MANILA, Philippines – For the first time in two years, Alaska is playing in a PBA finals.

The Aces puffed enough gas to hack out a 99-92 win over Meralco and wrap up their best-of-five semifinals series in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup in 4 games at the Cuneta Astrodome on Saturday, November 17. 

Import Mike Harris churned out 27 points, 14 rebounds and 3 steals and knocked down timely in the crucial 4th quarter as Alaska reached the championship round for the first time since the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. 

Alaska set up a finals date with the Magnolia, which ended Barangay Ginebra's reign in season-ending conference in 4 games of their respective semifinals duel. 

It was a nip-and-tuck battle midway through the final frame frame with the score knotted at 73-all until the Aces erected an 11-2 spurt – sparked and capped by Harris triples – to gain an 84-75 lead. 

The Bolts shaved their deficit to 3 points, 87-90, with 1:30 minutes left behind an Allen Durham bucket only to witness Alaska put the game away using a win-clinching 12-2 run. 

JVee Casio chalked up 14 points, Jeron Teng pumped in 10 points and 8 boards and Vic Manuel and Kevin Racal added 10 markers apiece in the win that saw the Aces erase a 14-point deficit in the first half. 

Meralco was primed to force a do-or-die Game 5 after leading 28-14 in the maiden period until the Aces regained their bearings to narrow the gap to just a whisker heading into the second half, 47-48. 

With the momentum on its side, Alaska extended its lead to 8 points, 68-60, entering the 4th quarter. 

Durham saw his 31-point, 14-rebound outing go for naught as he falls short of his bid to carry the Bolts to their third straight Governors' Cup finals. 

Reynel Hugnatan had 13 points, Chris Newsome finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists while Baser Amer and Nico Salva added 10 points each in the losing effort.

Alaska and Magnolia lock horns in Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals series on December 5. 

The Scores

Alaska 99 - Harris 27, Casio 14, Racal 10, Teng 10, Manuel 10, Banchero 9, Enciso 7, Thoss 4, Baclao 4, Pascual 4, Exciminiano 0, Potts 0.

Meralco 92 - Durham 31, Hugnatan 13, Newsome 12, Salva 10, Amer 10, Caram 7, Lanete 7, Hodge 2, Faundo 0, Dillinger 0, Canaleta 0, Tolomia 0.

Quarters: 21-28, 47-48, 68-60, 99-92.

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – In 2017, the NU Pep Squad was on top of the world of cheerdancing. The powerhouse crew was gunning for a rare UAAP Cheerdance Competition title five-peat and stood as heavy favorites to actually do it in Season 80.

However, that all came crashing down – quite literally – on the day of the competition itself.

What was expected to be a masterful performance of ridiculous tosses, pyramids and stunts turned into an avalanche of errors, much to the delight of fans from other schools who wanted to see the five-peat denied.

And indeed, the five-peat was not meant to happen for NU. Not only did they crash on the mats, but they also tumbled out of the podium as the underdog Adamson Pep Squad seized the crown.

Despite the humiliating fifth-place finish, everyone expected the elite program to bounce back, and that’s exactly what they did for Season 81.

On Saturday, November 17, a hungry NU Pep Squad reemerged, back with the feared error-free form they were famous for. Wearing skull-like makeup, floral dresses and sombreros inspired by Mexico’s Day of the Dead, the stars of Sampaloc rose back from the ashes and cruised to their fifth cheerdance title in 6 years.

Towering pyramids, synchronized stunts, crisp dance moves, you name it, NU got it all for you.

You could almost feel that they trained for this since the day after last year’s contest. However, according to head coach Ghicka Bernabe, that wasn’t the case at all.

“Last year’s experience was very memorable kasi bago nag-aral ng pyramids and stunts ang una namin inaral after that scenario is how to move on and accept,” she said. “Kasi mahirap mag-bagong routine kung ang mindset ay in denial kami.”

(Last year’s experience was very memorable because before we trained for pyramids and stunts, we first learned after that scenario is how to move on and accept. Because it’s difficult to train for a new routine when our mindset is still in denial.)

“For how many months, before we conceptualized a routine together with coaches, we first healed ourselves emotionally and physically,” she continued.

Before NU’s rise at the turn of the decade, only the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe from 2002 to 2006 had been five-peat champions. However, instead of moping over the lost opportunity, NU focused instead on attaining perfection.

“Di kami nag-commit ng any deduction kasi one point malaki nagagawa no'n,” the multi-titled coach said. (We didn’t commit any deductions because a lot can happen with one point.)

Indeed, the points mattered this season, down to the decimals.

Former champion Adamson snuck into the podium as the second runner-up after garnering 638.5 points. Fourth-place UST was behind by merely 0.5 point.

As for NU’s captain Kevin Lacbong, he felt that the pressure was on them to deliver the comeback because they simply had no more reasons not to do so.

“Nakakahiya na kung walang mababalik,” said the fourth-year student. “Binibingay na lahat, kami na lang kulang. Perform kaming maayos, mag-aral nang mabuti and nabibgyan ng members namin ng support nila all-out.”

(It’s already embarrassing if we couldn’t give back. We’re given everything, it’s up to us to deliver. If we perform and study well, our members are given all-out support.)

“Pagkain, condo… iilang athlete lang nakakaranas no'n sa UAAP,” he continued. “Managers namin, scholarships, coaches, kung ano skill na meron kami, hinasa kami.”

(Food, condo units… only a few athletes experience that in the UAAP. Managers, scholarships, coaches, whatever skill we have, we are honed.)

Indeed, for an established program like NU Pep, one year away from the spotlight is too much.

“Tama na isang pinahiram namin sa kanila,” Lacbong said. “Tama na yun, amin na ulit.”

(It’s enough that we lent one to them. That’s enough, it’s ours again.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The undermanned Philippine Azkals rode on their opening win momentum to escape cellar-dweller Timor Leste, 3-2, in the 2018 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup on Saturday, November 17 at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Malaysia. 

The Philippines goes up to the 2nd place in Group B with 6 points and a +2 goal difference, but the Azkals are still behind Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand, which they're facing on Wednesday, November 21 at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Bacolod.  

The Azkals were short of 3 key players – Neil Etheridge, Manny Ott and Luke Woodland – due to injury. 

Etheridge is suffering from a right quad strain and opted to rest before heading back to Cardiff City as the FIFA international break comes to an end. 

Midfielder Manny Ott and centerback Luke Woodland sustained injuries from the opening game against Singapore. Ott sat out of the game due to a pinched nerve on his foot while Woodland is out of the biennial cup tournament due to a foot injury. 

After the first 25 minutes of lethargic play, Phil Younghusband opened the scoreline in the 27th minute, with a shot off an assist from Daisuke Sato for his 52nd international goal for the Philippines. 

Six minutes later, Martin Steuble followed up with a goal off a setpiece from beyond the box to double the Philippines' lead. 

The Philippines managed to triple the lead thanks to a Kevin Ingreso pass to defender Carlie de Murga, who headed the ball into the back of the net in the 67th minute. 

But Timor Leste caught fire after Paul Mulders conceded a penalty in the 73rd minute that allowed Nataniel De Jesus Reis to stain the Philippines' clean sheet in the tournament. 

Two minutes later, Joao Pedro Freitas broke away off the counterattack and went one-on-one with Michael Falkesgaard who moved out of line, but the Timorese managed to get past the keeper and cut the deficit to one goal, 2-3. 

Timor Leste attempted to equalize and complete its comeback, but Falkesgaard made a crucial save for the Philippines to keep its 3 points. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The third time wasn't the charm for Meralco's Allen Durham.

But the two-time Best Import will keep on chasing that elusive PBA title even after the Bolts got the boot from the Alaska Aces in 4 games of their best-of-five semifinals series in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup. 

"I'm still trying to get a ring so I'm going to keep working until I can't run or jump no more. We'll see what happens," he said. 

Durham had been hoping to carry the Bolts back to the Governors' Cup finals after they fell short of the title to Barangay Ginebra in the last two editions of the season-ending conference. 

From a lowly 7th place to the semifinals, it would have been the perfect Cinderella story for the 30-year-old reinforcement and Meralco to win a championship in their third try together in the last 3 years. 

However, the Aces halted the Bolts' run with an emphatic 99-92 win on Saturday, November 17, to end a drought of their own as they reach a PBA finals for the first time since the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. 

"It's hard to swallow but Alaska, they played hard. They won 3 games in a row. They're very deserving of where they're at right now. It's not how we wanted to go out but I wish Alaska the best," Durham said. 

The elimination also put a dent on Durham's chances of defending his Best Import award for the third straight year, especially since he finished 5th in the statistical points race heading into the playoffs. 

That, though, is far from his mind. 

"That was never really my focus, to get Best Import. I was just trying to get to the finals and win the finals. Neither one happened so I got to wait for next season and start it all over again."

For the meantime, Durham plans to return to America to rest and talk to his fiancee about their future. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After celebrating his 40th birthday on December 17, Manny Pacquiao will go full blast with his training for his defense of the World Boxing Association welterweight crown against Adrien Broner on January 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Fact is, the eight-division world champion will be spending Christmas and New Year in the United States so as his preparations won't be interrupted.

The first phase of the eight-week buildup will be held in Manila and General Santos City under the supervision of lead trainer Buboy Fernandez.

Pacquiao, accompanied by wife Jinkee and her twin sister Janet, left for New York City Saturday afternoon, November 17, while Fernandez and a support crew took the evening flight.

MP Promotions' Joe Ramos, the take charge guy of Pacquiao’s boxing affairs, left earlier to prepare for Pacquiao's arrival for the two-city press conference to drum up interest for the pay-per-view title fight.

Pacquiao and Broner meet each other and face the press at Gotham Hall on Monday.

They will proceed to Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills on Tuesday for the second stop of the tour.

Team Pacquiao heads back to Manila on Wednesday, with Pacquiao and Fernandez set to start training camp.

This early, Fernandez, who assumed the coaching reins from Freddie Roach for the Lucas Matthysse title fight in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is studying tapes of Broner's previous fights.

With their team-up resulting to Pacquiao's seventh-round knockout of Matthysse, Fernandez was given another tour of duty by his bosom buddy. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP Cheerdance Competition again left fans in awe with towering pyramids, daring flips, tough stunts, and more funky moves. 

But it turned out to be a season of comebacks (or comebarks) as the NU Pep Squad wowed with a perfect routine in front of a spirited crowd of 20,117 at the Mall of Asia Arena with its Mexican Day of the Dead theme.

NU rose back to cheerdance supremacy as the FEU Cheering Squad also returned to the podium with a 1st runner-up finish. Last year's champion Adamson rounded out the top 3. (READ: NU Pep Squad reclaims UAAP cheerdance crown)

But it's not just the winner's circle that delivered a visual feast as the rest of the schools also thrilled with their awesome routines. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Petron and Generika-Ayala kept their hot streaks going as they crushed their respective foes in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 17, at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The Blaze Spikers dominated Cignal HD, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19, while the Lifesavers clobbered Smart, 25-19, 25-12, 25-15, in this prestigious women’s volleyball club tourney.

Earlier, Milena Alessandrini scored 24 points while Eya Laure chipped in 19 markers as University of Santo Tomas edged Far Eastern University, 25-16, 13-25, 25-17, 25-15, in the Collegiate Grand Slam.

But still, the day belonged to the Lifesavers.

Patty Orendain delivered 18 points, 13 digs and 10 excellent receptions as Generika-Ayala captured its third straight win to climb the team standings with a 3-3 win-loss card.

Libero Kath Arado said they know Smart is such a veteran and very disciplined team so defeating it in straight set initially felt quite impossible.

“To be honest, we didn’t expect to win in straight sets. We know that Smart is such a strong team with an intact core,” said Arado, the University of the East star who has been consistently manning to backline for the Lifesavers.

“But we just did our best and we executed everything we did in practice. Those were the keys that led to this victory.”

After barging into the win column via convincing wins over erstwhile leader F2 Logistics and Sta. Lucia, the Lifesavers marched to the warpath oozing with confidence.

But after racing to a 16-9 lead in the third set, Aiko Urdas sparked a mini-rally to allow the Giga Hitters to move closer, 12-20, until Orendain restored order and towed the Lifesavers to match point.

Skipper Angeli Araneta chipped in 8 markers while Ria Meneses had 7 points for Generika-Ayala, which displayed tremendous improvement under the mentorship of former Ateneo coach Sherwin Meneses.

Grethcel Soltones tallied 6 points for Smart, which slid to 2-3. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It's all about pride now as cellar-dwellers National University and University of the East battle it out in the hopes of ending their lackluster season on a high note. 

The NU Bulldogs (3-10) had hoped to climb up the ranks but wound up securing only one win in the second round against University of Santo Tomas.

Also struggling all season, the UE Red Warriors (1-12) only have one win to show – a huge upset of Far Eastern University in the first round. 

The dogfight for a positive finish gets going at 2 pm on Sunday, November 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Despite their rough run, both the Bulldogsand the Warriors have their own hotshots who have earned the reputation to cook up monstrous – and historic – numbers.

Season averages

UE has its go-to scorer all season in Alvin Pasaol, who has the capacity to bulldoze through the defensive systems of each team to put up double-digit numbers. His season-low this year was 14 points. 

In the previous game against Adamson, the explosive forward surpassed the record of one of the league's all-time best scorers, Terrence Romeo, as he posted the UAAP's highest scoring average of 24.7 points for a local player.

Pasaol also norms 10.8 rebounds per contest for a double-double average. 

On the Bulldogs side, John Lloyd Clemente got his groove in the collegiate competition as he blasted a season-high of 38 points against Far Eastern University to eclipse the 36-point mark set by Pasaol for the most number of points scored in a single game.

The feat of the Bulldogs' homegrown rookie also wound up as the highest score tallied by an NU player since Ray Parks' 35 points in 2012.

Even if he has 4 years left to play in the league, Clemente is definitely not contented with his output as he aims to surpass former NU standout and team consultant Jeff Napa's 43-point outburst in 2002. (READ: After career game, John Lloyd Clemente targets Jeff Napa's record)

But since the sweet-shooting guard picked up his hot hand later in the season, he only averages 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists. 

In the first round, Clemente also set a previous career-best of 21 points to lead the Bulldogs past UE, 88-61. 

As the hosts, the Bulldogs would want to repeat the rout of UE in front of their fans before they bid farewell to the season.

NU can be applauded for its league-low of 14.4 turnovers per game tied with Ateneo, but the Sampaloc-based squad has to watch out for the Red Warriors' efforts to convert on the fastbreak which tallies up to 11.5 points per game. 

Outside the stat sheet, it would also be nice to see the whole UE team stepping up to aid its topscorer in order to pocket another win before the season ends. – Rappler.com 

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines picked up a precious second win in the AFF Championship on Saturday, November 17, defeating Timor Leste in Kuala Lumpur. But it wasn't pretty, as two late concessions, after we took a 3-0 lead, made for unnecessary drama for Pinoy fans. Here are some observations on the match and suggestions for moving forward.

Paul Mulders is miscast at centerback

Paul Mulders is many things: an artful dribbler, a string-puller in midfield, a superb game-reader, and a decent finisher. What he isn't, at the age of 37, is a centerback at this level.

In the Singapore game he slotted into central defense after Luke Woodland got an injury that took him out of the competition. He was solid then, but on Saturday night it went all wrong for the Fil-Dutchman in the second half. 

Mulders gave up a penalty, was rounded for the second goal by Joao Pedro, and was certainly beat on a late cross that the Timorese could not convert on. Yes, this defensively naive but plucky Timor Leste team was that close to Istanbulling us.

Sven-Göran Eriksson went for Mulders instead of going for a dedicated centerback in Amani Aguinaldo. It was a choice that he just barely got away with. Mulders looked bone-weary on Saturday in the second half, and really appeared to be a square peg in a round hole in the heart of the defense. 

I say that unless Aguinaldo is carrying some sort of knock, he should get the start on Wednesday against the War Elephants in Panaad. If Mulders plays on Wednesday, then it will be his third game in 9 days, and his aging legs might struggle against the speedy Thais.

But Aguinaldo has baggage against Thailand. In 2014, in the first leg of the semis against Thailand, he goaded a Thai player into getting sent off with 21 minutes to go in a 0-0 draw. Who was that player? Adisak Kraisorn, who terrorized Timor Leste with 6 goals in their opener last week and struck again versus Indonesia on Saturday as Thailand won 4-2.

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Surely Kraisorn will be pumped to face his nemesis again. 

Are there other options for the Swedish coach? Yes. Last year Thomas Dooley brought in Sean Kane, a holding mid, to play centerback against Yemen in the AFC Asian Cup qualifying. It worked, as the Azkals gutted out a draw in Qatar. 

This year Adam Tull, a.k.a. Adam Reed, is in the squad, a similar kind of player. Might he step back in the formation to partner Carli De Murga? 

Or the answer might not even be in the squad of 23. Dennis Villanueva is one of 3 healthy players, (Jarvey Gayoso and Ace Villanueva are the others), who were not included in the 23 but are in Bacolod, training, and available for a call-up if necessary. Based on what we have seen, the Fil-Italian deserves a bib and a spot on the bench at least. He is also a converted midfielder, but he has played CB in the past.

To be fair to Mulders, the rest of the team was also in a fog for much of the game. I counted 3 poor giveaways in the second half including two schoolboy square passes that were easily picked off. James Younghusband squandered at least one gilt-edged chance. Falkesgaard had a decent Suzuki Cup debut with a terrific 1v1 save early. But he duck-hooked a goal kick. Curt Dizon slipped twice. Did he have the right cleats on?

But the biggest problem is in central defense, and that will be the key to success on Wednesday.

Our goals, while pretty, were the result of lousy defending

Phil Younghusband got his 52nd goal and it was a great finish. However the Timor Leste defenders decided that other players were worth more attention than Phil, and that is a bad idea. Phil had acres of space and enough time to read the paper before firing home. Those are luxuries usually not afforded at this level, and he did not disappoint.

Carlie De Murga's header was good piece of work but again, the fruit of ragged organization in the Timor Leste backline.

The best goal was Martin Steuble's glorious, outside-of-the box grass cutter. Keeping the ball down is a key skill of a quality finisher, and the Fil-Swiss showed us how it's done.

Yes, we scored, but Timor Leste's defense is the dregs of the tournament. Neither Thailand nor Indonesia will give us chances so easily.

Aksyon TV handled the overlap with Philippine Super Liga very well 

An hour before kickoff I was already tuned into Aksyon TV, and instantly became a massive Sta. Lucia volleyball fan after they took a two sets to nothing lead on Cocolife. I wanted the Realtors to take the 3rd set and end the PSL game so the coverage of the Azkals could start on time. 

Naturally, Cocolife battled back to win sets 3 and 4, forcing a deciding 5th set. That meant the volleyball finished 20 minutes after the football kickoff. 

Aksyon made the best of a bad situation by showing a picture-in-picture inset of the Azkals game while the volleyball finished. It was a creative solution that might not have pleased everyone, but was certainly better than nothing.

Eventually Aksyon did a big favor to football fans by switching to the Azkals feed as the main picture, with audio, and relegating the 5th set, which Cocolife won, to the smaller inset. No doubt there were some upset volleyball fans out there not best pleased with that decision. 

Some Pinoy football fans were not happy with the setup and voiced their ire on social media. But the truth is PSL is probably a good money-maker for Aksyon, and it runs 4 conferences a year. Their contract predates the agreement to air the biennial Suzuki Cup and might very well be much more valuable. Therefore the network cannot simply cut their broadcast just like that for other programming. 

Filipino football fans must humbly realize that PSL may very well have a bigger audience than football. A sense of entitlement will not help us catch up with other sports when it comes to broadcasting clout. We must continue to do the right thing and we'll be in a better place in terms of broadcasting.

The players made a touching tribute to fallen football photographer Vhonne Servinda

After one of the goals on Saturday some of the players were flashing “V” signs with their fingers. It's my understanding that it was their way of remembering football photographer Vhonne Servinda, who lost a long battle with cancer on Saturday morning.

It is common to speak of the departed in overly glowing terms, but Vhonne was the real deal. She carried herself with an astonishing cheerfulness and positivity despite her illness. I never saw her without a smile. She just loved taking pics of football and sharing them with players and fans.

Vhonne sold t-shirts to help fund her medical bills. I helped her out a bit once and she even took the time to give a token gift of gratitude to me. That's just the kind of person she was. 

Days ago friends had an oxygen tank installed in Vhonne's home to help her breathe. She was suffering from secondary pneumonia that may or may not have been connected to the big C. Vhonne had difficulty speaking and needed to communicate with a small whiteboard. On Saturday came the awful news that she had passed, and we would never see her behind a byline again.

Paalam, Vhonne. I hope you enjoyed that win, no matter how imperfect. Let's hope the boys can give you another 3 points on Wednesday against another undefeated team, Thailand.

PHILIPPINES vs THAILAND

AFF Suzuki Cup 2018

7:30 pm Wednesday, November 21

Panaad Stadium, Bacolod

LIVE on ESPN 5 and espn5.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It’s now or never for the FEU Tamaraws.

In the final game of the UAAP Season 81 elimination round, the 7-6 Tams could lose everything to a team who will gain nothing, the second-seeded Adamson Soaring Falcons.

A loss for the Tamaraws would mean that they’re eliminated from Final Four contention, ending the suspense for 8-6 La Salle, which would advance as the fourth and final seed.

However, if they sweep the Falcons this season, they get a knockout playoff match against the Green Archers for a chance to face twice-to-beat Ateneo in the Final Four.

That is if the Falcons even allow such a sweep to happen. 

Season averages

Sitting at a 10-3 record, the Falcons have not been swept by any team this season except defending champion Ateneo. It wouldn’t be like multi-titled coach Franz Pumaren to just let his team be a doormat for someone else’s benefit.

Team captain Sean Manganti definitely shares the same philosophy and likes to personally hand losses instead of absorbing them.

While his 14.8 points per game average is a testament of his impact to the team, his most telling quality cannot even be quantified: clutch.

Throughout this season, the Fil-Am star has carved out a reputation of delivering dagger buckets whenever needed, most often against their playoff foe UP.

Why not add FEU to the heartbroken list while he’s at it, right? 

However, in the event that Manganti is ruled out due to an undisclosed injury, it would be the perfect opportunity for Arvin Tolentino to seize in order to save his controversial UAAP career. His 13.6 points per game average is the only one in double-digits for his team, and they will need every single mark they can get against the streaky Falcons.

Overall, fans should expect a bout of smart basketball, with FEU shooting a league second-best 40.5% from the field. Adamson isn’t far behind at fourth with a 39.7% clip on average. The Tamaraws also lead the league with a 31.3% clip from beyond the arc while the sniping Falcons are a close second at 30.6%.

Both squads also produce offense at a near-identical rate, with Adamson averaging 74.8 points per game compared to FEU’s 73.1.

However, the Falcons are a cut above the Tamaraws in terms of defense, most notably with a league-best 7.3 steals a game – a direct product of the feared “Pumaren Press” defense. FEU is far behind with just 3.8 swipes per contest.

Adamson is also a top 3 team in blocked shots with a 4 blocks per game average. Meanwhile, the guard-heavy FEU is dead-last with just 1.9 swats per night. 

FEU needs at least one more win to preserve its season. But the Tams must go through a team aiming to preserve its pride. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Troy Rike made the most of his final game in his only season in the league as the NU Bulldogs wrapped up their campaign with a 79-71 victory over the UE Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, November 18.

Rike dropped a career-high 17 points with 13 rebounds, highlighted by multiple mid-range jumpers and an and-one at the 1:37mark of the 3rd that put NU up 13, 57-44.

The Bulldogs (4-10) ended the season at 7th place while the Warriors (1-13) wound up at rock bottom.

UE snuck into a single-digit deficit multiple times in the 4th, but failed to sustain their runs down the stretch as the Bulldogs scampered away for good. 

NU's Issa Gaye swatted a staggering 8 shots in 18 minutes to go with 12 points and 6 boards.

UE star Alvin Pasaol finished his third and possibly final season with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 steals. His 24.4 points per game average is officially the highest for a local player since 2003 and the most since FEU's Terrence Romeo.

Chris Conner added 19 markers and 13 boards in the loss.

The Scores

NU 79 – Rike 17, Gaye 12, Ildefonso D 9, Ildefonso S 9, Aquino 7, Yu 6, Salim 6, Diputado 5, Galinato 4, Clemente 2, Tibayan 2, Morido 0, Joson 0, Malonzo 0.

UE 71 – Pasaol 20, Conner 19, Acuno 11, Varilla 10, Manalang 7, Bartolome 2, Guion 2, Cullar 0, Maloles 0, Gallardo 0, Strait 0.

Quarters: 21-17, 44-32, 58-46, 79-71.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The country's top boxers and promoters will be feted during the three-day 3rd WBC Women's Convention and Asian Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

To be given recognition for their ring exploits are current world champions Manny Pacquiao (WBC welterweight), Jerwin Ancajas (IBF junior bantamweight), Nonito Donaire Jr (WBA bantamweight), Vic Saludar (WBO minimumweight) and Michael Dasmariñas (IBO bantamweight).

For their efforts to propagate the sport, Claude Mananquil of Sanman Promotions, Gabriel Elorde Jr of Elorde Promotions and Brico Santig of Highland Boxing Gym will also be honored by the World Boxing Council, which is staging the event being hosted by the Games and Amusements Board headed by chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra, also the international secretary of the WBC.

Likewise to be recognized are former Filipino world champions Rene Barrientos, Erbito Salvarria, Rolando Navarette, Frank Cedeno, Luisito Espinosa and Gerry Peñalosa.

Other honorees are former world champions Malcom Tunacao, Sonny Boy Jaro, Rolando Pascua, Brian Viloria and Rodel Mayol.

To be given posthumous awards are boxing greats Gabriel “Flash”Elorde, Pedro Adigue, former WBC president Jusitiniano Montano, former WBC secretary general Rudy Salud and international matchmaker/promoter Lope “Papa” Sarreal.

Over 500 delegates from all over the world, including female boxers Alicia Ashley, super bantamweight champion; Jelena Mrdjenovic, WBC featherweight titlist; Raja Amasheh, WBC diamond super flyweight champion, Franchon Crews Dezurn, WBC super middleweight champion;Martha Salazar, former heavyweight champion; Raja Amasheh, WBC diamond super flyweight champion; Fabiana Bytyqi, WBC bantamweight titlist; and Kenia Enriquez, interim junior flyweight champion; are in Manila for the event that formally started Saturday, November 17.

Also present were Martha Salazar, former heavyweight champion; Melissa St. Vil, former WBC silver featherweight champion; rising flyweight Sulem Urbina, Asia Boxing Council continental minimumweight titlist Ui Shikawa and transgender muay thai competitor Parinya Caroenphol.

A press conference was held Friday at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel with Mitra, Christiane Manzur, WBC Cares chairperson and wife of WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman; Malte Mueller-Michaelis, WBC women’s championship committee chairman; Jill Diamond, international chairperson of WBC Cares; giving messages.

A gala awards dinner was held Saturday, while a six-bout boxing and muay thai fight card, is slated Sunday. Delegates will also be treated to a boat tour to Corregidor.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University made the most of a lucky break to keep its UAAP Season 81 campaign alive. 

The Tamaraws came out charging from the get-go against an Adamson Falcons side that played minus its top two scorers to cruise to an 82-56 victory and force a playoff for the last Final Four berth in the men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, November 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Behind Arvin Tolentino, the Tamaraws wrapped up their elimination run with an 8-6 record to tie the University of the Philippines Maroons and the La Salle Green Archers. 

The UP Maroons, though, secured the 3rd spot due to superior quotient and arranged a Final Four duel against the No. 2 Falcons. 

Thus, the Tamaraws and the Green Archers will dispute the last semifinal spot in a do-or-die match at 3:30 pm on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.  

The winner will advance against defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, who hold a twice-to-beat advantage just like the Falcons. 

As Adamson played without leading scorers Jerrick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti, FEU immediately took advantage, opening the game on a 16-2 run.

The hot-shooting Tams – who shot an impressive 54.84% from the field and fired 7-of-11 from beyond the arc in the first half – then doubled up their score against the Falcons, 64-32, at the 2:39 mark of the 3rd quarter off a Richard Escoto bucket.

From there, they never looked back and cruised to the easy win.

"We're finally getting the breaks in the second round," said FEU coach Olsen Racela. "Malaking bagay itong game na ito with them missing Ahanmisi and Manganti. But ayun... we have one game to play, to make it to the Final Four."

(This is a big game for us with them missing Ahanmisi and Manganti. But we still have one game to play, to make it to the Final Four.)

Wendell Comboy paced the Tamaraws' balanced charge with 11 points. Tolentino finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds while Hubert Cani also scored 10.

Jerom Lastimosa shot 11 points to pace the Falcons, who sat out Ahanmisi and Manganti due to illness.

The Scores

FEU 82 – Comboy 11, Tolentino 10, Cani 10, Stockton 8, Parker 7, Tuffin 7, Ebona 6, Iñigo 4, Orizu 3, Bienes 3, Gonzales 3, Ramirez 3, Nunag 3, Escoto 2, Jopia 2, Bayquin 0.

ADAMSON 56 – Lastimosa 11, Espeleta 8, Bernardo 8, Sarr 6, Camacho 6, Catapusan 4, Zaldivar 4, Colonia 2, Pingoy 2, Macion 2, Magbuhos V 1, Magbuhos W 1, Maata 1, Mojica 0.

Quarters: 21-8, 46-22, 70-40, 82-56.

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Nothing is final yet, but it seems that UE superstar Alvin Pasaol has played his final game in the UAAP.

After finishing with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 4 steals in the Red Warriors’ 71-79 loss against the NU Bulldogs, the burly 6-foot-3 forward couldn’t help but let his emotions go.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alvin Pasaol, who tweeted out &quot;One Last Dance&quot; hours earlier, breaks into tears as UE sang their alma mater hymn for the last time this season. <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/3iV5W7oCR9">pic.twitter.com/3iV5W7oCR9</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/1064067408556568576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Prior to the game, the Season 80 Mythical Five selection tweeted out hints that he could be moving on to a new chapter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One last dance </p>&mdash; alvinpasaol (@wisha112) <a href="https://twitter.com/wisha112/status/1063985544655331328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Regardless of his next move, first-year UE head coach Joe Silva has already given out his endorsement for his ward.

“He deserves to be a first-round draft pick if ever he goes to the [PBA] draft this year,” said Silva after the game. “Right now, you saw how complete a player he is. He can rebound, he can pass the ball, he’s a known scorer, but the good thing about him is, he was able to do all that because he trimmed down. Last year, medyo kina-cramps sya sa dulo, parang pagod na sya. Ngayon kita mo, he was light on his feet. Kaya niyang gawin yung mga ginagawa niya.”

(Last year, he cramped up a bit at the end of games and was tired. Now, as you can see, he was light on his feet. He could do what he was capable of doing.)

Pasaol remained mum on his plans heading into the December 3 draft deadline for locals, but gave his thanks anyway to everyone who has been with him in the collegiate level.

“Ayun nga, baka last year ko na to,” he said. “Nagpapasalamat din ako sa lahat parati. Sobrang taas ng expectation nila sa akin. Binigay ko rin yung 100% na tiwala ko sa kanila.”

(It might be my last year. I’m always thankful to everyone. They had high expectations for me and I gave my 100% trust to them in return.)

If ever this is it for Pasaol, despite a 1-13 team record, he finishes his final season with a 24.4 points per game average, the highest scoring norm for a local since official stats were tallied in 2003. He also holds a personal scoring record of 49 points, which he got last season in a loss against La Salle.

Win or lose, Pasaol embodied the true “Red Warrior” spirit, and that’s exactly what he wants to be remembered for.

“Siguro iiwan ko sa UE yung lumalaban lang,” he said. “Kahit natalo man kami, pero andun pa rin yung puso. Lumaban kami ng teammates ko.”

(Maybe what I’m leaving with UE is my fighting spirit. Even in losses, our heart was still there. My teammates and I fought hard.)

“Sobrang parang rollercoaster yung nangyari sa amin,” he continued. “Di naman namin expected na ganito mangyayari sa amin pero sobrang happy ako na kasama ko yung teammates ko. Wala namang pagsisisi kung eto na yung last game ko. Wala namang pagsisisi sa naging performance namin. Lumaban naman kami. Andun naman kami.”

(It’s like a rollercoaster ride with what happened to us. We didn’t expect that this is what would happen to us but I’m happy that I’m with my teammates. I don’t have regrets if this is my last game and I don’t regret our performance this season. We all fought. We were always there.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Despite trouncing the No. 2 Adamson Soaring Falcons in their final UAAP elimination round game, Far Eastern University (FEU) head coach Olsen Racela rued that the Tamaraws could have been in a better spot had they played more consistently.

"If we took care of business early on, we should've been in a better position now," said Racela. 

"‘Yung mga injuries, hindi naman maiiwasan iyon – ‘yung kay Prince [Orizu] – and the time it happened, very crucial games sa mga teams na kadikit namin." 

(We can't avoid those injuries – like Prince Orizu's – and the time it happened, we were playing very crucial games with the teams that we were in a logjam with in the standings.) 

The Nigerian center sustained a shin injury during FEU's second-round game against Ateneo, which led to the Blue Eagles' blowout win. The Morayta-based squad then skidded to a four-game losing streak before bouncing back and avenging its shock first-round loss to the University of the East. 

But the players, determined to tow FEU to a 6th straight Final Four appearance, are now fired up to train harder. 

"Wala na kami magagawa sa mga nakalipas," said Wendell Comboy, who topscored for 11 points off a 4-of-5 clip from the field.

"So ‘yung last attempt na lang ‘yung kailangan namin i-focus, so iyon. Maganda preparation namin for Wednesday’s game." 

(We can't do anything about the past. So we'll focus on our last attempt and we will prepare hard for Wednesday's game.) 

Back in 2012, the Tamaraws also figured in the same situation where they forced a playoff for the last Final Four spot with La Salle. But the Gee Abanilla-mentored Green Archers wound up winning the do-or-die match and booted the Tamaraws out of the top 4.

Now, Racela and his Tamaraws prefer to look at the bright side and make sure that there won't be a repeat of that heartbreak.  

"Right now, we have an opportunity and we have one more game at nabigyan kami ng biyaya so dapat lubusin namin (we were given a blessing so we should make the most out of it)," added Racela. 

FEU will clash with La Salle for the No. 4 seed on Wednesday, November 21 at 3:30pm at the Araneta Coliseum.

The winner will advance against defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles, who tote a twice-to-beat semifinal advantage. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The FEU Tamaraws handed the Adamson Soaring Falcons one of their worst losses this season, an 82-56 beating, to stay in the hunt for the UAAP Season 81 Final Four.

Although this was to be expected, as the Falcons played without top scorers Jerrick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti, which paved the way for the Tamaraws to cruise to victory and arrange a do-or-die match for the final semifinal spot against La Salle.

After the game, head coach Franz Pumaren was quick to defend his decision to rest his stars ahead of their Final Four showdown against UP.

“If your two top players, two top gunners aren’t playing, it’s gonna be difficult on our part,” he said. “We’re not only dependent on them on scoring, but we’re also dependent on them in creating situations, defending well. Things like that, it happens.”

Had Adamson won, FEU would have been eliminated and La Salle would have taken the last playoff spot.

“If they want to validate if they’re just playing sick, they can go to the hospital, they can check it,” Pumaren continued. “If they think Sean Manganti is just faking his injury, they can go to Focus Athletic. We went there to get his treatment. Given that scenario, I don’t think any coach, team or school for that matter will push that scenario. I don’t think you will push your injured players. They’re not 100 percent. Why push them?”

Instead of forcing his best players in a non-bearing game, Pumaren just preserved them for the playoffs.

“I think it works to our advantage that we have one week to prepare for the Final Four. Hopefully by that time, they’ll be okay,” he said. “We’re doing an aggressive treatment with regards to the injury of Sean. Same thing with Jerrick, we’re doing what we can to fast track his recovery.”

With a fully healthy team, Adamson is hoping that they could end UP’s magical run one more time.

The Falcons, who own a twice-to-beat advantage as the No. 2 seed, will shoot for a title berth against the third-ranked Maroons at 3:30 pm on Saturday, November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“It’s gonna be a classic game [against UP], probably,” said Pumaren. “After [the Maroons played] that particular game against La Salle, everybody’s excited. The community’s excited. Hopefully we can tone down a bit the excitement coming into this Final Four.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After a two-year layoff, reigning ONE heavyweight world champion Brandon Vera is set to return and defend his title at ONE: Conquest of Champions at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, November 23.

Alongside Vera's defense against Italian champion Mauro Cerilli, Team Lakay pillar Eduard "Landslide" Folayang stars in a co-main event match against Singaporean Amir Khan for the vacant lightweight world title.

Before their star-studded showdowns, all 4 fighters gave fans and media a taste of what's to come in an open workout at the Victoria Sports Tower in Kamuning last Friday, November 16.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a 2-year layoff, Brandon Vera is set to defend his ONE Heavyweight World Title against Italian challenger Mauro Cerilli! <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/vhQQPW99Mo">pic.twitter.com/vhQQPW99Mo</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/1063376052414832641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Eduard Folayang looks ready to down Amir Khan and become a two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion at Conquest of Champions on November 23 at the MOA Arena! <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/GfZFV4QSv4">pic.twitter.com/GfZFV4QSv4</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/1063366926296993792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Despite his long break, Vera thinks he's in even better shape.

"I’ve been away for a while, almost two years, but don’t think for a second that I haven’t been training and keeping sharp," said Vera, "I’m stronger, faster, smarter, and better now than ever before." 

"My team has made sure that I will be at my best by the time I step back into the ONE cage. This is home for me," he continued. "I really missed this and I am excited to perform in front of you all next Friday night. The belt is going to stay in the Philippines.”

However, Cerilli clearly has other plans. 

“Brandon is a great champion, but he’s lost his edge," he declared. "I am here to claim the ONE heavyweight world championship."

Like Vera, Folayang has a lot to prove in his bid to become a two-time lightweight champ.

"I want to prove to the world that I am not done yet in this sport, and that I can still be world champion," he said. "Losing the title for the first time, it was a very painful feeling. But in defeat, I have discovered my weaknesses and made efforts to improve certain parts of my game. Now I am ready to showcase my championship form once again."

But like Cerilli, Khan is confident that homecourt advantage for his Filipino foe won't matter once they're inside the cage.

"I have 13 bouts in ONE Championship and 11 of those are wins," he said. "I've won my last two in exciting fashion. It's only right that I am now challenging for the world title."

Come Conquest of Champions, all 4 fighters are set to prove something for themselves and their fans. From the looks of the workout, they're ready to prove their worth as early as now. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – PetroGazz overwhelmed Adamson-Akari, 25-21, 25-9, 25-15, to complete the Premier Volleyball League Season 2 Open Conference semifinals cast on Sunday, November 18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Jessey de Leon fired 13 of her 14 points off kills to power the Angels, who put a lock on the 4th spot with an 8-5 record.

Cherry Nunag also scored 13 for the Angels and Alyssa Layug chipped in 11 points.

PetroGazz – which advanced along with BanKo (10-3), Ateneo-Motolite (10-4) and Creamline (9-3) – also dashed the semifinal hopes of Pocari Sweat-Air Force and Tacloban.

Pocari, which failed to advance to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, finished with a 6-7 record to wind up tied with Tacloban.

The Lady Warriors wrapped up their campaign with a victory, though, after tripping Iriga-Navy, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20, in the first game.

Myla Pablo unloaded 14 points, including 11 kills, while Del Palomata pumped in 13 points built on 9 attacks, 3 blocks and an ace to lead the Lady Warriors. 

The Lady Oragons bowed out of the season-ending conference with a 3-11 slate. – Rappler.com

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – A wide open race for the women's and men's crowns looms in the Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour starting Monday, November 19, at the Rizal Boulevard sand court here.

Newly minted UAAP champion Babylove Barbon and Genesa Eslapor of University of Santo Tomas, as well as El Nido leg winners Charo Soriano and Bea Tan of Perlas, are tipped as favorites but they're facing stiff challenge from 8 other international and local women's pairs.

Barbon and Eslapor are actually returning to the site of their triumphant 23rd Philippine University Games championship run late last month, which they hope to replicate in the 9th leg of the tour.

Former UAAP champions KR Guzman and Krung Arbasto of the Tigers will also go up against an equally tough men's cast which feature two pairs from host Dumaguete – Reynald Catipay and Buensuceso Sayson, and Jestorni Tubosa and Jayron Eltanal.

Dumaguete Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo will grace the  2 pm opening ceremony. Dumaguete, which is celebrating its 70th charter anniversary and fiesta, hosts its first BVR leg in a bid to strengthen the city's reputation as a sports tourism destination. 

Some of the visiting players who will see action in the two-day spikefest are Samaa Miyagawa of Japan and Tin Lai of Hong Kong in the women's side, as well as Mitabashi Masato and Takashi Tsuchiya of Japan in men's action.       

In the women's division, Group A is composed of Japan-Hong Kong, PAF-1, Cebu, UNO-R, Dipolog, while Group B comprises of PAF-2, BanKo-Perlas, Bacolod, USLS, UST.

In the men's side, Dumaguete, Bacolod, UST, PAF and Russians are bracketed in Group A, while Foundation University of Dumaguete, USLS, Tiger Wings, NU and Japan are in Group B.

The next BVR leg will be a Christmas Open on December 14 to 16 at Sands SM By The Bay. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After leading the University of the Philippines (UP) to end it's 21-year Final Four drought, Bright Akhuetie nabbed the UAAP Season 81 men's basketball Most Valuable Player award. 

The Fighting Maroons Nigerian center tallied a total of 82.5 statistical points (SPs) to lead the race and edge out Ateneo's Ivorian rookie Angelo Kouame who came in second wth 72.2 SPs.

Due to the enforcement of the rule that only one foreign student athlete can be included in the Mythical Five, Kouame would give up his spot that allowed Jerrick Ahanmisi – who came in 6th – to make it to the top 5 players of the season.  

University of the East's Alvin Pasaol (74.57), UP's Juan Gomez de Liaño (63.86), La Salle's Justine Baltazar (61.29) and Adamson's Ahanmisi (58.38) rounded out this season's Mythical Five along with Akhuetie. 

In 2016, the 22-year-old Nigerian was a highly-coveted transferree from the NCAA's Perpetual Help as UP, Ateneo and La Salle were in dogfight to recruit him. 

However, Akhuetie eventually chose UP and served his one-year residency in the State U to debut in Season 81 and lead the Fighting Maroons' mission to clinch another title after their lone 1986 championship. – Rappler.com