MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee shrugged off injury concerns and Juan Gomez de Liaño played stellar as Mighty Sports-Philippines drubbed Al Nift Oil Sports-Iraq, 108-94, to advance to the semifinals of the 30th Dubai Basketball Championship on Thursday night, February 7 (Friday morning, February 8, Manila time)

Brownlee, who had a left knee injury scare in his last outing, led Mighty anew with an all-around line of 26 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the knockout quarterfinal duel.

Teenage sensation Gomez de Liaño also erupted for 21 markers built on an 8-of-13 (61%) shooting clip, while Jeremiah Gray chipped in 20 points in the easy win.

The Charles Tiu-coached squad arranged a marquee match with six-time champion Al Riyadi-Lebanon in the knockout semis on Saturday midnight, February 9, Manila time.

Former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom managed to haul in 6 boards in 14 minutes off the bench.

Mighty was well in control for the first 3 quarters and led by as many as 23 points, 85-62, after a Gray triple at the 1:08 mark of the 3rd period.

However, the Iraqis would come storming back with well-timed runs in the 4th frame, including a 9-0 blitz that turned a 15-point gap to just 6, 92-98, with 3:32 left in regulation.

Fortunately for the Philippine side, Brownlee quickly responded with 4 straight points to put Mighty back up 10, 102-92, with 2:04 remaining. He then sealed the deal with a dagger jumper at the 54-second mark for the 106-94 advantage.

De Mario De Mario paced Oil Sports with 26 points and 5 rebounds in a full 40-minute grind. Tayloe Taylor and Karrar Hamzah each chipped in 20 markers in the eliminating loss. 

The Scores

Mighty Sports 108 – Brownlee 26, Gomez de Liano 21, Gray 20, Adams 19, Morris 16, Brickman 6, Santillan 0, Gutang 0, Odom 0.

Oil Sports 94 – De Mario 26, Taylor 20, Hamzah 20, Saleem 10, Aldoori 9, Ismael 6, Algburi 3, Alammari 0, Hamad 0. 

Quarters: 29-18, 57-46, 85-66, 108-94.

– Rappler.com

PORTLAND, UK – A body recovered by British investigators from the submerged wreckage of a plane that went down in the Channel has been identified as that of footballer Emiliano Sala, police said on Thursday, February 7. 

The Argentine striker's body was first spotted by rescuers with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) on Sunday close to where the plane went missing near the island of Guernsey.

It was recovered on Wednesday and brought to the Isle of Portland in southern England on board the Geo Ocean III offshore supply ship on Thursday for formal identification by coroners, who investigate deaths in Britain.

The light aircraft was carrying the 28-year-old footballer to his new Premier League team Cardiff City when it disappeared near Guernsey on January 21, along with 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson.

"The body brought to Portland Port today has been formally identified... as that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala," police in Dorset, the county where the body was taken, said on Twitter.

"The families of Mr. Sala and pilot David Ibbotson have been updated. Our thoughts remain with them all," police said.

After his body was identified, retired Argentinian football star Gabriel Batistuta paid tribute to the talented young player whose disappearance had prompted an outpouring of grief. 

"What sadness, this is the worst news. Rest in peace warrior," he tweeted.

Argentinian President Mauricio Macri also offered his condolences to Sala's family following the "painful news." "We are with you," he added. 

While the small Argentinian town of Progreso, where the footballer lived for most of his childhood, was left "very affected."

"Since we found out, it's all anyone can talk about," said local restaurant owner Oscar Heymo, a friend of Sala's father Horacio. "He was very much loved and admired by all."

'Dignified' recovery 

Sala's disappearance prompted an outpouring of grief across the footballing world, including at his former club Nantes in France where the plane was flying from.

The initial search operations to trace the plane were suspended in the days after it went missing, but a shipwreck hunter hired by Sala's family with funds donated by football stars such as Lionel Messi found the wreckage.

Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), then coordinated the recovery and the rescued body was taken to Portland Harbour earlier on Thursday and was seen being stretchered into a silver van.

"In challenging conditions, the AAIB and its specialist contractors successfully recovered the body previously seen amidst the wreckage," the AAIB said Wednesday.

"The operation was carried out in as dignified a way as possible."

The AAIB was unable to recover the plane due to bad weather and as a result was closing down the operation.

"The weather forecast is poor for the foreseeable future and so the difficult decision was taken to bring the overall operation to a close," it said.

It said that extensive video footage captured by a remotely operated vehicle is expected to "provide valuable evidence for our safety investigation," adding that it intends to publish an interim report on the accident later this month. 

Private appeal

The plane, a Piper PA-46 Malibu, vanished from radar around 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with Ibbotson the only other person aboard.

After the official rescue team gave up their search, saying there was little chance of finding anyone alive, Sala's family raised more than 370,000 euros ($422,000) in an online campaign to pay for a private hunt.

"Had that not happened, I don't think anybody would have searched for the plane," shipwreck hunter David Mearns, whose private company found the plane, told AFP.

The discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane had broken apart, he added.

Sala had been flying in to join up with his new club Cardiff City in what was the most expensive signing in the Welsh club's history.

Nantes have consulted lawyers to explore legal options to ensure Cardiff pays the transfer fee for Sala, a source close to the French club revealed on Wednesday.

According to the source, the first instalment of the 17-million-euro ($19.3 million) deal for the Argentine striker has yet to be paid, despite the transfer being finalized before the accident.

Earlier this week the footballer's father, Horacio, acknowledged that there was no prospect of finding his son alive.

"There's no longer any hope," he told Fox Sports. – Rappler.com

TOKYO, Japan – All medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be made from metal collected by recycling electronic waste, games organizers said on Friday, February 8.

Tokyo's organizing committee in 2017 launched a project to collect assorted electronic waste – including old smartphones and laptops – from the public to collect metal for the medals.

Recycled metal has also been collected from local Japanese businesses and industry.

In a statement issued on Friday, organizers said the collection was expected to reach its goal and will end in late March.

By November last year, municipal authorities had already collected 47,488 tonnes of discarded devices, with the public handing in another 5 million used phones to a local network provider.

Organizers had set a target of 2,700 kgs (about 5,950 pounds) of bronze, 30.3 kgs (67 pounds) of gold and 4,100 kg (about 9,040 pounds) of silver.

They hit the target for bronze last June, and by October had more than 90 percent of the gold and 85 percent of the silver.

"It is estimated that the remaining amounts of metal required to manufacture all Olympic and Paralympic medals can be extracted from the devices already donated," the organizers said.

Recycled metals have been used in previous years to make Olympic medals, including in Rio where some 30 percent of the silver and bronze in medals came from recycled materials. 

The designs for the Tokyo 2020 medals will be unveiled later this year. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Romero Duno knows an impressive win over Kuldeep Dhanda on Saturday night, February 9, will push him toward a world title shot.

That’s why the United States-based stalwart of Golden Boy Promotions is bent on dominating Dhanda, if not knocking the Indian out, when they clash for the vacant World Boxing Association Asian lightweight crown at Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

The co-feature of the televised card pits WBA interim bantamweight champion Reymart Gaballo against Japanese prospect Yuya Nakamura.

“If the opportunity comes, I’ll take it (knockout),” said Duno on Friday, during the official weigh-in and press conference of the ESPN5 and Sanman Promotion card backed by 1Pacman Partylist of Rep. Mikee Romero.

The 23-year-old Duno has fought 5 times in Los Angeles, winning all of them en route to an 18-1 record, 14 by knockout. The pride of Tagum City is heavily favored to beat Dhanda, 7-1, with 1 KO.

Duno weighed in at 134 pounds, while Dhanda was on the dot at 135.

According Duno, he is in line to be included in the undercard of the Canelo Alvarez-Daniel Jacobs middleweight unification on May 4 (May 5 in Manila) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Sanman CEO JC Manangquil is confident Duno will become the country’s next world champion and also has high hopes for the power-punching Gaballo.

Unscathed after 20 fights with 17 KOs, Gaballo, who checked in at 118.5 pounds, is heavily favored over Nakamura (9-2-1 with 7 KOs), who weighed 119. 

Romero expects a big turnout as the event is free to the public.

“By helping stage this event, we hope to discover more talented Filipino boxers,” said Romero, who owns NorthPort in the PBA. “We also hope to encourage our young boxers to take boxing seriously because in this sport we have a chance of winning an Olympic gold.”

Another free to the public fight card to be headed by Dave Peñalosa will be staged on February 16 at SM North Skydome in Quezon City

The unbeaten Peñalosa (14-0, 10 KOs), son of former world champion Dodie Boy and nephew of two-division world champion Gerry Peñalosa, will dispute the vacant WBO Oriental 126-pound belt with Mexican Marcos Cardenas (19-6-1, 15 KOs).

 Former IBF junior flyweight and flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero (25-4-1, 16 KOs) battles  Japanese Kenya Yamashita (13-4, 10 KOs) in the chief support of the card jointly staged by ESPN 5 and Gerrypens Promotions.

Prime prospect  Jammes Martin (11-0, 10 KOs), who had the opportunity to spar with International Boxing Federation junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas recently, will tackle Thai Petchorhae Kotkiegym (17-2, 8 KOs), while  Carlo Peñalosa (13-1, 6 KOs) tangles with Thai Watana Phenbaan (18-5, 11 KOs). – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Abueva came up with the game-winning block to lift Phoenix to a hard-fought 83-82 win over NLEX in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, February 8.

"The Beast" denied Bong Galanza's potential go-ahead three-pointer as the Fuel Masters ended the Road Warriors' two-game winning streak to keep their record unscathed after 5 games. 

With 2.3 seconds left, NLEX had ample time to get a shot off and found Galanza open at the top of the key but Abueva rushed to him to deny his triple as time expired.

Abueva finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks off the bench while Matthew Wright delivered a game-high 17 points on top of 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. 

Phoenix's hot start bodes well for the team, especially since San Miguel – the last team to win its first 5 games – won a championship in the all-Filipino conference last year. 

JR Quiñahan paced the Road Warriors with 14 points while Galanza had 12 markers for the Road Warriors, who dropped to 2-4.

Poy Erram saw his 11-point and 15-rebound outing go to waste as NLEX wasted a 11-point lead in the 3rd quarter, 56-45. 

The Scores

Phoenix 83 –Wright 17, Perkins 14, Abueva 13, Mendoza 8, Jazul 8, Chua 6, Mallari 6, Revilla 3, Kramer 2, Marcelo 2, Napoles 2, Dennison 2, Gamboa 0.

NLEX 82 – Quinahan 14, Galanza 12, Erram 11, Fonacier 9, Baguio 9, Lao 8, Ighalo 6, Porter 6, Paniamogan 5, Taulava 2, Tiongson 0, Magat 0, Tallo 0.

Quarters: 24-12, 45-44, 67-70, 83-82.

– Rappler.com

TAGUM CITY – John Carlo Loreno penned a fitting ending to his storied campaign as he grabbed his seventh gold medal to complete a sweep of the archery competition of the 2019 Batang Pinoy Mindanao leg Friday, February 8, at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex archery range here.

The 15-year-old marksman from Koronadal ruled the 13-15 boys’ Olympic round event, 6-5, to nail his seventh gold medal in this prestigious age-group tourney organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and Province of Davao del Norte.

Prior to that, he dominated the 30m, 40m, 80m, 60m, single fita and cadet mixed team event together with Precious Micah Basadre, who captured 6 golds and a silver medal, including the Olympic round where she ran away with a 6-2 victory.

Actually, it could have also been a golden sweep for Basadre, but she faded in the crucial stretch of the 13-15 girls’ 60m event Tuesday, leaving her with a consolation prize of a silver medal in this event that also has STI College-Tagum and Alfalink Total Solutions Corp. as major sponsors.

Still, the feat is worth celebrating.

“I was expecting to have a strong performance because we had intense training before this competition,” said Loreno, who is looking to bounce back from a so-so performance in the national finals in Baguio City last year.

“I just had two silver and a bronze medal last year because I had difficulty getting used to the cold weather in Baguio. This time, I’m ready. I will prepare hard for the national championship.”

Basadre, for her part, stressed that her failure to sweep only fanned her eagerness to train hard and, soon, represent the country in major international competitions.

“I see it more as a challenge,” said the Grade 9 student from Koronadal National Comprehensive High School.

“This is not a failure, but a challenge for me to work hard in training.

All in all, Koronadal archers cornered a total of 20 gold, 7 silver and 3 bronze medals for the lion’s share of the city’s golden haul.

Davao City, which dominated the swimming events, remains at the helm with 32 gold, 25 silver and 41 bronze medals as of late Thursday, putting it on the verge of retaining its overall title. 

In swimming, two-time Palarong Pambansa bet John Alexander Talosig steered North Cotabato to 17 gold medals by winning 5 mints in the boys 13-15 400m freestyle (4:28.35), 200m free (2:05.43), 15-under 400m individual medley (5:00.58), 13-15 200m IM (2:19.74) and 15-under 1500m free (17:52.25). 

Davao City also finished with 17 golds in the three-day swimming events, followed by host Davao del Norte with 9 golds.

At the Robinsons Mall, Cagayan de Oro’s Emmanuel Paculba and Butuan City’s Angela Marianito ruled the badminton mini-cadet boys and girls singles with straight-set wins over Iligan City’s Mark Steven Pabelic and Niquee Romero of Kiamba, Sarangani. 

At the NCCC Mall, Surigao City bagged 4 gold medals in karatedo courtesy of Faith Rebuta (14-15 girls +54kg kumite), Zach Jairo Bacalaños (10-11boys advance kata), Jhanina Rayas (8-9 girls -130cm kumite) and Denise Ann Comon (10-11 girls +140cm kumite).

Also joining the podium were Villanueva, Misamis Oriental bets Geoff Miles Ocate (12-13 boys advance kata) and Kirk Zamayla (14-15 boys advance kata), and Cagayan de Oro’s Leah May Sagrador (14-15 girls -47kgs kumite). – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Alab Pilipinas once again conquered Hong Kong Eastern, 96-81, to stretch their winning streak to a season-best 7 games in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) in Hong Kong on Friday, February 8.

Renaldo Balkman, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, led the pack with 32 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a full 40-minute grind for Alab.

Ray Parks also came to impress as the two-time Local MVP tallied 23 markers on an efficient 9-of-12 (75%) clip and grabbed 7 boards for his second straight 20-point game since returning from injury.

Hulking 7-foot-3 giant PJ Ramos again went blow-for-blow with fellow 7-foot-5 titan Sam Deguara, finishing with 11 points, 14 boards and 9 assists to fall shy of a triple-double.

Hong Kong – which bowed to the Philippine squad for the third time – was well within striking distance after a triple by O'Darien Bassett, 74-75, at the 8:53 mark of the 4th quarter.

However, from that point, the streaky Alab offense left their foes in the dust yet again, pumping out a game-clinching 21-6 run.

Caelan Tiongson sealed the deal with consecutive layups to set Alab up by 15, 96-81, in the final minute of regulation. 

Deguara held his own and steered away from fouls in the loss, finishing with a 20-point, 16-rebound double-double in 38 minutes of action.

Bassett led all Eastern scorers with 24 markers while fellow import Marcus Elliot chipped in 18 points, 7 boards and 6 dimes.

 The Scores

Alab Pilipinas 96 – Balkman 32, Parks 23, Ramos 11, Tiongson 8, Alvano 7, Domingo 6, Urbiztondo 4, Javelona 3, Rosser 2. 

Hong Kong 81 - Bassett 24, Deguara 20, Elliott 18, Siu 8, Chan 5, Lee 3, Lau 3, Tang 0, Yang 0, Xu 0.

Quarters: 28-20, 53-53, 73-71, 96-81.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Bong Galanza has not lost hope that he will deliver for NLEX when it matters after missing a clutch bucket for the second time in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup. 

Galanza and NLEX were denied a third straight win after his potential game-winning three-pointer was blocked by Calvin Abueva as Phoenix got away with a gritty 83-82 triumph on Friday, February 8. 

The former UE Red Warrior was left open at the top of the key with 2.3 seconds left and was primed to knock down the triple only to witness Abueva foil his attempt.

Galanza virtually suffered the same fate last January 23 when he muffed a game-tying trey in the final 10 seconds of NLEX's 85-80 loss to TNT. 

"Pati noong UE pa ko, ganiyan na eh. Ang daming mga chance sa akin, mga last shot na 'di ko naipapasok," Galanza, who finished with 12 points and 2 assists, told reporters after the game. 

(Even when I was in UE, it was just like this. I always had plenty of chances but I always missed the last shot.) 

"Siguro may purpose 'to, para mas paghandaan ko pa, para kapag dumating ulit ako sa point na kailangan ko na i-shoot, ma-make ko na." 

(I guess there's a purpose to all of this. Maybe I should prepare more so when I'm put in the same situation, I can make the shot.) 

While some contested that he was fouled, Galanza was honest to admit that it was a clean block by Abueva.

"I think clean block kaya ganoon talaga. Honest. Ganoon talaga, na-block e," he said.

(I think it was a clean block. That's just how it is. I'm being honest. It was blocked.) 

Eager to move on from the loss, the 26-year-old believes there will come a time that he will save the day for his team. 

"Wala namang imposible, maniwala ka lang. Mas pagtrabahuhan mo pa kung ano 'yung mga sitwasyon na kailangan i-shoot, para pag dumating ulit ako sa sitwasyon na ganoon, mas kumpiyansa na ako at alam kong papasok." 

(Nothing is impossible, you just have to believe. I still need to work on my game so when the situation comes that I need to make the shot, I will be more confident and I will know that it will go in.) 

NLEX takes a month-long break before it tangles with San Miguel on March 8 at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine erased a double-digit deficit in the 4th quarter to turn back NorthPort, 107-100, for its fifth win in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, February 8.

James Yap and Beau Belga each scored 19 points and drained key buckets in the payoff period as the Elasto Painters won their third straight game to hike their record to 5-1.

Down 91-79 at the beginning of the 4th, Rain or Shine managed to slowly chip away on its deficit before grabbing the upper hand with less than 6 minutes left off a Maverick Ahanmisi three-pointer, 97-95. 

Stanley Pringle managed to snatch the lead back for the Batang Pier behind a triple with 3:55 minutes remaining, 100-97, only to witness the Elasto Painters go on a game-clinching 10-0 spurt. 

Sophomore Rey Nambatac delivered for Rain or Shine, scoring 7 of his 11 points in the final quarter – including 3 of the team's last 5 points – while adding 4 rebounds and 2 steals in 20 minutes of action. 

Norbert Torres continued to prove his worth with 16 points, Raymond Almazan finished with 15 markers, 5 boards and 4 assists while Maverick Ahanmisi added 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals in the win. 

Stanley Pringle erupted for 34 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals but all that went for naught as NorthPort slipped to 2-2. 

Making their presence felt in the losing effort were Sean Anthony, who had 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, and Mo Tautuaa, who churned out 16 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. 

The Scores

Rain or Shine 107 - Yap 19, Belga 19, Torres 16, Almazan 14, Ahanmisi 11, Nambatac 11, Borboran 6, Norwood 4, Daquioag 3, Rosales 2, Mocon 2, Ponferada 0.

NorthPort 100 - Pringle 34, Anthony 22, Tautuaa 16, Bolick 9, Lanete 7, Guinto 6, Gabayni 4, Grey 2, Elorde 0, Sollano 0, Taha 0, Arana 0.

Quarters: 28-25, 53-59, 79-89, 107-100.

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – After proving they can contend in the UAAP, the Adamson Lady Falcons are prepared to come out stronger in Season 81. 

After missing the Final Four last season and losing key players Jema Galanza, Mylene Paat and Fhen Emnas to graduation, the San Marcelino-based squad went straight to work the whole year. 

But Adamson isn't looking to replace the graduates. 

American head coach Air Padda expects the players who have been with her for 3 years to step up to the challenge and show how much they've developed under her program. 

Veterans Eli Soyud and Joy Dacoron vie to lead the team both on and off the court, while Fil-Italian Chiara Permentilla hopes to have grown into a more mature player in her second year with Adamson. 

Expecting to step up from last year are Bernadette Flora and Krich Macaslang while libero Tonnie Rose Ponce and setter MJ Igao are expected to play longer minutes this season. 

Adamson also managed to secure top recruit Trisha Genesis, who led CALABARZON to a silver-medal finish in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa. 

The Lady Falcons may have had a grueling year of intense training, but they can't wait to flash their peak form in the UAAP. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons may have been on a roll in the preseason, but they know they're nowhere near their target – to clinch a UAAP women's volleyball championship. 

State U scored not one, but two breakthrough titles in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference and the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Collegiate Grand Slam. 

Although these will serve as morale boosters for the team, the Lady Maroons are constantly reminded by head coach Godfrey Okumu to keep their focus and attitude in check. 

Team captain Tots Carlos sat out in the preseason due to a shin injury, but will be returning in the UAAP to bolster the team's offense with Isa Molde. 

Ayel Estranero returns for her 5th year as the Lady Maroons' main setter, while also providing additional reinforcement to their defense. 

Even if the UP core is still intact, Okumu has made sure to give the rookies a chance to shine just like Palaro champion Lorielyn Bernardo, who has played quality minutes as a middle blocker in the preseason. 

As the Lady Maroons' preparations continue to go as planned, they aim to stay driven to translate all the hard work to a championship. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Exposure was the only thing Rey Nambatac needed.

The former Letran Knight played a key role in Rain or Shine's come-from-behind 107-100 win over NorthPort on Friday, February 8, that marked the team's fifth win in 6 games in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup.

Struggling for just 4 points in the first 3 quarters, Nambatac poured in 7 points in the payoff period as the Elasto Painters raced from a deficit as large as 12 points to stun the Batang Pier. 

He finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist in 20 minutes off the bench and iced the win by scoring 3 of his side's last 5 points. 

"Masaya ako kasi unti-unti, nabibigyan ako ni coach ng break," the sophomore guard told reporters after the game. 

(I'm happy that I'm slowly given a break by coach.) 

"Ako naman 'pag nasa loob ng court, pinupunan ko lang kung ano 'yung kulang sa team, which is 'yung hustle and defense and hindi ako umaalis doon sa role ko sa team." 

(Whenever I'm inside the court, I will always fill what the teams needs, which is hustle and defense. And I never forget about my role for the team.) 

Nabbed by Rain or Shine as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 Rookie Draft, Nambatac had a relatively quiet campaign last season with norms of 4.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 14.3 minutes per game. 

But Chris Tiu's retirement from the PBA meant more opportunities to shine for Nambatac, and he has seized every moment to strut his stuff.

Although seeing his minutes dip to just 13 minutes this conference, he has upped his numbers to 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds. 

"Mahirap din punan 'yung ginagawa ni Chris Tiu eh, so ang sa akin lang, doon lang talaga ako mag-stick sa kung ano kulang and pupunan ko 'yun sa defense kasi 'yung defense, 'yun 'yung bread and butter talaga namin." 

(It's hard to fill the shoes left by Chris Tiu so I just stick to my role and go hard on defense because defense is the bread and butter of our team.) 

Nambatac and Rain or Shine shoot for their sixth win against unbeaten Phoenix on Sunday, February 10, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Experience trumped talent in the 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship knockout semifinals as six-time champion Al Riyadi-Lebanon survived Mighty Sports-Philippines, 89-84, on Friday night, February 8 (Saturday morning, February 9, Manila time). 

Justin Brownlee led Mighty's final rally with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Fellow import Randolph Morris chipped in 21 markers and 8 boards while Fil-Am stud Jeremiah Gray added 17 points off the bench as the Philippine side's blistering  25-8 run fell short. 

Former Lakers star Lamar Odom had one rebound in 7 minutes of action for Mighty, which got relegated to a battle for 3rd place against Homenetmen Lebanon at 10 pm, Saturday, Manila time.

Al Riyadi advanced to the championship round against Beirut. 

It looked all but over for the Philippine club in the 3rd quarter after Al Riyadi shot out to a 24-point lead, 66-42, with 7:38 remaining.

However, Mighty woke up from its slumber and responded with a massive 25-8 run to trim the deficit to 7 points, 67-74, after a Gray layup at the 46-second mark. 

Mighty even got it all the way down to 4, 72-76, after a Morris lay-in at the 7:52 mark of the payoff period.

But the seasoned Al Riyadi squad managed to keep enough distance down the stretch and sealed the deal with a Chris Obekpa jumper in the last 63 ticks of regulation. 

Wael Arakji outperformed his team's import with a 23-point performance on a 10-of-16 (62%) shooting off the bench. Dominic Johnson was no slouch either with 20 markers and 6 assists while Obekpa chipped in all 7 of his markers in the clutch on a perfect 3-of-3 clip.

The Scores

Al Riyadi 89 – Arakji 23, Johnson 20, Saoud 12, Abdelnour 10, Abdelmoneim 9,  Gyokchyan 8, Obekpa 7, Bowjee 0, Khatib 0. 

Mighty Sports 84 – Brownlee 24, Morris 21, Gray 17, De Liano 8, Brickman 8, Adams 4, Santillan 2, Odom 0, Banal 0.

Quarters: 26-20, 54-40, 76-67, 89-84.

– Rappler.com

BOURNEMOUTH,  United Kingdom – Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala's family grieved on Friday. February 8, after British authorities formally identified his body as the one recovered from the wreckage of a plane that went down in the Channel more than two weeks ago.

"We can now begin to mourn our son and our brother," the Cardiff City striker's family said in a statement.

"We would like to thank you for all of your signs of affection and support in the most painful time of our life.

"To see everyone doing everything possible to join us in the search has been a precious help to us."

Argentine footballing idols Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta also paid tribute to 28-year-old Sala.

His French former club, Nantes, said it was retiring Sala's number 9 jersey. All matches in France's top two divisions this weekend will be preceded by a minute of applause for him.

'Rest in peace, warrior' 

Sala's disappearance sparked an outpouring of grief and a flood of cash to support a private hunt for the plane when the official search was initially called off.

"I am very sorry about this sad news. Many of us kept a glimmer of hope for you, Emiliano," football icon Maradona said on Instagram, following the identification of the body.

"What sadness, this is the worst news. Rest in peace warrior," tweeted former Argentina striker Batistuta.

Manchester City and current Argentina striker Sergio Aguero also expressed his condolences.

The country's President Mauricio Macri also mourned the "painful news."

"We are with you," he said.

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The light aircraft carrying Sala from Nantes to his new club disappeared near the British island of Guernsey on January 21. The only other person on board was the aircraft's 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson, who has not been found.

The player's body was first spotted by British rescuers using a remotely operated underwater vehicle on Sunday, close to where the plane vanished from radar.

Investigators recovered the body on Wednesday and transported it to the southern English coast. It was taken to Bournemouth where it was formally identified.

Investigators said they were abandoning plans to lift the plane wreckage out of the water due to bad weather.

Black armbands

The small Argentine town of Progreso, where the footballer lived for most of his childhood, was also in mourning.

"Since we found out, it's all anyone can talk about," said local restaurant owner Oscar Heymo, a friend of Sala's father Horacio. "He was very much loved and admired by all."

In Cardiff, the club's manager Neil Warnock said Southampton and Cardiff City players would wear black armbands in their English Premier League match on Saturday and a minute's silence would be observed before kick-off.

"When something like this happens it brings all the football family together," he said. "It's a loss to everyone in football."

Sala's sister Romina wrote on her Instagram account: "Your soul in my soul will shine forever."

Crowdfunded search  

The plane, a Piper PA-46 Malibu, vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey.

The discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane had broken apart.

Initial search operations were suspended in the days after it went missing but a crowdfunding effort supported by thousands of donations, including from football stars such as Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, helped launch a private search.

Without the fundraising effort "I don't think anybody would have searched for the plane," shipwreck hunter David Mearns, who was hired by the family, told AFP.

The plane wreckage was spotted by Mearns' ship. Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch then co-ordinated the recovery.

The AAIB said that extensive video footage captured of the sunken wreckage is expected to "provide valuable evidence for our safety investigation".

It said it intended to publish an interim report on the accident later this month. 

Sala was the most expensive signing in Cardiff's history.

Nantes has consulted lawyers to explore legal options to ensure Cardiff pay the transfer fee for Sala, a source close to the French club said on Wednesday.

According to the source, the first installment of the 17-million euro ($19.3 million) deal has yet to be paid, despite the transfer being finalized before the accident.

Nantes coach Vahid Halilhodzic said Friday: "To talk about money in these moments is disgusting."

He described the news that Sala's body had been formally identified as "awful" and "unfair."

"We had always maintained hope but we knew in the end that it was slim, almost an illusion," said the 66-year-old, who wept as he spoke to reporters. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The absence of Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas has NLEX looking out for other options in its backcourt.

Yeng Guiao bared that he and his staff are seeking to make changes with the team's bevy of guards after the Road Warriors crashed to their fourth loss in 6 games in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup. 

The fiery mentor highlighted the need for his guards to be more consistent after NLEX wasted plenty of chances late in its 82-83 defeat to unbeaten Phoenix on Friday, February 8. 

For a one-point loss, committing 21 turnovers and surrendering 18 offensive rebounds sure hurt the Road Warriors, who were eyeing a third straight victory. 

"Matagal nang wala si Kevin, matagal nang wala si Kiefer. We're just going to have to draw 'yung the best out of our guards we have right now or look for guards who can handle 'yung ganoong situations outside the team," he said. 

(It's been too long since Kevin and Kiefer were gone. We're just going to have to draw the best out of our guards we have right now or look for guards who can handle those situations outside the team.) 

Ravena is still out due to his FIBA suspension while Alas is expected to sit out for another several months after reinjuring his right knee just 5 games into his PBA return. 

"I think our guards now have been given the chance and opportunity dahil halos isang taon wala si Kevin, si Kiefer halos 8 months na rin yata, so that's enough time for them to be able to step up." 

(I think our guards have been given the chance and opportunity because Kevin was gone for a year and Kiefer has been sidelined for probably 8 months. I think that's enough time for them to be able to step up.) 

Guards Bong Galanza, Philip Paniamogan, Juami Tiongson, Mac Tallo and Kenneth Ighalo have been able to produce for NLEX here and there, but Guiao admitted he was left "disappointed" that they are not able to do it steadily. 

"Nag-step up naman sila, mayroon silang magagandang laro but I think what we need there is some consistency. If we cannot find that consistency with the guards within our team, then maybe we should look somewhere else." 

(They were able to step up, they had good games but I think what we need there is some consistency. If we cannot find that consistency with the guards within our team, then maybe we should look somewhere else.) 

NLEX takes a month-long break before facing San Miguel on March 8 and Guiao and his staff will look at players they can acquire either through free agency or trade. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Even if he can't step onto the court yet, Kiefer Ravena is already fired up for his basketball return, especiallly after seeing his teammate Kevin Alas go down with another ACL injury.

"It really sucks. As soon as Kevin got injured, and then I got suspended, I was really looking forward to teaming up with him again when I come back by August," lamented Ravena in an interview with Rappler. 

"I guess that’s one motivation also for me that if you have one comrade down, you’ll have to pick him up whether he can play or he can’t play." 

Aside from Ravena, the NLEX team and their fans extend their support to Alas by wearing "Kevin Strong" patches on their jerseys during the game against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.  

Alas will undergo surgery on Saturday, February 9. 

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div><div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bto8nHODOMm/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Prayers  for @kevinlouiealas&#39; surgery today! #ArangkadaAlas #ArangkadaNLEX</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arangkadanlex/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> NLEX Road Warriors</a> (@arangkadanlex) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-02-08T23:48:14+00:00">Feb 8, 2019 at 3:48pm PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> {/source} 

Ravena – who was suspended by FIBA for 18 months for testing positive on banned substances – is slated for a return to basketball in August. 

For now, he is trying to stay in shape on his own as he aims to surprise everyone that he can still keep up with the competition despite the long layoff. 

"I have to be stronger, I have to be mentally tougher than anyone else, trying to develop that mindset that when I come back, I’m just going to be better than [what] everybody else has expected," said Ravena. 

When he returns, the basketball phenom will also reunite with his former Ateneo teammates Poy Erram and Kris Porter.

But for now, he believes that the former Blue Eagles can make a great unit with the other newcomers like Paul Varilla, Marion Magat and Kyles Lao, especially while he and Alas are sitting out of the PBA.

Without their standout guards, the NLEX Road Warriors hold a 2-4 record in the 2019 Philippine Cup conference. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Scottie Thompson dazzled in his hometown as Barangay Ginebra gave Blackwater an 85-67 beating in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Davao Del Sur Coliseum on Saturday, February 9. 

A native of Digos City, Thompson impressed before his townsmen and messed with a triple-double of 16 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals to help the Gin Kings bag their second straight win and improve to 3-2. 

It was complete obliteration for the Gin Kings, who outscored the Elite 44-28 at halftime and never looked back. 

Japeth Aguilar topscored for Ginebra with 20 points to go with 9 rebounds and 3 steals while Greg Slaughter piled up 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 25 minutes of play. 

Also making his presence felt in the win was Kevin Ferrer, who came off the bench and fired 14 points off 3 triples with 4 boards. 

Ginebra's formidable defense was in full display in the victory, limiting Blackwater to make only two of its 24 three-point attempts. 

The Elite, though, tried to mount a comeback after narrowing the gap to 13 early in the 3rd quarter behind Joseph Eriobu, 35-48, but that was the closest they could get as the Gin Kings stretched their lead to as large as 24.

Eriobu delivered 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals while Mike Digregorio also had 14 markers and 3 boards for Blackwater, which absorbed its third straight loss to slip to 1-5. 

Rookie Abu Tratter chipped in 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals in the losing effort. 

The Scores

Ginebra 85 - Aguilar 20, Slaughter 17, Thompson 16, Ferrer 14, Dela Cruz 5, Mercado 4, Caperal 3, Cruz 3, Chan 2, Mariano 1, Tenorio 0, R. Aguilar 0, Devance 0, Teodoro 0.

Blackwater 67 - Digregorio 14, Eriobu 14, Tratter 13, Desiderio 7, Palma 6, Sumang 4, Belo 3, Alolino 2, Sena 2, Jose 2, Jose 2, Cortez 0, Dario 0, Maliksi 0.

Quarters: 22-12, 44-28, 68-46, 85-67.

– Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Here's the day's recap and other game highlights in the NBA!

Watch Anthony Davis return to action and turn jeers into cheers after leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a 122-117 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, February 8 (Saturday, February 9, Philippine time). 

Surrounded by trade drama a couple of weeks ago, Davis remained with the Pelicans as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled out from their bid to acquire the three-time All-NBA First Teamer. 

Elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors survived a scare from the Phoenix Suns, the NBA's worst team, behind their All-Star lineup in a 117-107 win.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;We gotta come out and play the right way every night.&quot; <br><br>Another look at last night&#39;s win in today&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/verizon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Verizon</a> Game Rewind  <a href="https://t.co/OK240cjXxp">pic.twitter.com/OK240cjXxp</a></p>&mdash; Golden State Warriors (@warriors) <a href="https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1094292745110282240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Game results

Golden State 117, Phoenix 107 (READ: Warriors survive Suns scare)

New Orleans 122, Minnesota 117 (READ: Anthony Davis wins over Pelicans fans irked by trade request)

Philadelphia 117, Denver 110 (READ: Tobias Harris shines in Sixers debut vs Nuggets)

Milwaukee 122, Dallas 107 

Detroit 120, New York 103

Chicago 125, Brooklyn 106

Sacramento 102, Miami 96

Washington 119, Cleveland 106

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Count Romero Duno and Reymart Gaballo among prospective Filipino world champions this year.

Living up to their reputation as power punchers, Duno and Gaballo knocked out their foreign opponents in two rounds Saturday night, February 9, at Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City.

Duno first floored the overmatched Indian Kuldeep Dhanda with a right hook to capture the vacant World Boxing Association Asian lightweight crown and earn a spot in the undercard of the blockbuster middleweight unification between Canelo Alvarez and Daniel Jacobs on May 4 (May 5 in Manila) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Like Alvarez, who's regarded as one of the best boxers pound-for-pound, Duno, now based in the United States, is under Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar De La Hoya.

Not to be outdone, Gaballo went for the kill early.

The unbeaten WBA interim bantamweight champion caught Yuya Nakamura with a flurry of hard punches, sending the Japanese down for the count at 1 minute and 44 seconds mark of the 10-round non-title bout.

Boasting an imposing record of 18 knockouts in 21 victories, the 22-year-old Gaballo is expected to be given a crack at the title by Sanman Promotions, which co-staged the Knockout Kings card with ESPN5 through the support of 1Pacman Partylist of Rep. Mikee Romero.

Yakamura fell to 9-3-1, with 7 knockouts.

The 23-year-old Duno, who has fought 5 times in Los Angeles and won them all, raised his record to 19-1, 14 by knockout.  Dhanda dropped to 7-2, with 1 KO.

Sanman CEO JC Manangquil believes the time has come for Duno and Gaballo to gain international acclaim like eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, five-division titlist Nonito Donaire and four-division king Donnie Nietes.

Other reigning Filipino champions are Intrnational Boxing Federation super flyweight titlist Jerwin Ancajas and World Boxing Organization minimumweight champion Vic Saludar.

Prime prospect Dave Apolinario did not disappoint with a unanimous decision over Romshane Sarguilla. It was the 20-year-old Apolinario’s 10th straight win with 6 knockouts. Sarquilla fell to 7-2-2 with 4 KOs. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Mighty Sports-Philippines wrapped up its 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship campaign with a 91-76 rout of Homenetmen Lebanon to clinch a bronze on Saturday, February 9.

Former Ginebra guard Jett Manuel was exposed to an extended amount of playing time and led the Philippine side with 19 points in the easy win.

Imports Justin Brownlee and Roosevelt Adams chipped in 10 markers apiece while former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom had a tournament-best 8 points in 20 minutes off the bench.

With Mighty already eliminated from title contention, head coach Charles Tiu gave locals like Manuel, Justin Gutang and Santi Santillan extra time to shine in the battle for 3rd and they all repaid the favor in kind.

As the weary imports took a backseat, the local cavalry ran circles around the Lebanon defense, leading by as many as 22 points off a Juan Gomez de Liaño layup at the 6:14 mark of the 4th quarter.

The Lebanese side fell apart from that point and didn’t get closer than 15 points, 74-89, after a Varak Koshayan triple in the final minute of regulation.

Jerar Hadidan led Homenetmen with 23 points and 8 rebounds while Elias Rustom tallied 20 markers and 8 boards.

The Scores

Mighty Sports 91 – Manuel 19, Morris 11, Brownlee 10, Adams 10, Odom 8, Gomez de Liano 7, Gray 7, Santillan 6, Rike 6, Gutang 4, Banal 3, Brickman 0.

Homenetmen 76 – Hadidan 23, Rustom 20, Estafan 10, Zeinoun 5, Aboud 4, Kilijian 4, Bedikan 3, Koshayan 3, Edevbesha 2, Ziada 2, Ketenjian 0, Munoz 0, Jeyan 0.

Quarters: 23-21, 42-34, 67-54, 91-76.