MANILA, Philippines – The Far Eastern University Tamaraws hacked out a 76-69 upset win over the La Salle Green Archers to advance to the next round of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Wednesday, June 28. 

The Tamaraws – down 63-65 with two minutes to go after La Salle's  Aljun Melecio knocked in a triple – responded with Hubert Cani burying a trey of his own and went on to score 8 points in the final minute of the game and carry FEU to the semifinals.

Cani scored a team-high 22 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting clip. Interestingly, Cani did not contribute to any other statistical category. 

Rounding out the double-digit scorers for the Tamaraws were Arvin Tolentino and Prince Orizu, who scored 10 points apiece with the latter also notching 6 rebounds.

Trailing for most of the match, the Archers opened the final frame with successive threes from Jollo Go to spark a 13-2 explosion and turn a 46-52 deficit into a 59-54 lead, their biggest of the game. 

However, back-to-back baskets from Tolentino and Orizu restored order as the Tams managed to sustain their momentum all the way through to the final buzzer.  

Andrei Caracut topscored for La Salle with 15 points to go with 8 rebounds and 5 assists, while Justine Baltazar and Aljun Melecio pitched in 14 points each.

FEU head coach Olsen Racela said he is taking the win in stride and keeping his focus on the UAAP season ahead.

“I told [the team] earlier that this is an opportunity for us to prepare ourselves for the season. Winning is just a bonus," said Racela.  "What I like now is that we have one more game to prepare us for the season.”

The Scores:

FEU (76) — Cani 22, Orizu 10, Tolentino 10, Comboy 6, Eboña 6, Escoto 6, Tuffin 6, Iñigo 3, Stockton 3, Gonzales 2, Parker 2, Jopia 0, Nunag 0, Ramirez 0.

LA SALLE (69) — Caracut 15, Baltazar 14, Melecio 14, Samuel 12, Dyke 6, Go 6, Manuel 2, Bates 0, Capacio 0, Corteza 0, Herrera 0, Lim 0, Manaytay 0.

Quarter scores: 15-11, 35-27, 52-46, 76-69.

– Franco Luna/Rappler.com

BACOOR CITY – Reigning champion Cignal defied Smart-Army's late rallies and hung tough down the stretch to essay a 25-10, 26-24, 25-18 victory in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference last night at the Strike Gym here.

Rachel Anne Daquis proved that she’s still one of the country’s best spikers as she waxed hot in the stretch to lead the HD Spikers to their second straight win. 

Daquis finished with 13 points built on 7 spikes, 4 blocks and a pair of service aces while anchoring the defense with 5 digs to put the HD Spikers two wins away from gaining an outright semifinals seat.

“As I’ve I said before, you’ll see a different Daquis. She rotates and spikes everywhere. She is really confident in everything she does,” said Cignal head coach Edgar Barroga.

“And I told her that this (Army) was her former team, they will target you so we practiced her reception.”

Mylene Paat was also instrumental with 12 points built on 7 kills, 4 blocks and an ace while Rapril Aguilar and Janine Navarro added 5 markers apiece while providing the clutch points in the second and third sets, respectively.

“This is how I wanted them to play,” Barroga said. “I think they already adjusted, their trust in each other is back, and they’re confident.”

After a 15-point rout in the first set, the HD Spikers had to labor their way through the late rally of the Giga Hitters in the next two sets.

Cignal squandered a 17-12 spread as Smart rallied back to tie it to 20-all off an ace from Alina Bicar.

But Aguilar came to the rescue scoring back-to-back hits for a 23-20 cushion before Paat their team at set point, 24-22. 

The Giga Hitters, however, forced a deuce, 24-all, through Tin Francisco’s quick attack and a crucial attack error of Daquis.

Aguilar put the HD Spikers ahead, 25-24, followed by a net fault by Smart that handed the two-set lead to Cignal.

Nene Bautista and Dimdim Pacres delivered 6 points apiece for the Giga Hitters, who absorbed their first defeat after two matches in Pool B. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles secured a spot in the Final Four after escaping the Letran Knights, 74-72, in a tense quarterfinal duel in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Thursday, June 28, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. 

Matt Nieto played hero in the final stretch, burying back-to-back baskets to lift the Blue Eagles past the gritty Knights.  

The match capped a day of thrillers where St. Benilde slipped past University of the Philippines by two points and San Beda  also won by just a bucket over Adamson.

Far Eastern University likewise needed Hubert Cani to take charge in the final stretch to score an upset over La Salle.

The Final Four gets going Friday, June 29, with reigning UAAP champion Ateneo clashing with FEU and NCAA titlist Red Lions battling the Blazers also in San Juan. 

Nieto weaved through a Letran defense to tie it at 72-72 before knocking in the game-winning basket in the last 5 seconds. 

Nieto and his twin brother Mike both finished with 9 points to lead the Blue Eagles' balanced attack. 

Fresh from their training camp in Greece, the Blue Eagles were understandably exhausted from the travel according to deputy coach Sandy Arespacochaga. 

“We entered this game knowing our situation and we didn't want to make excuses,” he said.

Arespacochaga noted that the team’s stamina was tested against Letran’s good game plan. 

"In the end, it’s a good thing that we were able to come up with stops and execute on the offensive end so I'd like to give credit to our players for digging deep especailly in the last 2 minutes,” he said. 

Matt Nieto said their grueling schedule shouldn't be an excuse: “Sunod-sunod yung games pati sa Greece but yun yung napili namin, for the exposure and para makuha talaga namin yung system.” 

 (We also played consecutive games in Greece, but we wanted that for the exposure and for us to be familiar with the system.)

John Calvo chalked up 16 points on a 7/14 shooting and 4 rebounds to lead Letran, while Edison Batiller had 13 markers. 

The Scores:

ATENEO (74) — Ma. Nieto 9, Mi. Nieto 9, Kouame 8, Asistio 6, Ravena 6, Wong 6, Navarro 5, Tio 5, Verano 5, Belangel 4, Go 4, White 3, Maagdenberg 2, Mendoza 2, Andrade 0, Black 0, Mamuyac 0.

LETRAN (72) — Calvo 16, Batiller 13, Fajarito 10, Muyang 10, Quinto 10, Celis 4, Agbong 2, Balagasay 2, Balanza 2, Yu 2, Ambohot 1, Mandreza 0, Taladua 0.

Quarter scores: 15-17, 30-35, 56-52, 74-72.

– Tonichi Regalado/Rappler.com

SOCHI, Russia – Only 6 countries have won the World Cup in the last 50 years, but a thrilling group stage in Russia has increased the possibility of a fresh name at least making it to the final.

The first phase, featuring just one goalless draw and already a record number of penalties, has been marked by Germany's stunning exit, its earliest in 80 years.

So after the drama of the last fortnight, who is best set to go far in the knockout rounds?

Brazilians finding their feet 

Of the half-dozen winners of the trophy since 1970, Germany has gone home, while Italy, of course, never even qualified. Meanwhile, France and Argentina play each other next, so only one will make the quarterfinals.

That leaves Spain and Brazil, with the latter fresh from topping its group at a 10th consecutive World Cup even if they have been slow-burners so far.

"This team created high expectations because of what we did in qualifying and in friendlies. But now we are at a World Cup, it's a new cycle, a new format," said coach Tite in an attempt to keep feet on the ground.

Neymar has not yet captured his best form, but the 5-time champions have other match-winners, not least Philippe Coutinho, and have looked strong at the back.

A draw of two halves? 

The standout last-16 tie on paper pits France against Lionel Messi and Argentina, two teams who labored through the group stage – in Argentina's case they were lucky to advance at all.

"We didn't start in the best way. We got ourselves into a real mess," admitted Javier Mascherano, while France coach Didier Deschamps still seems incapable of getting the very best out of his talented squad.

Argentinians might be happier than anyone at Germany's elimination, having been knocked out by them at each of the last 3 World Cups.

But they could find themselves on a collision course with Brazil in the semifinals, as they lie on a side of the draw that features countries totalling 10 World Cup wins between them.

European champions Portugal are there too, and if Cristiano Ronaldo's side beat Uruguay in what could be a real battle of attrition in Sochi, he might find himself up against Messi's Argentina in the last 8.

Can Croatia keep it up? 

Uruguay, though, are the only team not to have conceded a goal. Recent World Cups have tended to be won by the side with the best defense, with Spain letting in just two in their victorious 2010 campaign.

Along with England, Spain is the only past winner in the other side of the draw and the Spaniards face Russia in Moscow on Sunday, with question marks surrounding their back line, and the form of goalkeeper David De Gea.

"Obviously we can improve. Five goals in three matches is not the way forward," said coach Fernando Hierro of their defensive record, as it remains to be seen if Spain were right to sack Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament.

Croatia won all 3 group games, and a run to the semis like in 1998 is not beyond them, although coach Zlatko Dalic had a warning for his team before facing Denmark.

"It's all great for the history books in Croatia but if we don't win against Denmark, when someone asks you what you did, what can you say? Nothing," Dalic said.

Meanwhile, England might feel a route to the last 4 is opening up nicely, thanks to Thursday's defeat against Belgium.

But Colombia is not to be taken lightly in what manager Gareth Southgate has called England's "biggest match in a decade".

And beyond that could lie Sweden who, it should not be forgotten, have been responsible for knocking out the Netherlands, Italy and Germany from this World Cup.

There are 10 European teams in the last 16, and only one of 10 past European World Cups has been won by a side from another continent. That was Brazil, in 1958. – Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – After going down by as many as 16 points, the Makati Skyscrapers rallied all the way back up to drop the Manila Stars, 99-98, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Ynares Center here on Thursday night, June 28.

Jeckster Apinan provided the heroics for the Makati side, driving for the game-winning layup over Fil-Am Marvin Hayes with 6 seconds remaining.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EARLIER: Ex-PBA pro Jeckster Apinan wins it for the Makati Skyscrapers over the Manila Stars, 99-98!<br><br>Manila led by as many as 16, 60-44, in the third quarter.<br><br>Apinan with game-highs: 24 points, 8 rebounds. Cedrick Ablaza, Philip Paniamogan add 23 and 21 apiece. <a href="https://t.co/dVH8twrE9Y">pic.twitter.com/dVH8twrE9Y</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/1012336100164100096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

With no timeout left for Manila, Reil Cervantes flung a half-court shot, which drew air as time expired.

Apinan, the former NLEX Road Warrior and Mahindra Enforcer player in the PBA,  finished with a game-high 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead Makati

“Di lang kami gumive-up sa depensa namin,” said Apinan. “Sabi ni coach, wag lang kaming magsawa dumepensa at makukuha din namin [yung panalo]. Bibigay rin yung Manila, so yun, nakuha namin.”

(We just didn’t give up on our defense. Coach told us that we shouldn’t give up defending and we’d eventually get the win. Manila was bound to give in, and there, we got it.)

 “Kung ano yung tiwala sakin, sinusuklian ko lang,” the former Jose Rizal University (JRU) standout said of his game-winner.

(Whatever trust they gave me, I’m just giving it back.)

Cedrick Ablaza chipped in 23 points while Philip Paniamogan added 21 for the Skyscrapers, who trailed by as many as 16 points, 40-66, in the 3rd quarter.

Chris Bitoon led the way for the Stars with 24 points and 4 assists in just 24 minutes.

The Stars were in the lead for most of the first half, with Adrian Celada draining a triple to put Manila up by 14 points, 53-39, with 53 seconds left before halftime.

Celada was lights-out from downtown, going 4-of-6 (67%) from beyond the arc for a total of 15 points.

He already had two threes at the half, before the lights literally went out at Ynares Center, causing a 10-minute delay.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LOOK: Ynares Center in Antipolo City suffers light outage during halftime of MPBL&#39;s Manila Stars vs Makati Skyscrapers. <br><br>Stars lead at the half, 46-37. <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/w45UEKzpOW">pic.twitter.com/w45UEKzpOW</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/1012307378782392320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

When the lights came back on, it was still the same story for Manila in the 3rd quarter, until the Skyscraper trio of Apinan, Ablaza and Paniamogan cut the deficit to 6, 68-74, entering the 4th.

Celada made one final triple at the 2:16 mark of the payoff period for the 5-point lead, 95-90. But the Skyscrapers aggressively fished for fouls and sank 5 free throws in the process for a 97-95 edge.

Manila last led after a tying Bitoon layup and a free-throw from Aris Dionisio, 98-97.

The Scores: 

Makati (99) – Apinan 24, Ablaza 23, Paniamogan 21, Lingganay 16, Lasquety 4, Isip 4, Manlangit 3, Mocon 2, Bautista 2, Villanueva 0, Mangahas 0, Importante 0.

Manila (98) – Bitoon 24, Cervantes 17, Celada 15, Lopez 12, Rodriguez 11, Hayes 9, Dionisio 5, Sabellina 4, Arellano 1, Cruz 0, Yap 0.

Quarter scores: 22-27, 41-54, 68-74, 99-98.

– Rappler.com

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia –  After 15 days of triumphs, tears and controversy, the World Cup's group stage drew to a close on Thursday, June 28. 

Here, AFP ranks the 16 teams to have made it through based on their performances in Russia so far.

1. Croatia 

Three wins out of three, including a thumping of Argentina, sends Croatia to the top of arguably the toughest group in the draw. Fears that the corruption scandal would affect the players have not materialized while Nikola Kalinic's hint of rebellion was swiftly dealt with. Luka Modric has been arguably the player of the tournament so far.

2. Belgium 

Wins over Panama and Tunisia were backed up by a victory over England and even if the latter match was played between two second-string line-ups, Belgium players have hardly put a foot wrong. Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are both firing and, after being rested against England, fresh. This team can go far. 

3. Uruguay 

Also through with maximum points, Uruguay's progress through a kind Group A has gone rather unnoticed. Led by the imperious Diego Godin, they have yet to concede a goal in Russia and at the other end, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are up and running. They have 3 goals between them.  

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URUPOR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URUPOR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESPRUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESPRUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FRAARG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FRAARG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRODEN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRODEN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRAMEX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BRAMEX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWESUI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWESUI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BELJPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BELJPN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COLENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COLENG</a> <br><br>Excited? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kll9X54wbO">pic.twitter.com/Kll9X54wbO</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1012428370192293889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

4. Brazil

Neymar's histrionics have proven tedious but the striker is getting sharper with every game. As he has regained fitness, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho have filled the void while the depth of attacking options came up trumps against Costa Rica. Marcelo's back injury is a concern. 

5. England 

A young squad arrived with low expectations but a late win over Tunisia was followed by a storming 6-1 victory over Panama. Defeat to Belgium can be put down to a heavily rotated side and with Harry Kane leading the race for the Golden Boot, England is growing in confidence. 

6. Sweden 

Few would have expected Sweden to progress at all let alone finish at the top of Group F. Only German star Toni Kroos' 95th-minute winner spoiled an unbeaten record and Sweden responded with an emphatic win over Mexico. What the Swedish have lost in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they appear to have gained in discipline and spirit. 

7. Spain 

They certainly would have taken this position when Julen Lopetegui was sacked two days before the start of the tournament but the Spaniards have been a mixed bag. In spells they were excellent against Portugal, but defensive errors and the worrying form of David de Gea are both big asterisks. There is room for improvement.

8. Portugal 

On the one hand, Ronaldo has 4 goals already and as Portugal proved two years ago, he can take a team a long way, particularly with a sound defense behind him. But when Ronaldo missed a penalty against Iran, they drew 1-1. If their star man has an off-day, what else have Portugal got? 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The last 16 teams left in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/jIy0PhFXUN">pic.twitter.com/jIy0PhFXUN</a></p>&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1012440351284457472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

9. Colombia 

Had Carlos Sanchez not been sent off in the 3rd minute of their opening defeat to Japan, Colombia might be among those considered dark horses in the knockout stage. James Rodriguez was superb against Poland but then forced off injured against Senegal. His absence would be a huge blow.

10. Mexico 

A convincing defeat to Sweden has tempered expectations slightly but Mexico showed enough in its opening two games to suggest they can be a real threat. They beat Germany 1-0 but should have scored 4 or 5 while Hirving Lozano on the left has been one of the players of the tournament so far. 

11. France 

They remain unbeaten but, save Germany, there is no team to have disappointed more. Tactical upheaval and painfully ponderous performances suggest Didier Deschamps is still working out how to make the most of his talented squad. Is Nabil Fekir the answer? Out wide or up front? France has more questions than answers. 

12. Russia 

A blistering start, a strong middle and a discouraging end. After thrilling wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Russia was dealt something of a reality check by Uruguay. But the hosts have proven their doubters wrong and shown they will be no pushovers, particularly in Moscow, where they play Spain next.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ladies and gentlemen, the official 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> last-16 fixtures. It&#39;s hard to know where to begin, but which is your pick of the first knockout-round games? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KOEngage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KOEngage</a> <a href="https://t.co/lpXIzyvc05">pic.twitter.com/lpXIzyvc05</a></p>&mdash; Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/KickOffMagazine/status/1012425502253076481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

13. Switzerland 

Controversy and the threat of suspensions could have diverted focus, but Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri escaped punishment for their politically charged celebrations against Serbia, and their goals carried Switzerland through. They did just enough but, in truth, not much more.

14. Denmark 

Denmark held France to a goalless draw and Christian Eriksen is continuing to show himself as one of the finest playmakers in the world. Those are the positives. But there was also a turgid draw against Australia and a win over Peru that might well have been different had their opponents scored a penalty.

15. Japan 

Japan took 4 points and their only win came against Colombia, who played with 10 men for 87 minutes. They then scraped through ahead of Senegal on fair play points. Perhaps it would be harsh to say Japan was lucky but a shaky defense can only last so long against better opponents.

16. Argentina 

Four minutes away from going out and seemingly saddled with a coach without authority, Argentina's progress could hardly have been bumpier. They ran out of ideas against Iceland, were outplayed by Croatia and survived only thanks to a last-gasp win over Nigeria. They are through though, and they still have Lionel Messi. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Hubert Cani drove to his right and then maneuvered to his left. A second later, he dribbled hard before stopping behind the 3-point line in a snap of a finger, catching his defender – poor Jollo Go of La Salle – out of balance. 

It was like watching an artist create a masterpiece. Slow, steady, and precise. Nothing was rushed. Everything calculated. There was an idea behind every motion. 

Cani then spun right, or at least it seemed that way. After being half-way through his turn, he returned left and penetrated hard, leaving the off-balanced Go a half-step behind.

That was all it took. As Go tried to catch up, Cani suddenly stepped back and calmly drained the dagger right between the eyes of his man. The final buzzer didn’t sound, but it was already clear: the upset was complete, and FEU just defeated its long-time rival.

“Pinapractice ko yun as an individual sa court, kahit ako lang mag isa,” Cani told Rappler in an exclusive interview after the game. 

(I practice that as an individual on the court, even if I do it by myself.)

With a semifinal spot in the Filoil preseason tournament on the line, the Tamaraws took down the Green Archers 76-69, behind 22 points by Cani on a very effective 8-of-10 shooting from the field.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hubert Cani. Dagger. What a quarter for him. Safe to say he’s finally arrived. <a href="https://t.co/2JqiDuyZqP">pic.twitter.com/2JqiDuyZqP</a></p>&mdash; Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) <a href="https://twitter.com/naveenganglani/status/1012280567176392704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Make no mistake about it: preseason, tune-up, or an actual game, there will always be animosity and too much history between these two rivals. So any victory will be celebrated, and any defeat will sting.

In this latest triumph for FEU, it can thank its lucky stars for Cani – a once sure blue-chip recruit turned out-of-shape misfit turned reclamation success.

By now, Cani’s story is well-known. 

After winning Finals MVP for NU’s high school team in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament back in 2013, the talented point guard decided to transfer to Ateneo for the next stage of his playing career.

Conflict with his old school and dealing with the UAAP’s rule – a mandatory two-year residency period for kids transferring from one UAAP high school to another for college – forced him to sit out the 2014 men’s basketball season.

Cani eventually debuted in 2015, but looked a few pounds too heavy and failed to earn significant minutes for the Blue Eagles. A few months later, it was revealed that he would miss the next UAAP after failing to meet the required grade for Ateneo student-athletes.

That eventually paved the way for his arrival at FEU, where after having an okay first season with the Tams in 2017, it looks like it’s time for him to finally live up to all the potential that had many excited about his future 5 years ago.

“Syempre lahat yun, obstacles yun, yung mga nangyari sa akin the past years. Pero syempre, ginagawa ko yun as a motivation din, kasi doon tayo gagaling – kapag kailangan natin ma-prove sa sarili natin ano yung kaya natin gawin,” said Cani as he opened up about his past ordeals.

(Of course, everything I went through were obstacles. But of course, I used it as motivation because that’s how we improve – when our backs are against the wall and we need to prove to ourselves that we can accomplish what we have to.)

A lot of credit goes to the FEU coaching staff, led by head coach Olsen Racela, for helping Cani rediscover his gifts on the basketball court. But most of the work came from him, which was evident as he put on a playmaking display against La Salle that left even those watching from the stands dizzy.

Cani scored 10 of FEU’s final 12 points, including 8 in the final two minutes alone. After an Aljun Melecio 3-pointer put DLSU ahead 65-63, Cani answered with a triple of his own to give the Tamaraws the lead for good.

What happened in the next possessions will leave fans of the team excited: step-backs, hesitation moves, superb fundamentals, and stupendous shooting. Simply put, it was one heck of a show.

“Marami akong changes talaga,” Cani shared about what led to this new and improved version of him. “Actually, hindi ako nag diet. More on nag extra lang talaga ako. Nag cardio, weights, sprinting. Lahat yun, ginawa ko.”

(I made a lot of changes. Actually, I didn’t go on a diet. I focused more on exercise. I did cardio, weights, sprinting. I did all of those.)

What made Cani a highly-coveted high school standout was his ambition. He craved for success, and put in the work regularly in order to attain it. But with off-court distractions along the way, it’s not difficult to comprehend why he fell off the path required for success.

With factors outside of basketball now in order, he can concentrate on reaching the aspirations he set out for himself.

“As an individual kasi gusto ko talaga mag champion sa UAAP, makapag PBA. Lahat naman nang basketball athlete sa atin ang dream talaga maging Gilas, PBA, so gagawin ko lahat yun para sa sarili ko,” he said with the type of confidence that wasn’t present when he first got to the UAAP. 

(As an individual, I want to win a championship in the UAAP then make it to the PBA. All basketball athletes in our country have dreams of making it to the national team, the PBA, so I’ll do everything I can to reach that.)

Now lean and with the mental confidence to go with his physical capabilities, Cani isn’t planning on being content – especially with only two years of playing eligibility left for the future.

“Siguro hindi pa ako in shape talaga na sobra-sobra. Meron pa akong i-improve sa sarili para mas gumaling pa ako as an individual, and makapag-contribute as a team. Syempre yun mahalaga – makapag contribute ka sa team mo.”

(I’m not yet in top shape. I still have to work harder to get better as an individual and to contribute to the team. Of course, that’s what matters – contributing to the team.)

That attitude, mixed with the special things he can do on a basketball court, should have Racela and the rest of the FEU community beyond excited for what’s to come. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Height is might for Batang Gilas as 7-foot-1 phenom Kai Sotto heads the Philippine lineup set to compete in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup starting this weekend in Argentina. 

Joining the 7-foot-1 Sotto in the tallest Batang Gilas squad assembled yet are 6-foot-7 combo forward Carl Tamayo of the National University Bullpups, 6-foot-7 Raven Cortez of the La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers, and the 6-foot-8 Ateneo bruiser Geo Chiu.

Gilas captain Forthsky Padrigao leads the guard lineup along with Terrence Fortea, RC Calimag, Yukien Andrada, Joshua Lazaro, Mclaude Guadaña, Gerry Abadiano and Migs Pascual.

The Philippines is bracketed in Group D with Croatia, France and host Argentina.

The Nationals will play their first game against Croatia on July 1, 4:30 am (Manila time).

Batang Gilas advanced to the world stage after reaching the semifinal round of the 2018 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship last April behind Sotto. (READ: Kai Sotto leads FIBA Asia U16 in 3 departments).

The Ateneo high school standout expects a tougher time in the world stage, but believes Batang Gilas prepared well for the tournament. (READ: Kai Sotto braces for tough World Cup grind)

Other members of the pool are Bismarck Lina, Rafael Go, King Balaga, and Jorick Bautista. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles drubbed the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 50-38, to advance to the final round of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup on Friday, June 29.

Thirdy Ravena topscored for the Eagles with only 7 points in the low-scoring semifinal slugfest at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan. It marked the second game in a row where no Ateneo player reached double-digits in scoring.  

Ateneo will take on the winner of the other semifinal battle between the San Beda Red Lions and the St. Benilde Blazers.

"It was a defensive game, low-scoring," said assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga, taking over the absent Tab Baldwin. "FEU played good defense on us in the first half."

"We had only two assists in the first half, so that's a bit uncharacteristic from our team," he said of the Blue Eagles, who recently had a series of tuneup games in Greece.

"Medyo may gigil eh. We wanted to win, but we were doing it a bit individually."

(We were a bit too aggressive. We wanted to win, but we were doing it a bit individually.)

Ateneo big man Isaac Go sparked a late run, scoring 5 straight points off a key triple and a putback following an SJ Belangel miss that shattered a 31-all deadlock and put the Blue Eagles up, 36-31. 

The Blue Eagles continued to pull away with Ravena and Anton Asistio each draining a mid-range shot to extend the lead to 8 points, 44-36, with 3 minutes remaining.

Floor general Matt Nieto effectively iced the game in the last two minutes with another mid-range jumper followed by a crafty pump-fake by Angelo Kouame to spread the gap to 10 points, 48-38.

The Scores:

ATENEO (50) — Ravena 7, Asistio 6, Kouame 6, Verano 6, Go 5, Navarro 5, Ma. Nieto 5, Mi. Nieto 4, Belangel 3, Maagdenberg 3, Black 0, Mamuyac 0, Mendoza 0, Tio 0, Wong 0, White 0.

FEU (38) — Orizu 11, Cani 8, Tuffin 7, Escoto 4, Iñigo 4, Tolentino 3, Stockton 1, Bienes 0, Comboy 0, Eboña 0, Gonzales 0, Parker 0, Ramirez 0.

Quarters: 9-16, 21-22, 30-30, 50-38.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Gilas Pilipinas humiliated Chinese Taipei in front of its own people with a 93-71 blowout win in the 3rd window of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Friday, June 29.

June Mar Fajardo frolicked in the paint with 22 points on a healthy 9-of-12 shooting as the Filipinos silenced the sold-out crowd at the Taipei Heping Basketball Stadium despite trailing by as much as 9 points in the second quarter. 

Andray Blatche backstopped Fajardo with an all-around effort of 13 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and two blocks for Gilas, which hiked its record to 4-1 to gain a share of the lead in Group B with Australia. 

TNT KaTropa teammates Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo provided the backcourt firepower Gilas needed to match Chinese Taipei's, chipping in 15 and 14 points, respectively, and conjoining for 10 assists. 

Chinese Taipei held a 30-21 second-quarter lead thanks to its pinpont 3-point sniping but the Filipinos regained their bearings behind Romeo and Troy Rosario, who conspired for a 12-3 run to knot the score at 33-all.

Things began to click for the Philippines from there as it ended the first half with another 11-3 spurt, capped by a Matthew Wright triple, for a 44-37 advantage. 

“I think it’s just due to some good preparation coming into this ball game. We knew Taipei was going to be a house on fire. We did not lose sight of what we were supposed to do,” head coach Chot Reyes said.

Gilas' lead swelled to 14 points early in the 4th quarter, 75-61, before the Taiwanese trimmed their deficit to 9 points off back-to-back Wen-Ting Tseng and Cheng-Ju Lu triples, 69-78. 

But that was the last time Chinese Taipei threatened a comeback as the Filipinos closed out the game with a 15-2 run. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chinese Taipei waste strong start and fall to <a href="https://twitter.com/officialSBPinc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@officialSBPinc</a> anew <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIBAWC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIBAWC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThisIsMyHouse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThisIsMyHouse</a> <a href="https://t.co/eNEQIemIeA">pic.twitter.com/eNEQIemIeA</a></p>&mdash; Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1012698515724648455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Gilas veteran Gabe Norwood made his presence felt with 8 points and 5 steals while RR Pogoy had 8 points and two steals in the win. 

Quincy Davis paced Chinese Taipei, which fell to a 1-4 card, with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks and Lu chipped in 13 markers. 

In the other Group B game, Japan stunned Australia, 79-78, to notch its first win in 5 games and keep its bid for a spot in the second round of the Qualifiers alive. 

Japan and Chinese Taipei lock horns on July 2 to determine which will join the Philippines and Australia in the second round. 

The Scores:

Gilas Pilipinas (93): Fajardo 22, Castro 15, Romeo 14, Blatche 13, Norwood 8, Wright 6, Rosario 5, Jalalon 2, Pogoy 0, Aguilar 0, Abueva 0, Malicsi 0

Chinese Taipei (71): Davis 17, Lu 13, Chen Y. 11, Chou Y. 9, Chen K. 9, Yang 7, Tseng 3, Chou P. 2, Liu 0, Chiang 0, Su 0, Creighton 0

Quarter scores: 16-19, 44-37, 68-60, 93-71

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It's champion versus champion anew in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup finals.

NCAA champion San Beda Red Lions tripped the St. Benilde Blazers, 76-71, in their semifinal duel on Friday, June 29, to arrange a finals showdown against UAAP titlist Ateneo.

The Blue Eagles – who disposed of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their own semifinal pairing – and the Red Lions will clash in the winner-take-all title match on Saturday, June 30, at 6:30 pm.

"I give credit to St. Benilde, they really played well tonight," said Fernandez. "Good job for coach Ty [Tang] for a very good game plan."

"It's just the breaks of the game, he added. "Probably, if they made their shots in that last one minute, they would probably change the course of the ball game."

Star center Donald Tankoua topscored for the Red Lions with 14 points, but later got disqualified from the game after a technical following an offensive foul. 

San Beda rookie Evan Nelle dropped a triple with less than 3 minutes left in regulation to extend the Red Lions' lead to 9 points, 69-60. 

Justin Gutang immediately answered with a triple for St. Benilde, 64-69, and got fouled on another trey attempt with 41 seconds left. He sank all 3 of his charities to put the Blazers within 3, 69-72.

Following a rebound off a missed Unique Naboa trey, Nigerian reinforcement Toba Eugene calmly iced the game with two free-throws, 74-69, with 20 ticks left.

San Beda led by as many as 10 points, 44-34, in the 3rd quarter, before Gutang and Clement Leutcheu bolstered the Blazers side with a 15-7 run to creep within two, 49-51. They ended the quarter just down one, 53-54.

Eugene also finished with 14 points, while Gilas 2023 cadet Javee Mocon had a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double.

A blazing Gutang, meanwhile, fired a game-high 22 points on a 3-of-6 clip (50%) from downtown for Benilde.

The Red Lions look to defend their crown, nabbing it last year over another UAAP champion, the La Salle Green Archers, who then had two-time MVP Ben Mbala and champion coach Aldin Ayo.

The Scores:

SAN BEDA (78) – Tankoua 14, Eugene 14, Mocon 13, Doliguez 11, Bolick 9, Canlas 6, Nelle 5, Abuda 3, Cuntapay 3, Presbitero 0, Tongco 0, Oftana 0, Cabanag 0.

ST. BENILDE (71) – Gutang 22, Leutcheu 15, Haruna 11, Pasturan 8, Belgica 4, Dixon 4, Naboa 3, Domingo 2, Pagulayan 2, Carlos 0, Young 0, Nayve 0, Velasco 0.

Quarter Scores: 20-19, 40-34, 54-53, 78-71.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – June Mar Fajardo has long been criticized for not delivering for the Philippines in the international scene the same way he dominates the PBA as the reigning 4-time league Most Valuable Player. 

But "The Kraken" has silenced a lot of his naysayers after steering Gilas Pilipinas to a rousing 93-71 romp of Chinese Taipei as the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup resumed on Friday, June 28. 

Fajardo had his best game in a Gilas uniform to date as he torched the Taiwanese with 22 points on an ultra-efficient 9-of-12 shooting (75%) to go with 4 rebounds.

After missing his first two field goals, the 6-foot-10 slotman was basically unstoppable from there on. He sank 9 of his last 10 shots and scored at will at the post against anyone the Chinese Taipei defense threw at him. 

Gilas head coach Chot Reyes called Fajardo's prowess down low as a "big weapon" for the national team. 

"With June Mar and Andray (Blatche), Taipei has to pick their poison. Either focus on June Mar or focus on Andray. So when they put their best defenders on Andray, it frees up June Mar to work underneath. But still, even when they put Quincy Davis on June Mar, he still found ways to score. That's a big weapon for us," said Reyes. 

"When June Mar is operating down low it opens up our shooters as well. So I don't think it's any coincidence that we started hitting our threes after June Mar started scoring inside."

Fajardo poured in half of his output in the crucial 3rd quarter where Gilas finally took control, 66-52, before Chinese Taipei narrowed the gap to 8 points, 60-68, heading into the final frame. 

His teammates picked up where he left off in the 4th quarter until the Cebuano capped off his night with back-to-back buckets in Gilas' game-clinching 15-2 run, highlighted with a two-handed slam. 

"June Mar has every right to demand to start, but for him it doesn't matter. He comes in and he does his job whether that means starting or coming off the bench," added Reyes. 

Fajardo, who is averaging 13.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in the Qualifiers, will look to do the same when the Gilas Pilipinas (4-1) guns for the top spot in Group B against Australia (4-1) at the Philippine Arena on Monday, July 2. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – This year just keeps on getting better and better for Neil Etheridge as he recommits to newly promoted Premier League team Cardiff City until 2021. 

The Azkals goalkeeper signed a 3-year deal on Friday, June 29, as the team gears up for a return to England's top tier league. 

"Great feeling to commit my future to @cardiffcityfc. Last season was amazing and once again the hard work starts in the Premier League!" tweeted Etheridge. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great feeling to commit my future to <a href="https://twitter.com/CardiffCityFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cardiffcityfc</a> Last season was amazing and once again the hard work starts in the Premier League! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thankful?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thankful</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cardiffcityfc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cardiffcityfc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bluebirds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bluebirds</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rkryt1JsTR">pic.twitter.com/Rkryt1JsTR</a></p>&mdash; Neil Etheridge (@Neil38Etheridge) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neil38Etheridge/status/1012674443787886599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

Etheridge surpassed expectations during the 2017-2018 season as he kept a total of 19 clean sheets from the original goal of 15. (READ: An underdog all his life, Neil Etheridge proves worth among elite)

The Azkals mainstay led the Bluebirds to a 2nd place finish out of 24 teams in his 45 appearances with the club. 

"We are delighted to see another of our key performers from the 2017/18 campaign commit his future to the Club," said Cardiff City's Executive Director & CEO Ken Choo.  

"I’m sure the supporters are just as pleased as us to see him sign this new deal."

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ken Choo: “We are delighted to see another of our key performers from the 2017/18 campaign commit his future to the Club…<br><br>“I’m sure the supporters are just as pleased as us to see him sign this new deal.”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CityAsOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CityAsOne</a>  <a href="https://t.co/QxnySNEr2S">pic.twitter.com/QxnySNEr2S</a></p>&mdash; Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/CardiffCityFC/status/1012668014020452358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

However, the Filipino international will compete for a starting slot with Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Alex Smithies, who also signed a 3-year contract with the Bluebirds last Thursday, June 28. 

Just months after the Philippine national men's football team cracked into the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in history, Etheridge became the first Southeast Asian to qualify for the Premier League after a 0-0 draw with Reading FC. – Rappler.com

KAZAN, Russia – Argentina and Lionel Messi need to find form fast if they are to go any further in the World Cup on Saturday, June 30, when they meet a France team that has yet to live up to its billing. 

The first last-16 match in Russia promises to be a fascinating clash of two underachieving sides who are supposedly on different trajectories.

All the flaws of an aging and unbalanced Argentina team were ruthlessly exposed in the thrashing by Croatia in the group stage.  

But, roared on by a pumped-up Diego Maradona, Messi finally opened his account in this tournament before Marcos Rojo volleyed in a stunning winner against Nigeria as the losing 2014 finalists punched their ticket to the knockout stage. 

Didier Deschamps' France, meanwhile, among the pre-tournament favorites, has looked sluggish despite easing through the group stage unbeaten. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;We had one of the toughest groups and people don&#39;t realise that. But we still came out with two victories.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FRA</a>&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/paulpogba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paulpogba</a> feels Les Bleus achievements have gone under the radar. Can he impress again, having already caught the eye four years ago?<br><br><a href="https://t.co/zfRE67M3HD">https://t.co/zfRE67M3HD</a> <a href="https://t.co/JXPpUfTnbj">pic.twitter.com/JXPpUfTnbj</a></p>&mdash; FIFA World Cup  (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1012460888048226304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

First-choice striker Antoine Griezmann has been unable to recapture his best form and the creativity has failed to flow from midfield. 

Deschamps is adamant that France will get it all right on the night when the business end of the tournament kicks off on Saturday.

"A whole new competition begins now, direct elimination," Deschamps said. "We got what we wanted. Now the mountain looms up in front of us, but we're there and we're aiming to get through to the next round after that." 

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi underlined his importance to Argentina with a sublimely-taken opening goal against Nigeria on Tuesday.

But it only partly made amends for the Barcelona icon's penalty miss against Iceland in a lackluster 1-1 draw that dampened Argentine hopes from their opening match.

Messi was then virtually missing in action when Jorge Sampaoli's men suffered the chastening defeat to Croatia.

The tension of the win over Nigeria had 1986 World Cup winner Maradona grimacing towards the sky, a crazed look in his eyes.

Maradona later played down concerns over his health after he was checked over by paramedics inside his VIP box.

Messi in a mess

But Argentina, and Messi's health is under scrutiny too, according to former France captain Marcel Desailly. 

A World Cup winner with France in 1998, Desailly told Britain's Guardian newspaper: "We know Messi is great but we're confused and sad for him.

"He is such a pure Barcelona product but with Argentina right now, Messi's in a mess."

"And let's face it, France has yet to show anything to make us feel optimistic, to give us hope," said Desailly. 

With just 3 goals from 3 games, an attacking line featuring Griezmann, 145-million-euro teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud has hardly set the tournament on fire. 

Griezmann, particularly, is facing increasing scrutiny two years after his 6-goal, 7-assist tally steered France to the final of Euro 2016, where France lost to Portugal. 

His campaign so far has been more remarkable for the controversy caused by his decision to announce his commitment to Atletico Madrid, rejecting Barcelona in the process, in a 40-minute video which aired on the eve of France's opener.

"He's fine, he's fine. You mustn't ever doubt one of the best players in the world," said his Atletico teammate Lucas Hernandez. 

Les Bleus should have the measure of Messi, according to Marius Tresor, the former France defender who helped Les Bleus to a fourth-place finish at the 1982 World Cup.

"Against Messi, they (France) will have to play intelligently," Tresor told AFP.

"If Messi comes through the middle we have a guy called N'Golo Kante who doesn't let people past him easily.

"On his (Messi's) right side there's Hernandez, who knows him well from the Spanish league. 

Messi "likes to move around, so we have to try and control him." – Rappler.com

MOSCOW, Russia – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi take center stage as the World Cup shifts into high gear at the weekend with the start of the knockout matches in the loaded top half of the draw. 

Football heavyweights France, Argentina, Portugal and Brazil are all clustered in one section of the competition, with only Spain among recent winners in the other half.

The unbalanced nature of the knockout phase increases the chances of an unlikely team reaching the semifinals – and of the big guns cancelling each other out. 

That scenario sparked debate ahead of Thursday's England-Belgium group match – was it better to win and enter the tougher side of the draw or lose and face potentially easier fixtures down the line?

In the event, 3rd-ranked Belgium won 1-0, adding even more firepower to the top half, while if England can get past Colombia they will fancy their chances of reaching a potential semifinal against 2010 winners Spain.

The first phase in Russia featured just one goalless draw and already a record number of penalties, with the video assistant referee (VAR) often in the spotlight.

Of the half-dozen winners of the trophy since 1970, Germany has gone home in the biggest shock of the tournament by far while Italy never even qualified for Russia. 

French firepower

The standout last-16 tie on paper pits France against Messi and Argentina, two teams who labored through the group stage.

France is packed with firepower, boasting Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud, but they have failed to click so far, finding the net just 3 times in 3 matches – one was a penalty and another an own goal.

"It's make or break. We don't have any choice. We have to do everything possible to make sure it goes well for us," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There you have it...The last 16 have been confirmed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/7fazrsa9Jy">pic.twitter.com/7fazrsa9Jy</a></p>&mdash; SuperSport  (@SuperSportTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SuperSportTV/status/1012426014964768768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Five-time world player of the year Messi underlined his importance to Argentina with a sublimely taken opening goal against Nigeria but that came after his penalty miss against Iceland in a lackluster 1-1 draw that set the tone for a disappointing campaign so far.

Ronaldo on the other hand started his tournament with a hat-trick against Spain but has slipped behind England's Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot after seeing his penalty saved in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Iran.

The Real Madrid star, who has 4 goals in Russia and looks certain to be crowned world player of the year for a 6th time, will come up against a tight Uruguay defense that did not concede a single goal in the group phase.

Aside from their watertight defense, two-time winners Uruguay boast two of the greatest goal-scorers of their generation in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayans are aware that Ronaldo is not the only threat for the European champions – he is supported by younger talents such as Bernardo Silva and Goncalo Guedes. 

"We will mark him with the same respect we mark everyone, despite him being a superstar," said Uruguay's Sebastian Coates of Ronaldo. "You don't prepare a match just looking at one player."

Controversial Japan

Pierluigi Collina, the chairman of FIFA's referees committee, said on Friday he was pleased with the impact of VAR at the tournament but that it did not mean all decisions would be perfect.

FIFA said VAR crews conducted checks on 335 incidents during the group stage, helping achieve a 99.3 percent rate of correct decisions.

 "VAR doesn't mean perfection," Collina said. "There could still be some wrong interpretation or even mistakes, so it's a not a perfection that can be reached having implemented VAR."

Debate was still raging over Japan's approach to their final group game against Poland after the Asian side sneaked into the last 16 on the back of their superior disciplinary record.

The Asian side faced an angry backlash for running down the clock at walking pace in the last 15 minutes even though they were losing 1-0 on Thursday, gambling that Senegal would not equalize against Colombia in the other Group H game.

Kozo Tashima, president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), insisted the team deserved a place in the knockout stage in Russia, won at the expense of the west African team by virtue of having picked up fewer yellow cards.

FIFA said it had no plans to change its fair play criteria.

"This is the first time (the fair play rule) has been used in a senior World Cup in this way. Obviously what we want to avoid is the drawing of lots," said Colin Smith, FIFA's chief competitions and events officer.

MANILA, Philippines – Here's a roundup of some local events in basketball, football and volleyball this week:

Lyceum rules 2018 Milcu Sports Basketball

The Lyceum Pirates dominated their Intramuros rival Letran Knights, 81-69, to bag the championship in the recent 2018 Milcu Sports Basketball presented by Got Skills Adidas Summer Showcase at the Trinity University Gym in Quezon City.

Cameroonian reinforcement Mike Nzeusseu won the Finals MVP after powering Lyceum with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. CJ Perez backed him up with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

It was that battle-hardened core for the Pirates that fronted their 3rd-quarter breakaway, stretching a 5-point halftime lead to a 61-49 advantage entering the final frame.  

For deputy Jeff Perlas, who called the shots in place of head coach Topex Robinson, the title run boosted the Pirates' confidence as they try again to win it all in the NCAA. 

“Definitely, this is a big morale booster for us. Every championship we won is part of the learnings leading to the NCAA,” said Perlas. “Success is a series of small wins.”

 Coy Galvelo led Letran, the top seed after the elimination round, with 18 points, while King Caralipio chipped in 16 points.

San Beda-A bags Fr. Martin senior crown

The San Beda-A Red Lions asserted themselves early and swamped the Letran Knights, 79-56, to capture the senior division honors of the 24th Fr. Martin Cup Summer Basketball Tournament.

Clint Doliguez had 18 points and his efforts in the first half allowed the Red Lions to keep the Knights at bay for the rest of the game in their home turf at the St. Placid gymnasium at the San Beda campus in Mendiola.

 The Red Lions started moving away with a 21-16 lead after Doliguez connected 3 triples and Calvin Oftana capped the first canto with a 4th trey. A drive from Doliguez with 3:51 to go in the second period handed the Red Lions their biggest lead, 59-41. 

Jack Pambid led the Knights with 12 points while Mark Sangalang shot 11.

 Earlier, the Adamson Baby Falcons snared the junior division crown when they pulled off a 78-76 win over the San Beda University-Taytay Red Cubs to capture the high school honors.

National player Jack Danielle Animam and newcomer Kaye Pingol showed the way with 12 points as the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs retained the women's crown.

La Liga: San Beda completes semis football cast 

The San Beda Red Lions completed the semifinal cast without even breaking a sweat as NCAA champs St. Benilde Blazers stumbled due to two forfeitures that also ensured Lyceum’s progression in the knockout phase of the La Liga football competition.

The Red Lions earned the third spot of Division 1 with 19 points in the table on the strength of their 5-match unbeaten run ahead of their clash with second seed National University (NU).

The top-ranked University of the Philippines and the Lyceum rounded out the top 4. 

TIP sweeps BPO Olympics women’s volleyball

The TELUS International Philippines’ (TIP) women’s volleyball team continued its dominant run and improved to 3-0 at the 2018 BPO Olympics after downing Acquire at the Meralco Gym. 

Down early, TIP made adjustments to limit its errors and bounced back for a 24-26, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 16-14 victory over Acquire.

Customer service representative Ma. Angela Camille Picar was named Player of the Game, leading the charge with her hustle plays, which opened up scoring opportunities.  With the win, TIP plays against Concentrix team next on July 1 at the same venue. – Carla Molina/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The spotlight may be on his towering teammates, but Batang Gilas' lead point guard and team captain Rence “Forthsky” Padrigao doesn't mind. 

“For me, yung motto ko sa basketball is: Make my teammates better,” said Padrigao. “So for me, priority ko pa rin yung teammates ko. If may [scoring] opportunity na para sa akin, then I’m going for that din.”

(For me, my motto in basketball is: Make my teammates better. So for me, I still prioritize my teammates, and if there’s a scoring opportunity for me, then I’m going for that too.)

The Philippine basketball youth team is set to compete in the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Argentina starting Sunday, July 1 (Manila time) with a lineup bannered by the 7-foot-1 Kai Sotto and the versatile 6-foot-7 forward Carl Tamayo, 

The 6-foot-8 Geo Chiu and 6-foot-7 Raven Cortez round out the towering quartet of the tallest Batang Gilas squad assembled yet. (READ: Kai Sotto headlines tallest Batang Gilas lineup yet for World Cup)

Although Padrigao expects a tough run in the world stage, the Ateneo high school standout has been used to the pressure under the spotlight. 

Padrigao has recently been selected as the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders (BWB) camp Most Valuable Player in India. The former Adamson player was also a Mythical 5 member in the Nike All-Asia Camp in Dongguan, China last June 11 to 15.

Overseen by NBA talents such as the Brooklyn Nets’ Caris LeVert in India and Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons in China, Padrigao wowed in the international stage with his sound floor leadership at just 16 years old.

“Mas nahanda ako [ng BWB] for the upcoming Under-17,” he said in a recent interview arranged by NBA Philippines. “Kasi yung mga kalaban ko dun ay malalaki, mas malalakas, which is same sa Under-17 namin so na-ready ko yung sarili ko [sa] mga possibilities na mangyayari sa [World Cup].”

(BWB prepared me better for the upcoming Under-17. My opponents there were bigger and stronger, which is the same in the Under-17, so it got me ready for the possibilities that would happen in the World Cup.)

But Padrigao knows he still has to strive harder in the World Cup, 

“Kailangan ko pa maging mas consistent sa shooting ko,” he admitted. “Isa pa, yung sa team namin ngayon, yung defense [kailangan ma-improve].”

(I need to be more consistent with my shooting. Also, as a team, we need to improve our defense.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – With 4 minutes left, Kaya Iloilo was in trouble.

Last June 11, league-leading Ceres Negros had just gone ahead. A Mike Ott strike in the Iloilo Sports Complex meant a precious 1-0 lead for the visitors. The sizable crowd of 1,895 souls, mostly Ilonggos supporting Kaya, was growing restive as a mere 4 minutes remained on the clock.

Kaya had never lost on Ilonggo soil since moving to Iloilo a few weeks into the season. They didn't want to blemish that record now, especially against Ceres, who they were tailing in the race for the 2018 Philippines Football League (PFL) title.

Deliverance came in the form of Shirmar Felongco.

The former UST standout was born and learned his football in Calinog, 61 kms northwest of the ground, and even further away than the traditional Ilonggo football towns of Barotac Nuevo, Santa Barbara, and Janiuay. 

Felongco had just shifted to a higher position in the field in a desperate attempt to grab an equalizer.

A long hopeful ball from the middle 3rd floated into the box. A Ceres defender tried to chest it back to goalie Toni Doblas. But he didn't realize that Felongco was lurking behind.

Felongco slithered behind the defender, pounced on the ball, and danced away from a backtracking Busman before turning and powering past Doblas for 1-1.

The grandstand erupted in complete bedlam. See the celebrations here. Supposedly some fans even wept.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jubilation in the stands after Shirmar Felongco&#39;s late equalizer! What a feeling<br><br>Thank you to Cheryl Rose for the video.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnaKaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnaKaya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KayaIloilo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KayaIloilo</a> <a href="https://t.co/LM9vSwH8HG">pic.twitter.com/LM9vSwH8HG</a></p>&mdash; Kaya Futbol Club (@KayaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/KayaFC/status/1005697780348641280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

The score stood until the final whistle. Kaya had remained unbeaten in the ISC and had, at that moment, kept within 6 points of Ceres, in striking distance of first place. Unlike last year, the PFL is employing a pure round-robin league for the first competition of the season sans a playoff phase, so Kaya must stay abreast.

Ilonggos embrace Kaya

Last year Kaya represented Makati in the PFL but this they righted one of the glaring wrongs of the league, the lack of representation for the country's most fabled football hotbed. A few weeks into the season they decamped to Iloilo and rechristened their side “Kaya FC-Iloilo.” 

The team management is encouraged by the welcome the team has received. The nearly 2,000-strong crowd in the Ceres game is very high compared to other PFL matches, and Iloilo charges admission too.

“We are fortunate and grateful to be here,” says general manager Paul Tolentino.

“A fair amount of people have accepted us. I honestly thought it would take longer.”

The club has had mall events that have been well-received. Kaya fans in Iloilo have banded together and organized for home games, conjuring up their own cheers. A new fan club has emerged, Hubon Fuerzas Kaya Iloilo.

They are a knowledgeable bunch too, says Tolentino.

“I have never been in a crowd in the Philippines that cheers a defensive interception,” marvels the GM.

“They also moan and groan when a creative 1-2 move doesn't happen. They're seeing what is happening on the pitch and appreciate it.”

Tolentino also notices that the Iloilo crowd makes their own energy in the stands rather than reacting to what's going on in the game, which he sees happening with Azkals games.

There are even rabid Kaya fans who attend training. Head coach Noel Marcaida says they remain silent during the actual drills but beat drums and cheer during water breaks.

Laying the groundwork

Tolentino knows that maintaining this newfound ardor for the team will depend on two things: building roots within the community and performing on the pitch.

Last weekend, Kaya brought their Manila-based youth teams for games against a Barotac Nuevo selection and a team from Tamasak, a barangay in the legendary Ilonggo football bastion.

Tamasak, coached by the father of their Ilonggo star Jovin Bedic, prevailed 3-1. The team also tackled a Barotac Nuevo LGU squad and fell 4-1. The day after the youth teams battled Westbridge, a private school in Iloilo city, and came out on top 6-3, recovering from a 0-2 deficit early.

Kaya has conducted clinics with youth players in Iloilo City, including a hastily-organized one on May 2, the day when they were supposed to play their maiden home game against Global. The opponents shockingly backed out of that match days before, citing lack of funds.

Tolentino says they will branch out with clinics in places like La Paz and Santa Barbara as well. La Paz produced Stallion Laguna striker Jhanjhan Melliza, who was the PFL's leading Filipino striker last year. Santa Barbara is where former national team players like Bervic Italia, Jason Cordova, and Jovanie Simpron come from.

"We have a lot to do," says Tolentino, the former Ateneo standout, in terms of building linkages in the community.

"We really want to work with everyone," continues the GM. That task will not be as simple as it sounds. Ilonggo football can get balkanized. Kaya will do well to navigate the shoals of Ilonggo football politics with great care. Even within the football towns, intramural factionalism exists.

But in the roster Felongco is an inspiration to the local kids, as is Jovin Bedic, from Barotac Nuevo. Bedic was an Ilonggo prodigy growing up who used to overwhelm many youth matches. Now he wears the captain's armband for Kaya.

"Nakakatulong na mas marami ng local players sa team ngayon," says Bedic.

"Magiging inspirasyon yan sa mga bata sa Iloilo na makita nila na kaya din nilang makipaglaro sa mataas na league."

(It helps that there are many local players in the team now. They serve as an inspiration to the kids in Iloilo that they too can play in a high-level league.) 

Kaya has a total of 13 Hiligaynon speakers in the club, but most of them actually come from Negros, like Camelo Tacusalme from Bacolod, and the Soriano brothers, Janrick and Jalsor, who hail from Talisay.

Goal-poacher Eric Giganto and goalies Ref Cuaresma, Ace Villanueva and Zach Banzon are the other locally-bred standouts who boost the team alongside overseas-born Pinoys like Miguel Tanton, Connor Tacagni and Woody Ugarte.

Tolentino and Marcaida really notice that Bedic and Felongco seem to give an extra effort when playing in Iloilo. Both enjoy special sections in the grandstand, populated by friends and family, complete with banners. According to Bedic, usually 7 jeeploads full of Barotacnons make the trip from Barotac Nuevo to Iloilo just to see the club play.

Closing the gap with Negros

Iloilo will need the hometown support to overhaul that gap between them and league-leading Ceres. Negros might be the class of the league but Kaya is hanging in there with still plenty of games to be played in the season.

The senior team itself is a blue-collar mix of hard workers from different backgrounds who scrap for one another. There seem to be no high-priced superstars.

Thanks to injuries and suspensions, Kaya drew Ceres with only foreigner, veteran defender Masanari Omura. That was the second game in a row they picked up a result without strikers Robert Lopez-Mendy and Jordan Mintah, and defender Alfred Osei. In the match before that they defeated Davao 3-2 in Iloilo. Mintah, a prolific Ghanaian, is lost for the season with an injury.

Iloilo also knows that Ceres has been unlucky too. Midfield string-puller Manny Ott is out with a fractured eye socket sustained in a match against JPV. Another important player for Negros, Spanish attacker Bienve Maranon, is also injured and is in a race to get fit before the AFC Cup zonal playoffs resume in August. 

The AFC Cup campaign also works in Kaya's favor because it could distract Ceres from the local league. Ceres will duke it out with Singapore outfit Home United over two legs on August 1 and 8. That could leave them a wee bit weary when it comes to playing in the PFL, which could help Kaya pull closer.

The Ilonggos did themselves a big favor by downing JPV Markina 4-2 last Wednesday at home, keeping their enviable unbeaten record in the Iloilo Sports Complex intact. Robert Lopez Mendy, their Senegalese striker, perhaps inspired by his country's performance in the World Cup, knocked in another 3 goals.

With Ceres beating Stallion Laguna 2-0 on Wednesday, the gap between the two teams is at 9, but Negros still has two trips to Iloilo before this season is over.

"If we are going to catch Ceres, we have to do it with the Kaya spirit," says Tolentino. "We will need to stick together and believe in our players. We need to move in the same direction." 

With a whole football-mad province behind them, they just might pull it off. – Rappler.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.

MANILA, Philippines – Tired of Manila traffic? The country’s long jump record holder Marestella Torres-Sunang feels the same way as she braves through the Ortigas traffic from her home in Bacoor just to train at the PhilSports complex. 

But the Olympian has finally found a solution with the inauguration of Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite – the new home of the Philippine athletics team.

"March pa lang nandito na ako so nakiusap na ako in advance kung pwede na ako makigamit dito, so ok naman yung jumping and yung buong track oval, pero yun pa lang yung meron," said Torres-Sunang. 

(I was here since March so I asked them if I could use the facility in advance, so the jumping and whole track oval are okay, but that's all they have operational so far.) 

After her Philippine National Games (PNG) stint, Sunang immediately started her 2018 Asian Games training at the Vermosa Sports Hub. The convenience has benefitted her as she nears her peak form in time for the continental tournament.

"Nasa 80% lang ako ngayon, so meron pa akong two months so kino-cover up namin yung mga training kasi medyo nag-struggle ako sa training ko nakaraan dahil nga medyo malayo yung ibang facilities ko," explained the long jumper. 

(I'm only at 80% of my peak form so I still have two months to fill in the training I lost since I struggled in the past because the facilities I used to go to are far.) 

Torres-Sunang holds the Philippine record of 6.72m, which she achieved in the 2016 Olympic qualifying tournament. It was better than the mark set by 2014 Asian Games gold medalist Maria Natalia Londa of Indonesia's distance of 6.55m. The Filipina, however, failed to make the qualifying mark in the long jump finals of the Incheon games. 

The long jump specialist's best Asian Games finish was in the 2010 Guangzhou games where she placed 4th with a distance of 6.49m. 

The Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association’s (PATAFA) main sponsor AyalaLand Corporation welcomed the federation to its new home in the Vermosa estate on Friday, June 29.

A gym for the athletes’ conditioning is expected to be done by August 2018 while the PATAFA is still waiting for the construction of a grandstand and the installation of functional floodlights to fulfill international standards for a competition venue.

"Yung equipment (ngayon) kulang, and of course if you want to host international competitions, you have to increase the seating capacity to at least 15,000. Tsaka yung lighting, kasi meron kang competition sa gabi," said PATAFA president Philip Ella Juico. 

(It still lacks equipment now, and of course if you want to host international competitions, you have to increase the seating capacity to at least 15,000. There should also be lighting because there's competition at night.) 

The Asian Games-bound athletics team started training regulary in Vermosa Sports Hub last June 23, and they are currently residing in The O resort which is 10 minutes away from the training facility. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Former University of Santo Tomas high school star Eya Laure looks forward to her sister act with EJ Laure when she debuts in the UAAP seniors division volleyball in Season 81. 

"Excited na excited kasi sobrang namiss ko talaga si Ate EJ. For how many years ako naging single na Laure sa high school kasi first playing year ko sa UAAP juniors, dalawa na kaming Laure," said Eya during the inaugural Siklab Youth Awards last Wednesday, June 27.

(I'm so excited because I really miss Ate EJ. I have been the only Laure in high school for several years unlike in my first playing year in the UAAP juniors where it was the two of us Laures playing.)

The older Laure, who took home the Season 77 Rookie of the Year, was sidelined in Season 80 reportedly due to a shoulder injury. Her absence, however, received social media backlash from fans who speculated that it wasn't the true reason. 

But the Laure sisters hope to put all issues behind and just focus on backstopping Sisi Rondina as the Golden Tigresses try to bounce back from a 7th place finish in Season 80. 

"Gusto ko maibalik yung glory and yung parang tingin sa UST na siyempre, hindi tayo magsesettle sa kung ano ang naging finish last year. So this year sobrang naghihirap kami sa training para maangat din yung performance namin next season," said the younger Laure. 

(We want to bring back UST's glory and winning ways. Of course, we're not going to settle for the finish we had last year. So this year, we're working hard in training to improve our performance next season.) 

Among the rising volleyball stars in the juniors division, Eya was selected as the Philippine Olympic Committee's Super Kids awardee from the sport. 

The rookie, though, feels the pressure of continuing her sister's legacy in the tough seniors tournament. 

"Parang yung feeling na nakatingin sila sa performance ko next season so kailangan [prepared ako] itong upcoming season. Kailangang paghandaan kasi mahirap naman kung hindi mo makuha yung mga gusto nilang mangyari [na improved performance]," added Eya. 

(I feel like everyone is looking at my performance next season, so I have to really prepare for the upcoming season. We need to prepare for it because it's hard if we don't get to improve our performance.) – Rappler.com