MANILA, Philippines – After a shocking 25-point drubbing at the hands of cellar-dweller UE Red Warriors, the FEU Tamaraws were itching to move on.

And move on, they did, quickly bouncing back and edging out the NU Bulldogs in a gritty 73-68 win on Wednesday, October 3.

But head coach Olsen Racela is not fully convinced, because he’s seen this script twice before.

“Of course, you’re always happy with the bounce-back victory, but the problem is after the victory. We suck in responding to a victory,” Racela said.

“After winning our first game [against La Salle], we lost the second one [versus UST]. We got a bounce-back victory [against UP] then we lost the next one [versus UE]. That’s our story [so far].

“More than bouncing back, what we need to do is to be consistent with our approach to every game,” he emphasized.

Racela echoed the sentiments of transferee guard Hubert Cani, who told reporters after the UE loss that he felt he and his teammates were “cheating” their approach to the game. Back then, Cani talked with the media instead of Racela, who respectfully declined to comment in the immediate aftermath.

Meanwhile, streaky guard Wendell Comboy let out a follow-up apology to the team’s fans after their NU win.

“On behalf of our team, para sa FEU community, di kami yung naglaro nung UE,” he said after finishing with a game-high 18 points on an accurate 3-of-4 (75%) clip from downtown.

“Wala kami sa ulo, kaya humihingi kami ng pasensya. Bibigay namin yung best namin, di kami gigive-up every play. Yun yung maaasahan niyo sa amin.”

(On behalf of our team, for the FEU community, we weren’t ourselves playing against UE. We weren’t right in the head, and we apologize. We will give our best and not give up on every play. That’s what you can expect from us.)

Comboy fell 2 points shy of tying his career-high, but still tallied his best scoring output in two years. The UE loss lit a fire under him and kept burning in the NU game.

“Sobrang nakakahiya [yung talo.] Di kami makatulog,” he said. “Paggising mo, parang gusto mo na agad, game day na. Gusto mong bumawi na. Sa tingin ko naman excited kami bumawi.”

(That loss was so embarrassing. We couldn’t sleep well. Once you wake up, you’d wish it was game day already so you can get revenge. I think we were all excited to bounce back.)

Now that they have their second bounce-back win in the bag, time will tell if they can break their up-and-down streak.

Up next? The undefeated Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, October 7. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The San Beda Red Lions made quick work of fellow contender CSB Blazers, 77-55, in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Thursday, October 4.

With the win, the two-time defending NCAA champions moved up to 14-1, a win closer to clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

CSB, meanwhile, skidded to 8-7, its second-straight loss to begin their brutal home stretch schedule that still includes games against pacesetter Lyceum, cellar-dweller JRU and third-placer Letran.

However, an intersting development may also impact the  fifth-running Blazers as fourth-placer Perpetual Altas are currently embroiled in a player ineligibility issue that threatens to wipe out all of their 10 wins if ever a case against them is pushed.

San Beda made the game a runaway with a 10-0 run in the 3rd quarter, 47-24, ending with an open Clint Doliguez corner three at the 6:05 mark.

Small scoring spurts from the Blazers slightly cut the margin in the 4th, but never as low as 15 points. The champs pushed back and regained a 22-point lead, 77-55, off a Javee Mocon outback with less than a minute to go.

Robert Bolick led San Beda anew with 19 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds on a great 6-of-9 (67%) shooting clip. Reigning Finals MVP Donald Tankoua collected an easy double-double of 13 points and 10 boards with 3 blocks.

Blazers big man Clement Leutcheu paced CSB with 12 points and 13 boards with 3 blocks. Justin Gutang chipped in 9 markers, 7 boards and 6 assists.

The Scores

San Beda 77 – Bolick 19, Mocon 13, Tankoua 13, Oftana 10, Soberano 8, Cabanag 7, Carino 4, Doliguez 3, Abuda 0, Presbitero 0, Tongco 0, Eugene 0, Cuntapay 0.

CSB 55 – Leutcheu 12, Gutang 9, Nayve 9, Dixon 8, Haruna 4, Naboa 4, Carlos 4, Young 3, Belgica 2, Pasturan 0.

Quarters: 24-13, 37-22, 58-36, 77-55

STANDINGS

Lyceum 14-1
San Beda 14-1
Letran 10-4
Perpetual 10-5
CSB 8-7
Arellano 4-10
San Sebastian 4-11
Mapua 4-11
EAC 4-11
JRU 2-13

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After 4 straight wins, the Philippine men’s team jumped to 31st place after beating Zambia, 2.5-1.5, in the 9th round of the 43rd Chess Olympiad on Wednesday, October 3, in Batumi, Georgia.

With 12 match points from 6 wins and 3 losses, the Philippines faces Ecuador in Thursday’s penultimate round.  

Jan Emmanuel Garcia delivered the vital win, a 60 move victory in an English Opening against Kela Kaulule Siane. 

“We have been treating each round like a championship round since the one against Lebanon,” Julio Catalino Sadorra, the Philippines’ top board, told Rappler in a Facebook message. 

After two straight losses, the women’s team recovered with a 2.5-1.5 triumph over a tough South Korean squad. They're running at 35th with 11 match points.

The Filipinas will face Moldova in the penultimate round. 

Woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna got her first win since the third round by trouncing Wang Chenglia in 51 moves of a Modern Defense.

Also winning were national champ Shania Mae Mendoza over Roza Eymulu in 42 moves of a French Defense and former titleholder Bernadette Galas against Kim Yubin in 47 move of a Vienna Opening.  

Marie Antoinette San Diego lost for the second time in 7 games against Park Sunwon in a 46-move Sicilan Defense.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles and the La Salle Green Archers will clash for the first time this UAAP season on Saturday, October 6, 4 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Bolstered by a four-game blowout winning streak, the defending champion Blue Eagles easily hold an edge over their fierce rivals. 

But Ateneo star Matt Nieto thinks there's no reason to underestimate the La Salle side. (READ: Matt Nieto: Ateneo’s blowout wins hardly matter vs La Salle)

The Green Archers, running third with a 3-2 record, look to ride on the momentum of their own lopsided win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers last Wednesday. 

And La Salle coach Louie Gonzalez believes that his Green Archers already know the drill when they're up against a familiar foe. (READ: No need to pump up limping La Salle against Ateneo)

If the preseason, though, is any indication – where the Blue Eagles outlasted the Green Archers in an overtime thriller – expect this first showdown to be just as tight. 

Tune in to Rappler for live updates. 

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– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – When Jarvey Gayoso stepped into the pitch of the Sylhet District Stadium, he knew it was a going to be memorable as he was checking an item off his bucket list – a Philippine men's football team debut. 

"I was nervous, but unlike other games I felt good and excited to play," Gayoso told Rappler after he got to start for the Azkals in the 2018 Bangabandhu Cup game against Laos. 

But he didn't know there was so much for in store for him in the game. 

In the 53rd minute, the 20-year-old striker headed the ball off a Pika Minegishi cross into the back of the net that marked his first ever senior international football goal. 

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"Full credit to Minegishi. He gave a cross spot on and I was just there to head it. It was a dream come true to receive my first international goal in my first cap for the A team," said the elated Ateneo Blue Eagle who doubled the Philippines' lead to 2-0.

When Gayoso received the Bangabandhu Cup call-up last September 26, negative comments were thrown at him by some football fans. But the young Azkal made sure to tune out social media and stay focused on his national team duty. 

"I’m pretty sure many wouldn’t be as comfortable seeing me compete here because I have little to no experience playing professionally and with older foreign players, but it has never shaken my competence and my desire to represent the country," said Gayoso

However, Gayoso fell short on defense as he was booked for a yellow two minutes after he scored the goal. Paolo Salenga eventually came in for the foul-troubled forward in the 62nd minute of the game. 

The Nationals still won 3-1 over Laos thanks to goals scored off penalties by Jovin Bedic and Misagh Bahadoran. 

Despite snagging 3 points and gaining an outright semifinal berth in their 2018 Bangabandhu Cup opening game, the new-look Philippine Azkals are still trying to jell. 

"It’s difficult given the situation but we’re all professional and I don’t think it would be too hard to play well with each other," said Gayoso. 

"We are familiar with each other because many of these guys compete against each other." 

The Nationals will face the host Bangladesh on Friday, October 5, 6:30 pm (8:30 pm, Manila time) where a win will catapult them to the top of Group B. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles may have an upperhand with an intact core and a four-game blowout winning streak, but the defending champions aren't underestimating their bitter rivals De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in their first UAAP Season 81 showdown.

"We have to give our 100% effort," Matt Nieto told Rappler. "And kahit blowout [win] yung game namin before nito (versus University of Santo Tomas), ibang game ito –  new team, new coach – so ibang iba yung laro na ito."

(Even though our game versus University of Santo Tomas was a blowout win, this is a different game – new team, new coach – so their game plan will be different.) 

Since absorbing a shock loss to Adamson in the season opener, the Blue Eagles routed their next 4 opponents by an average winning margin of 23.25 points, the last a 32-point wrecking of the Growling Tigers. 

Both Ateneo and La Salle have entertained UAAP fans with back-to-back Finals appearances and each school took one men's basketball title apiece in the last two seasons. 

But the departure of key players Ben Mbala and Ricci Rivero, and former head coach Aldin Ayo has left the Taft-based squad at a rebuilding phase since the start of the year.

It also did not help that the Green Archers are down to 11 men after losing Kiwi Samuel Taane and captain Kib Montalbo  to injuries during the season while absorbing painful losses to Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines.

Even if the Blue Eagles clearly see their advantages over DLSU, they will still remember how their rivals kept up with them during the Filoil preseason tournament  as Jollo Go's bucket sent the match into overtime. 

Ateneo eventually outlasted the Green Archers as rookie center Angelo Kouame's personal 6-0 run nailed the win. 

"We know they have the capabilities to beat us and they showed us that last summer," said Nieto. 

"Bilog ang bola (The ball is round).  We can't be overconfident and we have to play the Ateneo way and that's unselfish basketball and hard-nosed defense." 

The Ateneo playmaker is also excited to play against DLSU's Aljun Melecio, who has been stepping up to become the topscorer of the undermanned team. 

But the Green Archers have been showing signs of life again thanks to the efforts of other players like Justine Baltazar, who recorded a career-high of 22 points and 10 rebounds over his former mentor's UST team. 

"We have to prepare for him (Melecio) but it's not only him who we have to prepare for," said Nieto. 

"We have to treat everyone equally because all of them have the talent and anyone from that team can beat us and outwork us." 

The blue and green will clash on Saturday, October 6, 4 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com

MILAN, Italy – Italian champions Juventus on Thursday, October 4, said rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo do not change their opinion of their superstar player, but US sportswear giant Nike said it was "deeply concerned."

The Portuguese striker "has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus," the team said on Twitter, breaking their silence over the claims made by an American model.

"The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion."

Juventus later posted a video on YouTube and Twitter showing Ronaldo working up a sweat as he trained with his teammates at the team's Continassa centre in Turin for Saturday's league game against Udinese.

"Juventus go for goal. Cristiano Ronaldo finds the target!" read the caption beside the video.

The defending Serie A champions' tweets were widely panned on social media as "shockingly dismissive and insensitive."

"You'd expect a more nuanced and sensitive approach from such a mega organisation," said one typical tweet.

The player's powerful commercial backers, including Nike, also expressed fears over the controversy.

"We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation," a Nike spokesman told AFP.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> Ronaldo has shown in recent months his great professionalism and dedication, which is appreciated by everyone at Juventus. 1/1</p>&mdash; JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen/status/1047912523494842370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The events allegedly dating back to almost 10 years ago do not change this opinion, which is shared by anyone who has come into contact with this great champion. 2/2</p>&mdash; JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) <a href="https://twitter.com/juventusfcen/status/1047912694832123905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

According to Forbes magazine, Ronaldo is one of only 3 athletes to have been given a lifetime deal with Nike, joining an elite club also including NBA icons LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

EA Sports, for whom Ronaldo is a leading figure in their phenomenally successful FIFA video game market, also described the allegations as "concerning."

"We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA's values," the group said in a statement.

The rape allegations have threatened the reputation of one of the world's best and highly-paid footballers, with Las Vegas police this week saying they would reopen their file on the case.

The star denies accusations by former model Kathryn Mayorga that he raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in June 2009 and said his conscience is clear.

"Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in," said Ronaldo on his Twitter feed @Cristiano, which has nearly 75 million followers.

"Keen as I may be to clear my name I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense."

"My clear conscious (sic) will thereby allow me to await with tranquillity the results of any and all investigations," he added.

'Years of trauma'  

But lawyers for 34-year-old Mayorga hit back, saying their client had been "very consistent" in her reporting of the alleged incident, the details of which have been set out in a 32-page lawsuit filed last month with a district court in Nevada.

Mayorga's attorney Leslie Stovall told reporters his client had suffered years of trauma as a result of the alleged attack and found the courage to speak out thanks to the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault at the hands of powerful men.

Mayorga claims she was pressured into signing a non-disclosure agreement in 2010 to keep the alleged rape secret and is seeking at least $200,000 in penalties and damages.

Portugal internationals

Ronaldo, 33, has been left out of Portugal's next 4 internationals, national coach Fernando Santos said earlier Thursday.

"I will not reveal the details of the conversation we three had," said Santos when pressed by reporters on his discussion with Ronaldo and Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner missed the two internationals Portugal played in September. At the time, Santos suggested that his absence was temporary.

Ronaldo, a father of 4 who initially made his name in the game during a six-year spell at Manchester United, transferred to Juventus from Real Madrid in the summer in a 100-million-euro ($115 million) deal.

The Turin giants are hoping their investment will pay off and the five-time Champions League winner will lift them to their first European title since 1996 after twice finishing runners-up in the past four seasons.

Ronaldo has scored 3 goals since his arrival and was hailed as "an extraordinary player" by coach Massimiliano Allegri last weekend after his assists resulted in all 3 goals in a 3-1 win over title rivals Napoli.

"The passing is exceptional, and tonight was the best Ronaldo of the season," said Allegri.

"Ronaldo is enjoying his football, he has integrated very well."

On Saturday, the Serie A leaders travel to Udinese in the north east of Italy looking to extend their 100 percent winning streak this season to ten games in all competitions. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine men's team won its fifth straight match by beating Ecuador 3-1 Thursday night, October 4, in the 10th and penultimate round of the 43rd Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia.

With the victory, the Philippines landed 19th and will play Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam in Friday's last round.

In the 2012 edition, Vietnam spoiled the Philippines bid to remain in the top 10 by winning in the penultimate round.

 Two-time national champion Haridas Pascua and Ateneo head coach Jan Emmanuel Garcia tallied wins while Julio Catalino Sadorra and John Paul Gomez drew. 

Although a draw against Vietnam will be enough for the Eugene Torre-captained team to erase the stain of its worst performance of 58th place two years ago, the Philippines is in the running for top place in Group B,where it is tied with Norway.

No such luck befell the women's team which fell to Moldavia 2.5-1.5 as Janelle Mae Frayna blundered in a good position on her 33rd move and fell to a mating attack by Doria Baciu in 35 moves of a Queen's Indian. It was Frayna's third loss in 10 games, and second setback in the last 3 rounds.

"We could have won the match against Moldavia today. Janelle was winning. Instead of King to h1,it should have been Queen to f2. This is really unfortunate," said women's coach Jayson Gonzales in a Viber message.

The women's team tumbled to 43rd place and will play Australia in the last round. Gonzales fielded Frayna but did not enter Catherine Secopito, the only one who won against Moldavia. 

The setback has virtually made it unlikely for the women's team to match its previous finish at 34th place. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle may look like a limping squad after suffering key personnel losses against a  full-force Ateneo  wrecking crew that has blown out opponents left and right since their shocking opening-day loss against Adamson.

But La Salle head coach Louie Gonzalez says there's no need to pump up the Green Archers in Saturday’s super showdown in the UAAP men's basketball tournament on October 6, 4 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

“Siguro if you’re playing for La Salle and you’re going up against Ateneo, alam mo na yun kung anong dapat mong gawin,” said Gonzalez, who's making do with an 11-man lineup after losing Kiwi Samuel Taane and captain Kib Montalbo to injuries. 

“Wala na kami kailangang sabihin na any motivation. Di na namin kailangang i-motivate sila. They know na that’s one of their responsibilities.”

(If you’re playing for La Salle and you’re going up against Ateneo, you know what you have to do. The coaches don’t need to motivate the players. They already know that it’s one of their responsibilities.)

Despite going up against Ateneo for the first time as head coach, Gonzalez has had experience leading the Archers against the Eagles, at least on an interim basis.

“I was able to coach in Season 79 when Aldin [Ayo] got suspended, but I was just an assistant then,” Gonzalez said. “Going up against Ateneo, I saw their winning margins in the last 3 games. Since the start of the tournament, I know they’re really the team to beat.”

Although coming at the expense of lower-ranked NU, UE and UST, Ateneo has wrecked that lineup with an average winning margin of 28.3 points.

“Sa amin, pareho lang, we’ll take it one game at a time,” he continued. “Isipin mo Ateneo, may pressure. Kahit na isipin mo na ibang school, may pressure pa rin eh with the way the standings are right now. And you know, you need to perform.”

(For us, it’s just the same, we’ll take it one game at a time. When you think of Ateneo, there’s pressure. Even if you think of other schools, there is still pressure with the way the standings are right now.)

For La Salle, the heavy burden of lifting the team’s offense now lies on the shoulders of sharpshooting guard Aljun Melecio and breakout big man Justine Baltazar.

On the defensive side, the Archers still have weapons in the form of Baltazar, scrappy guard Andrei Caracut, and two-way forward Santi Santillan.

Adamson already proved that Ateneo is mortal like everyone else. Like a true rival, La Salle would do well to follow suit. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Paul Zamar delivered on both ends of the floor at crunch time to propel Blackwater to an enthralling 94-91 win over Meralco in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, October 5. 

Zamar, who finished with 13 points, came up with a crucial block and the game-winning triple as the Elite erased a late double-digit deficit to improve to 5-1 and claim a share of the lead with Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia. 

With the score knotted at 91-all, the former ASEAN Basketball League standout drained a three-pointer with 7.9 seconds remaining to give Blackwater the upper hand and eventually, the win.

The Bolts aimed for a quick two-pointer but import Allen Durham muffed his midrange bank shot as time expired. 

Before his go-ahead three-pointer, Zamar provided another highlight-worthy play after denying Anjo Caram with a chasedown block with under 30 seconds remaining. 

Free on the fastbreak, Caram had a chance to hand Meralco a 92-91 advantage only to witness his layup slammed on the board by Zamar. 

Henry Walker paced the Elite with 24 points, 14 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists while Mac Belo chipped in 14 points, highlighted by a triple that broke an 88-all deadlock and gave the Elite a 91-88 lead. 

Meralco was primed to end its three-game skid as it led 80-71 midway through the 4th quarter until Blackwater unloaded at a 13-4 run to tie the game. 

"It's a come-from-behind again. Character of the team, the players [are] developing. Hopefully we could continue that," said Blackwater head coach Bong Ramos. 

Roi Sumang chipped in 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, Allein Maliksi added 10 points while Reymar Jose had 8 points in the win to compensate for the absence of Poy Erram, who is recovering from an illness. 

Durham chalked up 32 points, 21 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks but his monstrous numbers weren't enough to salvage the Bolts from falling to 1-4. 

Baser Amer finished with 14 points while Ken Bono added 10 markers in the loss.

The Scores 

Blackwater 94 - Walker 24, Belo 14, Zamar 13, Sumang 12, Maliksi 10, Jose 8, Sena 5, Pinto 4, Digregorio 2, Al-Hussaini 2, Javier 0. 

Meralco 91 - Durham 32, Amer 14, Bono 10, Newsome 8, Caram 7, Lanete 5, Hodge 4, Salva 4, Tolomia 3, Jamito 2, Hugnatan 2, Atkins 0. 

Quarters: 18-14, 40-37, 61-62, 94-91. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After a sorry opening day, the Philippines finally barged into the winning column of the 2018 FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup.

Despite being ranked 19th out of the 20 participating teams, the Nationals stamped their class against world No. 14 Turkmenistan, 21-8, in Group C in Xi'an, China on Friday, October 5. 

RJ Abarrientos, nephew of PBA great Johnny Abarrientos, paced the Philippines with 8 points while UP Fighting Maroons' Ricci Rivero added 6 points in the romp. 

The Filipinos were previously the only winless team in Group C following back-to-back losses to No. 1 Serbia and No. 5 Slovenia but they have already eclipsed Turkmenistan (1-2) in the standings by virtue of more points scored. 

In order to have a shot at a quarterfinal berth, the Philippines needs to win against group No. 1 and world No. 5 China (2-0) in its final elimination round game at 8:40 pm on Friday. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – A bizarre ending highlighted the Letran Knights' 80-79 escape  over the Lyceum Pirates in the NCAA Season 94 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Friday, October 5.

Lyceum's Jaycee Marcelino got open for three with 40.8 seconds remaining to tie the game at 80. From there, both teams were unable to score and the game was set to go into overtime.

But after the final buzzer, the referees went to the scorers’ table to review Marcelino’s shot, which was downgraded to a two, suddenly giving Letran a one-point victory.

Despite the controversial circumstances of the review, Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson said the team would no longer push for a protest.

With the surprise victory, the Knights remained in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four at 11-4 along with Lyceum, which slipped to second at 14-2 behind defending champion San Beda (14-1).

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Letran was the Better team today. Lost to them fair and Square. Congrats to Coach Jeff Napa and the rest of the team. Its going to be an exciting final four. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveServeCare?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveServeCare</a> #</p>&mdash; Topex Robinson (@coachtopex) <a href="https://twitter.com/coachtopex/status/1048164341218869249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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The burly Larry Muyang finished with a monster double-double of 23 points and 16 rebounds on a near-perfect 11-of-12 (92%) shooting with 4 blocks to boot to power the Knights.

Do-it-all Bong Quinto – who had a lengthy rest due to early foul trouble – checked in with about 7 minutes left in the 4th quarter where immediately went to work, exploding for 10 straight points to outscore the Pirates, 10-6, in that stretch. He finished with 20 markers, 7 boards and 4 assists

JP Calvo also fought through cramps and added 18 points, 6 dimes and 4 boards for the Knights.

Mike Nzeusseu, meanwhile, paced the Pirates with a double-double of 25 points and 10 boards. CJ Perez chipped in 16 points, 8 boards and 3 assists, while JC Marcelino finished with 9 points, 7 dimes and 4 boards.

The Scores 

Letran 80 – Muyang 23, Quinto 20, Calvo 18, Ambohot 6, Fajarito 4, Batiller 3, Galvelo 3, Celis 2, Taladua 1, Yu 0, Balagasay 0.

Lyceum 79 – Nzeusseu 25, Perez 16, Marcelino JC 9, Pretta 8, Marcelino JV 7, Ayaay 5, Caduyac 4, Santos 3, Ibanez 2, Serrano 0, Valdez 0, Yong 0.

Quarters: 18-21, 44-48, 64-68, 80-79.

STANDINGS

San Beda 14-1

Lyceum 14-2

Letran 11-4

Perpetual 10-5

CSB 8-7

Arellano 5-10

Mapua 5-11

San Sebastian 4-11

EAC 4-12

JRU 2-14 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Phiippines – The Philippine Azkals solidified their place on top of Group B with a win over host Bangladesh, 1-0, on Friday, October 5, at the Sylhet District Stadium. 

The semifinal-bound Nationals finished with 6 points to top its group and advance against the second-running team in Group A on Tuesday, October 9, 2:30 pm (4:30 pm, Manila time). 

After Azkals goalkeeper Louie Casas made two crucial saves early in the first half, Kenshiro Daniels managed to score off an assist from Misagh Bahadoran in the 24th minute to open the scoreline. 

This was the lone goal of the game and the Philippine team's only shot on target.

As the home team gained possession in the second half, the Azkals defense was tested again with Bangladesh's build up on offense, but Nabib Newaz Ziban's header sailed wide in the 69th minute. 

Although the Philippine team had difficulty bringing the ball to its attacking third, the Azkals defense managed to hold off the Bangladeshis until the end of the game.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Paul Zamar has given Blackwater more reasons to keep him in the near future.

With his contract expiring in less than two months, the 30-year-old once again proved his worth by playing hero down the stretch to lift the Elite to a gritty 94-91 win over Meralco in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup on Friday, October 5. 

Zamar delivered the game-winning triple and a crucial block as Blackwater clinched its fifth win in 6 games to help the Elite stay in the top two.

"Actually 'yung contract ko is just until end of November. I'm praying na si God na bahala sa akin. Basta I will give my best every minute na ipasok ako," Zamar told reporters after the game. 

(My contract is only until the end of November. I'm praying that God takes care of me. What I can do is give my best every minute I play.) 

"Ipasok man ako ni coach Bong (Ramos) or hindi, I'll be there to support the team. Nabigyan ako ng chance ni coach Bong to close the game, thankful ako na nakapag-deliver ako." 

(No matter if coach Bong plays me or not, I'll be there to support the team. He gave me a chance to close the game and I'm thankful that I delivered.) 

Since being picked up by the Elite last May after his year-long stint as import of Thailand's Mono Vampire in the ASEAN Basketball League, Zamar has been a steady cog for the franchise that completely turned its fortunes around. 

In 6 games, he has been averaging 10.3 points on 49% shooting to go with 3.8 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 0.5 steal per game.

Although his stint with Blackwater could end in November, his focus is far from his expiring contract. 

"Hindi ko muna iniisip 'yung end noong contract ko, I'm focusing on helping my team win more games and hopefully, makapasok kami sa quarterfinals. 'Yun ang ang focus ko – to provide what my team needs." 

(I'm not thinking about the expiration of my contract. I'm focused on helping my team win more games and hopefully, we reach the quarterfinals. That's my focus – to provide what my team needs.) 

Zamar and the Elite seek to secure a quarterfinals berth against Rain or Shine in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Sunday, October 7. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – All the Letran Knights knew heading into their Friday, October 5 showdown with the Lyceum Pirates was that it would be a tough grind from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Little did they know that a surprise was just waiting for them around the corner to lift their spirits.

Clad in white and wearing a hat with “Keep the faith” sewn into it, Knights forward Jerrick Balanza  sat behind the Letran bench to watch a live game for the first time since he had successful brain surgery last September 8.

No one from the team knew he was coming to watch, not even head coach Jeff Napa.

With Balanza cheering his teammates on, the Knights squeezed out an 80-79 victory and dealt the mighty Pirates only their second loss in the NCAA Season 94.

The game was supposed to go to overtime but a controversial review made by the referees after the final buzzer ruled that Jaycee Marcelino’s tying triple at the 40-second mark of the 4th was only a two-pointer, thus giving the Knights the one-point victory.

Regardless of the botched endgame call, it wouldn’t have arrived at that point had Bong Quinto not shown once again why he was the team captain and a former NCAA champion.

After sitting out a majority of the 2nd half due to foul trouble, the do-it-all forward exploded for 10 fourth-quarter points and outscored the entire Pirates side, 10-6, in the stretch until Marcelino drained his controversial shot.

When the dust settled and the verdict was given, Quinto finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. According to him, it all boiled down to his morale booster who wasn’t even supposed to be there.

“Sobra yung frustration ko kasi nakaupo ako sa bench, wala akong matulong,” he recounted in the post-game presser with Balanza sitting next to him. “Tapos may narinig akong boses na 'Bong!' Tapos pagtingin ko si Jerrick [pala]. Parang nag-iba yung pakiramdam [dahil sa] teammate mong matagal mo nang di nakakasama.”

(I was really frustrated because I was stuck at the bench and unable to help. Then I heard a voice calling me and it was Jerrick. Then my mood suddenly changed because I saw my teammate whom I haven’t been with in a long time.)

Then Quinto stopped midway through his story and started to tear up. Napa and Larry Muyang, who were there with him, couldn’t help but tear up as well.

Muyang, who had an even better game with a monster double-double of 23 points and 16 rebounds with 4 blocks on an 11-of-12 (92%) shooting, also credited Balanza for his near-perfect game.

“Noong una, di ko napansin si Jerrick tapos bigla rin niya akong tinawag kanina,” he said. “Tapos parang biglang nabuhayan ako ng dugo kasi sabi nga ni Bong, yung kapatid namin nanonood.”

(At first, I didn’t even notice Jerrick was there until he called me too earlier. Then it’s like I suddenly felt livelier because like what Bong said, our brother was watching us.)

Balanza was just happy that he was still able to help his team in a limited capacity.

“Siyempre sobrang saya ko talaga. Talagang walang nakakaalam na pupunta ako,” he said. “'Di na talaga ako mapakali sa bahay namin. Feel ko talaga okay na ako last week pa.”

(Of course, I’m really happy. No one really knew I was coming. Besides, I was growing restless at home. I felt I was okay since last week.)

So Balanza approached his doctor and pleaded for clearance so he can watch his brothers play, which was granted on the condition that he would not strain himself too much. He then got his ticket and got ready for the surprise.

His teammates repaid him in kind with a huge win.

“Gusto mo pa grand entourage ah,” joked Napa. (You wanted a grand entourage.)

Thankfully, Balanza is doing well post-surgery, although he noticeably lost weight and much of his muscle mass.

“Okay naman ako, wala naman akong nararamdaman [na masama]. Feeling ko okay na ako,” he said.  (I’m okay. I don’t feel anything off. I feel I’m okay now.)

With Letran just 3 more wins away from a shot at the coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, maybe this won’t be the last time we see the Knights’ lucky charm at the sidelines this season. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Mark Caguioa joined the 10,000-point club as Barangay Ginebra cruised to a 106-92 triumph over NLEX in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, October 5. 

The 16-year veteran finished with 16 points on top of 8 rebounds to compile exactly 10,000 points and become only the 16th player in the 43 years of the league to complete the feat. 

Needing only 2 points to achieve the plateau, Caguioa drilled in a midrange jumper with 1:13 minutes left in the game with the Gin Kings already secured of the win and the solo lead at the top of the standings behind a 6-1 record. 

Justin Brownlee chalked up 26 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 blocks while Japeth Aguilar chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Ginebra, which extended its winning streak to three games. 

LA Tenorio made his presence felt with 17 points and 4 assists and Aljon Mariano added 10 markers, 8 boards, 3 dimes and 2 swipes in the win.

It was a nip-and-tuck battle in the first half with Ginebra leading by only a whisker, 42-41, until it entered the final frame with a comfortable 82-65 advantage thanks to Caguioa's 9 and Tenorio's 12 third-quarter points. 

Aaron Fuller paced the Road Warriors, who dropped to 4-3, with 20 points and 19 rebounds while Fonacier churned out a team-high 21 points. 

The Scores

Ginebra 106 - Brownlee 26, Aguilar 17, Tenorio 17, Caguioa 16, Mariano 10, Chan 6, Caperal 6, Ferrer 5, Manuel 2, Thompson 1, Aguilar R. 0.

NLEX 92 - Fonacier 21, Fuller 20, Quinahan 13, Paniamogan 10, Tiongson 9, Mallari 8, Miranda 8, Taulava 3, Rios 0, Ighalo 0, Baguio 0, Galanza 0, Tallo 0.

Quarters: 24-22, 42-41, 82-65, 106-92.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines may be taking an early vacation in the 2018 FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup but it took down a familiar foe to end its campaign on a high note. 

Led by budding star RJ Abarrientos, the 19th-ranked Nationals toppled world No. 3 China, 21-15, in Xi'an, China on Friday, October 5, for its second win in Group C. 

Abarrientos fired 10 points while Ricci Rivero added 7 markers as the Filipinos dealt the Chinese their first loss in the tournament. 

The Philippines finished at third place in Group C behind a 2-2 card as China (3-1) and Slovenia (3-1) took the top two spots to advance to the quarterfinals. 

Earlier, the country won its first game in the tournament with a 21-8 demolition of Turkmenistan. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – It is at the Araneta Coliseum where Mark Caguioa made a name for himself in the PBA, so it was just fitting to reach a major milestone at the same rowdy arena. 

Caguioa dazzled fans at the Big Dome as he became the 15th local and 16th overall player to join the league's 10,000-point club on Friday, October 5, all the while helping Barangay Ginebra to a convincing 106-92 win over NLEX. 

Sixteen markers short of the rare feat, 'The Spark' scored just as much to compile exactly 10,000 points and accompany Rain or Shine's James Yap as the only active players who have reached the scoring plateau. 

"I started most of my games dito sa Araneta, naisip ko kung sa Sunday ko ba gagawin – sa Sta. Rosa – medyo 'di ako sanay eh," Caguioa bared to reporters after the win. 

(I started most of my games here at Araneta. I was thinking of doing it on Sunday in Sta. Rosa but I'm not accustomed to playing there.) 

"Dito ako lumaki sa Araneta, 'yung mga tao nakita nila akong lumaki dito so I wanted to make it special na dito ko na rin tapusin yung 10K sa Araneta." 

(I grew up here at Araneta, people saw me age here so I wanted to make it special to score 10,000 here.) 

Needing only 2 points heading into the 4th quarter, the 16-year veteran had time against him as he missed his first 4 shots in the period, including a baseline jumper that only hit the board. 

With the way things were going, it looked like he would complete the mark at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna where the Gin Kings will play their next game. 

But Caguioa gave a perfect ending to a night that eventually saw Ginebra grab the lead in the standings behind a league-leading 6-1 card with a midrange jump shot with 1:10 minutes remaining for his 10,000th point. 

"Lahat ng teammates ko tinulungan nila ako to get to 10,000 – sina LA (Tenorio), sina Scottie (Thompson). Buti 'di ko sila napahiya at 'yung mga fans na nanood," said Caguioa, who also had 8 boards. 

(All of my teammates helped me to get 10,000 like LA and Scottie. Fortunately, I didn't let them down and the fans who were watching.) 

With a personal achievement already attained, the 38-year-old wants nothing more but add to his 7 PBA titles.

"Ang hinahanap ko lang is more championships before I retire. Sana mga sunod-sunod na championships, makatulong ako sa team na manalo pa ng championships."

(What I wants is more championships before I retire. I hope that in future championship, I can still contribute to the team.) 

Ginebra eyes to solidify its hold of the top spot when it meets Meralco in a finals rematch of the last two Governors' Cup finals in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on Sunday, October 5. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine chess teams lost their last-round games as they failed to improve on their placings Friday night, Ocotber 5, at the 43rd Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia.

The men's team, which was running 19th before the final round following 5 straight wins, wound up finishing at 37th – still a big jump from its worst ever performance of 58th place two years ago in Baku, Azerbaijian. The team had 14 match points from 7 wins and 4 losses.

The women's team hobbled in 67th place after wrapping up with a loss to Australia, 3-1, in a campaign that started so full of promise in the 11-round Swiss System tournament.

China dethroned Wesley So's US team and it added the women's title for good measure.

Vietnam reasserted its mastery over the Filipinos, 3-1, with only Jan Emmanuel Garcia scoring the only win for the Eugene Torre-captained squad which was in 19th place before the 11th and final round was held.

Garcia, coach of the Ateneo squad in the UAAP, defeated Tran Tuan Minh in 66 moves of an English Opening.

Grandmasters Julio Catalino Sadorra and John Paul Gomez lost to the redoubtable Vietnamese 1-2 punch Le Quang Liem and Nguyen Ngoc Truongson. 

Sadorra, who carried the team for all 11 rounds, took his first defeat in 40 moves of an English Opening.  Gomez gave up in 40 moves of a Queen's Indian as he sustained his third loss.

Two-time national champion Haridas Pascua, the first one to lose, succumbed to Nguyen Anh Khoi in 34 moves of a Benoni.

"We did our best," said Sadorra in a Facebook message.

The men's squad had won 5 matches, all against lower-rated teams, after they lost to Lebanon in the fifth round before the day, as they climbed from a low of 101st place. They were also in the running for first prize as the best team in the Category B division before the final round.

A source from the National Chess Federation of the Philippines ( NCFP) said Torre "gave the team a serious talk after losing to Lebanon, saying they cannot play this way."

The team came together, the source said, walking together after dinner. Reserve Mari Joseph Turqueza,who won once in 3 games, helped greatly in researching their opponents. 

Australia proved too much for the Filipinas, 3-1, as woman grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna lost for the fourth time, 3 of them coming in the last 4 rounds. 

Catherine Secopito, who was the only winner in Thursday's 10th round match against Moldavia, was not fielded.  The women's squad was in 46th place and was bidding for victory to raise themselves into the top 30 places. 

Frayna lost to Julia Ryjacova in 42 moves of a Queen's Gambit Accepted.

The only scorers were Marie Antoinette San Diego, who drew in 42 moves of a Sicilian Defense to Nguyen Thu Giang and Bernadette Galas, who battled from an inferior position to force a draw against Irina Berzina in 66 moves of a Pirc Defense.

National champion Shania Mae Mendoza bowed to Zhang Jilin after the former forced promotion of her remaining pawn in a 74-move Benoni Defense.  – Rappler.com

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom – Jose Mourinho's turbulent time as Manchester United manager could end with him being sacked as soon as this weekend, according to a British press report.

United's stuttering start to the season has seen the experienced Portuguese coach's position at Old Trafford repeatedly called into question.

But the spotlight on Mourinho intensified when Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper reported late Friday, October 5, he would be sacked regardless of the result of United's match at home to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

United is struggling in 10th place and last week's 3-1 loss to West Ham meant it had suffered its worst start to a league campaign in 29 years.

According to the Mirror, Mourinho, 55, has lost the confidence of the board with "senior United sources" telling the paper his nearly two-and-a-half years in charge will end whatever the outcome of the Newcastle game.

Tuesday's goalless draw against Valencia in the Champions League – a match where United struggled to live up to their fans' expectation of attacking football – also meant former Chelsea boss Mourinho had gone 4 home matches without a win for the first time in his managerial career.

"Yes, I accept (it is not good enough)," Mourinho, who has reportedly had several bust-ups with star player Paul Pogba this season, said when asked about United's losing streak during a pre-match press conference earlier Friday.

The press conference, called for the unusually early time of 8 am, lasted a mere 8 minutes and 29 seconds.

But that was time enough for Mourinho to suggest United's results would pick up.

"We are better than this and because we are better than this, our situation is going to improve. I have no doubts about that," he said.

Mourinho responded to the criticism coming his way by claiming United overachieved in finishing second last season, 19 points behind champions Manchester City, adding he always expected this campaign to be more difficult.

"I think opponents with much more potential than us finished behind us," he said.

"That is the reason why it was a phenomenal season."

United became a byword for managerial stability during Alex Ferguson's trophy-laden 26-and-a-half years in charge.

But were Mourinho to be dismissed, it would mean United had got through 3 full-time managers, plus club great Ryan Giggs's spell as caretaker, in the 5 years since the legendary Scottish boss retired in 2013 – a period that has coincided with the club failing to win either the Premier League or Europe's Champions League.

'Absolute disgrace' 

Former United and England full-back Gary Neville, one of Ferguson's most dependable players, said such an attrition rate was against the "principles and values" of the club.

Asked if United would be right to sack Mourinho, Sky Sports pundit Neville replied: "No. To be honest I'm furious.

"I'm furious going back 3, 4 years ago when David Moyes was sacked, when it broke a day before to journalists.

"I think of Louis van Gaal being sacked the evening of a cup final and finding out from other people."

In what appeared to be an attack on Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, Neville added: "At the end of the day this is now going on 5 or 6 years and I have to say that any manager – Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world – and I think in this moment in time any manager would struggle in that football club, the way in which requirement is handled, the way in which it operates.

"Enough is enough for me. I love that football club, I absolutely love it to death, it's been my life... I have to say something has to change and it isn't the manager, it's above that.

"And I'm furious that we're stood here thinking that there's a report that's broken out... journalists don't break stories of this nature unless they're absolutely certain.

"I hope it's not true, but if it is true I think it's an absolute disgrace," he insisted. – Rappler.com