NEW YORK, USA – World number one Serena Williams stayed on course for the first calendar Grand Slam since 1988, advancing to the US Open semi-finals Tuesday by defeating older sister Venus Williams 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.

Three-time defending champion Serena reached a Thursday semi-final against Italy's 43rd-ranked Roberta Vinci, who eliminated France's 40th-ranked Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

Serena, who holds all 4 major trophies, moved two wins from completing the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf 27 years ago and matching Graf's career Open Era record of 22 singles titles, two shy of Australian Margaret Court's all-time mark.

Playing at a high level throughout, the sisters staged a classic at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was jam-packed with fans and celebrities, including US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and TV mogul Oprah Winfrey.

"This is a big moment for Venus and I," Serena said. "Very competitive. We were just trying to give each other a great match."

Serena fired 35 winners with 22 unforced errors with 12 aces, the last coming on match point. Venus had 24 winners, 15 unforced errors and eight aces.

Three-time defending champion Serena, the younger sister by two years at 33, improved to 53-2 on the season and took a 16-11 edge in the sibling rivalry, including an 9-5 advantage in Grand Slam meetings and a 3-2 lead in US Open results.

Serena, seeking an Open Era record seventh US Open crown overall, is on a 33-match Grand Slam win streak and a 26-match US Open win streak, her last loss on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts coming to Samantha Stosur in the 2011 final.

Venus, on her deepest US Open run in 5 years, was seen as one of the big threats to spoil Serena's historic run. 

Venus, seeded 23rd, sought her third US Open crown after 2000 and 2001 to add to a Slam trophy haul that also includes 5 Wimbledon titles, the most recent in 2008.

Serena on Venus: Toughest player

"She's the toughest player I've ever played in my life and the best person I know," Serena said of Venus. 

"It's going against your best friend and the best competitor in women's tennis.

"When I'm playing her, I don't think of her as my sister. When you're in the moment, you dont really think about it. For us, it's a really great honor."

In the third set, Serena fired a backhand winner to break Venus, fought off a break point to hold for a 3-0 edge, and held serve to the end of the 98-minute spectacle.

"Just holding serve in the third set was all I could do," Serena said. "She was blasting so hard. She had so much power. It wasn't easy at all."

Serena is 4-0 in her career against Vinci, 32, who reached her first Grand Slam semi-final in her 44th Slam start.

"Amazing moment for me. It's unbelievable," Vinci said. "First semi-final in my career. I'm so happy, I don't have words to say."

The Serena-Venus rivalry, born on concrete courts in rough neighborhoods of 1980s suburban Los Angeles, is the second-most contested at Grand Slam events in the Open Era, their 14 meetings second only to the 22 between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert.

Serena had won 6 of their prior 7 meetings, the most recent two months ago at Wimbledon, while Venus won their most recent prior hardcourt match 13 months ago at a Montreal semi-final.

'Big pressure'

"It's a big pressure," Serena coach Patrick Mouratoglou said of his pupil facing Venus. "But it's the pressure that helps you lift your level."

The Williamses tested each other emotionally and with some of the best skills in tennis.

Venus saved a break point and held serve in the opening game and both players followed with impressive shotmaking. 

Serena broke in the fifth game with a forehand winner and the seventh when Venus sent a forehand long, then held at love to claim the first set after 33 minutes.

Serena double faulted to surrender her first break, giving Venus a 3-1 lead. Venus held at love, broke again and held when Serena netted a forehand to force a third set, the 11th Serena faced in her calendar Slam run.

Serena could become the oldest Grand Slam champion by capturing her 70th overall career title on Saturday.

Venus was the oldest quarter-finalist at any Slam since Navratilova in 1994 at Wimbledon at age 37. She's the second-oldest quarter-finalist at the US Open in the Open Era (since 1968), about 6 months younger than Billie Jean King in 1979. – Jim Slater, AFP/ Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Here are some thoughts following the Azkals' defeat to Uzbekistan.

Injuries were a factor in Thomas Dooley's big personnel call at the back, which did not prosper. The coach had a bunch of experienced defenders in sick bay on Tuesday. Rob Gier is recovering from meniscus tear surgery. Simone Rota is out with cracked ribs. And Juani Guirado tweaked something in the warmups before the Maldives friendly (which he was originally supposed to start in), and apparently was not fit to start on Tuesday.

I wondered aloud in my last article if Luke Woodland, who just planed in from a trial with Red Bull New York on Sunday, would be an option at centerback. In hindsight, perhaps Dooley could have gone with Jerry Lucena in the middle and maybe slide Aguinaldo or Kevin Ingreso to right back, or perhaps even start Stephan Schrock on the flank. Instead, the coach played Woodland out of position in the middle after only two training sessions with the team, and after flying in from 12 time zones away. Woodland is primarily a midfielder.

It's difficult to pillory Dooley for this. For all we know, had we gone with someone else, the result could have been the same or even worse. The coach deserves some of benefit of the doubt. But the halftime switch – Aguinaldo for Woodland – spoke volumes. Coaches almost never sub out central defenders unless there is an injury. Woodland misjudged the high ball on the third goal by Sardor Rashidov.

The omission of Stephan Schrock from the starting lineup was the surprise of the evening. In my experience, when a coach leaves out a very good player from the starting 11, 90% of the time it is because of a fitness issue. Maybe Schrock was carrying something, but he didn't look it in the second half.

Coaches at times overthink things. Perhaps Dooley was guilty of that. Or perhaps there is more than meets the eye with the decision. We don't know; Dooley has the best view. All we know is that Schrock is a game-changer who arguably plays at a higher level with his club than anyone else on the team. His cheeky, opportunistic, free kick goal was a welcome counterbalance to a dreary night for Filipino fans.

As long as he is healthy, Schrock should be a starter. We will never know how things might have gone if he played a full 90.

What now for the 3-4-3 formation? Tuesday's game followed the script from last year's Suzuki Cup group stage. Back in December, the Azkals won stylishly against Laos and Indonesia. Needing just a point in the last group game against the Vietnamese in Hanoi to seal top spot in the group, Dooley stood on the throttle and went for the jugular with an expansive game plan. The result? The home team was 3-0 up by the 58^th minute. A goal by Paul Mulders at the hour mark was our only reply and we finished second in the group and thus played Thailand, not Malaysia, in the semifinals.

On Tuesday, history repeated itself. Fresh from two startling wins against Bahrain and Yemen, the team was riding high and once again trotted out a 3-4-3 against the mighty Uzbeks, only to get mowed down.

A 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation (it is supposed to be 5-3-2 on defense), is rare in football. Perhaps we can see why. Dooley faces a tough call in October. Does he stick to his guns with his scheme or revert back to a more conventional 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2?

Also, is playing Phil Younghusband so deep in the center of the park a good idea? He was beaten on the first goal. Perhaps Phil needs to go higher up where he can do what he does best – create and score goals – instead of having to track down on defense, which is not his specialty.

Uzbekistan woke up. This team fell behind 4-0 at the half in Pyongyang before losing 4-2 , then only managed a 1-0 win versus Yemen at home. The Philippines could sniff some blood going into this game. But at last, Uzbekistan played like the Pot One team in Group H. The ferocity and accuracy of their strikes on goal was a sight to behold.

I can only blame Neil Etheridge for the first goal that slithered through his legs. In fairness to Neil, the ball used last night, the Molten Vantaggio, is very smooth and shiny, unlike the Nike and Adidas balls that are rougher and less slippery. The Vantaggio is a good ball that has that FIFA “A” stamp, but it is a nightmare for keepers on moist evenings.

Etheridge is off the hook for the other goals. Each of them was brilliant, especially Rashidov's late curler that the Walsall netminder could only get fingertips to but not keep out.

The ability to score from outside the box is something every team needs. Uzbekistan showed us the value of that on Tuesday night.

There is now added pressure to get points in October. The Azkals now must find a way to scrape together at least a point against Korea DPR on October 8, then a draw or a win in Bahrain 5 days later. The qualifying campaign is now teetering on a precipice as we are third in the group now, level with Uzbekistan on points but adrift of them in goal difference. Remember only the top team makes it to the next round for sure, and only the 4 best second-placers progress.

Is having all of our home games in the Philippine Sports Stadium a good idea? I say no. The announced attendance last night was 7500, about a 1000-spectator improvement over the June game against Bahrain. That's decent, but in my opinion, had the game been played in Rizal Memorial, it would have been an easy sellout.

The only reason for playing in PSS is that it's new and it has a nice grass field. The larger capacity is moot and academic, since we cannot even pack it for a game of this importance.

Yes, players like playing on grass. It's easier on the joints and over a long season, is better for the health of professional players. But most of these Azkals play on the Rizal Memorial carpet every week. One more game there is not going to kill them.

Yes, Rizal Memorial is grungy and badly in need of renovations, from the dressing rooms to the lights to the bleachers. But at the end of the day, since it's a short walk from the Vito Cruz LRT station, it is the more fan-friendly venue compared to the PSS in faraway Bulacan. And what is the spectacle of football without fans?

Going to PSS, even if you have a car, is a real chore. Although I waited until midnight to leave last night, the drive home to Mandaluyong still took more than an hour and 15 minutes, passing through the Mindanao Avenue exit since I needed to drop a friend off in Commonwealth.

This issue can also be looked at in another light: was it correct to put an artificial turf in Rizal in the first place? If I would have my way, I would have put a carpet on another venue, like University of Makati instead, then kept Rizal as grass. Then the UFL could play their quadruple-headers in Umak every week without fear of the pitch getting ruined, and Rizal is saved for once-a-week matches and national team games. It could have been our Wembley. But the PSC controls RMS and the Makati local government unit appears to handle Umak, so it's hard to coordinate that.

In my opinion, holding Azkals games in PSS is okay under the following circumstances: a) the game is on a weekend, b) the NLEX-SLEX connector road is finished, c) the ticket prices are reasonable, and d) there is affordable and reliable bus transport to and from the venue. None of those conditions were met last night.

Someone dropped the ball on the bus service offered by the PFF. Three different people tweeted me that they paid for bus tickets on the 6:30 pm shuttle from Trinoma and the bus never showed up.

There was other fan angst as well, as the Ultras Filipinas supporters group were barred from bringing in their drums but supposedly the traveling supporters from Uzbekistan were not.

At any rate, a check of the official FIFA site reveals that the venues for the next two home qualifiers for the Azkals, November 12 against Yemen and versus Korea DPR in March, have yet to be decided. I am hoping that one or both of those matches happen in Rizal Memorial, for the sake of the fans. 

This qualifying campaign is not over. There is no reason to press the panic button just yet. The Azkals have circled the wagons and rebounded from adversity before. If we get 4 points in the October trip and beat Yemen again, then we are right back in the thick of things. But no doubt, Thomas Dooley and his players must return to the drawing board. – Rappler.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

CEBU CITY, Philippines - The University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters advanced to the semifinals for the first time in 5 years by booting out last season's third placer, the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 87-76, Tuesday, September 8 in the junior division playoffs of the men's basketball tournament of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) held at the New Cebu Coliseum.

The last time that the Junior Webmasters clinched a semifinals ticket was in 2010. The last time they won the juniors title was in 2008.

Team manager Atty. Baldomero Estenzo said that, while he was hoping for victory, “frankly speaking, I did not expect it.”

And Estenzo had reason to have reservations; the Baby Panthers had demolished them 93-68 during their meeting in the elimination round with Ain Obenza scoring 30 points.

For this crucial game, despite having a twice to beat advantage after finishing third with 5-3 record, Estenzo said that he and head coach Joever Samonte had one game plan, and that was to contain Obenza.

According to Estenzo, Obenza was the biggest factor in their loss to the Panthers the first time they met this season.

“As much as possible di padawaton ug bola si Obenza (Obenza must not be able to receive the ball). You see when the guards are screened, he gets to shoot the ball,” said Estenzo.

Despite the pressure and the tight defense, Obenza still managed to score 27 points.

The Junior Webmasters have a lot of work to do as they prepare for the semifinals which will follow a single round robin format.

“They have to learn to sprint during defense. They tend to just jog and they cannot do that against the Magis Eagles and the Baby Warriors because these are fastbreak teams. They have to be fast in their transition,” said Estenzo.

The team manager added that the Junior Webmasters also have to think “teamwork”, and not to go individual on offense.

“They have that tendency but that is understandable because they are still young,” said Estenzo, who added that they should also dribble less and pass more to avoid turnovers.

Four Junior Webmasters scored in double figures, opposed to only two from the Baby Panthers.

Froilan Mangubat, who was named best player of the ballgame, led the scoring spree with his 32 points. The other 3 hoopsters who finished in double figures were Jason Florence Abejo (16), Johnbryl Cuyos (15) and Luigi Kondrad Gabisan (14 points).

For the Baby Panthers, aside from Obenza, only Dennis Archival was able to also finish in double figures as he contributed 16 points.

The Junior Webmasters did not waste time, erecting an 11-point lead just 6 minutes into the ballgame, 19-8, following a four-point play from Abejo, who was fouled in the act of converting a 3.

Five straight points from Obenza cut the lead down to six, 13-19, but a Mangubat trey and a layup from Gabisan brought the Junior Webmasters advantage back to 11, 24-13.

The Baby Panthers trailed by 9 points, 24-15, going into the second quarter which was opened with back-to-back treys from Mangubat and Cuyos to stretch the Junior Webmasters lead to 15 points, 30-15, with still nine minutes to go.

The Junior Webmasters lead ballooned to 18 points at the 5:09 mark on a basket from Cuyos but the Baby Panthers answered with 6 straight points, still they trailed by 8 points, 44-36, at the halftime break.

The Baby Panthers rallied in the third quarter and came as close as two points, 51-53, following 5 straight points from Obenza with a little more than 3 minutes left going into the final canto.

The start of the final quarter then became a nailbiting affair with the Baby Panthers eventually trailing by just a point, 60-61, at the 7:25 mark, but the Junior Webmasters fashioned a great comeback to once again to put a 10-point gap at 70-60 behind the efforts of Abejo, Gabisan and Mangubat.

However, the Baby Panthers refused to concede the game with Obenza once again towing them to just a point behind, 70-71, inside the three-minute mark.

But the last two minutes of the ballgame became a Mangubat-Abejo show with only Allen Dave Peligrino coming up with an answer for the Baby Panthers which was not enough and eventually sent the Junior Webmasters to the semifinal round.

The second quarterfinal match between the 4^th ranked University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Baby Jaguars and University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers will be played on Thursday, September 10 at the University of San Carlos (USC) gym.

UC, which is having their intramurals, will be using the New Cebu Coliseum thus the change in venue.

Game schedule 

September 10 at the USC Gym

5:15 PM – USJR vs UV (Juniors Quarterfinals)

6:45 PM – USPF vs SWU (Seniors)

Scores:

UC (87) – Mangubat 32, Abejo 16, Cuyos 15, Gabisan 14, Labrada 4, Malubay 3, Soco 2, Ecal 1, Umpad 0, Santome 0, Hemida 0, Cabansay 0.

USPF (76) – Obenza 27, Archival 16, Hernando 8, Justol 7, Macalam 6, Cometa 5, Peligrino 4, Lequin 3, Ybañez 0, Sandoval 0, Fermin 0.

Quarter Scores: 24-15; 44-36; 57-53; 87-76. – Rappler.com

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) Jaguars recovered from two straight losses to repeat their earlier victory over the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 89-78, in the seniors division of the ongoing CESAFI men's basketball tournament on Tuesday, September 8 at the New Cebu Coliseum.

Ralph Jude Dinolan once again earned best player honors after he topscored for the Jaguars with 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting. He also pulled down 4 rebounds.

It was Dinolan who gave the Jaguars the lead at 75-74 after splitting his charities with 4:18 remaining in the fourth canto, a lead which they were able to build up to as much as 9 points, the highest in the ballgame, before Nelvin Navarra sealed the win for USJR.

The Wildcats tried to get back into contention by attempting rainbow shots inside the last two-minute mark, however, Dimco and Jeffrey Taghoy all missed their attempts.

USJR and CIT-U engaged in a neck-to-neck battle until the final 4 minutes with the Wildcats leading the first quarter by a point, 17-16, and the third quarter with two points, 62-60. The second quarter had ended in a tie at 36-all. Jose Allan Dimco had a chance to end it in CIT-U's favor, however, he failed to convert his bonus free throw when he was fouled during a layup just as the buzzer sounded for the halftime break.

The game was deadlocked 14 times with neither team being able to pull away.

Eager to arrest their two-game losing streak, the Jaguars posted a six-point lead halfway in the first quarter. However, Dimco and Mark Christian Kong combined for 9 points to hand the Wildcats a one-point lead, 17-16, at the end of the first quarter.

The game was tied seven times in the second quarter with neither team being able to breakaway as they exchange lead several times.

The third canto was a similar story with the game getting tied five times and eventually ending with the Wildcats once again on top with the slimmest of margins, 62-60.

Dimco led the Wildcats with 23 points while Joshua Romelle dela Cerna, last season's leader in points, contributed 15 points.

The win put the USJR Jaguars in fourth place alongside the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters as they now tote similar 3-5 win-loss cards while the CIT-U Wildcats dropped to 5^th place with their record of 3-6.

Meanwhile, defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras hope to extend their winning streak when they face the winless University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers on Thursday, September 10 at the University of San Carlos (USC) Gym. The game will follow the juniors quarterfinal match between the USJR Baby Jaguars and the University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Panthers.

Games schedules

Thursday, September 10 at USC Gym

5:15 – USJR vs UV (Juniors quarterfinals)

6:45 – USPF vs SWU (Seniors)

Scores:

USJ-R (87) – Dinolan 22, Villafranca 21, Labares 17, Navarra 11, Gastador 8, Mantilla 8, Risma 3, Bayhonan 1, Senining 0, Peromingan 0.

CIT-U (78) – Dimco 23, Dela Cerna 15, Kong 13, Bucao 10, Lucena 8, Sanchez 5, Pono 4, Taghoy 0, Marquez 0.

Quarter Scores: 16-17; 36-36; 60-62; 87-78. – Rappler.com

ARLINGTON, USA - Lionel Messi saved Argentina's blushes with a late equalizer as the South American giants scored twice in the final 5 minutes to snatch a 2-2 draw with Mexico in Texas on Wednesday, September 9 Manila time.

Argentina appeared to be heading to their first defeat against Mexico since 2004 after a first half penalty from Javier Hernandez and a second half strike from Hector Herrera fired "El Tri" into a 2-0 lead. 

But with the clock ticking down a flurry of attacking substitutions from Argentina coach Gerardo Martino turned the match in favor of the two-time world champions in a dramatic finale.

Ezequiel Lavezzi burst into the penalty area to cut back for Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to tap in from close range on 85 minutes to make it 2-1.

Then in the 89th minute Aguero picked out Messi with a clever quick free-kick inside the area.

The Barcelona superstar controlled on his chest and then jabbed a low shot past Mexico goalkeeper Moises Munoz to level.

Messi's goal was the final act of an entertaining encounter played in front of 82,559 at the Arlington, Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL side. 

However for long periods both sides looked uncomfortable with the makeshift playing surface, a layer of temporary grass laid on top of artificial turf used for American football games. 

Mexico took the lead on 19 minutes through Hernandez's penalty after Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi upended Raul Jimenez in the box. 

Munoz made a series of superb saves to deny Argentina a goal before in the 70th minute Hector Herrera made it 2-0 with a thumping strike from the edge of the area after a fine Mexico counter attack. 

Mexico appeared to be heading for a victory but Aguero and Messi's late double strike denied them.

Messi's equalizer was his 49th goal in his 105th international, leaving him seven goals behind Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer Gabriel Batistuta on 56. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson says he is “disappointed” that he won’t be able to join Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA Asia Championship, but says continuing to press for a spot on the 12-man roster “would not be fair to the team.” 

The 23-year-old Clarkson, who had accompanied the Philippine national team for part of the William Jones Cup in Taiwan, addressed the media through a press statement issued by Samahang ng Basktbol Pilipinas, saying that he had the support of his father and Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak for whichever direction he decided to take. 

“I had a great talk with my dad. I told him of my experiences with the team and how passionate I was about representing an entire nation. My Dad told me to follow my heart,” the statement reads. 

“I spoke to Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak, and he shared the same sentiments about representing an entire country and supported my decision either way.”

But Clarkson, who is heading into his sophomore year, would only be available to play in the elimination phase of the tournament due to a conflict with mandatory Lakers training camp, SBP confirmed in a statement earlier, meaning he would only play against lesser teams Hong Kong, Palestine and Kuwait in Group B, and not later match-ups with more formidable squads Iran and South Korea. 

“The Los Angeles Lakers Management has allowed Jordan Clarkson to play for the Gilas Pilipinas team as long as it will not conflict with the schedule of the NBA,” an SBP statement on Tuesday reads.

“This scheduling issue is distinct only to the FIBA Asia Zone, and it does not occur in the other FIBA zones. By this token, we will ask FIBA Asia to consider holding the tournament in the same manner as FIBA Americas, Europe, Oceania and Africa do, that is avoiding scheduling conflict with the calendar of the NBA.”

(READ: Why was Jordan Clarkson excluded from Gilas line-up? SBP explains)

Clarkson thanked Filipino fans for their support along the way.

“The Filipino fans are some of the most passionate in the world and many of them are Lakers supporters. I want to sincerely thank all of the fans who sent me letters of encouragement during these last three months about Gilas.”

The gold medal winner at FIBA Asia will earn entry to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Philippines will be relying on PBA veterans Asi Taulava, Gary David, Dondon Hontivero, Marc Pingris and Ranidel De Ocampo, plus relative newcomers Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva, as well as naturalized NBA vet Andray Blatche when the tournament takes place September 23-October 3 in Changsha, China.

“We can all agree, the 12 men selected to represent the Philippines in this 2015 FIBA Asia Championship have earned the right and any continued efforts on my part would not be fair to the team. I will cheer them on to gold," said Clarkson.

“Let’s go to Rio!” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The magic continues for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

UP held off a late rally from the De La Salle University Green Archers, 71-66, to earn their second straight victory of season 78 on Wednesday, September 9 at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The last time UP had started a season 2-0 was 2005, according to UAAP statician Pong Ducanes. Coincidentally, they had also beaten DLSU for their second win that year, which took place July 14, 2005.

DLSU drops to 1-1 with the loss.

Jett Manuel led the Maroons with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Paul Desiderio finished with 13 points and 4 boards. Piero Longa also played well, contributing 10 points in the win.

As a team, UP shot 41% from the floor and 32% from downtown. They also forced La Salle to 20 turnovers and a paltry 3-of-24 shooting from long range.

“Napakasarap. Yung feeling namin sa ngayon, hindi ko masabi, basta napakasaya namin,” UP rookie head coach Rensy Bajar said after the game. 

(It feels so good. That’s how we feel now. I can’t explain it. We’re just really happy.)

His team has already improved on their 1-27 record from the past two UAAP seasons.

“What I can is it’s a total team effort… coaching staff, the team, we all played well and it feels really good to be back here and to win more than one game, and, yeah, we are looking for more wins,” said Manuel. The Maroons assisted on 14 of their 26 field goals.

UP was up just two entering the second period, but a 25-14 quarter gave them a 13-point cushion in the half that lasted for the most part of the next quarter and a half.

La Salle rallied in the final quarter and at one point cut the deficit to 5 thanks to the strong play of Prince Rivero, who registered 15 points and 11 boards. 

After Andrew Harris hit two free throws to extend his team’s lead to 6, 67-61, La Salle made a crucial error when Jeron Teng couldn’t cleanly catch an inbound pass. After Agustini Amar swiped the ball, Teng was forced to commit his fifth foul.

The fourth-year star finished with 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting. DLSU rookie Andrei Caracut had his second strong game with 12 points and 5 boards.

Henry Asilum then hit two more free throws to put UP ahead 69-61, essentially sealing the win.

“I told the team that Jeron Teng will do 12 points, 15 points, even 20 points every game, so we just limit the supporters of Jeron Teng, like for example Andre Caracut, [Jason] Perkins,” said Bajar. After registering a double-double in his team’s opening game against NU, Perkins put up just 5 points against UP.

Thomas Torres also misfired all game for La Salle, as he registered 8 points but went 2-of-12 from the field.

The win against La Salle was UP’s first second second consecutive victory since 2006, when they defeated UST and UE in succession. The win also snapped the Fighting Maroons’ 10-game losing skid to the Green Archers.

Scores:

UP (71): Manuel 14, Desiderio 12, Longa 10, Dario 9, Asilum 7, Moralde 5, Harris 4, Vito 3, Amar 2, Gallarza 2, Prado 2, Juruena 0, Kone 0

DLSU (66): Rivero 15, Caracut 12, Teng 10, Sargent 8, Torres 8, Go 5, Perkins 5, Muyang 3, Navarro 0, Tratter 0

Quarter scores: 16-14, 41-28, 54-42, 71-66 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ed Daquioag is growing as a star for University of Sto. Tomas in the UAAP. 

The UST Growling Tigers improved to 2-0 in UAAP Season 78 after they took down a title favorite in the FEU Tamaraws, 72-71, on Wednesday, September 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win was spearheaded by fifth-year veteran Ed Daquioag, who scored 3 clutch baskets in the final minutes of the contest to seal the win for his club. 

Daquioag finished with 18 points to have a second straight high-scoring output to go with 2 boards, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Another UST veteran in Kevin Ferrer also played well, as he compiled 13 points, 3 3-pointers, and 8 boards.

“The boys played very well today,” Growling Tigers head coach Bong Dela Cruz told the media after the game. “Yung puso nila, yung heart nanduon. They want to win. So yun yung nangyari kanina: hindi bumigay hangang sa huli.”

(Their heart was there. They didn’t give in until the end.)

FEU had stormed back from a 9-point deficit in the third period to go on top by 4 entering the final quarter. But relentlessly, UST fought back and forced the game to go down the wire.

Back-to-back baskets in the paint by Daquioag put his team on top 70-67 with 2:46 to go. 

After Raymar Jose scored on a layin to cut the lead to one, Daquioag converted on a layup off a steal a few possessions later to make it a 3-point game.

Russell Escoto then hit a jumper to cut UST’s lead to 72-71, but it was the final time points were added on the scoreboard for the contest.

“Kami nag-dictate. We played defense. Yun kasi yung nakita namin sa last game nila eh: walang depensa yung kalaban. So this time, we played defense 40 minutes,” said Dela Cruz.

(We dictated the game. We played defense. From what we saw last game, FEU’s opponents didn’t play defense.)

In the Tamaraws’ last game - a win against Ateneo - they scored 88 points, but when they needed another basket badly to take the lead over UST, they couldn’t attain it.

It was due to turnovers. After Ferrer missed a stepback 3-ball, Mike Tolomia threw the ball away on an errant pass with 24 seconds remaining.

After Jan Sheriff missed two free throws, Tolomia couldn’t control his dribble with a few seconds left in the clock, and it eventually led to a steal for the Tigers.

Overall, Tolomia finished with 10 turnovers to go with his 8 points and 5 assists. Mac Belo led FEU with 17 points, while Roger Pogoy finished with 13 points and 4 boards. Jose registered 12 markers and 10 boards.

“Sa mga mahal ko sa buhay. At syempre kay lord,” Daquioag said after the game about what’s made him so confident this UAAP season. “Siya nag bibigay nang lakas para saakin.”

(From those who I love. Also from lord, of course. He gives me strength.)

The Growling Tigers will be back in action on Sunday, September 13, when they face off with the UP Maroons in a battle of unbeaten squads.

“Hindi kami matutulog against UP… together with the players, kailangan namin mag puyat,” said Dela Cruz.

(We won’t sleep against UP. We need to prepare hard for them.)

The Tamaraws, on the other hand, will face the DLSU Green Archers on the same day.

Scores: 

UST (72): Daquioag 18, Ferrer 13, Abdul 12, Bonleon 9, Sheriff 7, Vigil 6, Lao 4, Lee 3, Huang 0, Faundo 0

FEU (71): Belo 17, Pogoy 13, Jose 12, Escoto 9, Tolomia 8, Dennison 5, Arong 4, Inigo 3, Orizu 0, Escoto 0, Trinidad 0, Tamsi 0

Quarter scores: 17-14, 34-28, 54-58, 72-71 – Rappler.com 

BALTIMORE—This might be the very first episode of RAW where I pretty much gave up in the middle of the show.

I had to return to it, of course, because that’s what good scribes do, but it could not be saved. There was a palpable sense of “why-the-hell-are-we-here” in the air, as though the Baltimore crowd already knew that the show wasn’t really worth their time. Historically, Baltimore has never been a good crowd to wrestle in front of, and their silence amplified the evening’s lack of energy.

But the crowd isn’t really to blame. How can you blame them when everything the WWE does on a non-PPV show just seems so… unnecessary?

Someone’s fatigued. It could be the wrestlers, it could be the writers, it could be Vince himself. It could very well be us, because we’ve been trudging through everything. But it is clear that the WWE has been operating in a fog of fatigue lately. SummerSlam seems to have sapped everyone’s energy, and try as they might—with Sting, with the Dudleys, with acts like Edge and Christian showing up—it just doesn’t seem to work that much. You get the initial rush, but even they fall into the murk with the rest of the crew.

I’ve been saying this so many times that I’m pretty much a broken record to anyone who takes the time to play me, but we need to go back to two hours. Cutting out one hour forces everything to matter, and puts the onus back on Thursday Night SmackDown to carry some of the narrative load again.

Long matches are nice, but having long matches—15-20 minute epics—on RAW makes PPVs seem like a Sunday night episode of RAW and make them unspecial on RAW itself. Cut out the fluff or ship some of it to Main Event and/or Superstars. The reason why NXT does so well in its current format, even in its previous tendencies of providing decent 10-15-minute matches, is because it’s forced to get everything out and advance in only an hour. When a TakeOver event rolls around, the big moment feel of big moments are preserved. Things feel like big deals because you only get a taste.

And when you’re already feeling bloated on full-course meals every week, why would you keep coming back?

High spots:

• The reason why a vocal minority of the fanbase roots for a certain wrestler’s domination is because sometimes, he’s one of a few guys who can set a show on fire when others can’t. Daniel Bryan was one of those heroes, and the WWE was forced to build around him in order to get through.
  
  Since Bryan is still being held back from competing, Cesaro has stepped up as a midcarder to watch. I feel like Cesaro’s upped his conditioning to the point that no one can keep up with him and he chooses to slow down for everyone else’s benefit—that’s what Bryan used to do, and that’s how he was able to electrify audiences week after week. I’m going to predict that Cesaro is going to be the Daniel Bryan of WrestleMania 32, if not 33. It’s bound to happen. 

• The only thing that managed to excite me about this episode is Kevin Owens angling for Ryback’s Intercontinental Championship.
• The New Day/Seth Rollins/Edge and Christian/Dudley Boyz segment was far and away the best thing to happen on the episode, but unfortunately it’s like the only good thing to talk about. 

Low blows:

• So what do we make of the Authority? Bad guys trying to run a legitimate corporation by forcing their bad guy scion to prove himself like a good guy? If you got confused by that, well, you’re not alone. Here’s the main problem with the Authority: I totally get why they feel the need to legitimize Rollins. It’s a basic requirement, whether your alignment is good or evil. But evil corporations are going to help their torchbearers earn their legitimacy by smart, shady dealings that deceive the public. In other words, Triple H has to be more Frank Underwood than Professor Dumbledore, because he’s supposed to be the bad guy. Otherwise, why still be overtly bad guys?
  
  Neutrality exists, but you don’t want to have the kind of neutrality that baffles your audience instead of impressing them. I was once curious about the possibility of someone in this story turning on the other, perhaps Rollins, but as we get dragged along in this farce, the less I believe that that’s actually going to happen. So I’m telling you, screaming it to the world: SOMEONE HAS TO TURN FACE, OR YOU STOP THIS MESS.
• On that note, because I look at things in a different light, I kind of feel sorry for Rollins after Sting destroyed his statue. I’m weird like that. 

Do you like wrestling? Do you enjoy listening to podcasts? Would you want to listen to a podcast about wrestling? If the answers to those questions – especially that last one – are yes, then you should check out the cleverly-named Smark Gilas-Pilipinas Podcast, featuring Mellow 94.7 DJ and PWR General Manager Stan Sy, wrestling writer Romeo Moran, and all-around multimedia person (and voice of PWR) Raf Camus! On their latest episode, “The Senyorito” Jake de Leon guest-hosts in place of Camus, and the “Pocket Rocket” Ralph Imabayashi is back on the show to talk about PWR Live and what he’s looking forward to in the next rounds of the PHX Tournament! Listen to it here! – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After all the public allegations about Manny Pacquiao's performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, Floyd Mayweather Jr finds himself in hot water as a circulating report claims that the unbeaten American boxer received an illegal intravenous injection prior to the superfight against the Filipino fighter in May to help with dehydration.

According to an article by SB Nation’s Thomas Hauser, United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) agents found evidence that Mayweather used two IVs that contained multi-vitamins and Vitamin C, but IVs are disallowed because it can “dilute or mask the presence of another substance.”

USADA visited Mayweather’s home in Las Vegas, Nevada, to conduct a random drug test after the bout’s weigh-in and discovered IVs. The story points out that the substances are not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which sets the standards for anti-doping testing, but that the injection of them is banned.

Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) executive director Bob Bennett told SB Nation that USADA did not clarify whether Mayweather was receiving an injection when the collection agents came to his luxurious abode. 

The report further claims that nearly 3 weeks after the blockbuster showdown, USADA granted Mayweather a retroactive therapeutic-use exemption to receive IV injections, but the anti-doping organization conveyed to NSAC that boxing’s pound-for-pound king had not applied for exception until 18 days after the 12-round encounter with Pacquiao, which he won by unanimous decision.

The situation is even more interesting since Pacquiao was denied an injection of Toradol before the bout for his torn rotator cuff because the request to the NSAC was not made in a timely manner.

(READ: Injections could’ve numbed Pacquiao to Mayweather’s punches – commission)

Pacquiao had suggested a $5-million fine if either pugilist tested positive for PEDs, but Mayweather's camp surprisingly declined.

Mayweather is gearing up for what could be his farewell fight on September 13 (September 12 in US) versus Andre Berto as he attempts to match Rocky Marciano's 49-0 record.

For his part, Pacquiao recently expressed his eagerness to get back to the ring as he declared that his injured shoulder is totally healed. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – TJ Dillashaw will defend the UFC bantamweight championship against former division titleholder Dominick Cruz on January 18, 2016 (January 17 in US).

UFC president Dana White broke the news during the broadcast of the weekly “UFCTonight” news-magazine show on Thursday, September 10 (PH Time).

However, the venue of the championship clash is yet to be announced, but the event will likely be numbered as UFC Fight Night 81.

After nearly a 3-year layoff due to multiple injury woes, Cruz (20-1) scored an emphatic 61-second stoppage of Takeya Mizugaki in September 2014 and earned No. 1 contender status to challenge Dillashaw, but he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee last December that nixed the idea of pitting him with the reigning 135-pound kingpin.

The ex-bantamweight champion has been fully cleared to begin his training without restriction and has already begun throwing kicks.

“If you really look at Dominick Cruz, he never really lost the title,” White said. “The super-fight for TJ right now is Cruz. Cruz has never been beat [in a title fight], and really is still the champion. He got stripped of the title because he can’t stay healthy.”

The world’s premier mixed martial arts organization stripped Cruz of the UFC gold when was he supposed to return in January 2014, but a quad injury and groin tear forced him to pull out of a scheduled title unification bout versus Renan Barao.

On the other hand, Dillashaw (12-2) has successfully defended the bantamweight belt twice since capturing the crown from Barao in May 2014, knocking out Joe Soto in the fifth round of an August 2014 meeting before taking care of his Brazilian rival again in a rematch last July. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum does not want to wait until March 2016 to settle the score with ex-division titleholder Cain Velasquez in a rematch.

According to Werdum’s camp during the broadcast of the weekly “UFC Tonight” newsmagazine show on Thursday, September 10 (PH Time), the 38-year-old Brazilian is ready to return to action as soon as December or January 2016.

In addition, Werdum’s management pointed out that “Vai Cavalo” is currently healthy and awaiting direction from the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion.

The report refutes UFC president Dana White’s claim that Werdum personally requested to delay the second heavyweight championship clash against Velasquez.

Two months after capturing the gold-plated strap, the organization announced that Werdum will make his first title defense versus Velasquez, but the date and location have yet to be announced.

Werdum (20-5-1) submitted Velasquez with a third-round guillotine choke this past June to capture the UFC heavyweight belt.

Aside from winning the world title, the 38-year-old Brazilian is also riding high on a six-fight winning streak, including notable triumphs over Roy Nelson, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Travis Browne and Mark Hunt.

In the other corner, Velasquez (13-2) bagged the heavyweight belt for the second time against Junior dos Santos in December 2012 via unanimous decision and successfully defended it twice before losing the title to Werdum.

Injuries have limited Velasquez’s activity in recent years as the showdown with Werdum was the 33-year-old Mexican-American’s first Octagon appearance since October 2013 when he scored a fifth-round stoppage of Dos Santos in a rubber match. – Rappler.com

NEW YORK - Former tennis star James Blake was detained by New York police, handcuffed and thrown to the floor in a case of mistaken identity, it was reported Wednesday.

Former world number four Blake, 35, and who is black, was leaving a plush Manhattan hotel on his way to the US Open when five white police officers approached him in connection with an investigation into the theft of mobile phones, the New York Daily News claimed.

Blake was held for 15 minutes before a passer-by recognized him and he was released.

The former player suffered cuts to his leg and elbow.

"It was definitely scary and definitely crazy," Harvard-educated Blake told the newspaper.

"In my mind there's probably a race factor involved, but no matter what there's no reason for anybody to do that to anybody,

"You'd think they could say, 'Hey, we want to talk to you. We are looking into something.' I was just standing there. I wasn't running. It's not even close (to be OK). It's blatantly unnecessary."

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said that the incident was under investigation.

"Today James Blake was detained by police in midtown Manhattan in regards to an ongoing investigation into fraudulently purchased cell phones, after being misidentified by a cooperating witness," said a statement.

"Once Blake was properly identified and found to have no connection to the investigation, he was released from police custody immediately. 

"In regards to the alleged improper use of force, the Police Commissioner directed the internal affairs bureau to investigate."

Blake won 10 titles in his career, making almost $8 million, but last played on the tour in 2013.

Roger Federer, the sport's most successful player, praised Blake's reaction.

"You hope these things don't happen. Like I think James said it the right way. I have nothing else to really add to that," said the Swiss star. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Although Colegio de San Juan de Letran had a slow start in the game against College of Saint Benilde, the Knights were able to finish strong by defeating the Green Blazers, 79-69, on Thursday, September 10 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

The PBA-bound duo of Mark Cruz and Kevin Racal led the Aldin Ayo-mentored squadron as Letran flicked its switch in the fourth quarter and cruised to its third-straight win in the second round of the NCAA Season 91 basketball eliminations.

Saint Benilde was ahead by 62-56 early in the final frame when the Intamuros-based brigade sparked a 9-0 blitz to claim a 72-65 cushion with 4:53 remaining, capping off with back-to-back triples from Rey Nambatac and Cruz.

Cruz starred in Letran’s fourth-quarter surge by mustering 20 baskets, while Racal contributed to the victory by adding 18 markers.

Aside from Cruz and Racal, McJour Luib chipped in 16 points for Letran, who improves its win-loss slate to 11-2.

On the other hand, John Domingo and Jonathan Grey scored with 14 points apiece for Saint Benilde as the Green Blazers bow out of semifinals contention with a 3-10 record.

Scores:

CSJL (79) – Cruz 20, Racal 18, Luib 16, Sollano 9, Quinto 9, Nambatac 5, Apreku 2, Calvo 0, Balagasay 0.

CSB (69) – Domingo JJ 14, Grey 14, Ongteco 12, Saavedra 10, Nayve 6, Domingo JS 5, Jonson 3, Young 3, Fajarito 2, Deles 0, Sta. Maria 0, Castor 0

Quarter scores: 13-22, 40-38, 54-56, 79-69

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine men’s national basketball team will commence their third tournament ahead of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha, China when they open their 2015 MVP Cup campaign against the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters on Friday, September 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After a winless campaign during a pocket tournament in Estonia and a silver medal performance in the 37th William Jones Cup, Gilas Pilipinas will take on 3 opponents total in the MVP Cup, with the Wellington Saints from New Zealand and rival Chinese Taipei being the other two teams.

Gilas actually defeated both the Saints and Taipei’s national squad in the Jones Cup, and the Tropang Texters are coming in at a disadvantage as 3 of their best players - Jayson Castro, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser - are suiting up for the national team. Factoring all of those together, Head Coach Tab Baldwin’s team is the favorite to win the tourney.

But despite that, the 57-year-old Baldwin still sees the competition they will face as big-time threats.

“Everybody here should not underestimate the quality of the teams in this tournament,” Baldwin said during the press conference for the MVP Cup on Thursday, September 10.

“Yes, Talk ’N Text is a little bit diminished by not having Jayson and Ranidel and Matt there. Well, significantly diminished, but they’re still a good group and they’ll play tough. Coach Jong [Uichico] and Coach Nash [Racela] did a great job preparing them.”

Members of the Wellington Saints were present during the press conference, and Baldwin was complimentary of them.

“This New Zealand team, I almost feel like the Jones Cup was their preparation for this tournament,” he said.

“Because, as Coach Kevin [Braswell] said, they just got together right before the tournament. And this guy sitting down here in front of me (Eric Devendorf), and this guy right next to me (Braswell), you look at their basketball pedigrees, we’re not going to see a backcourt combination like these two guys in this country unless it’s the NBA guys.”

“This is a Georgetown player, this is a Syracuse player,” Baldwin said about Braswell and Devendorf, respectively. “Two high-level programs, and both of these guys were outstanding performers in this programs, and you complement them with some very, very good players around them, and this young team is going to be tough.”

Chinese Taipei’s national squad is no stranger to Gilas. During the 2013 FIBA Asia tournament, they were one of the two teams (Iran) to beat Gilas. 

“And of course Taiwan is going to be one of the dark horses in the FIBA Asia,” said Baldwin, “so I think out there in the media, you should really focus on who the opponents of Gilas are in this tournament as well as the Gilas preparations, because this is going to be one hell of a tournament, and it’s not going to be an easy tournament for anybody to win.”

Baldwin also said that Gilas is still not close to their peak performance, and hopes that how they played in their past two tournaments is not indicative of the best they can show on the court.

“We’re nowhere near our peak,” he said. “The question is, how quickly can we get there and will we get there before the tournament, or during the tournament?” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Naturalized Filipino and Philippine men’s national team big man Andray Blatche missed a huge chance to get used to playing with his new Gilas teammates and get familiar with the system implemented by head coach Tab Baldwin when he wasn’t able to participate in the 37th William Jones Cup.

Blatche, 29, missed the tournament as he returned to the United States to attend his uncle’s funeral and care for his ailing mother.

Even without the 6-foot-11 former NBA player, the national squad still performed well enough to bag the silver medal, but both their losses came against South Korea and Iran - two teams standing in their way of a gold medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

If Gilas wants to take home the gold, and book a ticket to Rio for the 2016 Olympics, they will need Blatche present for a better shot at taking down their continental rivals.

“These next 10-12 days before we head over to Changsha are probably as critical as anytime we’ve had so far and it may be the difference now with Andray back with us, fully working in our system,” said Baldwin, whose team will participate in the 2015 MVP Cup this weekend in preparation for the FIBA tourney.

Blatche wasn’t able to watch much of Gilas’ 6-2 showing in the Jones Cup, but did hear about their performances and says that, as a team, they continue to improve.

“I just heard a lot of great things, and I see them on the court,” he told Rappler after Gilas’ practice on Wednesday, September 9. “We’re improving. Our rhythm is getting there. We’re starting to know each other, so it’s like a ladder. We’re climbing the ladder. We’re getting better.”

Blatche was huge for Gilas during their 1-4 showing in the 2014 FIBA World Cup where he averaged 21.2 points and 13.8 boards a contest. During the press conference for the MVP Cup on Thursday, September 10, Baldwin said he’s confident Blatche will still be a key player for Gilas, but probably not the same player he was last year.

“Andray’s in the middle of a process right now. He came in, he’s had disruptions. We’ve got to work with him to get him as sharp as we can,” said the 57-year-old Baldwin. “But because of the disruptions, I don’t expect to see the same Andray we saw in 2014.”

“But I think we’re going to get him very close, and we need to get him very close, so we’ve agreed to which we can push him right now,” added Baldwin. 

“We gotta try and find that balance between helping him improve his fitness and strength and conditioning and sharpness as a player, but not exposing him to getting so fatigued that he gets injured in the process.”

For his part, Blatche says he realizes Gilas’ system has worked well so far, and he’s not trying to alter that. He’s also optimistic about his in-game shape.

“I’m not really trying to come in here and change up what they’re doing; I’m just trying to fit into what they’re doing, and just be aggressive on offense,” said the former Washington Wizard and Brooklyn Net. “As far as game shape, I’m getting there.”

Blatche’s presence should make it more difficult on the defensive end for someone like Hamed Haddadi, who registered 22 points, 14 boards, and 2 blocks in Iran’s 74-65 Jones Cup win against the Philippines.

“I’m not worried about them; I’m more concerned about us,” Blatche told Rappler about the competition Gilas will face in the FIBA Asia, which starts on September 23. 

“As we long as we go out there prepared and ready, we should win.”

But for now, Gilas has to deal with the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters, Wellington Saints, and Chinese Taipei in the MVP Cup. 

Blatche is already excited to return to action.

“I’m looking forward to playing again.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of Perpetual Help System Dalta was able to pull off an upset victory against the reigning 5-peat NCAA champion San Beda College, 88-86, on Thursday, September 10 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Perpetual Help’s Nigerian reinforcement Bright Akhuetie, who registered 31 markers, 11 boards and 4 dimes, helped the maroon-and-gold troop to survive an exhilarating contest against the Red Lions with a buzzer-beating basket, coming from a dish by back-up center Nestor Bantayan Jr.

The ball game was a neck-and-neck confrontation as both teams switched leads inside the last two minutes of play, but Earl Scottie Thompson’s go-ahead bucket gave the Las Piñas-based brigade a 83-81 leverage with less than a minute.

San Beda’s graduating point guard Baser Amer drained a beyond-the-arc shot to put the Mendiola Five up by one, but Thompson responded by passing the ball to Bantayan for a short two with 32.4 ticks left.

As the Red shirts committed a costly turnover, Art Dela Cruz managed to snatch away the possession from Perpetual Help and drove to the goal for a fastbreak layup, but the ball rattled out of the rim.

After Thompson split his charities from the foul line, Dela Cruz rushed in to the shaded lane to bind the match at 86.

With no timeouts left for each squad, Thompson delivered the ball to Bantayan, but he saw an open Akhuetie and unselfishly passed it for the game-winning shot.

Perpetual Help improves its win-loss slate to 9-4 with the impressive win over San Beda, who drops to a 10-3 record.

In addition, the Altas denied Jamike Jarin’s boys to have a share of the lead on top of the league’s team standings with Colegio de San Juan de Letran, who defeated College of Saint Benilde earlier this afternoon.

Thompson and John Ylagan finished with 14 points apiece, while Flash Sadiwa and Bantayan added 10 and 4 respectively.

On the other hand, San Beda was led by Ola Adeogun, who amassed 26 points and 8 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and two steals for San Beda.

Scores:

Perpetual Help (88) - Akhuetie 31, Thompson 14, Ylagan 14, Sadiwa 10, Oliveria 6, Eze 5, Bantayan 4, Dizon 2, Cabiltes 2

San Beda (86) - Adeogun 26, Dela Cruz 15, Mocon 12, Koga 11, Amer 10, Tankoua 8, Reyes 4

Quarter scores:  14-17,39-35,61-60, 88-86. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao says he feels “vindicated” after a report that Floyd Mayweather Jr. received a banned intravenous infusion the day before their fight this past May.

The Filipino boxer had previously settled a defamation suit with Mayweather for an undisclosed sum after Mayweather's camp alluded on several occasions that Pacquiao had used performance enhancing drugs.

Now it's Mayweather who is under the spotlight after a report on SB Nation stated that Mayweather had received a retroactive therapeutic use exemption (TUE) after IVs containing multi-vitamins and Vitamin C were discovered at his home by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) agents following the weigh-in.

USADA was commissioned to oversee random pre-fight testing for their May 2 fight, which Mayweather won by unanimous decision. 

“Truth finally came out and I was vindicated,” Pacquiao texted to PhilStar’s Abac Cordero.

Though the substances are not banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which sets the standards for anti-doping testing, intravenous therapy "of more than 50 mL per 6 hour period except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures or clinical investigations" is on WADA's “Prohibited Substances and Methods List.”

“Mayweather camp used to accused (sic) me of using PED. Now, look at what happened. I hope Floyd Mayweather would learn a good lesson out of it," Pacquiao continues. 

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Now look at what happened. I hope Floyd Mayweather would learn a good lesson out of it,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/MannyPacquiaoTR">@MannyPacquiaoTR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilippineStar">@PhilippineStar</a></p>&mdash; @abaccordero (@abaccordero) <a href="https://twitter.com/abaccordero/status/641958451875217408">September 10, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

A Reddit post collated important documents explaining why IVs are disallowed. USADA’s website says they can be used to: “increase their plasma volume levels; b) mask the use of a Prohibited Substance; c) distort the values of their Athlete Biological Passport.”

Kevin Iole of Yahoo! reported that Mayweather applied for the TUE for a 250 ml mixture of saline and multi-vitamins, and a 500 ml mixture of saline and Vitamin C.

The SB Nation reports says that the TUE wasn’t applied for until 18 days after the weigh-in, May 19. The Nevada State Athletic Commission and Pacquiao’s camp were notified on May 21, 2 days after the TUE was applied for and one day after it was granted. 

(READ: Where does Manny Pacquiao go from here?)

The reason cited for the IV was to aid rehydration, which does not fall under the “medical emergencies or in-patient care” that is required for a TUE to be issued. 

“It is very disturbing,” Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum commented to USA Today in a telephone interview. “Yeah, I am outraged. But I don’t know what we can do about it. I can’t change the result.”

Pacquiao had been barred from injecting the numbing agent Toradol, which isn't barred by WADA, before the fight by the NSAC after the commission claimed paperwork requesting the injections weren't properly filed. 

(READ: Injections could’ve numbed Pacquiao to Mayweather’s punches – commission)

USADA issued a statement on Friday, September 11 Manila time, claiming that the SB Nation report contains “numerous unfounded and false accusations." The organization claims that Mayweather "did disclose" his intention to use the IVs in advance of the their use. The statement doesn't address the date that Mayweather had applied for the TUE, aside from stating "Mr. Mayweather's application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all test results were reported."

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">USADA&#39;s statement on inaccurate news reports regarding the sport of pro boxing <a href="http://t.co/sddehcHguP">pic.twitter.com/sddehcHguP</a></p>&mdash; USADA (@usantidoping) <a href="https://twitter.com/usantidoping/status/642011449917771776">September 10, 2015</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

NSAC executive director Bob Bennett told SB Nation he was "less than pleased" with USADA, adding "We have the sole authority to grant any and all TUEs in the state of Nevada. USADA is a drug-testing agency. USADA should not be granting waivers and exemptions. Not in this state.

“The TUE for Mayweather’s IV — and the IV was administered at Floyd’s house, not in a medical facility, and wasn’t brought to our attention at the time — was totally unacceptable."

Bennett told SB Nation, adding that he has told USADA chief Travis Tygart "that this should not happen again."

(READ: Not even Pacquiao is forever)

Mayweather, who faces Andre Berto in his 49th pro fight this Saturday in Las Vegas, issued a statement shortly after, saying he is “very proud to be a clean athlete” while denying any wrongdoing.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Floyd Mayweather Jr statement: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boxing?src=hash">#boxing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mayweatherberto?src=hash">#mayweatherberto</a> <a href="http://t.co/4rQqP89iU2">pic.twitter.com/4rQqP89iU2</a></p>&mdash; przemek garczarczyk (@garnekmedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/garnekmedia/status/642027860014854145">September 10, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

“Let’s not forget that I was the one six years ago who insisted on elevating the level of drug testing for all my fights. As a result, there is more drug testing and awareness of its importance in the sport of boxing than ever before.” – Rappler.com

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Defending champion Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras climb to the second spot in the seniors division after handing the comebacking University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers their ninth loss in as many games, 81-73, Thursday, September 10, in the ongoing 15^th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) men's basketball tournament at the University of San Carlos (USC) gym.

The Cobras, who have yet to drop a game in the second round of eliminations, now share the second spot with the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers as they both tote a 7-2 win-loss record.

Jan Michael Auditor, named as the best player for the second time this season, led the Cobras with 22 points, four rebounds and one steal. Two-time Most Valuable Player Mark Jayven 'Mac-Mac' Tallo added 16 points for SWU's third straight win.

Lyndon Colina, who kept the Panthers at just an arm's length from the Cobras, topscored for USPF with 16 points.

Auditor was clearly raring to go as he opened the ballgame with five straight points to immediately give the Cobras a five-point lead with just a little more than a minute into the first quarter.

Auditor continued to find his mark to bring the Cobras' lead to seven points, 13-6, halfway in the quarter.

Colina was sent in with just two minutes left going into the second canto and immediately sank a triple which he then followed with a jumper to cut the Cobras' lead to just four points, 13-17, which they maintained at the end of the first quarter, 15-19, on the basket of Winston Bolivar.

Colina continued his good run in the second canto sinking seven points to bring the Panthers just a basket behind the Cobras, 24-26, with 6:40 on the clock.

Tallo then connected with a rainbow shot allowing the Cobras to pull away, however, Roy Quiachon answered with his own trey to keep the Panthers close at 27-29.

However, triple plays from Jesse Bautista and Mark Christopher Racho and treys from Auditor, Antonio Tomas Pardo and Jovanie Luz allowed the Cobras to seize a 14-point lead, 49-35, at the end of the first half.

There was no sign of the tension that erupted between Tallo and Luz in their September 5 game against the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats as the Cobras continued to distance themselves from the Panthers and maintaining their 14-point lead, 66-52, going into the final canto.

Hungry for a win, the Panthers managed to once again cut on the Cobras' lead and bring it down to six points on a basket from Jawein Wisdom Ceniza at the 6:33 mark.

However, the Cobras showed what champions are made of by surging past and wedging 13 points in between twice before the last two-minute mark.

Five straight points from Karl Langahin allowed the Panthers just an eight point deficit at the sound of the buzzer.

The SWU Cobras and the UV Green Lancers could continue to share the second spot if they successfully get past their respective assignments this Sunday, September 13. If not, one of them will take solo second and the other will dropped to third place.

Game Schedule Sunday, September 13 @ New Cebu Coliseum

Juniors Quarterfinals

1 PM – USJR vs UV

Seniors Second Round of Elimination

2:30 PM – UV vs USPF

4 PM – CITU vs UC

5:30 PM – SWU vs USJR

Scores:

SWU (81)– Auditor 22, Tallo 16, Pardo 16, Bautista 12, Racho 10, Luz 5, Gonzaga 0, Holper 0.

USPF (73)– Colina 16, Langahin 14, Ceniza 10, Quiachon 9, Bajamunde 7, Patalinghug 3, Villamor 3, Bolivar 2, Borces 2, Sastrillas 2, Avanceña 2, Laver 2, Alocillo 1, Cando 0.

Quarter scores: 19-15; 49-35; 66-52; 81-73. – Rappler.com

LAS VEGAS, USA - Floyd Mayweather steps into the ring Saturday for what he says will be the last time, but the final defense of his welterweight world titles has been overshadowed by accusations he violated anti-doping rules.

The unbeaten pound-for-pound king was forced onto the backfoot Thursday after it emerged that he had received an injection of vitamins and minerals on the eve of his super-fight with Manny Pacquiao in May, breaking World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. 

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) leapt to Mayweather's defense and the man himself said he was "very proud to be a clean athlete."

It is hardly the buildup the American would have wanted for his showdown in Las Vegas against the unheralded Andre Berto, with Mayweather going for the magic 49-0 - equaling the record of heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano.

Mayweather, 38, the self-styled "TBE" ("The Best Ever") is the heavy favorite for the bout at the MGM Grand - Berto has lost three of his last six fights.

Mayweather says that he wants to write his name in the history books before he hangs up his gloves - not that many believe he will really retire and there have been growing rumors of a rematch against Pacquiao.

Mayweather's critics - and there are plenty of them - accuse the American of bigging up the quit talk to drum up interest in a fight against Berto that has threatened to become a box-office flop: there were still hundreds of tickets available on Thursday.

(READ: Pacquiao feels 'vindicated' by Mayweather IV controversy)

The claims of doping will only give Mayweather's critics more ammunition.

Mayweather, the highest-earning sportsman in the world, insists this is it and told reporters in the build-up to the weekend showdown that he would be going for a knockout win - something he has not done since 2011.

"You have fighters that may be faster than me, there are fighters that may hit harder than me, you have fighters who are very athletic, but you don't have a fighter who can make adjustments like me," he told the final pre-fight press conference.

"It's never personal for me, it's always business. Everyone fights for what they fight for. My thing is this: I keep my eyes on the prize. I don't focus on things outside the ring. I focus on the guy in front of me."

He added: "I want my legacy to be of a remarkable fighter inside the ring and a great businessman outside of it."

Virgil Hunter, Berto's respected coach, talked of "personal stuff" between the two fighters.

Nothing to lose 

But there has been a noticeable lack of trash-talking between the pair and their press conference was notable for the absence of rancor - though they attempted to inject a bit with an old-fashioned faceoff.

Mayweather's critics have rubbished the fight - for which Berto will pocket $4 million - as just another example of him dodging the best opponents in a packed welterweight division where quality is not in short supply simply to embellish his record.

His fans counter that as the best boxer of his generation and one of the best defensively of all time Mayweather has earned the right to pick exactly who he chooses.

The alarmingly slow ticket sales, however, and reportedly poor television pay-per-view orders suggest many have had enough of a man who has never been shy to show off his immense wealth and has spent time in jail for one of a strong of domestic violence incidents.

Mayweather says he is wary of Berto, 32, whose career has stalled in the last three years after shoulder surgery and a failed drugs test. Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) has nothing to lose, says Mayweather.

And despite the widespread criticism leveled at Mayweather for cherry-picking a man whose recent record is poor, Berto - an American of Haitian heritage - is not altogether the dud some have made him out to be.

He is a two-time world champion who possesses a big heart, though the doubters fear he has never been the same since surgery.

Berto says he, too, is going for the knockout.

"At the end of the day, I have to be able to take my game to a whole other level. Sometimes you need that opponent to get you to that point, and Floyd is the one," said Berto, eyeing up one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

"He has a great IQ, but one shot can change it all." – Rappler.com