MANILA, Philippines – Strutting in a Queen-inspired routine, the La Salle Dance Company (LSDC) rocked its way to the top to reclaim the UAAP street dance championship on Saturday March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“For us, as seniors, we’re very motivated to take back the championship,” dance crew member Zion Wuxinyi said of LSDC, which got dethroned last year by the Far Eastern University (FEU) Street Alliance.

La Salle garnered a total of 86.50 points while FEU finished just 1.5 points behind to settle for a runner-up finish with an 85.00 mark. 

The victory made La Salle the winningest crew in the competition as it bagged its fourth overall crown in the seniors division.

The National University (NU) Underdawgz  rounded out the podium finishers with 83.25 points, while the University of the Philippines (UP) Street Dance Club, last year’s 3rd placer, slipped to 4th with an 82.00 score.

In the juniors contest, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Galvanize completed its back-to-back bid.

Aside from the street dance crown, La Salle’s Wuxinyi also won the first-ever freestyle showdown as he outdueled finalist Rodwyn Cruz of the University of the East Street Warriors and 6 other competitors.

LSDC coaches Kevin Intal and Mycs Villoso revealed that they started their preparation for the Season 81 street dance early in February, right after their Asia Pacific Arts Festival stint in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam last January. 

But the four-time champs will have to set aside their well-deserved rest as they prepare for another competition next week and a dance concert in the following months.

“Next week we have another competition in Henry [Lee] Irwin Theater in Ateneo. And then we also have a dance concert in June. We’re preparing for that as well,” said Intal.

Meanwhile, UST Galvanize finished with an 80.10 rating, while runners-up University of the East (UE) Street Varsity Team (74.50) and FEU Baby Tamaraws Dance Company (74.45) had a tight battle for the 2nd spot.

UST coach Matthew Almodovar admitted that the crew felt the pressure as they only had 3 weeks to prepare for their back-to-back championship quest.

This year’s concept of the Galvanize routine was inspired by other UST performing groups. 

“Actually bigay ‘to ng friend ko, yung concept na ‘to,” said Almodovar. “From there, na-inspired kasi ako dun sa Yellow Jackets ng UST, yung drum line ng UST, tapos yung Salinggawi ng UST. Gusto ko sana i-bring yung lahat ng elements that represent UST.” 

(The concept came from my friend. Also, I was inspired by UST’s drum line, Yellow Jackets, and the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. I want to bring all the elements that represent UST.) 

For now, the two-time juniors champions don’t want to think too far ahead as they plan to take a break.

“Dancing is fun, pero for kailangan nila (crew members) magpahinga. Importante ‘yun. Next year, wala pa kaming plano at all, gusto ko lang muna i-cherish yung moment,” said Almodovar.

(Dancing is fun, but our crew members also need to rest. It’s important. We’re not planning for next year yet, we just want to cherish the moment.)  

Final Scores

Seniors division:

La Salle Dance Company – 86.50

FEU Street Alliance – 85.00

NU Underdawgz – 83.25

UP Street Dance Club – 82.00

UST Prime – 79.00

UE Street Warriors – 72.42

Company of Ateneo Dancers – 70.75

Adamson Cast – 67.45

Juniors division:

UST Galvanize – 80.10

UE Street Varsity Team – 74.50

FEU Baby Tamaraws Dance Company – 74.45 

NU-Nazareth School Underdawgz – 72.13

De La Salle Zobel Dance Company – 67.40

UPIS BLK – 64.15

Adamson Cauldron Dance Company – 60.90

 – Leigh Nald Cabildo/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The La Salle Lady Spikers and the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons get their second-round campaigns going in a hotly awaited rematch while Far Eastern University (FEU) aims for a season sweep of Adamson in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.

Reigning champion La Salle has nothing else in mind but to get back at UP, the preseason favorite that dealt the Lady Spikers their first loss of the season in a five-set thriller.

Game time is 4 pm on Sunday, March 24,  at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

The Lady Spikers hope to rally behind rookie Jolina dela Cruz, who has been leading the team’s scoring with a total of 83 points off 65 attacks, 10 blocks and 8 aces. 

If veterans Desiree Cheng and May Luna remain far from top shape due to injuries, head coach Ramil de Jesus has entrusted the job to Tin Tiamzon and Marrione Alba to fill in their roles.

However, the Lady Spikers still need to improve on their blocking, so former NCAA standout Lourdes Clemente and Aduke Ogunsanya have been tasked to step up.

UP, meanwhile, failed to build on its huge upset win over La Salle as the Lady Maroons absorbed shock losses to Ateneo and National University late in the first round. 

But the Lady Maroons aim to get their stride again as Ayel Estrañero has been key to UP’s offense as she opens up leading spikers Tots Carlos, Isa Molde and Justine Dorog.

Against La Salle, co-captains Carlos and Molde are expected to lead the team again as they combined for 39 points against the Lady Spikers in the first round.

At 2 pm, FEU looks to not only sweep cellar-dweller Adamson, but also to win convincingly after some shaky wins. 

While Lycha Ebon has been the bright spot in FEU’s post-Bernadeth Pons era, veteran Celine Domingo has also been leading the squad’s frontline.

But the Lady Tamaraws know there's no reason to take the Lady Falcons for granted event if they hold a lackluster 1-6 record.

Libero Tonnie Rose Ponce anchors the San Marcelino-based squad’s floor defense as she makes 7.18 excellent digs per set in order for veteran scorers Eli Soyud and Bernadette Flora to lead the offense.– Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) secured its first win of the season as De La Salle University (DLSU) downed University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the UAAP Season 81 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 24 at the Ynares Center here.

The Fighting Maroons outlasted the University of the East (UE) in a five-set thriller, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-11, while the Green Spikers kept UST in a losing slump, 27-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-23. 

John Millete fired a game-high 22 points, while Nicolo Consuelo and Jerry San Pedro added 14 markers each for the Maroons, who dropped all their 7 assignments in the first round before barging into the win column.

Clifford Inferio had 21 to lead the Warriors, who slipped to 2-6, just a rung a above the cellar-dwelling Maroons.

Lloyd Josefat (16), Angelu Alba (13) and Al-jhon Abalon (10) combined for 39 points for UE. 

Meanwhile, team captain Chris Dumago collected 18 points, 17 excellent receptions and 9 digs while Billie Anima scored 12 for the Green Spikers, who wound up sharing the 5th spot with the Tigers at 3-5.

UST’s standout rookie Josh Umandal had 21 points while Manuel Medina added 14 for the Tigers, who skidded to their third straight loss. – Leigh Nald Cabildo/Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – Figuring in another grueling five-setter, Far Eastern University made sure to come out on top again. 

The FEU Lady Tamaraws rallied past the Adamson Lady Falcons, 30-32, 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 15-13, to grab a share of 3rd place in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 24, at the Ynares Center here.

The Lady Tamaraws kept their focus in the deciding 5th frame despite seeing their top rookie Lycha Ebon – who towed FEU to the decider – get stretchered out after landing awkwardly on her right knee early in the set. (READ: Top FEU rookie Lycha Ebon suffers knee injury)

Ebon still emerged as FEU's top scorer with 19 points off 16 attacks, 2 blocks and 1 ace.

Ria Duremdes also had a good performance as she made 37 excellent digs to go with 13 excellent receptions for the Lady Tamaraws.

“’Yung sa amin kasi, good na nanalo, pero bad na yung mga players ko [na-injure]. Hopefully hindi ganoon ka-severe yung mga injury nila. Sana makabalik sila sa next game namin,” said FEU head coach George Pascua about their injury-laden win.

(It's good that we won, but bad that we lost players to injuries. Hopefully their injuries aren't as severe. We're hoping they get to play next game.)

FEU tied University of Santo Tomas at 3rd place at 5-3 while Adamson remained at the cellar at 1-7.

Eli Soyud unloaded 17 points to lead the Lady Falcons while Joy Dacoron and Chiara Permentilla tallied 15 points each.

FEU got off to a dominant 7-3 start in the 5th set but Adamson again staged a huge comeback to tie the game at 11. 

Jerrili Malabanan later nabbed match point for FEU and Celine Domingo’s quick sealed the win.

The Lady Tamaraws, who also outlasted the Lady Falcons in 5 sets in the first round, had figured in 4 of this season's 9 five-set matches. 

FEU staged a massive 7-0 run in the opening frame but the Lady Falcons rallied back to challenge the Lady Tamaraws as Chiara Permentilla's back-to-back blocks sealed the extended-set win, 32-30, for Adamson. 

The Lady Falcons had early control in the 2nd set, 8-5, but the Lady Tamaraws erased the deficit and pulled away to even the match, 1-1.

By the 3rd set, the see-saw battle continued as Adamson surprised FEU with a 5-0 start, but the Lady Tamaraws later managed to chip off the deficit and pull off a 7-1 run to tie the score at 21-all.

However, back-to-back errors by FEU put Adamson at set point and Joy Dacoron scored off the block to nab a 2-1 match advantage.

Adamson failed to sustain their momentum as Ebon scored 3 straight points to give FEU the lead, 17-16.

FEU then caught the Lady Falcons’ defense sleeping as the Lady Tamaraws cruised to extend the match to a decider. – Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – Far Eastern University (FEU) rookie Lycha Ebon succumbed to a right knee injury during the final set of their match against Adamson on Sunday, March 24, at the Ynares Center here. 

After scoring a point past Adamson's Bernadette Flora for a 3-1 FEU lead in the 5th set, Ebon had an awkward landing that saw her right knee buckle. 

Lycha Ebon being stretchered out of the court now. #UAAPSeason81Volleyball | @beebeego09pic.twitter.com/C05Oit9V9Q

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 24, 2019

The FEU medics initially identified the injury as a right knee sprain or strain as no swelling occurred while she was being treated. 

The Davao native is scheduled for an MRI scan on Monday, March 25. 

Ebon finished the game as the topscorer of the team with 19 points off 16 attacks, 2 blocks and 1 ace.  

"Siyempre ako, ang concern ko pa rin is yung health ni Lycha. Hopefully yung recovery niya is mabilis," said head coach George Pascua after FEU managed to pull off another five-set win over Adamson. 

(Of course, my concern is Lycha's health. Hopefully her recovery will be fast.) 

According to Pascua, third-year hitter Ivana Agudo had been tasked to step up in the absence of the FEU rookie. 

"Kailangan may magpuno doon sa pwesto ni Lycha. Andyan naman si Ivan, so si Ivan is playing well. Hindi ganoon kalaki yung, kumbaga yung adjustment hindi ganoon kalaki kasi beterano na rin si Ivan," added Pascua.

(Someone should step up for Lycha's position. Ivan is there and she's playing well. It's not really a big adjustment because she's a veteran.) 

Earlier during the game, Jeanette Villareal was also forced to step out of the court in the opening frame as she suffered from a right ankle sprain. 

Villareal was celebrating a point made by Heather Guino-o to tie the score at 26-all when she twisted her right ankle.

Villareal resting her right ankle from the injury in the opening frame. #UAAPSeason81Volleyball | @beebeego09pic.twitter.com/OZyw36IFGZ

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 24, 2019

MANILA, Philippines – In a game that will go down as an all-time classic in the Nationals, Saint Augustine Institute-Pampanga leaned on the heroics of seldom-used guard Brianne Angeles to stun Lyceum-Cavite, 91-90, in the Finals of Chooks-to-Go-NBTC National Finals Division II on Sunday, March 24.

And this was a perfect reboot for the program ran by Allan Trinidad after being handed a three-year suspension by the league for not attending the closing ceremony of the nationals for high school basketball back in 2016.

"Pinapakita nilang hindi lang teams sa Manila pwedeng manalo rito. We are from the province, may karapatan din kaming manalo," declared Trinidad as Saint Augustine had to outlast Zamboanga del Sur NHS, FCPC-Bulacan, and Proudly Pinoy-Italy to reach the title round. 

(They showed that not only Manila teams can win here. We are from the province and we also have a right to win.)

With just 10 seconds left and Saint Augustine rallying back from 13 down to slice the lead to just one, Jacob Delfino, who had 16 points in the game, fouled out of the contest. Replacing him was Angeles, who had yet to play a single minute in the contest.

"Kailangan ko shooter kaya siya yung tinawag ko," Trinidad continued.

(I needed a shooter that’s why I called him.)

After Gyle Montano split his charities to give the Junior Pirates a two-point cushion, Angeles raced the whole length of the court as the team out of Pampanga had no timeouts left. Luckily for him, he was able to draw a foul on Montano that sent him to the stripe. 

Angeles made his first free throw but missed his second. However, Lyceum big man Jae Omandac could not seal out Angeles that led to an offensive rebound. Calm under pressure, Angeles took his time before knocking down a putback with a second to spare. 

"Actually, kahit lamang yung kalaban, sinasabi namin, don’t give up until final buzzer. Talagang nagpakahirap sila until the final buzzer," Trinidad expressed.

(Actually, even though the opponents were ahead, we were saying, don’t give up until the final buzzer. They really worked hard until the final buzzer.)

A downcast Omandac threw a wayward inbound afterwards that completed the stunner. 

Jiam Quiambao, who also fouled out with 1:53 left, finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds. He was named as the Division II Finals Most Valuable Player.

Jolo Manansala, named Defensive Player of Division II, had 8 markers and a whopping 20 boards.

Omandac led Lyceum with 22 points while John Barba and Montano both tallied double-doubles with the former finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds while the latter putting up 14 points and 17 rebounds.

Joining Quiambao in the All-NBTC Division II team were Guadana, Barba, HTC's Ednor Akad, and Proudly Pinoy Italy's Chiolo Anonuevo.

 The Scores 

St Augustine 91 – Quiambao 28, Delfino 16, Ferreras 15, Nicdao 15, Manansala 8, Lumba 4, Angeles 3, Miclat 2, Lustina 0, Sison 0. 

Lyceum 90 – Omandac 22, Barba 18, Montano 14, Guadana 12, Tulabut 8, Nocal 8, Cuevas 3, Figueroa 3, Dejelo 2, Gudmalin 0, Clemente 0, Ragasa 0. 

Quarters: 19-17, 39-42, 61-72, 91-90.

– Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – The University of the Philippines' (UP) proved that its victory over La Salle was no fluke. 

The Lady Maroons pulled off another massive upset over the La Salle Lady Spikers, but this time in even more convincing fashion – a straight-set decision, 25-16, 26-24, 25-19, at the start of their second-round campaigns in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 24, at the Ynares Center here.

It's the first time since 2017 that La Salle got  swept by an opponent in the elimination round. Ateneo was the last to pull of the feat in Season 79 when the eventual champion Lady Eagles also dominated the Lady Spikers before the playoffs. 

Both UP and La Salle fell into a four-way logjam for 2nd at 5-3 with University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University.

Tots Carlos led the Lady Maroons with 13 points, all from spikes, while Isa Molde had 11 points.

“Is this the peak of UP? No. I still feel there’s more to come,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu. "We still can play better. It’s just a matter of time. But again, it was a good game. It’s our lucky day today. It’s our day today."

Desiree Cheng was La Salle's lone double-digit scorer as she tallied 11 points off 8 attacks, 2 aces and 1 block.

The Lady Spikers committed a total of 37 errors that plagued them in the heated match.

UP – which stunned La Salle in 5 sets in the first round –  took control from the get-go as La Salle suffered from a total of 10 errors, allowing the Lady Maroons to cruise to a 25-16 win in the opening frame. 

With rookie Marrione Alba taking charge of the playmaking in the 2nd set, La Salle managed to pull away early in the frame. But back-to-back errors from the defending champions' side knotted the score at 19-all. 

The Lady Maroons prevailed down the stretch of the 2nd set as Jolina dela Cruz's service error and Jessma Ramos' quick gave UP the extended-set win, 26-24, and a 2-0 lead in the match. 

By the 3rd frame, UP again quickly overturned La Salle’s 6-2 start to take a slim 8-7 lead. The Lady Maroons then pulled away, 23-18, as La Salle collapsed anew with a spate of errors. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – NorthPort could not have ended a grueling dry spell any better with a 109-83 thrashing of TNT to keep its playoff bid alive in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 24. 

The Batang Pier had 5 players in double figures as they stopped a six-game slide to improve to 3-6 while also denying the KaTropa a shot at the twice-to-beat playoff incentive.

By falling to 7-4, TNT has been relegated to a best-of-three quarterfinals as the loss locked in the win-once bonus and the second-place finish for Rain or Shine, which finished the elimination round with an 8-3 record.

Stanley Pringle led the way with 27 points and 9 rebounds while Robert Bolick flirted with a triple-double of 8 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists in the win that saw NorthPort enjoy a lead as large as 31 points, 109-78. 

The Batang Pier led by a mere 6 points after the maiden period before they broke the game wide open heading into halftime by burying the KaTropa in a 22-point hole, 53-31. 

Sean Anthony had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists off the bench, Mo Tautuaa and Paolo Taha each had 13 points and Lervin Flores chimed in 11 points and 3 rebounds for NorthPort. 

Don Trollano delivered 15 points and 7 rebounds for TNT, which had its five-game winning streak halted as it enters the playoffs on a bitter note. 

Jay Washington and Roger Pogoy put up 13 and 10 points, respectively, in the loss. 

The Scores

NorthPort 109 - Pringle 27, Anthony 14, Tautuaa 13, Taha 13, Flores 11, Grey 9, Bolick 8, Elorde 8, Lanete 6, Guinto 0, Sollano 0.

TNT 83 – Trollano 15, Washington 13, Pogoy 10, Cruz 7, Reyes 7, Castro 7, Rosario 6, Miranda 6, Taha 5, Williams 4, Golla 2, Semerad 1, Heruela 0, Carey 0, Casino 0.

Quarters: 22-16, 53-31, 82-61, 109-83.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The San Miguel Alab Pilipinas ended its ABL regular season on a low note, losing a stunning 80-81 decision against the Saigon Heat in Vietnam on Sunday, March 24.

The Heat spoiled Renaldo Balkman’s 25-point effort in his return from injury as they locked up the 5th seed heading to the playoffs. 

Alab, meanwhile, has clinched the 2nd seed before it dropped its fourth straight contest. The Philippuine club is set to face No. 7 Hong Kong Eastern in the 1st round. 

Saigon’s import duo of Trevon Hughes and Kyle Barone led the charge, dropping 24 and 22 points, respectively. Hughes also dished out 8 assists while Barone corralled 14 rebounds. 

It was a neck-and-neck game all the way, with Saigon never leading more than 3 points in the 4th quarter.

Reigning two-time Local MVP Ray Parks delivered in the clutch, as usual, after drilling the go-ahead triple, 80-79, exactly at the two-minute mark.

However, no team was able to capitalize down the stretch before Barone tied the game 80-all off a split free throw with 29 ticks left to play. 

Oping Sumalinog then got called for a crucial reach-in, sending Hughes to the line with 1.5 seconds remaining. He calmly sank the first and purposely missed the second, forcing Alab to fire a full-court heave as time expired.

Parks backstopped Balkman with 16 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Nazareth School of National University left no doubt that it's the best high school team in the Philippines as it bested La Salle Green Hills, 95-83, for the second straight year in the Finals of the Chooks-to-Go NBTC League National Finals presented by SM on Sunday, March 24, at Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Bullpups got the usual contributions from the UAAP championship-winning core of Carl Tamayo, Terrence Fortea, and Gerry Abadiano to be crowned kings in the national championship for high school. 

"Everything na naa-achieve namin, sobrang saya kami," said NU head coach Goldwin Monteverde. "Every tournament naman, we really prepare kaya masaya kami for this." 

(We’re very happy with everything we achieve. Every tournament, we really prepare so we’re happy with this.) 

Monteverde also coaxed the usual total team effort out of his boys as they counted 5 players in double-digits led by Tamayo, who posted a 24-point, 18-rebound double-double en route to being hailed as Finals MVP.

Fortea and Cyril Gonzales also fired 23 and 14 points, respectively, while little-known forward Reyland Torres had his own double-double of 12 points and 16 rebounds. 

It was the three-headed monster of Tamayo, Fortea, and Abadiano, though, who connived in the 15-2 run to start the 2nd quarter that turned a tied tally of 21-all to a 36-23 lead for their team.

The Greenies didn’t stop just yet and came as close as 5 points, 57-62, late in the 3rd, but saw Fortea and Tamayo join forces in a 5-1 counter that padded National U’s advantage to 67-58.

Inand Fornilos and Joshua David still kept working for LSGH, but their deficit would remain in double-digits for all of the final frame. 

"Both teams, maganda yung program, pero ang basketball, ganun talaga. Sometimes, yung breaks ng game, pag napunta sayo, ganun mangyayari," said Monteverde. "Pero both teams talaga, para sa akin, ang ganda ng takbo ng program." 

(Both teams have great programs, but basketball is really like that. Sometimes when the breaks of the game go to you, that’s what happens. But reallly, both teams for me are running great programs.) 

Not even the ejection of team captain Abadiano, who by then had 10 points, with under 4 minutes remaining slowed down National U's march forward to a repeat of last year's Finals which also ended with them on top of LSGH, 80-78. 

With those results in back-to-back years, the Bullpups are the first-ever team to string together two championships in a row in the 12-year history of the NBTC Nationals.

For the Greenies, Fornilos showed the way with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks while David contributed 17 markers, 6 boards and 2 assists. 

LSGH, though, missed the contributions of main man Joel Cagulangan, who chipped in 1 point and 3 assists, but was not at full strength as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. 

The championship adds to National U’s individual awards with Fortea and Abadiano in the Mythical Team alongside LSGH’s David, FEU’s RJ Abarrientos, and San Beda’s Rhayyan Amsali.

Another individual awardee is Red Cub Tony Ynot who capped off his breakout campaign by being hailed as the Defensive Player of the Tournament.

The Scores 

NU 95 – Tamayo 24, Fortea 23, Gonzales 14, Torres 12, Abadiano 10, Quiambao 4, Felicilda 4, Alarcon 4, Dayrit 0, Enriquez 0, Javillonar 0, Vinoya 0. 

LSGH 83 – Fornilos 20, David 17, Mosqueda 12, Sangco 11, Calimag 8, Lepalam 6, Palencia 4, Valenzuela 2, Natividad 2, Cagulangan 1, Lao 0. 

Quarters: 21-22, 50-41, 72-64, 95-83.

– Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – It's easy to tag University of the Philippines' surprisingly dominant win over La Salle as the Lady Maroons' "best" performance of the season. 

But in UP head coach Godfrey Okumu’s eyes, the Lady Maroons aren't quite there yet.

"Is this the ‘peak UP?' No," said the Kenyan mentor after his team stunned the defending champions in straight sets in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 24. 

He quickly added, "I still feel there’s more to come, we can still play better. It’s just a matter of time."

When asked about the rare feat of sweeping the Lady Spikers, Ayel Estrañero shared that the team just prepared well and executed their coaches' game plan.

She also indicated that they have a stronger mentality heading into the second round following two stunning losses against National University and Ateneo.

"We’re just enjoying the game and hindi namin na-realize na malayo na score nila or nahabol na pala namin sila," said Estrañero. 

(We just enjoyed the game and didn’t focus on the scoreboard.)

"We’re happy because it’s our day today," added rookie middle blocker Lorie Bernardo. 

Okumu also noted the uncharacteristic errors that doomed the Lady Spikers.

"Why [are] they saying it’s our lucky day? I think and they believe La Salle is a very good team, very disciplined team. It’s not easy to play against them," he said. "They are a team that serves well, but you could see that they served many balls out. They pushed the ball out and that’s what gave us the game."

The Lady Maroons' schedule, though, does not get easier as they face the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles on Saturday, March 30, at the MOA Arena.

"We have to go stronger than today," said Okumu as the Lady Maroons shoot for their sixth win. – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Mo Tautuaa allayed fears of injury after suffering a scary fall late in NorthPort's 109-83 shellacking of TNT in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, March 24.

The 6-foot-8 slotman writhed in pain on the floor when he was undercut by Yousef Taha right after converting a bucket with 2:25 minutes left. 

After missing the bonus free throw, Tautuaa was immediately assisted back to the bench and did not return to the court again. 

But Tautuaa looked just as healthy as before as he walked out of the locker room by himself. 

"My back, it's okay. I mean, I work out a lot so I got a good enough butt to take the fall," he said. "Let's hope, because right now it's okay."

"It hurt when it happened but right now it's starting to feel a little better. I feel good but only time will tell." 

Taha, for his part, stressed he had no intentions to do harm against Tautuaa. 

"That was an accident. I didn't try to hurt him. I wouldn't try to hurt anybody. I tried to get out of the way but he was already coming. If you watched the video, I tried to get out the way but he bumped me and he fell." 

Interestingly, Taha and Tautuaa were traded for each other in the blockbuster deal that sent Terrence Romeo from NorthPort to TNT just before the 2018 Commissioner's Cup. 

Having no chance to air his side to Tautuaa, Taha assured he will talk to him when they meet. 

"It wasn't intentional. I never try to hurt anybody. I'm not a dirty player," Taha added.

What matters now for Tautuaa is that NorthPort remained in the playoff hunt at 3-6 after snapping a six-game skid. 

"That's the team we want to be, we keep preaching about it and we finally did it today. It gives us hope because now we know we can do it," Tautuaa said. 

NorthPort seeks to make it two wins in a row as it tangles with Alaska on Wednesday, March 27, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – After La Salle absorbed another stunning loss to the University of the Philippines (UP),  coach Ramil de Jesus thinks the defending champion Lady Spikers may still be in search of a leader. 

An error-prone La Salle surprisingly showed up, but De Jesus said someone should've stepped up inside the court to help the Lady Spikers turn the game around at the start of their second-round campaign in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament. 

"Well actually yung mga veterans ang mga medyo nagwala kanina eh," said De Jesus after the Lady Spikers got dealt with their third loss of the season. 

"Sila Lourdes Clemente, sila Aduke [Ogunsanya]. Even si Des Cheng na best server last year, yung crucial part na magse-serve, naitapon pa eh. Medyo mabigat iyon."

(Actually, the veterans were the ones who made a lot of errors, like Lourdes Clemente, Aduke Ogunsanya and even Des Cheng, last year’s best server, had a crucial service error. That was costly for us.)

The Lady Spikers, who came from a victory against Far Eastern University (FEU), had a slim 21-19 advantage against UP late in the 2nd set.

But Cheng and Ogunsanya made costly service errors as the Lady Spikers collapsed and yielded to the Lady Maroons, 26-24.

In total, La Salle tallied 37 errors – virtually half of UP’s total points.

"Kasi yung two straight wins namin, malaking bagay iyon kasi expected ko nga nandoon na yung pagiging matured nila maglaro eh. So hindi pa lumabas," said De Jesus.  "Baka naghahanap ng magli-lead sa loob ng maayos, ng leader."

(Coming from two straight wins, I’m expecting that they will play with maturity. But it didn’t happen, maybe they’re still looking for someone who can lead them well, a good leader.)

La Salle also held a 6-2 advantage early in the 3rd frame, but errors continued to frustrate the Lady Spikers as they eventually conceded an 8-7 lead to UP heading to the technical timeout.

“Siguro ayun, kung nakuha namin yung 2nd set, baka maiba yung resulta ng 3rd set, ng 4th set, umabot ng 4th set, umabot possible ng 5th set, so mag-iiba ang resulta noon," said De Jesus.

"Kaya lang eh hindi naka-survive noong 2nd set eh. Yun ang malaking factor na hanggang sa 3rd set, dala-dala pa rin ang mga errors na yun. Hindi naka-recover, hindi nakabalik yung confidence. Medyo mabigat.”

(If we could’ve taken that 2nd set, maybe the results would have been different in the 3rd set. Maybe we could’ve forced a 4th and even 5th set. But we didn’t survive the 2nd set because of our errors. Same thing with the 3rd set. We didn’t recover, we didn't get our confidence back.)

The straight-set slump against the Lady Maroons hit the entire La Salle squad emotionally, according to De Jesus.

La Salle, though, has no choice but to go back to the drawing board as it wound up in a four-way tie with FEU, UP, and UST with a 5-3 card.

“Siguro unang-unang gagawin namin, mag-serve ng buong practice. So yun ang problema eh, yung pinaka-basic – mag-serve.”

(We’ll probably serve in our whole practice. That’s our problem, serving. It’s very basic.) – Leigh Nald Cabildo/ Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The playoff-bound San Miguel ended the elimination round on a high note with a 114-96 beating of Alaska in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 24. 

Denied of a shot at the twice-to-beat quarterfinals bonus following their loss to Phoenix, the Beermen vented their frustrations on the Aces to improve to 7-4 and assure themselves of a top 5 finish.

Alex Cabagnot led 6 players in double figures with 31 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists as San Miguel pulled away in the final frame after a lethargic start that saw them get buried by as much as 10 points, 23-33.

The Beermen trailed 45-50 at halftime before turning their fortunes around with a 34-point 3rd quarter as they headed into the payoff period with a 79-71 advantage. 

Von Pessumal and Arwind Santos rained three-pointers to give San Miguel a 92-76 lead while the returning Christian Standhardinger carried the scoring load late to complete the romp.

Standhardinger scored 14 points in the 4th quarter to end up with 23 points, Santos had 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks while Pessumal chipped in 14 points and 3 steals. 

June Mar Fajardo added 13 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks and Chris Ross chimed in 10 points, 14 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals in the win. 

Chris Banchero paced the Aces – who dropped to 4-6 – with 22 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds while Carl Bryan Cruz delivered 13 points. 

Sonny Thoss and Noy Baclao each had 12 points and Jeron Teng added 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss. 

The Scores

San Miguel 114 – Cabagnot 31, Standhardinger 23, Santos 17, Pessumal 14, Fajardo 13, Ross 10, Lassiter 4, Rosser 2, Zamar 0, Mamaril 0, Tubid 0, Vigil 0, Nabong 0.

Alaska 96 – Banchero 22, Cruz 13, Thoss 12, Baclao 12, Teng 11, Potts 6, Pascual 6, Casio 4, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Galliguez 2, Racal 2, Ayaay 2, Babilonia 0.

Quarters: 21-27, 45-50, 79-71, 114-96.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – More than making up for lost time, Christian Standhardinger had an extra motivation in his PBA return. 

The Filipino-German's grandparents Pablo Boy and Lolita Hermoso, who are based in Los Angeles, were in town to watch their grandchild play in the PBA live for the first time. 

And Standhardinger did not disappoint before his loved ones as he tallied 23 points and 7 rebounds to help San Miguel cruise to a 114-96 romp of Alaska in the 2019 Philippine Cup on Sunday, March 24. 

It had been a relatively quiet night for Standhardinger after scoring 9 points through the first 3 quarters before he erupted for 14 big points in the final frame to power the Beermen's pullaway. 

"I tried to play with extra motivation of course just to make them proud," said Standhardinger, who fondly calls his grandparents Opa and Oma. 

Standhardinger missed 5 straight games due to a knee injury, and his comeback could not have come at a better time as San Miguel enters a crucial stretch in its bid for a fifth consecutive All-Filipino championship. 

"I feel better now. I'm recovered. It took so much time to really get it fixed out. I played 16 months," said Standhardinger, who also played for Gilas Pilipinas in the World Cup qualifiers in between PBA conferences. 

"It was very tough, like one of my muscles stopped working. So I'm happy that nothing more serious came, but it took so long to make it work again, to build muscle, to load, but I'm happy I'm back now." 

To ensure that he would be in tip-top shape when he steps on the PBA hardcourt again, Standhardinger focused on shedding some pounds. 

"I lost weight. I was so scared that I come back with overweight," he said. "[I lost] like maybe 10 pounds, 12 pounds."

San Miguel, which finished the elimination round with a 7-4 record to secure a top 5 finish, takes a break before the playoffs kicks off in the first week of April.

Standhardinger plans to use this welcome layoff to regain his finest form.  

"I need like maybe 3 more games, two more games to really get back in the shape I was before the injury and I hope I can do that as quick as possible to help the team." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Kai Sotto will be parting ways with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets to focus on his dream of reaching the NBA. 

The 7-foot-2 wunderkind took to Instagram on Monday, March 25, to announce his keenly awaited decision. 

"I'll be leaving soon to start training full-time," Sotto wrote. "I want to devote the next 2 to 3 years to single-mindedly focus on my goal of joining the NBA by 2021 or 2022."

Winning the MVP award and leading the Blue Eaglets to a runner-up finish in the UAAP Season 81 juniors' basketball tournament, the 16-year-old has attracted interest from several European teams. 

Among the reported squads which have tendered their offers to Sotto are EuroLeague's Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Baskonia, Bundesliga's Alda Berlin and Liga ACB's Movistar Estudiantes.

Sotto, though, did not reveal where he is headed but said he believes that leaving the Philippines – with the advice of father Earvin and several mentors – will benefit his pursuit of the NBA.

"I strongly feel that leaving immediately to start training and getting the right exposure will go a long way to help me realize my dream," he wrote. 

Sotto asked for support as he takes the next step for his basketball career. (READ: As Kai Sotto nears decision, Baldwin says PH still best choice)

"Para po ito sa future ko, ng pamilya ko, at especially po, para sa Batang Gilas, Gilas Pilipinas at higit sa lahat, para sa bayan." 

(This is for my future, my family and especially for Batang Gilas, Gilas Pilipinas and for our country.) 

View this post on Instagram

Maraming marami pong salamat sa suporta, sa prayers, at sa lahat lahat Sasagutin ko po Lahat ng mga tanong niyo sa Chooks-to-Go Presscon bukas

A post shared by Kai Zachary Sotto (Official) (@kzsotto) on Mar 24, 2019 at 9:31pm PDT

– Rappler.com 

LOS ANGELES, USA – New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the National Football League on Sunday, March 24 (Monday, March 25, Philippine time). 

Gronkowski brings down the curtain on a nine-year career after helping the Patriots to a third Super Bowl title in 5 seasons in a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams last month.

"I will be retiring from the game of football today," Gronkowski said in an Instagram post that called the decision "the biggest of my life so far."

He thanked Patriots owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick for the opportunity they gave him "when drafting my silliness in 2010."

His effervescence and irreverence endeared "Gronk" to fans, but the towering tight end was a formidable offensive weapon on the field and a favorite target of superstar quarterback Tom Brady.

Gronkowski, who has suffered a laundry list of injuries in his career and was shaken by a concussion in January of 2018, said after the Patriots' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in February of 2018 that he would consider his future.

But he returned for a ninth NFL campaign that yielded another championship ring.

"Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be," he wrote. "But now its time to move forward."

"Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a huge cheers to the uncertain of what's next."

View this post on Instagram

It all started at 20 years old on stage at the NFL draft when my dream came true, and now here I am about to turn 30 in a few months with a decision I feel is the biggest of my life so far. I will be retiring from the game of football today. I am so grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick gave to me when drafting my silliness in 2010. My life experiences over the last 9 years have been amazing both on and off the field. The people I have meet, the relationships I have built, the championships I have been apart of, I just want to thank the whole New England Patriots organization for every opportunity I have been giving and learning the great values of life that I can apply to mine. Thank you to all of Pats Nation around the world for the incredible support since I have been apart of this 1st class organization. Thank you for everyone accepting who I am and the dedication I have put into my work to be the best player I could be. But now its time to move forward and move forward with a big smile knowing that the New England Patriots Organization, Pats Nation, and all my fans will be truly a big part of my heart for rest of my life. It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be apart of. I will truly miss you guys. Cheers to all who have been part of this journey, cheers to the past for the incredible memories, and a HUGE cheers to the uncertain of whats next.

A post shared by Rob Gronkowski (@gronk) on Mar 24, 2019 at 2:53pm PDT

'One of a kind'

With the catching skills of a wide receiver and the physical size and power of an offensive lineman, Gronkowski was difficult to handle in either role the tight end spot required. 

He befudded rival defenders, putting him among the greatest to ever play the position.

Gronkowski, who turns 30 in May, is also a four-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection who caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns in 115 regular season games from 2010 to 2018.

He had 81 catches for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 postseason games.

But Gronkowski became beloved as a character as much as for his skills, saying that partying helped him relax and thus inspire harder work in training.

His touchdown celebration spiking of the football became classics, many featuring a brief dance.

When the Patriots played in London and he scored at Wembley Stadium, Gronkowski imitated a Queen's Guard – what he called a "little nutcracker dude" – in his touchdown celebration.

"Gronk is a one of a kind person," Brady said. "He's one of the most positive people I've ever been around and he loves to have fun."

That's how he wound up on the cover of ESPN magazine's 2012 body issue wearing almost nothing and again posing for the magazine in 2014 with kittens.

And it's what had him on the ice before an NHL Boston Bruins game spiking a hockey puck a few days after the Patriots won the 2015 Super Bowl.

Three months later, Gronkowski celebrated his 25th birthday with a party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Weeks later, he was twerking on the Celebrity Family Feud television show.

"Gronk" removed his shirt and flexed his muscles during the Patriots' 2017 Super Bowl celebration parade in Boston and two months later, he bodyslammed a pro wrestler during a Wrestlemania match in Florida.

Not even the White House was safe from being Gronked, the NFL star interrupting a news briefing during his April 2017 White House tour.

Sponsors delighted in his lively manner, making him a popular pitchman for doughnuts, cell phones, cereal, credit cards and video games.

Gronkowski, the great-grandson of a 1924 US Olympic cyclist who held 5 world records, was nagged by injury throughout his career. 

Torn right knee ligaments ended his 2013 campaign after 7 games. In 2016, he suffered hamstring injuries, a bruised lung and a herniated disc that required surgery. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Jalen Green did not disappoint in the slightest as he starred in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go NBTC All-Stars dunk contest at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, March 23. 

The top-ranked 2020 prospect showed off his bounce and ended up clashing with professional dunker David Carlos into a well-deserved draw and co-ownership of the Slam Dunk title. 

Here's exactly why the judging panel composed of Joshua Munzon, Dylan Ababou, Ricci Rivero, Kobe Paras, and NBA champion Metta World Peace had a hard time deciding on one winner for the afternoon.

And as for the fans, they may have just been treated to the best Filipino slam dunk contest ever seen so far.

From the get-go, Green and Carlos showed they were a cut above the rest and quickly eliminated guest dunker Darwin Cantong and FilAm Sports' Kai Ballungay from the running.

Now with the MOA Arena all to themselves, the dunking duo cranked up the intensity, much to the delight of fans in attendance.

Until the last pair of slam jams, the two just won't crack under the pressure, forcing the judges to call it a tie from there.

It was undoubtedly a great showing from the 17-year-old Green who forced a stalemate against the veteran Carlos, a FIBA 3X3 Dunk Contest medalist.

There were certainly no losers from that instant classic, as both dunk artists proved that living above the rim is no longer just a Pinoy hooper's dream. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After hurdling tough compatriots, Filipinos Michael Dasmariñas and Samuel Salva have to pass through formidable champions in their quest for International Boxing Federation (IBF) crowns.

Blocking Salva's path toward the minimumweight title is South African DeeJay Kriel, while Dasmariñas will be tangling with either Puerto Rican Emmanuel Rodriguez or Japanese Naoya Inoue for the bantamweight belt. (READ: Dasmariñas, Salva seek to gain world title crack)

Although Salva holds a better record (17-0, 10 KOs), Kriel (15-1-1, 7 KOs) is on a high after a rousing 12th-round knockout of former unbeaten Mexican champion Carlos Licona. 

The road to the top will even be rougher for Dasmariñas (29-2-1, 19 KOs) as Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) and Inoue (17-0, 15 KOs) are both fearsome punchers with ring savvy to boot.

Rodriguez and Inoue will clash for the IBF diadem in the World Boxing Super Series semifinals on May 18 in Glasgow, Scotland, so Dasmariñas will have to wait longer for his title crack than Salva.

To contend for the crowns, Salva, 22, and Dasmariñas, 22, won their title eliminators against Rene Mark Cuarto and Kenny Demecillo, respectively, on Saturday, March 22, in the Rising Stars card at the Resorts World Manila.

Salva, a southpaw who trained at Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite, posted a 116-112, 116-112, 117-111 victory over Cuarto, who dropped to 16-2-1, 9 KOs.

Dasmariñas, the former International Boxing Organization 118-pound champion, matched Salva's feat with scores of 116-112, 115-113, 117-111 and pulled down Demecillo to 14-5-2, 8 KOs.

The fight card was a joint undertaking by MP Promotions and Ringstar Events of Singapore.

No wonder 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao watched the event with friend Metta World Peace, international matchmaker Sean Gibbons and MP Promotions head Joe Ramos. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Collegiate connections worked wonders for Marinerong Pilipino in the 2019 PBA D-League as they cruised to a 91-72 rout of CD14 Designs-Trinity University at JCSGO gym in Cubao on Monday, March 25.

Former La Salle big man Santi Santillan erupted for 29 points and 10 rebounds in the win while his former team captain Kib Montalbo chipped in 6 markers, 11 boards, 5 assists, and two steals.

Santillan's 13-point third-quarter explosion guided his side in blowing away the White Stallions from a close 37-31 halftime lead to a comfortable 64-48 lead entering the payoff period.

After his stellar double-double outing, the Cebuano standout deflected all praise to the people around him.

"Unang una si Coach Yong [Garcia], binibigyan niya ako ng kumpiyansa sa lahat ng ginagawa ko," he said.

"Sinasabi nya sakin 'Gagawin mo 'yung mga shooting mo, 'yung mga extra work mo pero gagawin ko naman 'yung extra work ko sa practice.' Doon magsisimula talaga."

(First of all, Coach Yong gave me the confidence in everything I do. He told me "Do your shooting, your extra work and I'll also do my extra work in practice." That's where it all starts.)

Santillan also credited his chemistry with Montalbo and his former Ateneo rival Anton Asistio as a key ingredient to his performance.

"Siyempre laking tulong na nakilala ko sila outside basketball," he said. "Nag-uusap kami parati para 'yung goal namin para sa isa't isa, makukuha namin."

(Of course, it's a huge help that I know them outside basketball. We always keep in touch so that we achieve our goals that we set for one another.)

Orlan Wamar chipped in 10 points on a 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc, as Asistio had 9 markers and 3 assists for Marinero.

Marinerong Pilipino hiked its record to 3-2 in the Foundation Group as the rebranded CD14 Designs-Trinity stayed at the cellar at 0-4.

AJ Vitug paced the White Stallions with 18 points and 3 rebounds while Chris De Chavez got 15 points, 8 boards and 4 dimes in his debut.

In the second game, the Che'lu Revellers stayed hot with a 109-99 denial of McDavid.

Rey Suerte led the Revellers with 26 points, but more importantly, scored 6 of his team's last 8 points to hold off the opposition in the clutch.

McDavid rallied bac and got to within 8, 93-101, before Suerte went back to his specialty, scoring in bunches to lead the Revellers to their first winning streak of the season and improve to 3-1 in the Aspirants Group.

Chris Dumapig recorded a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds off the bench for Che'lu as Jessie Collado and Robbie Manalang scored 13 points each.

Jerwin Gaco carried McDavid, which fell to 0-4, with 20 points and 8 rebounds while Jason Melano also fired 20.

The Scores

Marinerong Pilipino vs Trinity

Marinerong Pilipino 91 – Santillan 29, Wamar 10, Asistio 9, Victoria 7, Montalbo 6, Reyes 6, Gamboa 6, A. Aquino 6, Mendoza 6, M. Aquino 3, Bonifacio 2, Garcia 2, Bunag 0, Aguirre 0.

CD14 Designs-Trinity 72 –Vitug 18, De Chavez 15, Inigo 11, Canete 9, Dela Cruz 9, Juanico 4, McAloney 3, Nidoy 2, Balucanag 1, Montero 0, Reyes 0, Ingel 0.

Quarters: 23-13, 38-31, 64-48, 91-72.

Che'lu vs McDavid

Che’lu 109 – Suerte 26, Dumapig 15, Collado 13, R. Manalang 13, Manganti 11, Bautista 10, Siruma 5, Taganas 4, P. Manalang 4, Gabo 4, Bringas 3, Ng 1.

McDavid 99 – Gaco 20, Melano 20, Martinez 17, Diputado 12, Escosio 11, Sorela 8, Caranguian 5, Villanueva 2, Monte 2, Lozada 0, Canada 0, Cruz 0, Pena 0.

Quarters: 40-21, 69-49, 96-77, 109-99.

– Rappler.com