LOS ANGELES, USA – Conor McGregor remained on course for his return to the octagon Friday, October 5, when the trash-talking Irish UFC star made weight for his lightweight title showdown with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

McGregor came in half a pound under the 155-pound lightweight limit at the "official" weigh-in in Las Vegas, where a ceremonial weigh-in was scheduled in the evening.

Unbeaten lightweight champion Nurmagomedov weighed in at 155 pounds to set the stage for a Saturday bout that UFC chief Dan White predicts will smash records for pay-per-view buys.

McGregor will be returning to mixed martial arts for the first time since November 2016 and stands to earn another hefty payday after pocketing around $100 million from his cross-combat boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather, which ended in defeat.

In Nurmagomedov he faces an unbeaten champion who has so far not lost a single round in 26 career fights.

Lending even more spice to the contest is the extraordinary melee in New York in April, when McGregor was filmed hurling a dolly through the window of a bus carrying Nurmagomedov and other fighters as it moved through a loading dock at the Barclays Center.

The two have traded insults in the build-up to the fight, with Nurmagomedov huffily walking out of the final press conference on Thursday when McGregor failed to turn up on time.

Nurmagomedov, 30, began answering questions on schedule, telling reporters to go ahead with questions even though McGregor hadn't arrived.

"I wait for no one," he said and 15 minutes later he departed.

"I don’t worry about him. I have a schedule," Nurmagomedov said. "I have to make weight."

McGregor eventually arrived to cheers, blaming traffic and venting his dislike of his opponent.

"My heart is black toward this man, towards his team, towards his people," McGregor said, vowing a knockout victory. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Super rookie CJ Cansino delivered another stellar performance as the University of Santo Tomas trounced University of the East, 80-66, in the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, October 6.

Cansino, the juniors MVP last season with the UST Cubs, unloaded a double-double of 17 points and a career-high 17 rebounds on top of 4 assists to lead the Growling Tigers' bounce-back win. 

Renzo Subido also fired 22 points on a 5-of-10 (50%) shooting from downtown to lead the Tigers, who virtually coasted throughout the game with a double-digit cushion. 

On the other end, it's back to an Alvin Pasaol solo act as he finished with 32 points and 15 rebounds (8 offensive) with 3 steals off the bench. No other Red Warrior broke double digits in scoring.

After back-to-back blowout losses, Aldin Ayo's young wards got the morale boost they needed as the Tigers went up to sixth in the standings at 2-4.

The Tigers have also eclipsed their woeful 1-14 win total from last season in just their sixth game.

UE, meanwhile, plummeted to solo last place at 1-5, right after a surprise 25-point rout of Far Eastern University. 

After being down 16 at the half, 23-39, the Warriors seemed to be on the verge of a comeback after Pasaol led a 13-0 run to cut the lead to 7, 42-49. 

However, UST regained its wide margin after an 11-1 response, 60-43, highlighted by a smooth Cansino eurostep and corner three. 

Tiger rookie Joshua Marcos piled on UE's woes with back-to-back triples midway through the 4th, 66-49.  Subido dropped one more long bomb for good measure, 70-53, with 4:58 minutes remaining.

The Scores

UST 80 – Subido 22, Cansino 17, Lee 9, Huang 9, Marcos 6, Zamora 6, Mahinay 5, Caunan 4, Bataller 2, Cosejo 0, Agustin 0, Lagumen 0.

UE 66 – Pasaol 32, Varilla 9, Manalang 8, Bartolome 4, Acuno 3, Conner 2, Beltran 2, Maloles 2, Lacap 2, Gallardo 2, Cullar 0, Antiporda 0, Gagate 0.

Quarters: 23-17, 39-23, 60-43, 80-66.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Phiippines – After putting a halt to their skid with a convincing 80-66 win over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, Univeristy of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo revealed that he did something different that proved to be beneficial for the young team. 

"If you put too much pressure, sometimes they (the players) break eh," said Ayo about the team that absorbed two consecutive blowout losses.

"What we did after that loss to La Salle, I told the boys: ‘We only have two days to prepare, but tomorrow we’re going to have a break and we’re going to forget basketball first.'"

And a bit of relaxing was what they did. 

According to the Growling Tigers mentor, his players were able to take a trip to the spa and celebrate the birthday of their team manager Chuck Dumlao at a buffet. 

"Our usual regular practice is 4 to 5 hours. [But] yesterday, we practiced for an hour then we sat down to review. In the end, the kids were able to relax. I can say that it was effecitive because the results were good," added Ayo in a mix of English and Filipino. 

But now that the Growling Tigers were able to get their groove back, they will return to regular programming as UST looks to cap off the first round with a win over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons to improve to a 3-4 slate. 

"Siguro iba [ang preparation for UP] kasi mahirap na puro relaxation," said Ayo. 

(I guess the preparation for UP will be different because it's hard if it's all relaxation.)

"So I told the boys: 'Let's meet halfway, let's moderate things. Every time we moderate things, it becomes balanced.'" 

Veteran Tiger Renzo Subido also felt the effectiveness of Ayo's guidance, especially going into Saturday's game against the Red Warriors. Amidst the painful results of their previous games, the fourth-year guard said that the team remained confident. 

"Coach tells us that we have to do our roles lang inside the court then we have to work as a team, and if we have problems, we just talk about it," shared Subido who waxed hot in the second half to topscore for 22 points. 

The Growling Tigers will clash against the UP Fighting Maroons in their rescheduled game on Wednesday, October 10, 2 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – So far in UAAP Season 81, the Rookie of the Year race is zeroed in on two budding stars: NU’s Dave Ildefonso and UST’s CJ Cansino.

And on Saturday afternoon, October 6, the young Tiger swung the momentum to his favor, at least for now.

With hulking big man Steve Akomo absent from the lineup for the second straight game, Cansino erupted for a monster double-double of 17 points and a career-high 17 rebounds in an 80-66 rout of the UE Red Warriors.

For those who are familiar with the 6-foot-2 swingman’s game, this is nothing new, as he was a consistent double-double threat down in the UAAP juniors ranks where he was last season's MVP.

Yet even if the seniors’ tournament is a whole different animal, Cansino still made it look easy.

As such, he earned the praises of multi-titled coach Aldin Ayo, who likened him to the man who helped him get his first collegiate championship.

“Good thing about CJ is when you say something to him, right away he responds. Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya na gayahin niya si Rey Nambatac,” he said in the post-game presser. “Small man ‘yon, ‘di naman ganun kalakihan at kalakasan ‘yung katawan pero nakakailang rebounds ‘yun si Rey.”

(I always tell him that he should emulate Rey Nambatac. He’s a small man, he’s not that imposing but he was also good in rebounding.)

The 5-foot-10 Nambatac, who is now in the PBA with the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, was one of Ayo’s key cogs in the Letran Knights' NCAA Season 91 title run that snapped the five-peat of the dynastic San Beda Red Lions.

“Nag-17 points, 17 rebounds [si CJ] pero marami pa siyang kulang,” Ayo added. “Marami pang dapat i-trabaho sa kanya pero good thing he has a good attitude, he has the right character. He’s very willing to win. You have to admire the humility of that boy. He really wants to learn and he’s not content with what he has."

(CJ had 17 points and 17 rebounds but he still has a lot of work to do. But the good thing is he has a good attitude and the right character.)

In response, Cansino deflected all praises to his coach, crediting him for the opportunities he has been given his young Tigers.

“Coach gives us a lot of confidence pag dating sa game,” he said. “Sabi niya ‘Isa lang ang ‘di mawawala sa inyo, ‘yung kumpiyansa.’ Binibigay ni coach Aldin ‘yung kumpiyansa niya sa’min, basta tama ginagawa namin.”

(Coach gives us a lot of confidence heading to the game. He told us, 'There’s only one thing that you won’t lose, that’s confidence.' Coach Aldin always gives that confidence to us as long as we’re doing the right things.)

Despite a bad team record, Cansino’s debut season has been a rousing success so far, and he’s not scared of being the marked man next time around.

“Pinapanood ko yung last games ko,” he said. “Tinitignan ko kung ano pa yung mga kulang ko para in the next game, meron din akong pangontra sa game plan nila.”

(I’m watching my last games. I look at what I still lack so that in the next game, I also have a counter to their game plan.) 

With great talent, great coaching and a grounded sense of his development, it’s not hard to see as early as now that Cansino’s climb up the basketball ranks will be a smooth and successful one. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles pretty much played to the script. 

Billed as solid wrecking crew, the Blue Eagles showed just that as the defending champions drew first blood against longtime rival De La Salle Green Archers, 71-55, in the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, October 6.

Angelo Kouame led the Ateneo assault against an error-prone La Salle to finish with his second straight monster double-double performance of 20 points and 13 rebounds with 5 blocks.

Anton Asistio also delivered with 12 points and 3 steals on a 4-of-5 (80%) clip from downtown. Thirdy Ravena chipped in a well-rounded game of 9 markers, 6 dimes and 4 boards.

As they rolled to their fifth straight victory, the Blue Eagles maintained their grip of the second spot at 5-1 behind unbeaten surprise leader Adamson (5-0)

The Green Archers fell to fourth at 3-3 behind the FEU Tamaraws (3-2).

Aljun Melecio was the lone bright spot for the shoddy Archers with a game-high 21 points and 7 boards.

La Salle finished with 28 turnovers and a measly 3 assists. Ateneo, meanwhile, had 14 team dimes and 11 steals with just 15 giveaways.

The Archers' breakout big man Justine Baltazar was held to just 4 points and 10 boards in 30 minutes. Team captain Kib Montalbo shattered his return timetable from a left thumb injury but only managed 4 garbage-time points and 3 boards in 24 minutes.

Ateneo took full advantage of La Salle's extreme sloppiness and squeezed out a 12-3 run, 40-26, ending with an Anton Asistio triple at the 4:23 mark in the 3rd quarter. At one point, the Archers almost had as many turnovers (21) as they had points (23).

To pile on the green side's woes, Isaac Go erupted at the tail end of the period and punctuated his own run with a cold-blooded three, 50-33, as time expired.

It was all Blue Eagles in the final quarter as they kept a double-digit distance from the Green Archers.

The Blue Eagles have been soaring since their shock loss to Adamson in the opener, crushing their next 4 opponents by an average winning margin of 23.25 points. 

The Scores

Ateneo 71 – Kouame 20, Asistio 12, Ravena 9, Verano 8, Navarro 6, Go 6, Tio 5, Nieto Mi 3, Nieto Ma 2, Wong 0, Mamuyac 0, Belangel 0, Mendoza 0.

La Salle 55 – Melecio 21, Santillan 7, Dyke 6, Baltazar 4, Montalbo 4, Caracut 4, Bates 3, Serrano 3, Manuel 3, Go 0.

Quarters: 12-13, 28-21, 50-33, 71-55.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Even with his position as Team Pilipinas head coach almost already secured, Yeng Guiao is still pushing through with his political aspirations.

Guiao revealed that he will run as congressman for the first district of Pampanga in 2019 – the year when the Nationals have a chance to see action in the next FIBA World Cup. 

"As per my plan, I will still file my certificate of candidacy for Congress next week," he told reporters after his NLEX Road Warriors took a 92-106 beating from Barangay Ginebra on Friday, October 5. 

The fiery mentor has since expressed the dilemma he faces in accepting an extended head coaching job for Gilas Pilipinas due to his goal to reclaim a seat at the House of Representatives. 

He won the post in 2013 but lost his bid for a second term in 2016 to Jon Lazatin. 

His return to the national team following an almost decade-long hiatus was supposedly just a pinch-hit job from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in lieu of Chot Reyes' one-game suspension from FIBA. 

But with Reyes deciding to "step aside" and SBP giving Guiao the thumbs up for a job well done in the Asian Games and the World Cup qualifiers, all signs point to him completely taking over the program. 

A formal announcement from the SBP is the only thing the 59-year-old is waiting for. 

"Wala pa naman silang formal announcement but we've already had some understanding. November 30 naman 'yung game natin sa Kazakhstan so before November 30, we will wait for the formal announcement of the SBP." 

(There is still no formal announcement but we've already had some understanding. Our game against Kazakhstan is on November 30 so before that, we will wait for the SBP's formal announcement.)

If he wins the elections and if Team Pilipinas qualifies for the World Cup in August 2019, Guiao would have to juggle both roles along with his coaching responsibilities for the Road Warriors in the PBA.

That is the workload he is willing to carry. 

"Patay na ako sa oras niyan (I'll have problems with my time for sure)," he said. 

Guiao is expected to call the shots when the Filipinos take on Kazakhstan and Iran at home on November 30 and December 3, respectively, in the fifth window of the World Cup qualifiers. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – NorthPort banked on a huge fourth-quarter as the Batang Pier outlasted Columbian Dyip, 118-101, to clinch their first triumph in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday, October 6, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Mo Tautuaa posted 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Batang Pier heavily outscored the Dyip, 32-12, in the final period.

Tautuaa played a key role in an 8-0 run that shattered a 93-all deadlock as Stanley Pringle and Sean Anthony also delivered the numbers for Batang Pier.

NorthPort improved to 1-6 while keeping Columbian winless in 8 games. 

Pringle unloaded 26 points and 7 assists, while Anthony scattered 25 points – including 5 in the final stretch that helped keep Dyip at bay – on top of 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. 

Jerramy King paced Columbian with  29 points and 8 boards while Rashawn McCarthy added 16 points. 

The Scores

NorthPort 118 – Tautuaa 26, Pringle 26, Anthony 25, Woods 13, Taha 10, Elorde 7, Gabayni 3, Grey 2, Flores 2, Espinas 2, Guinto 2, Fortuna 0, Javelona 0, Teng 0.

Columbian 101 – King 29, McCarthy 16, Escoto 14, Corpuz 13, Wright 10, Khobuntin 5, Cahilig 4, Celda 3, Sara 3, Reyes 2, Gabriel 2.

Quarters: 24-25, 53-50, 86-89, 118-101.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After two years of watching Ateneo and La Salle games from the sidelines, the defending champion's Ivorian rookie Angelo Kouame finally got to play – and shine – in the UAAP's famed rivalry match. 

The 6-foot-10 center recorded a team-high double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds that proved to be crucial in Ateneo's 71-55 drubbing of La Salle on Saturday, October 6. 

But even if he hasn't resided in the Philippines for a long time, Kouame admitted he was immediately drawn to the intensity that both teams showed in front of both schools' die-hard fans.

"I think everyone keeps talking about that [rivalry]," said Kouame. 

"Especially coach (Tab Baldwin), George (Isaac Go), Raffy (Verano) and all the kuyas Anton (Asistio), Matt (Nieto), Mike (Nieto), they all talked to me about it and we really bring that [spirit] as a team." 

Kouame also prepared well for the blue and green's first meeting in Season 81 as he clearly remembered how their Filoil preseason tournament resulted to an overtime win for Ateneo last June where he also played a pivotal role. 

After making his presence felt on the big UAAP stage, Kouame even a garnered "MVP" chants from the Ateneo community especially after he capped off the game with a two-handed slam. 

"The main point is not to be MVP, but to be champion. I appreciate [the support from the Ateneo community]," he said. 

"Even in school, everyone keeps telling me: 'Keep doing what you do' so that’s the kind of motivation for me and I appreciate that from them." 

As the 20-year-old rookie continued to showcase marked improvement since the opening game against Adamson, the Blue Eagles expect that he has more to show. 

"One of the strengths of course is Ange’s presence inside. We’re very happy to see him continue to evolve his game," said assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. 

"I keep learning and that's something," said Kouame.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska survived San Miguel Beer’s tough challenge, 127-119,  to sustain its winning roll in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday, October 6, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Mike Harris erupted for 36 points on top of 23 rebounds to lift the Aces, who climbed to a share of the second spot with Blackwater and Magnolia at 5-1.

Vic Manuel and Simon Enciso also knocked in dagger shots as the Aces pinned on the Beermen their third straight loss. 

Manuel unloaded 20 points  – including a key layup that cushioned the Aces’ lead, 116-108 – on top of 6 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Enciso drained 18 points, highlighted by a clutch trey in the final 4 minutes, as the Beermen failed to recover from the late assault to drop to a 2-4 record.

Chris Banchero posted a double-double of 15 points and 12 assists, while Jeron Teng (12 points) and Ping Exciminiano (11 points) rounded out 6 Aces who finished in double figures.

Alaska also survived the 45-point explosion of San Miguel import Kevin Murphy. 

Christian Standhardinger had 28 points and 13 rebounds for the Beermen, who continued to struggle minus injured four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.

The Scores

Alaska 127 – Harris 36, Manuel 20, Enciso 18, Banchero 15, Teng 12, Exciminiano 11, Casio 7, Racal 7, J. Pascual 1, Baclao 0.

San Miguel Beer 119 – Murphy 45, Standhardinger 28, Santos 20, Cabagnot 14, Lassiter 7, Nabong 5, Mamaril 0, Ganuelas-Rosser 0, Ross 0.

Quarters: 34-36, 67-64, 93-89, 127-119.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle Green Archers team captain Kib Montalbo was not going to let a thumb injury ruin his final season in the UAAP.

With just more than a week into his scheduled four to six-week recovery window, the scrappy floor general returned to the hardcourt into no less than the league’s marquee Ateneo-La Salle rivalry showdown on Saturday, October 6.

As expected, the sea of green and white rose to roaring applause when Montalbo – taped up finger and all – was the first man off the bench.

Unfortunately, inspiration was not enough to stop the relentless defense of the Blue Eagles as the Archers fell hard, 55-71. Montalbo finished with just 4 points and 3 rebounds in over 24 minutes of action.

In fact, his backcourt partner Aljun Melecio was the only Archer to post double-digit numbers with a game-high 21 points.

Regardless of the result, Montalbo was just happy to get his head back in the game.

“Well, the original [timetable] is 4 to 6 weeks but I just really want to play. That’s the bottomline,” he said. “It’s my last year and I don’t want my thumb injury to determine my season. Pati parents ko nga, di sang-ayon eh. Maraming di sang-ayon na lalaro ako.”

(Even my parents were against me playing. A lot of people were.)

“And I said that I’m gonna take that risk especially having a young team. As you can see, we really had a hard time, but we’ll get there,” he continued. “Little improvements have to be made, but I just wanna play. Even if I get injured, I’ll dive. I dove earlier with my fractured hand. It hurts but that’s how it is. I just wanna play for La Salle.”

Despite the timetable, head coach Louie Gonzales said Montalbo is really ready to go.

“He’s ready to play since the last game against UST. We’re just waiting that we could fully cover his thumb,” he said. “But he’s ready to play. Next game, he’ll play.”

With the La Salle ship currently on rocky waters at 3-3, Montalbo just couldn’t sit still and just watch. For better or worse, the captain is ready to ride the waves out. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Get. That. Ball.

If you watch UAAP basketball, it will take less than a second for you to remember that chant. 

For as far as I can recall, that has been the mantra most associated with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

Get. That. Ball.

It’s simple and straight to the point. Maybe not the most creative, but when you’re one of thousands in attendance watching 10 college boys try to put a ball inside a hoop, then creativity doesn’t really play that big of a role with chanting.

On Saturday, October 6, the phrase “Get that ball” never held more significance.

Let’s get to the point: The Ateneo Blue Eagles demolished their biggest rival, De La Salle, 71-55, in what was an old-school defensive whipping that resembled your grandfather’s time of Philippine hoops.

The Green Archers came in as a wounded underdog against a team that had no interest in showing them any mercy. For a little while, the pride on the line in an Ateneo-La Salle battle carried the Green Archers to a lead after the first quarter. Afterwards, the Blue Eagles displayed a clinic of basketball superiority.

DLSU was suffocated. The Archers opened the contest by surviving 10 quick turnovers but finished with a season-high of 28 they could not bounce back from. Ateneo’s defense looked so intimidating that it got to a point where most of La Salle’s players were unsure of themselves each time they passed the ball.

Imagine that: college varsity players who have spent thousands of hours working on their skills, suddenly looking confused while trying to accomplish one of the the game’s most basic fundamentals. 

Get. That. Ball. 

The Blue Eagles did, over and over and over and over again.

And then again after that.

But not all the credit goes to Ateneo. There were times DLSU easily gave the ball up, too, leaving many fans wearing green at the Mall of Asia Arena throwing their arms up in disbelief. Matt Nieto, Anton Asistio and Adrian Wong made life a living nightmare for some of the Archers on Saturday. 

As well as Angelo Kouame (20-13-5), who was a monster inside the paint on both ends of the floor. Justine Baltazar and Santi Santillan entered the matchup against the Blue Eagles on a roll, but the towering presence of the Blue Eagles’ rookie big man held them to a combined 11 points and had DLSU head coach Louie Gonzales probably wishing Ben Mbala would fly in like Superman to save the day. 

By the way – Kouame, 20, has 4 more years of eligibility after this season. God bless the UAAP. 

"I think everyone keeps talking about that [rivalry]," said the 6-foot-10 Kouame after the game. 

"Especially coach (Tab Baldwin), George (Isaac Go), Raffy (Verano) and all the kuyas Anton (Asistio), Matt (Nieto), Mike (Nieto), they all talked to me about it and we really bring that [spirit] as a team." 

In fairness to La Salle, they’ve been one of the least lucky teams in college basketball. 

The Green Archers entered this season looking for an identity after losing their head coach (thanks, Aldin Ayo), losing their MVP (thanks, UAAP board), and losing their future superstar (thanks, uhm, endorsements?)

To make matters worse, Mbala’s replacement – Taane Samuel – got hurt during the preseason and aggravated that injury one half into his UAAP career. He won’t be back for at least a month. 

For La Salle to be 3-3 is an accomplishment, believe it or not. When the Archers won their title in 2013, they finished the first round with a 3-4 record, so it’s safe to say that anything can still happen.

Moreover, even if it’s easy to be pessimistic after Saturday’s performance against Ateneo, La Salle can find positives in two things: 

First, Aljun Melecio is an absolute gem. Oftentimes the smallest player on the court, Melecio finished with 21 points to lead his team as their lone bright spot on offense. More importantly, he exhibited why it’s clear as day that he is this team’s King Archer to be. 

Take your pick: the relentlessness, the fearlessness, the boldness. There wasn’t a single second during the latest installment of this historic rivalry when Melecio looked ready to concede defeat. Until the final second, La Salle’s third-year stud had the audacity to fight against big and mighty Ateneo and believe he could spark a comeback.

After the defeat? He went straight to La Salle’s sports complex and spent the first free Saturday night he had with his visiting dad by doing extra shooting. That was following a 29-minute game where he consistently threw his body against the Blue Eagles’ uncompromising defense.

Second is Kib Montalbo, who showed with his actions what it meant to be a team captain. Going against his parents’ wishes for him to rest, the Archer skipper playing in his final season wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to play one of the few remaining Ateneo-La Salle games left in his career.

“Little improvements have to be made, but I just wanna play. Even if I get injured, I’ll dive,” he said. “I dove earlier with my fractured hand. It hurts but that’s how it is. I just wanna play for La Salle.” 

And boy, did he fight. Diving to the floor countless of times as if he didn’t just fracture his thumb a few weeks ago, Montalbo also did the best to his abilities to help the Green Archers secure the win.

It just wasn’t enough. Actually, it wasn’t even close to enough.

That’s no knack on La Salle, which was limited to a season low in points (55), shooting (29%), and assists (3). The Blue Eagles smothered DLSU to exhaustion to score their fourth straight win via blowout, and fifth overall. 

I don’t care what the league standings say. Yes, Adamson is a championship contender this season, but Ateneo is still the best team in the UAAP. To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man, said a certain 16-time champion once upon a time. The Falcons took down the Eagles in their season-opener, but when both teams meet again in the second round – and perhaps, in the playoffs – it’s going to be a different story by the looks of how both clubs are currently playing. 

If anything, Ateneo can thank Adamson for providing them with an early wake-up call that has propelled the Blue Eagles to their current performance which has left a bunch of UAAP teams in their wake. Up next is a heavyweight bout against an FEU team hell-bent on vengeance for how last year’s Final Four series concluded, but make no mistake about it: The Blue Eagles are still heavy favorites coming in with the belt around their waists.

For La Salle, it’s back to the drawing board. Both teams met in the UAAP Finals in each of the past two seasons, and as awesome as it would be to have the finale of the trilogy, DLSU has a lot of work in many factors to accomplish before that prospect becomes an actual discussion.

Because after Saturday’s beatdown, Ateneo has taken current command of this rivalry. 

As well as the rest of the UAAP. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Given another crack at a crown, Milan Melindo hopes to become world champion again.

Returning to the ring after losing his International Boxing Federation light flyweight title, Melindo will battle unbeaten champion Ken Shiro for the World Boxing Council light flyweight title at Yokohama Arena on Sunday night, October 7.

Melindo, 4 years older at 30 and 3 inches shorter at 5-foot-2, has been tagged the underdog against Shiro, who holds a 13-0 record with 7 knockouts.

Though shorter, Melindo has a 3-centimeter reach advantage over Shiro, a volume puncher, with his 166 cm wingspan.

Knowing the tough task at hand, Melindo trained diligently at ALA Gym in Cebu City under the supervision of Edito Villamor before flying to Japan, where he yielded the IBF 108-pound crown to Ryoichi Taguchi by unanimous decision at Ota City Gymnasium. 

In Saturday’s official weigh-in, Shiro checked in at 107.75 pounds, while Melindo registered 107.5 on his second attempt. 

On his first try at the scales, Melindo posted 109, one pound over the limit. 

He went outside to sweat it out and returned 90 minutes later to make weight. He was exhausted but happy for the opportunity to tangle with Shiro and redeem himself from a clear defeat to Taguchi. 

Melindo, a technical fighter, said he wants to serve as inspiration to the kids he’s teaching boxing in Cebu.

The winner has been mandated by the WBC to defend the crown against the victor of the Hiroto Kyoguchi-Jonathan Taconing bout later this year. – Rappler.com

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom – Jose Mourinho accused his critics of staging a "manhunt" to get him sacked after Manchester United rescued their under-fire manager with a dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle on Saturday, October 6.

Just hours after a report emerged that Mourinho would be sacked regardless of United's result against Newcastle, his team were rocked at Old Trafford as they conceded 2 goals in the opening 10 minutes.

But after being booed off at halftime, United avoided going 5 games without a win thanks to a thrilling second half fightback.

Juan Mata's free kick was followed by Anthony Martial's equalizer, setting the stage for a 90th minute winner from Alexis Sanchez, who had been dropped by Mourinho before coming off the bench in the second half.

Whether Mourinho keeps his job remains to be seen, but the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss came out fighting following weeks of criticism of his handling of United's squad, sparked by his fall-out with star midfielder Paul Pogba and other key players.

"As a friend of mine was saying to me this morning, if it rains in London tomorrow, it's my fault. Brexit, it's my fault. I have to be ready for this. There is a lot of wickedness and a clear manhunt," Mourinho said. 

"In the end we won the match and I think we deserved to win. I think the fans deserved to win. At 2-0 at half-time, with all the dynamic of the man-hunting, I think they behaved amazingly well for the team. This is what a football club is.

"The industry I work in is different, a lot of wickedness, too much wickedness in something that should be beautiful.

"For me it's not easy but I think life is made of experiences and some are new and some are deja vu. This is new but I think it makes me a better manager and a better person because I understand things in human nature."

'I can cope'  

Mourinho insisted he wouldn't be affected by the doubters claiming he has lost control of his club and is destined for the axe.

Instead, he claimed the criticism was more of a problem for players who froze under the spotlight.

"In the biggest clubs in the world there are periods with a lot of meat and periods with a lot of bones," he said.

"I am 55 years old, I am mature, I can cope with it and live with being hunted. I think some of the boys are not coping well with it. 

"The way they started the game was panicking. I thought at some moments we could score in our own goal. It's not easy for them.

"I cope with it, with some sadness, but I'm a big boy. Clearly some of the boys, Marcus Rashford was sad on the pitch, Scott McTominay was scared on the pitch. All the players committed mistakes that were not normal."

Amid all the talk of shattered relationships with Pogba, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia, who was left out of the squad, Mourinho was adamant the fightback showed he retains the squad's support.

"It's ridiculous talk to say they don't play for the manager, they play for the club. It's not about that," he said.

"What I asked the players is to give absolutely everything.

"This is not about me, this is not about the players, this is about the club, and in the second half the players gave absolutely everything. Nothing more to give." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Srisaket Sor Rungvisai isn’t an impregnable wall, after all.

Sure, his punches are loaded and he can connect with impunity as shown against Mexican challenger Iran Diaz late Saturday, October 6, at Impact Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand.

It was a mismatch, 119-109 twice and 120-108, and the Thai’s World Boxing Council super flyweight crown remained at home.

But the unheralded Diaz exposed Rungvisai’s vulnerability with a flash knockdown that was ruled a slip in the 9th round.

Jerwin Ancajas, Rungvisai’s counterpart in the International Boxing Federation, and Joven Jimenez, his trainer/manager, watched the headliner of ONE: Kingdom of Heroes at ringside.

Overall, the Thai looked formidable. But what lingered on Jimenez’s mind was the small holes on Rungvisai’s armor

Jimenez believes Ancajas can pierce through the Thai’s defenses if they do clash in a unification bout being worked out by international matchmaker Sean Gibbons.

“Madaling tamaan, kasi nasa harap lang, “ said Jimenez, noting that Rungvisai’s style would suit Ancajas well. “Mababa ang depensa at medyo mabagal siya ngayon.”

(He's easy to hit because he just stays in front. His defense is low and he's a bit slower now.)

Rungvisai being a lefty also pleases Jimenez as he believes Ancajas fares better against fellow southpaws.

Ancajas, one week after keeping his title via a draw against Mexican challenger Alejandro Santiago Barrios in Oakland, California, made similar observations.

“Ang estilo ni Rungvisai sugod ng sugod. Nagpapatama bago sumuntok," said Ancajas. “Pag kami naglaban siguro magagawan ng paraan iyong estilo niya.”

(Rungvisai's style is to just keep charging. He'll let you hit him first before he throws a punch. If we get to fight, I think I'd figure out his style.)  

According to Ancajas, it will be a career-defining moment if ever he shares the ring with Rungvisai.

“Karangalan kong makalaban si Rungvisai. Alam naman natin na siya ang tinitingala sa 115, “added Ancajas. “Gagawan namin ng paraan na manalo sa laban.”

(It would be an honor to fight Rungvisai. We know that that everyone looks up to him in the 115 division. So if ever, we'd make sure thata we win.)

The 30-year-old Rungvisai holds a 47-4-1 card with 41 knockouts, including twin victories over highly touted Nicaraguan Roman Gonzalez and one over Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada, who served as one of the sparring partners of Diaz, now 14-3-3, 6 knockouts.

Team Ancajas returns to Manila Sunday night, hopeful that negotiations with Rungvisai’s camp would be finalized next week. – Rappler.com

UDINE, Italy – Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged off damaging rape allegations to score for Juventus as the Serie A champions beat Udinese, 2-0, under the rain in northeastern Italy on Saturday, October 6, to stretch their lead at the top of Serie A.

The Portuguese striker lashed in the second goal after 37 minutes from the left following a cross from Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, 4 minutes after Rodrigo Bentancur's opener.

It was Ronaldo's fourth goal this season for Juventus, with the 33-year-old celebrating wildly with his teammates, as the Italian champions claimed their 10th consecutive win in all competitions.

Ronaldo remained tight-lipped after the game, giving a thumbs up as he left the dressing room where he was greeted by fans shouting "Cristiano! Cristiano!"

The superstar showed no sign of the immense pressure he is under amid damaging accusations which threaten his multi-million euro sporting empire.

US police on Monday re-opened an investigation into claims by former American model Kathryn Mayorga that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in June 2009.

"I don't know how things are for him at home, I don't live with him," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. 

"What I know is what I see on the pitch. He trains hard, he is serene and today he scored an extraordinary goal."

Juventus – with a maximum 24 points from 8 Serie A games – open up a nine-point lead on second-placed Napoli who host Sassuolo on Sunday.

Stronger than the mud' 

With the eyes on the world on Ronaldo the match against lowly Udinese, in a small town not far from the border with Slovenia, attracted journalists from as far afield as China.

But the 'Ronaldo affair' appeared to have in no way dented the player's popularity among the fans who packed the 25,000-seater Stadio Friuli.

He was greeted by the enthusiastic cries of dozens of children waiting for the team buses before the game, with one child running onto the pitch during warm-up to ask for his autograph.

"Stronger than the mud," headlined Turin daily Tuttosport, a traditional backer of Juventus, above a photograph of Ronaldo dining with the team this week, and a bigger picture of the star smiling.

"CRSexe," was the front-page headline on Rome-based Corriere dello Sport on Saturday, referring to the allegations. Another headline said "World of Juve shaken" after the club's share price plunged almost 10 percent on Friday. 

The back page was dominated by an advert for Ronaldo's line of underwear, featuring a full-page photograph of the player bare-chested.

Ronaldo has hired David Chesnoff, known as the lawyer of the stars, to defend him.

The Las Vegas-based criminal lawyer has already worked with well-known athletes like Shaquille O'Neal, Mike Tyson and Andre Agassi.

After initially dismissing the rape claims as "fake news" on Instagram, Ronaldo took to social media during the week to "firmly deny" the accusations.

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

Sponsors concerned  

However, there have been off-field consequences to the controversy.

Just two weeks ago, shares in Juventus rose 180 percent to a record level of over 1.80 euros. On Friday, they closed down 9.92 percent at 1.19 euros on the Milan stock exchange.

Nike has said it is "deeply concerned" by the allegations against one of their marquee athletes whose relationship with the US sportswear giant is rumoured to be worth $1 billion (869 million euros).

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

Juventus has so far stood behind the player who moved to Turin in the summer in a 100 million euro ($115 million) deal from Real Madrid.

However, the Italian club's reaction to the issue has angered some fans as "dismissive" and "insensitive."

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici, nevertheless, underlined the club's support on Saturday.

"We have already made clear our total support for the player, who has always been very active on social issues and been a great professional beyond reproach, as confirmed by his teammates," Paratici told Sky Sport Italia.

"We are behind him all the way. He has been an exemplary professional and an exemplary person throughout his career."

Before Saturday's game Ronaldo had received encouragement from his mother.

"Best wishes son for you and your team, because together we are stronger. Go Juventus," wrote Maria Dolores Alveiro on Instagram, alongside a photo of Ronaldo embracing her. – Rappler.com

CHICAGO, USA – Russia's Artur Beterbiev knocked out British challenger Callum Johnson in the 4th round on Saturday, October 6, to retain his International Boxing Federation light heavyweight world title.

Beterbiev, 33, maintained his perfect record with his 13th knockout win in 13 professional fights.

The 33-year-old Johnson, in his first world title fight, lost for the first time, falling to 17-1 but not before a game effort to topple the champion.

Beterbiev, who fights out of Canada, waded in early and dropped Johnson late in the 1st round.

The knockout artist was clearly looking to finish Johnson off in the 2nd. He had landed a string of punishing blows when Johnson nailed him with a left hook that sent Beterbiev to the canvas at 1:24 of the 2nd.

Beterbiev managed to stave off Johnson for the rest of the round, and the two traded more big blows in the 3rd round.

Beterbiev put Johnson down for the seocnd time with 37 seconds left in the 4th, landing two rights to the challenger's head.

Johnson tried to rise, but he couldn't beat referee Celestino Ruiz's count before it reached 10 and it was over at 2:36 of the 4th.

Johnson, who had fought just once in the past two years, admitted he was a bit "tense and nervous" coming in.

"Believe me, I'll be back, and I believe one day I'm going to be a world champion."

On the same card at Wintrust Arena, American Danny Roman retained his World Boxing Association super bantamweight world title with a 10th-round technical knockout of British challenger Gavin McDonnell.

Roman rocked McDonnell with a big right then pummelled him to the canvas before the bout was stopped at 2:36 of the 10th.

Roman improved to 26-2 with 1 drawn and 10 knockouts.

McDonnell fell to 20-2 with 1 drawn, again failing in a world title bid. His only prior defeat came in his only other world championship fight, when he dropped a majority decision to Rey Vargas last year in their duel for the vacant World Boxing Council super bantamweight world title. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA – Conor McGregor's mixed martial arts return ended in a submission loss to Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 6 – a grudge match marred by a post-fight brawl.

Nurmagomedov improved to 27-0 in his professional career – 11-0 in UFC bouts.

The UFC lightweight champion had McGregor on the ground less than a minute into the opening round and kept the Irish fighter on his back for much of the fight.

McGregor managed to stay on his feet for most of the 3rd round, but the once feared striker couldn't hurt Nurmagomedov and in the 4th, the champion took him down again, getting McGregor in a brutal rear-naked chokehold that had McGregor tapping out at 3 minutes, 3 seconds of the round.

Nurmagomedov had barely released his hold when he launched himself over the Octagon fence, apparently targeting McGregor's training partner Dillon Danis.

As security tried to quell the chaos in the crowd, someone leapt in and took a shot at the exhausted McGregor, who eventually departed in a huddle of security personnel.

Nurmagomedov was also hustled out surrounded by security officers as the pro-McGregor crowd jeered and threw drinks at him.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khabib’s team jumped Conor. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC229?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC229</a> <a href="https://t.co/KgaLtseRRP">pic.twitter.com/KgaLtseRRP</a></p>&mdash; Casual Sports News (@casualsportsn) <a href="https://twitter.com/casualsportsn/status/1048809710428852224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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UFC chief Dana White refused to hand Nurmagomedov his belt, saying he feared it would further inflame the crowd.

"If I put this belt on you, everyone's going to start throwing shit into the Octagon," he told Nurmagomedov.

The ring announcer declared Nurmagomedov the winner after both fighters had departed.

Rough return

 McGregor was returning to mixed martial arts for the first time since November 2016, having detoured in 2017 to a cross-combat boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather which ended in defeat –but still earned McGregor some $100 million.

His return sparked massive interest, with White predicting the bout would break the UFC record of 1.65 million pay-per-view buys.

The crowd included a mass of chanting, flag-waving Irish fans as well as a sprinkling of celebrities including Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Mel Gibson and Northern Ireland golf star Rory McIlroy.

Taking on the powerful champion from Dagestan in his comeback fight was a risk for McGregor, but the drumbeat for a showdown between the two intensified in April, when McGregor was at the center of an extraordinary melee in New York.

McGregor hurled a dolly through a window of a bus filled with other UFC fighters at the Barclays Center – apparently angered that Nurmagomedov had intimidated one of the Irish fighter's friends, Artem Lobov.

Two athletes were injured and McGregor pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in a Brooklyn criminal court in July in a plea deal that allowed him to avoid jail time. 

All felony counts were dropped and he was ordered to do 5 days of community service. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Gomez de Liaño brothers put on a show as the University of the Philippines escaped National University, 89-88, to climb to a share of 4th place in the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 7.

Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño – nicknamed as the "GDL brothers" – teamed up to help the UP Maroons regain control against the NU Bulldogs side that refused to go away easily. 

Juan had a statsheet-stuffer game of 20 points, 7 boards, 6 assists and 3 steals, while older brother Javi chipped in a career-high 19 markers with 8 boards and 4 dimes.

Bright Akhuetie has made a habit out of dropping 20-20 games, finishing with a career-high 21 points plus 20 rebounds for the Maroons, who improved to 3-3 for a share of the 4th spot with the La Salle Green Archers. 

The Bulldogs gave the Maroons a scare in the closing seconds as NU’s Shaun Ildefonso quickly drove hard to the other end to cut the lead to one, 89-88, after UP’s Jun Manzo missed two free throws.  

Javi Gomez de Liaño got fouled on the inbound but also missed both his charities.  

With time winding down, NU's JV Gallego raced the length of the floor but opted to pass instead of putting up a shot, allowing UP to escape with the win after four straight missed free throws.

Dave Ildefonso led NU anew with 20 points, 6 boards and 6 assists, while big bro Shaun added 12 points and 8 rebounds. 

Gilas cadet Joshua Sinclair also had a career-high double-double, scoring 13 points on a spotless 5-of-5 clip and grabbing 11 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

NU absorbed its fifth straight loss to fall into a tie with UE Red Warriors at last place at 1-5. 

The Scores

UP 89 – Akhuetie 21, Gomez de Liano Ju 20, Gomez de Liano Ja 19, Desiderio 14, Manzo 8, Dario 6, Prado 1, Jaboneta 0, Murrell 0, Gozum 0, Lim 0.

NU 88 – Ildefonso D 20, Sinclair 13, Gallego 13, Ildefonso S 12, Gaye 11, Clemente 9, RIke 4, Diputado 3, Morido 2, Yu 1, Joson 0, Aquino 0, Malonzo 0, Tibayan 0, Galinato 0.

Quarters: 26-20, 47-40, 70-62, 89-88.

– Rappler.com

STA. ROSA CITY, Philippines – The Philippines will not go home empty-handed from the 2018 FIBA 3x3 U-23 World Cup. 

RJ Abarrientos served as the silver lining to the country's early exit from the tournament after nabbing the gold medal in the Shoot-Out Contest in Xi'an, China on Sunday, October 7. 

The FEU Baby Tamaraw chalked up 9 points in the final round to eclipse Russia's Aleksandr Antonikovskii and Germany's Laura Zdravevska, who settled for silver and bronze, respectively. 

Abarrientos and Antonikovskii both ended up with 9 points but the Filipino finished all racks faster. 

The Nationals, who are ranked 19th place, landed at third place in Group C with a 2-2 record behind world No. 3 China and No. 6 Slovenia. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University Tamaraws' erratic form nearly cost them again. 

After blowing a huge double-digit lead, the FEU Tamaraws held on in overtime to snap the Adamson Falcons' perfect run, 88-85, in the UAAP men's basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 7. 

Adamson saw its unbeaten run come to an end at 5 games to share the top spot with the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 5-1 as FEU moved just behind them at 4-2.

In the extra period, both teams traded leads until the 20-second mark when FEU won a loose ball scramble leading to an open Barkley Ebona layup, 88-85.

Adamson had a chance to forge one more OT period, but good FEU closeouts led to two straight blocked Jerrick Ahanmisi threes.

The Tamaraws blew a whopping 17-point advantage, 67-50, in regulation as the Falcons rallied behind Sean Manganti and Ahanmisi to tie the game at 78.

Richard Escoto sank the clutch putback off a missed Prince Orizu free throw to put FEU up by a bucket, 80-78, with 29 seconds left.

Adamson's Simon Camacho responded, however, with a putback off an Ahanmisi miss at the 1.5-second mark to send the game to overtime, 80-80. 

“Nag-prepare lang kami ng sobra ng past week,” said FEU guard Hubert Cani. “Nagpapasalamat kami kasi sa amin binigay ang panalo, sa coaching staff, kay coach Olsen (Racela), sobrang ganda ng game plan namin kaya nanalo this game."

(We really prepared hard the past week. We’re thankful that we got the win. We’re thankful to the coaching staff, to coach Olsen, we had a very good game plan that’s why we won the game.)

Arvin Tolentino still wound up top scoring for the Tamaraws with 19 points before he got ejected – just when the Falcons were catching fire – for a clothesline on Sean Manganti with 3:43 remaining in regulation.

Ahanmisi paced the Falcons with 21 points, 12 from three-point range, and 6 rebounds, while Manganti collected 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists.

The Scores

FEU 88 – Tolentino 19, Cani 14, Comboy 13, Ebona 9, Escoto 8, Gonzales 8, Parker 7, Orizu 6, Inigo 2, Tuffin 2, Stockton 0.

Adamson 85 – Ahanmisi 21, Manganti 20, Sarr 15, Camacho 10, Lastimosa 8, V. Magbuhos 4, Espeleta 3, Pingoy 2, Zaldivar 2, Bernardo 0, Catapusan 0, Colonia 0, Mojica 0.

Quarters: 16-19, 43-34, 67-52, 80-80 (reg.), 88-85 (OT).

– Rappler.com