steve Isaac, director of golf course management at the R&A, said: "There is no question it is becoming a huge factor. I believe golf is more impacted by climate change than any other sport aside from skiing.

"We are feeling it now with increases in unplayable holes, winter course closures and disruption to professional tournaments. And the future threats are very real."

Professor Piers Forster, director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate at the University of Leeds, said Britain had seen six of the seven wettest years on record since 2000 and record-breaking wet winters in 2014 and 2015.

"That, combined with rising sea levels and increased storm surges, means that climate change is already affecting the historic game of golf in its birthplace," he said.

"Without cutting the carbon emissions driving climate change, sea levels will rise by over a metre and extremely wet winters will become the norm," he warned. – Rappler.com

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea – There is a grey door at the Pyeongchang Winter Games media center with a sign reading "Olympic Athletes from Russia", but it is rarely open and inside there are no Russian flags or colors. 

It is a fitting metaphor for the country's participation in South Korea, where the Russian team is suspended over a doping scandal but 167 of its competitors deemed to be drug-free will take part as "Olympic Athletes from Russia".

Despite officially not competing in the Games, Russia, along with North Korea, has dominated debate in the lead-up to Friday's (February 9) opening ceremony.

Russia was suspended from the Games in December over its systemic doping program, fined $15 million and its former sports minister, Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, was banned for life.

Nevertheless, Russians will still make up one of the largest contingents in Pyeongchang, albeit under a neutral flag – which means standing to the Olympic anthem if they win gold, and a strict absence of Russian colors.

Under stringent conditions imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), no white-blue-red Russian tricolors can flutter anywhere in public – not even from apartments in the athletes' village.

Even if a spectator hands them a Russian flag, they must refuse it. Competitors can hang Russian flags on their bedroom walls, as long as they are out of general sight.

Other rules govern what the Russian competitors can wear, even when training or in casual gear.

For instance, they are not allowed to wear any combination of clothing that would create the Russian tricolour – for example white T-shirt, blue trousers and red footwear.

Their social media will be monitored to make sure they call themselves "Olympic Athlete from Russia" or "OAR".

The Russians do, however, have a strong incentive to comply with the rules: the IOC is considering lifting Russia's suspension in time for the closing ceremony on February 25.

How did we get here?

It is all a far cry from 4 years ago, when Russia hosted the Sochi Winter Olympics and the country soared to the top of the medals table.

For Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had staked his personal reputation on the Games, and the country's 144 million people, it was an immensely proud moment.

But it is that Olympics which helped propel Russia to where they are today at the Olympics: banned and marginalized, a pariah.  

Central to blowing the lid on widespread doping across Russian sport was whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Russia's anti-doping lab.

Rodchenkov, who alleged that Putin personally ordered the doping program, fled to the United States in 2016 in fear of his life. Putin later ridiculed his claims and called him "an idiot".

That same year, a bombshell report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accused Moscow of widespread state-sponsored doping that reached its climax at Sochi.

There, said the report, Russian secret agents were part of an elaborate plot to help the country's athletes cheat their way to gold.

The nefarious scheme included swapping tainted urine samples for clean ones using a "mousehole" in the Sochi laboratory wall.

Russia's track and field athletes were consequently banned from the 2016 Rio Olympics and the whole team was barred from the Paralympics. They remain suspended from the Pyeongchang Paralympics.

What has Russia said?

Moscow officials have been united in their fury against Russia's continued isolation at the highest level of sport.

There was a rare piece of good news last week when the top court for sport, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), overturned life bans meted out by the IOC to 28 Russian athletes and staff over doping.

But torpedoing any hopes of a late entry to Pyeongchang, the IOC – who were stunned by the CAS ruling – on Monday said 15 of the 28 would not be invited to South Korea.

The rest of the 28 have either retired or are unavailable for undisclosed reasons.

That provoked a furious response from Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who branded it "a shameful decision".

"This decision is unfair, unlawful, amoral and politically charged," he wrote on Facebook, asserting that "its goal is to do political damage to Russia".

What comes next?

The number of Russians at Pyeongchang currently stands at 167 "clean" athletes, but on Tuesday CAS said that Korean-born speed skater Victor An and 31 other Russian athletes had launched a last-ditch appeal against their suspensions.

The Russians – including officials and coaches – at the Winter Olympics will be closely watched by the IOC to ensure they stick to the rules as neutrals.

An observer group will report back on the final day of the Games to the IOC Executive Board, which could then lift – or partially lift – the suspension of the dope-tainted Russian Olympic Committee.

If that is the case, the Russian flag will flutter once more, during the closing ceremony on February 25. 

And, presumably, the grey office door will be marked "Russia" rather than "Olympic Athletes from Russia". – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Univeristy of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses were the first to make a sweep in UAAP Season 80 Women's Volleyball by defeating the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, on Wednesday, February 7 at the Filoil Flying V Arena. 

In a similar fashion as their opening game vs the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, the Lady Warriors challenged the Tigresses in the 3rd set in hopes of preventing the impending sweep. UE managed to breakaway from the stalemate early in the set by finishing up by two points by the first technical timeout (8-6). 

Back-to-back errors from UE capped off by Seth Rodriguez' wide crosscourt shot saw the score brought to a tie, 12-12. Sisi Rondina's heroics helped UST escape the deadlock and closed the game with a spike in the middle. 

Rondina scored a total of 20 points off 19 attacks and 1 block to lead the Tigresses to their first win of the season. 

Mary Ann Mendrez led the Lady Warriors with 10 points, followed by Judith Abil with 9 points. 

The Tigresses cruised through first set as they finished up by 7 points by the second technical timeout (16-9). Back-to-back errors from UST gave free points to UE that cut the lead to 6 (11-17).

Rondina caught fire in the game as she answered back with 3 straight points that stretched the lead to 10 (22-12.) A service error by  Mendrez surrendered the first set to UST, 25-17.

The Tigresses continuted their momentum into the second set and got off to a 11-point lead, punctuated by Rondina’s 3 unanswered points and Boom Pacres’ two straight service aces (16-5) The Tigresses were derailed from finishing the set easily as the game went into back-and-forth action until Mendrez’ attack went straight to the net, 25-15. 

The UST Tigresses improved to a 1-1 record, while the UE Lady Warriors fell to 0-2.

The Scores:

UST (75) – Rondina 20, Pacres 8, Francisco 7, Alessandrini 6, Palec 5, Bicar 2, Viray 1.

UE (53) – Mendrez 10, Abil 9, Rodriguez 4, Olarve 4, Sta. Maria 4, Adorador 2, Baliton 2, Bendong 1, Manabat 1. 

Set Scores: 25-17, 25-15, 25-21.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs frustrated the late comeback of the Ateneo Lady Eagles in 5 sets, 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 12-25, 15-7 on Wednesday, February 7 at the Filioil Flying V Arena. 

The Lady Bulldogs were on their way to sweep the match, but the Lady Eagles took the next two sets that extended the match to a deciding set. NU recovered from their poor defense and ended the match with 3 straight service aces by Jasmine Nabor. 

Ateneo failed to end its losing skid against NU – the team which eliminated them in the Premier Volleyball League. 

Jaja Santiago led the Lady Bulldogs with 26 points off 20 attacks, 4 blocks and two aces. Nabor followed with 11 points which included 7 aces while making 29 excellent sets.

Jhoana Maraguinot led in scoring for the Lady Eagles with 16 points, followed by Kat Tolentino and Ponggay Gaston who scored double digits of 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs took control of the first set and went as far as limiting the Lady Eagles with 7 unanswered points (17-10). Errors by NU allowed the Lady Eagles to rally back as Ponggay Gaston made a crucial block and service ace to cut the deficit to just 3 points, 20-17. Jorelle Singh closed the set for NU with a service ace, 25-19. 

The Lady Eagles attempted to turn back NU in the second set as they went on a 4-0 scoring run that stretched the lead to 6 points, 15-9. NU answered back with 7 straight points that took back the lead after Ateneo made a reception error, 16-15.

Misery continued to spell for Ateneo after Gaston’s crosscourt shot tied the score at 16-all. The defense of the Katipunan-based squad collapsed as Jaja Santiago led the scoring to bring the score up by 5, 22-17. An attack error from Jules Samonte followed by a Doria ace marked NU’s 2-0 lead in the game.

While on the verge of making the second sweep of the day, the Lady Bulldogs fumbled in the 3rd set, committing 3 straight errors while Ateneo gained momentum in their offense, 8-3. The Lady Eagles brought the lead up to 8 points punctuated by Kat Tolentino’s back-to-back aces, 13-6.

The Lady Eagles capitalized on their renewed offense as a Maraguinot attack brought Ateneo to their first set point of the match, 24-17. NU rallied back with 3 straight points until a check from Maraguinot prevented an NU sweep, 25-20.

Ateneo rode on their 3rd set momentum to lead the Lady Bulldogs by 10 points, 15-5, as NU struggled witht their defense. The Lady Eagles pulled away with a massive advantage with 4 service aces while the Lady Bulldogs suffered 9 unforced errors.

The Scores:

NU (97) – Santiago 26, Nabor 11, Sato 8, Doria 7, Paran 7, Singh 5, Urdas 3.

Ateneo (95) – Maraguinot 16, Tolentino 12, Gaston 10, De Leon 7, Madayag 6, Wong 3, Samonte 3.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Juniors basketball tournament enters the home stretch in another quadruple-header in at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym, Wednesday, February 7.

First Game: NU vs Adamson

The morning opened with the second-seeded Nazareth School of National University (NU) Bullpups dealing a big blow to the Adamson University (AdU) Baby Falcons’ Final 4 aspirations with a 73-62 victory.

NU’s second quarter turned out to be the difference-maker in the game, as the Bullpups outscored the Falcons, 21-11. While Paul Manalang’s scoring was largely absent – scoring only 2 points in 32 minutes, it was NU’s bench who stepped up big in his stead.

 In 21 minutes apiece off the bench, Winderich Coyoca and Michael Malonzo scored 14 and 13 points, respectively. Malonzo also nailed a double-double with a game-high 14 rebounds. Two other Bullpups also recorded double-doubles, with MVP candidate Rhayyan Amsali having an 11-point, 10-board outing and RJ Minerva tallying an 11-point, 12-rebound performance. Jose Sabandal led the losing effort on the other end with a game-high 22 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The Doria brothers Adam and Andrey combined for 24 points, but only shot 10/24 for the game.

Second Game: FEU vs UPIS

The second game saw the Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU) Baby Tamaraws escape their second crucial nail-biter in a row over the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Fighting Maroons, 65-56.

Despite languishing in the lower part of the standings, the Maroons brought the fight to the defending champions, and even tied the game late in the fourth quarter, 51-all. However, it was the veteran play of reigning Finals MVP LJ Gonzales and Daniel Celso that clinched the game for the contending Tamaraws. A 14-5 run was more than enough to seal the deal and move FEU back up to solo third place heading to their last regular season outing against fellow contender UST.

Gonzales led the Baby Tams with 21 points and 4 assists. Celso turned in 10 points and 11 boards while Rei Tolentino channeled his inner Dennis Rodman with 8 points and a game-high 21 rebounds (10 offensive). Usual suspects Matt Santiago, Ralph Labao and Jaggie Gregorio led the UPIS rally, combining for 43 of the Maroons’ 56 points. Joelo Tupaz had a stellar rebounding effort with 16 boards to go along with 8 points.

Third Game: ADMU vs UE 

Third on the slate was a blowout dealt by the undefeated Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eaglets to the cellar-dwelling University of the East (UE) Junior Warriors, 101-74.

The one-win Warriors surprisingly started out swinging against the formidable Eaglets, only trailing by 5 after the first quarter, 27-22. However, UE center Andrei Dulalia suffered a broken tooth early in the second after an inadvertent elbow from one of the Eaglets and would not return. Without their primary post defender, the Warriors opened the floodgates for the imminent rally by the Eaglets. Sure enough, Ateneo immediately launched a 15-4 attack that highlighted their 38-point second quarter. At the half, the Eaglets already led by 65-38 and just ran their bench for much of the second half, where they led by as many as 38.

 Six Eaglets scored in double figures, led by SJ Belangel’s 16 points in 21 minutes. Dave Ildefonso and Jason Credo each chipped in 15 while Kai Sotto had 13 points and 8 rebounds in the easy win. Agem Miranda led the way for UE with 20 points, 7 boards and 4 assists. Genesis Vinte nailed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Fourth Game: DLSZ vs UST

It was a game of runs for much of the first quarter, as the Archers shot out to a 9-0 response run after the Cubs opened the game up 8-0. DLSZ would go on to carry that momentum towards a 15-5 run, ending the period with a 15-13 lead. 

Things went from bad to ugly for the contending Cubs in the second quarter, as frontrunner MVP candidate CJ Cansino was warned for taunting and called for his third foul (unsportsmanlike) on top of his offensive struggles. And for UST, it’s never a good thing when their lone star struggles, as they quickly trailed by as many as 11 points to the lowly Archers before ending the half with an 8-point deficit, 37-29.

 The Archers kept on rolling entering the second half, with another 12-4 run to open up a huge 16-point lead. However, UST finally made stops defense and finished the third period with a 12-0 run to trim the DLSZ lead to 3, 60-57.

The Cubs used this newfound momentum entering the final frame, with Cansino successfully tying the game at 62-all. DLSZ bust out on a 7-0 run but UST closed the gap right back. However, with less than two minutes left in regulation, DLSZ’s Chris Calimag was left open for an easy layup and Prince Carlos nailed a triple and a long stepback two in consecutive possessions to put the Archers up 8, 84-76. The late run was enough for the Archers to hold on and complete the upset. Meanwhile, UST was unable to take advantage of Adamson’s earlier loss and remains tied with them at 6-7 for the last Final 4 spot. 

Calimag led the upset efforts for DLSZ with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Carlos followed suit with 17 points and 3/4 triples. However, it was big man Raven Cortez who was arguably the player of the game with a near-triple-double of 15 points, 17 rebounds and 7 huge blocks, including a key rejection on a Cansino trey that would’ve closed the gap to a single possession with less than 30 seconds remaining. Speaking of Cansino, he eventually led UST again with a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. Jezreel Villapando tied him with 16 points of his own and 3 key triples that almost completed the comeback for the Cubs. 

The Scores

First Game:

NU (73) – Coyoca 14, Malonzo 13, Amsali 11, Minerva 11, Oczon 8, Gonzales 6, Fortea 4, Javillonar 4, Manalang 2, Pangilinan 0, Pradella 0

AdU (62) – Sabandal 22, Doria, Ad. 14, Doria, An. 10, Canoy 6, Manlapaz 4, Hanapi 2, Santos 2, Prodigo 2, Engbino 0, Padilla 0

Second Game:

FEU (65) – Gonzales 21, Celso 10, Torres 9, Tolentino 8, Bautista 5, Alforque 4, Abarrientos 2, Ona 2, Boc 2, Armendez 2, Sajonia 0, Mariano 0

UPIS (56) – Santiago 17, Labao, Ral. 14, Gregoria 12, Tupaz 8, Vergeire 3, Labao, Raf. 2, Estrera 0, Gomez de Liano 0, Villa-Real 0

Third Game:

ADMU (101) – Belangel 16, Ildefonso 15, Credo 15, Sotto 13, Angeles 11, Escalona 10, Manuel 8, Chiu 5, Lopa 2, Gusi 2, Jaymalin 2, Santos 2, David 0, Diaz 0, Tanedo 0, Ong 0

UE (74) – Miranda 20, Vinte 14, Dichoso 11, Policarpio 10, Angeles 6, Lopez 6, Dulalia 4, Tajonera 3, Villarta 0, Almacen 0, Santos 0

Fourth Game:

DLSZ (86) – Calimag 19, Carlos 17, Cortez 15, Santos 13, Consejo 7, Escandor 5, Vesagas 4, Favis 2, Damiles 2, Pascual 2, Chavez 0, Terrado 0, Udal 0

UST (79) – Cansino 16, Villapando 16, Baquial 9, Relucio 7, Lina 7, Manabat 5, Anunciacion 5, Narvasa 5, Dolendo 4, Estrella 2, Palencia 1, Benzonan 0

Season 80 Standings (as of Feb. 7, 2018)

ADMU 13-0

NU 11-2

FEU-D 8-5

UST 6-7

AdU 6-7

DLSZ 4-9

UPIS 3-10

UE 1-12

 – Rappler.com

(UPDATED) MANILA, Philippines – Doug Kramer scored only 8 points but made the biggest shot of the game as the Phoenix Fuel Masters complete a come-from-behind 74-72 win over the TNT KaTropa in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday, February 7.

The game was tied at 72-all before Kramer buried a floater over the outstretched arms of Anthony Semerad with 3 ticks left in the game to put Phoenix ahead, 74-72.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DougKramer44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DougKramer44</a> wins it for the <a href="https://twitter.com/phx_fuelmasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@phx_fuelmasters</a> with three seconds to go!<br><br>***<br>For more PBA content, visit <a href="https://t.co/ZIJiUnP27x">https://t.co/ZIJiUnP27x</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBAonESPN5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBAonESPN5</a> <a href="https://t.co/CHCrC33vb3">pic.twitter.com/CHCrC33vb3</a></p>&mdash; ESPN5 (@Sports5PH) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sports5PH/status/961199417356242944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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TNT had enough time to put up a game-tying shot but Kramer, who also had 7 rebounds and two assists, did enough to bother Kelly Williams, who flubbed his last-second attempt. 

The KaTropa greatly missed the services of Troy Rosario, who suffered a scary fall early in the 4th quarter, in the crucial stretches of the game. Rosario hit his chin on the floor with still 11:36 minutes left after landing on Jason Perkins. He had to be carried off the court on a stretcher.

Matthew Wright paced the Fuel Masters with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and two assists. He hit a triple with 44 seconds remaining to tie the game at 72-all before providing the pivotal dish for the Kramer game winner. 

"Originally, same play 'yun sa previous play ni Matt na 3 points. But I told Matt na, 'They will stay home on you so you have to read kung anong depensa.' Biniblitz kasi siya eh. So good thing pagblitz sa kanya, pick and pop. Good play by Matt," said Phoenix head coach Louie Alas.

(Originally, it was the same play for the previous 3-pointer by Matt. But I told Matt that they will stay home on him so he has to read the defense. They were blitzing him. So good thing is when they blitzed him, he went with the pick and pop. Good play by Matt.) 

TNT had the upper hand for most of the game, leading for almost 43 minutes and as much as 13 points, until the Fuel Masters managed to take the driver’s seat late off a Jason Perkins bucket with 3:27 minutes left, 68-68.

Phoenix outscored TNT 18-11 in the 4th period. 

Jeff Chan had 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the win while Gelo Alolino chipped in 10 points and 5 boards. 

Semerad had 12 points to anchor the KaTropa but was scoreless in the final two quarters. Roger Pogoy, who was the only other TNT player to breach double figures, added 10 points, 6 boards and two steals. 

Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams finished with 9 and 8 points, respectively, on a combined 6-of-21 shooting in the loss. 

Both teams carry identical 4-4 win-loss cards. 

The Scores: 

Phoenix (74): Wright 16, Chan 11, Alolino 10, Perkins 8, Kramer 8, Wilson 8, Jazul 5, Chua 4, Mendoza 4, Revilla 0, Intal 0, Eriobu 0, Cortes 0, Dehesa 0

TNT (72): Semerad 12, Pogoy 10, Tautuaa 9, Castro 9, Williams 8, Reyes 5, Tamsi 5, Carey 4, Rosario 4, Garcia 3, Torres 3 

Quarter scores: 20-24, 30-40, 56-61, 74-72 .  

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs were leading 2-0 into match – taking two sets from Ateneo with a scoreline of 25-19 apiece – on Wednesday, February 7. 

The Ateneo Lady Eagles were on the verge of getting swept, but NU's errors in the 3rd set provided the momentum the Lady Eagles needed to rally back from a two-set deficit and extend the match to a 5th set. 

The 5-set thriller could be anyone's game at this point. The Lady Bulldogs immediately shifted the momentum back to them, making 8 straight points to close out the game – including Jasmine Nabor's 3 straight service aces. 

Despite being only a first year coach of the Lady Bulldogs, Babes Castillo already traced the lackluster performance back to the "old behavior" of the Lady Bulldogs. The 5th set all boiled down to the girls' character of affirming their mistakes, but moving on with a positive outlook to the game. 

"They trusted each other as one character I saw. I’ve seen this group of ladies before, 3 years ago, 4 years ago ang normal na ginagawa nila kapag ganyan (tambak na) they don’t affirm and confirm each other. Kanina hindi eh, smile lang," said Castillo. 

(They trusted each other as one character I saw. I've seen this group of ladies before, 3 years ago, 4 years ago and it's normal that if they're losing big, they don't affirm and confrim each other. But a while ago it wasn't like that, they smiled at each other)

"Kanina ipinakita nila na (A while ago, they showed that) sometimes when you lose that’s when you win and I think that’s what happened in the 3rd and 4th sets eh." 

Castillo also gave credit to team captain Jaja Santiago for lifting the spirits of Jasmine Nabor in the 3rd and 4th set. Nabor tallied a total of 11 points with 7 coming from service aces. 

"Si Jaja ang unsung hero kanina. Si Jasmine made all the points but si Jaja ‘yung nagbibigay ng stability kay Jasmine," said Castillo.

(Jaja was the unsung hero a while ago. Jasmine made all the points, but Jaja was the one who gave stability to Jasmine.) 

Santiago almost breached her career high in the game as she led the Bulldogs with 26 points off 20 attacks, 4 blocks and 2 aces. The team captain is settling into her position well by being a positive influence to the rest of the other 10 players in the team. 

"Well so far nag-eenjoy ako sa ladies lalo na kay Jaja because siya 'yung leader ng team. Si Jasmine nakikinig sa kanya [as long as] si Jaja ganyan ka positive, ganyan ka aggressive."

(Well so far, the ladies are enjoying because Jaja is the leader of the team. Jasmine listens to her, [as long as] Jaja is that positive and that aggressive.)

The NU Lady Bulldogs will face the University of the East Lady Warriors on Sunday, February 11 at the Filoil Flying V Arena. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Everything went right for Matthew Wright on his birthday.

The Filipino-Canadian, who turned 27 on Wednesday, February 7, capped his special day with a historic win as the Phoenix Fuel Masters took down the TNT KaTropa for the first time in franchise history, 74-72.

Wright finished with 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting, 5 rebounds, 3 steals and two assists and made the biggest plays down the stretch to keep the Fuel Masters relevant in the playoff race with their  4-4 card. 

“It's the only thing I wanted, man. I just wanted to win today. It was a big game, really important for both teams,” said Wright. “We were down all game but they let the door open. We're just lucky to capitalize on some mistakes.”

Phoenix got buried by as much as 14 points and trailed for most of the game before coming to life in the 4^th period.

The Fuel Masters were behind by 3 points late in the game until Wright buried a triple with 44 seconds left to tie the count at 72-all. He then set up a pick-and-pop play that attracted two TNT defenders, leaving teammate Doug Kramer free to knock down the game-winning floater with 3 seconds remaining.

Fortunately, Wright is familiar with how TNT deputy Josh Reyes would draw a defensive scheme against him as they were both part of the current Gilas Pilipinas squad.

“I knew that they're going to double. I know Coach Josh. I know the scheme that they're trying to do. They're not going to let me get off a good shot. I knew right when I touched the ball, when I came off that screen, that I was going to be met with either Kelly or Mo,” said Wright.

“So it was just a matter of Doug positioning himself in the right spot, and a matter of me just making a good pass. It just happened very instinctively.”

Wright and Co. eye to win their last 4 games as the PBA enters the homestretch of the elimination round. Phoenix will face the Meralco Bolts on February 14 in a Valentine's Day showdown at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra vented its ire from its latest loss with a complete obliteration of the Kia Picanto, 103-77, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday, February 7.

Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double in the win, turning in 12 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal while all other Ginebra starters finished in double figures.

Greg Slaughter had 14 points and 8 rebounds, Japeth Aguilar had 13 points and 7 rebounds while LA Tenorio and Kevin Ferrer chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively, for Ginebra.

The Gin Kings held a slim 25-24 first quarter lead before pulling away for good as they outscored the Picanto 53-28 in the middle periods, 78-52. 

Ginebra kept its foot on the pedal, leading by as much as 29 points in the 4^th period, 82-53, thanks to its seldom-used guys Paolo Taha and Jett Manuel, who scored all of their combined 16 points in the final frame alone.

"It's been such a struggle for us this conference. It's nice to be able to get a win. We played a complete game and we’re able to pull away. It was really a struggle for us but it might be the game that helps us turn around," Ginebra head coach Tim Cone. 

It was just Gin Kings’ night as they shot 49.5 percent from the field compared to the Picanto’s 34.2 percent. Ginebra also tallied 15 more rebounds (57-42) and 20 more assists (30-10) as Kia never had a taste of the lead throughout.

Ginebra improved to 4-4 to tie the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the TNT KaTropa at the middle of the standings.

Rashawn McCarthy paced the Picanto with 15 points and 6 rebounds while Ronald Tubid was the only other Kia player in double digits with 13 points. 

The Picanto remained at the bottom of the league with a 1-7 card as they absorbed their 3rd straight loss. 

The Scores:

Ginebra (103): Slaughter 14, Tenorio 13, J. Aguilar 13, Thompson 12, Ferrer 10, Taha 8, Manuel 8, Caperal 6, R. Aguilar 6, Mercado 4, Cruz 4, Jamito 3, Caguioa 2, Wilson 0

Kia (77): McCarthy 15, Tubid 13, Corpuz 9, Reyes 8, Jamon 5, Camson 4, Sara 4, Escoto 4, Khobuntin 4, Yee 4, Lastimosa 3, Ababou 2, Galanza 2, Celda 0, Gabriel 0

Quarter scores: 25-24, 53-34, 78-52, 103-77 . 

– Rappler.com