MANILA, Philippines – It takes one to know one, they all say.

And that's exactly the case for San Miguel Beermen star Alex Cabagnot, who had nothing but high praise for NBTC All-Star combo guard Mark Nonoy.

"I've seen him play before, I covered his game in the D-League, UST versus Cignal-Ateneo. I told coach Chris (Gavina), our strongest 5, Nonoy has to be there. You just have to give them confidence and let them do their thing."

In an event where stars like Jalen Green and Kai Sotto were supposed to fight for the spotlight, it was the little-known Nonoy who shone the brightest.

After all, he led Team Hustle to an 89-82 win over Green's Team Heart in the NBTC All-Star Game on Saturday, March 23.

The 18-year-old speed freak scored Hustle's last 14 points, including the dagger triple that sent the opposition packing. As a result, he was named the game's Most Outstanding Player.

Cabagnot, who was Gavina's assistant for the game, knew that his takeover was bound to happen.

"You can't keep a good man down. Mark wasn't having a good game in the first half but you can't keep a good man down," he said. "He just persevered and grinded it out."

"He still has a lot of work to do, but he's under a good coach, under a good program," Cabagnot continued. "The best thing he can do is to listen to his coach, the elders around you."

Gavina, who has had coaching stints in the PBA and MPBL, also gave his take on the young Nonoy.

"He's like (Mark) Barroca and (Jio) Jalalon. He's good on offense and defense," Gavina said. 

Despite all the praises, however, the humble Nonoy just kept his head down and let his game do the talking.

"Hindi ko ito na-imagine," he said. "First time ko, kabado pa nga e kasi malaking arena, tapos 'yung experience na kalaro mo pa si Jalen Green, 'yung magagaling na NCAA players din, pero 'yun lang, trabaho lang.

(I never imagined this. It's my first time and I was nervous because it's a big arena. I also experienced playing with Jalen Green, those good NCAA players as well, but that's it, I just worked.)

"Makukuha din namin 'to sa tiyaga. Trabaho lang 'yung team namin kasi malayo ang mararating sa trabaho."

(We would get things done if we persevered. We just need to work hard because hard work can go a long way.) – Rappler.com

CEBU, Philippines – Perlas' Bea Tan and Dij Rodriguez bested NU-Boysen's Roma Joy and Roma Mae Doromal, 21-18, 21-16, to rule the Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour Santa Fe Open here on Sunday, March 24.

It was Tan and Rodriguez's second consecutive championship, winning all 5 matches in the beach volleyball circuit's third visit to Cebu province.

Tan and Rodriguez were first challenged in the semifinals, rallying from a set down to beat Air Force 1's May Ann Pantino and Jozza Cabalza, 14-21, 21-18, 15-12, while the Doromal sisters topped Bacolod's Bianca Lizares and Margie Señas, 24-22, 21-19, in the other pairing.

Pantino and Cabalza settled for 3rd place after prevailing over Lizares and Señas, 21-15, 21-13.

Sharing the spotlight is Air Force-AboitizLand's Ranran Abdilla and Jessie Lopez, who overcame a first set loss and rallied from a 4-8 deficit in the 3rd set to nip University of St. La Salle Bacolod's Harold Parcia and Neil Depedro, 11-21, 21-16, 15-13, and emerge as men's champions for a third consecutive time.

The triumph was a fitting send-off for Abdilla and Lopez, who also ruled the December Open in Manila late last year, and the Puerto Galera leg two weeks ago.

The Air Force standouts will now fully concentrate to the national indoor volleyball team preparing for this year's Southeast Asian Games.

It was still a great run for Parcia and Depedro, who scored a 21-18, 15-21, 15-9 win over NU Boysen 1's James Buytrago and Pol Salvador to arrange a finals duel with Abdilla and Lopez, who overcame an energy-zapping opening set to dispose Visayas 1's Jade Becaldo and Kevin Juban, 35-33, 21-17.

Buytrago and Salvador completed their first-ever podium finish after besting Becaldo and Juban, 21-18, 21-19.

In the quarterfinals, Tan and Rodriguez bested PetroGazz's Jonah Sabete and Melanie Torres, 21-17, 21-17, while the Doromals rallied from a set down to beat Air Force 2's Angel Antipuesto and Mikaela Andres, 18-21, 21-16, 15-13, 

Pantino and Cabalza dominated Cebu's Therese Ramas and Krizia Talacero, 21-9, 21-8, while Lizares and Señas outlasted LNMB-Tanjay's Natsu Kilamura and Katrina Epa, 23-25, 21-12, 15-9.

Men's quarterfinals action saw Parcia and Depedro turn back the Cebu-Russian pair of Amil Pacinio and Mike Shavrak, 21-16, 21-16; Abdilla and Lopez down Bacolod's Nonoy and Inaudito, 21-12, 21-18; Buytrago and Salvador stun Visayas 2's Fort Libres and Raphy Abanto, 21-17, 21-14; and Becaldo and Juban subdue AboitizLand's Krung Arbasto and Jason Uy, 20-22, 21-14, 15-13.

A BVR Sandroots clinic was held in coordination with the Cebu Provincial Sports Commission, and with coaches Jason Gabales – a Santa Fe native – and Grace Antigua leading the program. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Four-time Olympic gold medal diver Greg Louganis will continue to serve as sports director as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series stages a leg in the Philippines for the first time. 

The 11th season of the World Series will kick off on April 12 in the Small and Big Lagoons located in Miniloc Island in El Nido, Palawan. 

Officiating the Philippine leg is Louganis, who was tapped by Red Bull starting in 2017 after working as judge in the past editions of the World Series. 

"[A]fter the passing of my dear friend and former Olympic competitor Niki Stajkovic, who was the original sports director, Red Bull reached out to me and asked if I could step into the role," Louganis said. 

As sports director, Louganis will oversee every athletic and logistical aspect of the competition to ensure all safety measures are met, including the implementation of consistent competition rules. 

The standard diving height for the men's and women's competitions are 27 and 21 meters, respectively, while there should be at least 5 meters of water depth. 

Louganis, who is widely considered the "greatest American diver," collected 1 silver and 4 Olympic gold medals and 5 World Championship gold medals during his stellar career. 

After securing a silver in the platform event of the 1976 Olympics, he secured two Olympic gold medals 12 years later after ruling both and platform and springboard events. 

In the 1988 Olympics, Louganis suffered a concussion in the preliminary rounds but still went on to win gold medals in the springboard and platform events again. 

He is the only male and second diver in Olympic history to sweep the diving events in back-to-back Games. 

In the years since his Olympic wins, Louganis has established himself as a global icon for civil and LGBT rights. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Philippine Premier League (PPL) postponed its opening by a month as it aims to launch on Saturday, April 27, instead of on March 30. 

The tournament's delay was mainly caused by the failure of PPL clubs Mendiola Football and Philippine Air Force to comply with all the criteria set out in the Philippine Football Federation club licensing regulations for the 2019 season. 

"It is hoped that with the additional time the two teams can be granted provisional club licenses that will permit them to join the league this season. We are taking this step to comply with the directives of the Philippine Football Federation, our sanctioning body," read the statement from the PPL. 

Green Archers United Football Club – who also applied for a license prior to the league's openig – was granted a provisional license to participate in the country's top tier tournament. (READ: Philippine Premier League revamps club football)

Back-to-back champion of the defunct Philippine Football League Ceres-Negros FC, inaugural Paulino Alcantara cup winner Kaya-Iloilo FC, Stallion Laguna FC and United Makati FC (formerly Global-Cebu FC) will remain in the professional league. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Irish mixed martial artist (MMA) Conor McGregor made an abrupt decision to retire from the sport on Tuesday, March 26. 

"I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as “Mixed Martial Art” today. I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition," tweeted McGregor in the shock announcement. 

Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as “Mixed Martial Art” today.
I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition.
I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement.
Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 26, 2019

McGregor ended his decorated MMA career with a brawl-marred submission loss to Russia's Khabib Nurmagomedov and was slapped with a $50,000 fine and a six-month ban from UFC. 

The Russian, on the other hand, was handed a nine-month ban and $500,000 fine as his team initiated the melee by jumping on McGregor. 

Two weeks before the Irishman announced his retirement, McGregor was charged with criminal mischief and strong-armed robbery for allegedly smashing a fan's cell phone outside a Florida nightclub. 

The Dubliner, one of the most bankable stars in UFC, had previously vowed to retire in 2016 in a move that was widely seen as a negotiating gambit.

"I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese," McGregor wrote in April 2016. His short-lived retirement ended in August 2016, when he returned to fight Nate Diaz in Las Vegas.

McGregor – who started out as a struggling plumber before becoming a multi-millionaire – rose to fame when he joined UFC in 2013 and became the only fighter to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously. 

In 2015, he defeated José Aldo at UFC 194 for the featherweight title via a knockout 13 seconds into the first round, which is the fastest victory in UFC title fight history. 

The following year, McGregor Eddie Alvarez for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 205 via a round 2 technical knockout. 

McGregor also ventured into boxing in 2017 and faced retired American boxer Floyd Mayweather in a money-spinning fight that saw MMA star submit to round 10 TKO. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/ Rappler.com

PARIS, France – Mesmerizing Kylian Mbappe led France's rout of Iceland in Euro 2020 qualifiers Monday, March 25 (Tuesday, March 26, Manila time), but Cristiano Ronaldo hobbled off in Portugal's disappointing draw with Serbia and racist abuse overshadowed five-star England in Montenegro.

Mbappe scored one and set up two more as the reigning world champions crushed Iceland 4-0 at the Stade de France to move top of Group H in Euro 2020 qualifying.

The result gives France, 4-1 winners over Moldova in their Euro opener, 6 points from their first two matches and puts them ahead of Turkey, who also won 4-0 on Monday, on goal difference.

Samuel Umititi, Olivier Giroud, Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann all scored as Iceland struggled to cope with a totally dominant France side.

Giroud's 35th France goal moved him into third on the all-time list of French scorers, the Chelsea striker now trailing only Michel Platini (41) and Thierry Henry (51).

In Group A, England, fresh from a 5-0 demolition of the Czech Republic in which Raheem Sterling hit a hat-trick, were forced to come from behind in a 5-1 win over Montenegro.

But another impressive victory for the Three Lions was overshadowed by allegations of racist abuse in Podgorica.

Sterling celebrated the visitors' fifth goal by cupping his ears towards the home fans.

"Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists)," Sterling tweeted alongside a photo of his celebration.

Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists) #2019 #getsomeeducationpic.twitter.com/ohhkOJtdey

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) March 25, 2019

England manager Gareth Southgate said he heard racist chants aimed at Danny Rose and promised to report the issue to UEFA.

"I definitely heard abuse at Danny Rose when he got booked at the end of the game. There is no doubt in my mind it happened. We will make sure that is reported to UEFA because it's not acceptable," said Southgate.

"We've got to make sure we support our players."

English comeback

Marko Vesovic stunned England early on, but after drawing on their two previous visits to Podgorica, England showed why their current crop are among the favorites to be European champions next year.

Michael Keane's header restored parity before Ross Barkley's double either side of half-time put the visitors in command and Harry Kane and Sterling rounded off a comprehensive victory.

It was a different story in Lisbon as Fernando Santos' reigning European champions Portugal, held to a 0-0 draw at home by Ukraine in their Group B opener, notched up a second draw, 1-1 at home to Serbia.

If the result wasn't disappointing enough, captain Ronaldo hobbled off after 30 minutes with no word on whether the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would be fit for to play for his club Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Ajax on April 10.

Serbia's Ajax playmaker Dusan Tadic opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Ronaldo was denied an equalizer two minutes later as his effort was very well saved Marko Dmitrovic.

The 156-time international then left the field after he pulled up chasing a ball on the left wing.

He received quick treatment from members of the medical team before returning to action but was replaced minutes later.

In his absence, Porto's Danilo Pereira netted a 42nd-minute equalizer, hammering a shot from outside the box into the top corner past a helpless Dmitrovic.

Elsewhere, Turkey made it two wins from two in Group H, like France, with a 4-0 victory at home over Moldova.

Two first-half goals in the space of three minutes thanks to Hasan Ali Kaldırım and Cenk Tosun did the damage at Eskisehir.

Tosun bagged his second 10 minutes into the second half while Kaan Ayhan wrapped up a resounding win with Turkey's fourth.

Kosovo marked their maiden Euro qualifier with a 1-1 Group A draw against Bulgaria, but there was heartbreak for Luxembourg – 2-0 winners over Lithuania on Friday – as a Gerson Rodrigues own goal 6 minutes into injury time handed Group B leaders Ukraine a 2-1 win. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Roger Federer admits he faces a real battle to land the 101st title of his career with the in-form Daniil Medvedev next up after Serbian Filip Krajinovic was dispatched 7-5, 6-3 on Monday, March 25, at the ATP and WTA Miami Open.

The Swiss superstar produced an excellent all-round performance despite being tested by the world No.103 who belied his lowly ranking by producing some excellent tennis during an exciting first set.

Federer, however, stylishly weathered the storm to seal the win – the 52nd of his career in Miami – and set up an intriguing last 8 match with the highly-rated Medvedev.

The Russian, who is at a career high ranking of 15, saw off American Reilly Opelka 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/0), and has won 4 ATP hard-court titles, including three since last August.

Federer beat him twice last year but is already a fan.

"He's clever how he plays the court because he can play it up and down, and he's unusual when he plays from back," said the Swiss, who hit 14 aces and won an impressive 74% of points on his first serve.

"It's a bit of a different approach.Thankfully I played him last year twice in Basel and Shanghai and I'm very impressed about his progress. I must say the last year has been unbelievable for him."

Krajinovic struggled with injury last year as problems with his ankle, left foot and hand restricted him to just seven tournaments in the first seven months of 2018.

Yet some fierce hitting from the back of the court surprised the predictably pro-Federer crowd and a brilliant run and flick over the net handed him an early break for 3-2.

Keeping the pressure on, however, was a different matter as Federer broke straight back before pocketing the opening set.

The second set wasn't as competitive, Federer easing home and finishing with 35 winners compared to the Serbian's 18.

Halep downs Williams

Elsewhere, No. 24 seed Grigor Dimitrov was beaten by world No. 77 Jordan Thompson in straight sets ensuring the Australian will meet 2018 Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson who beat Portugal's Joao Sousa 6-4, 7-6 (8/6).

Simona Halep, meanwhile, got the better of Venus Williams once again as the Romanian made light work of the 38-year-old American to book a place in the quarter-finals with a 6-3, 6-3 win.

"I was pretty strong with my serve and knew where to bother her," said the reigning French Open champion who will meet China's Wang Qiang in the last 8.

"When I saw I can win easy games with my serve, it gave me great confidence," she added.

Bianca Andreescu, the 18-year-old Canadian sensation who won the title in Indian Wells, was forced to withdraw in the second set of her fourth round match with Anett Kontaveit.

Andreescu was 1-6 0-2 down before a shoulder injury ruined her chances of another run to the finals. 

The Estonian will meet Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei who continued her excellent form with a 6-3, 6-7 (0/7), 6-2 win over Caroline Wozniacki.

Petra Kvitova, the world No. 3, booked her place in the last 8, beating Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-3 in a match which was held up for one hour and 40 minutes because of rain in South Florida. Kvitova plays Australian Ashleigh Barty for a place in the semi-finals. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The guessing game continues for 7-foot-2 wunderkind Kai Sotto, who will first head to the United States for training as announced in a special press conference at EDSA Shangri-La on Tuesday, March 26.

The 16-year old Batang Gilas star will first head to Atlanta in April to train for two months as he prepares for the upcoming 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup.

No less than 5 teams courted the current UAAP Juniors MVP, including huge names such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Alba Berlin. However, no decision has been made yet on any team.

The son of former PBA player Ervin Sotto turned heads in the UAAP with not only his unnaturally huge build, but his ever-growing skill set as well.

In what would turn out to be his final year in the UAAP Juniors ranks, Sotto churned out averages of 25.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks en route to being named the undisputed Season 81 league MVP. 

In 2018, the young unicorn was already a standout. Even though he shared the court with established and then-graduating stars like Dave Ildefonso and SJ Belangel, Sotto still anchored Ateneo on both ends, resulting in a Season 80 Finals MVP award and, more importantly, his first-ever championship. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Gareth Southgate has called for education to stamp out racism in football as European governing body UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro following abuse aimed at black England players during his side's 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win in Podgorica.

Raheem Sterling celebrated the fifth goal on Monday by cupping his ears towards the home fans as a sign of defiance, while Callum Hudson-Odoi said he and Danny Rose heard monkey noises aimed at them.

"Sanctions are worthless if there is nothing alongside that to help educate people," said England coach Southgate.

"My kids don't think for one minute about where people are born, what language they speak, what color they are." 

"There's an innocence about young people that is only influenced by older people. So we have to make sure that the education is right for everybody.

"In our country, (it's) the same. I've said this before, I'm not sitting here just criticising what's happened tonight because in our country we have the same issue. We're not free of it."

Sterling's goal capped a fine performance in which Ross Barkley struck twice and Michael Keane and Harry Kane also scored as England overcame the hosts' early opener to seal an impressive victory.

England coach Southgate said the racist chanting had marred the win, which leaves England in charge of Group A following two big wins.

Sterling tweeted a picture of his goal celebration, saying: "Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists)".

Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists) #2019 #getsomeeducationpic.twitter.com/ohhkOJtdey

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) March 25, 2019

"It's 2019 now, I keep saying it. It's a shame to see this going on and we can only bring awareness to the situation," he told Sky Sports.

"It's now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it because you can fine someone, but what is that going to do?"

Closure threat

UEFA announced on Tuesday, March 26, that disciplinary proceedings had been opened, with charges against Montenegro including racist behaviour and crowd disturbances.

The case will be dealt with on May 16.

The Football Association called the abuse "unacceptable at any level" and said it would assist UEFA's investigation.

"On Monday evening, England players were subjected to abhorrent racist chanting while playing in a UEFA EURO 2020 qualifier in Montenegro," said an FA spokesman. 

"This is unacceptable at any level of the game and we welcome UEFA's decision today to take disciplinary action.

"Our immediate focus is on supporting UEFA with their investigation and the players and staff involved."

UEFA regulations state that if supporters engage in racist behaviour then "the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure".

Article 14 also states that additional sanctions can be imposed depending on the situation, while "disciplinary measures may be combined with specific directives aimed at tackling such conduct".

Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) praised the England players for their reaction in a match it said it had designated as "high risk" prior to it taking place, and called for heavy sanctions.

"We commend the reaction of the England players involved. No human being should have to face abuse and vilification for their race or identity, something that many Montenegrins will understand from the divisive and bloody recent history of the Balkans," FARE said in a statement.

Kick It Out campaigner Troy Townsend said the incidents showed UEFA had "failed the game" in its handling of racist abuse.

British Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton tweeted: "Congrats to @England on their 5-1 win against Montenegro last night, you're doing us all proud. What you faced with the chants was despicable. Completely unacceptable, no room for this behaviour in any sport. #loveoverhate #silencethehaters."

Congrats to @England on their 5-1 win against Montenegro last night, you’re doing us all proud. What you faced with the chants was despicable. Completely unacceptable, no room for this behaviour in any sport. #loveoverhate#silencethehaterspic.twitter.com/FKVCrSg6se

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 26, 2019

 – Rappler.com

NEW YORK, USA – Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor is under investigation in his native Ireland on an accusation of sexual assault, the New York Times reported Tuesday, March 26.

The report, in which the Times cited 4 unnamed sources, came a day after the trash-talking star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to retire from his career inside the octagon. (READ: Conor McGregor retires from MMA again)

"Hey guys quick announcement, I've decided to retire from the sport formally known as 'Mixed Martial Art' today," McGregor wrote. "I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition."

The New York Times noted that McGregor has not been charged with a crime and the fact that an investigation is continuing "does not imply that McGregor is guilty of a crime."

But the newspaper said he had been questioned by law enforcement authorities in January after a woman accused him of sexual assault in December.

A spokesman for Ireland's police service would not confirm to the newspaper that McGregor was a suspect in the alleged assault.

The woman making the accusation said it occurred at the Beacon Hotel, where McGregor has been an occasional guest, according to the Times.

McGregor and the UFC have not commented on the allegations. Karen J. Kessler, a publicist for McGregor based in New Jersey, issued a statement that said the Times report and McGregor's retirement were not related.

"This story has been circulating for some time and it is unclear why it is being reported now," the statement said in part. "The assumption that the Conor retirement announcement today is related to this rumor is absolutely false."

The Dubliner, one of the most bankable stars in UFC, had previously vowed to retire in 2016 in a move that was widely seen as a negotiating gambit.

The 30-year-old has not fought since being well beaten by rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October of last year.

McGregor was later handed a six-month suspension for his role in a post-fight melee after the Nurmagomedov bout, a ban that would have left him eligible to fight again in early April.

He was arrested in Miami earlier this month after allegedly smashing a phone outside a Florida nightclub.

He was later charged with criminal mischief and strong-armed robbery after police said he had slapped the phone out of a fan's hand and then stomped on it.

McGregor was also arrested last year in New York after police said he attacked a charter bus carrying several rival martial arts fighters. Video footage of the altercation showed McGregor throwing a steel dolly through a window of the bus. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The La Salle Lady Spikers hope to avoid another heartbreaker as they face the young and talented National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs while the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses aim to bounce back versus the Adamson Lady Falcons in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.

Defending champion La Salle succumbed to another defeat at the hands of the University of the Philippines (UP), and this time, they were demolished in straight sets. 

Nothing went right for the Lady Spikers in that match and 11-time UAAP champion coach Ramil de Jesus seemed to have run out of attacking options as captain Desiree Cheng turned out to be the lone bright spot among his senior players and wound up as the team's lone double-digit scorer. (De Jesus: La Salle still looking for leadership)

Rookie Marrione Alba, though, tried to prove her worth in the game as she stepped up as the starting setter in the 2nd and 3rd sets, making a total of 12 excellent sets to go with 3 points and 9 digs. 

La Salle – locked in a four-way tie at 5-3 with UP, Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas – shoots for solo 2nd against NU on Wednesday, March 27, 4 pm, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

Although the Lady Bulldogs had since skidded after a shocking win over UP, they might just have a few tricks up their sleeves that could send the defending champions spiraling to another set of back-to-back losses. 

Princess Robles has been a real threat at the service line as she made a total of 18 aces this season. The rookie outside hitter hopes to match up against La Salle, the league's best serving team that had a woeful showing against UP. 

While Robles ranks No.6 in league scoring with 114 points, fellow rookie Ivy Lacsina follows closely at No. 9, tallying 108 points. 

Earlier at 2 pm, the UST Golden Tigresses know they have to get back on track after falling to league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles in 5 sets last Wednesday. 

Sisi Rondina, who shattered UST scoring records, looks to continue her momentum to trounce the cellar-dwelling but dangerous Lady Falcons. 

The Lady Falcons have shown again that they can put up a fight after dropping a five-set thriller against Season 80 finalist FEU Lady Tamaraws. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Although the Kai Sotto world tour will soon be underway, rest assured that there is always no place like home.

While the 7-foot-2 wunderkind already revealed his plans to train in the US and eventually in Europe, his dad Ervin promised that their doors will always remain open for the Philippine basketball team.

“Sabihin ko sa inyo, bale sa kontrata na pipirmahan namin ni Kai sa kung ano mang club, No. 1 priority namin yung Gilas,” the elder Sotto said. “Anong oras man kailanganin ng Pilipinas yung serbisyo ng anak ko, expect niyong nandoon yung bata."

(I’m telling you, in the contract that Kai and I will sign with whatever club, our No. 1 priority is Gilas. Whenever the Philippines needs the services of my son, expect that he will be there.)

“Anumang [pool], maglalaro yang bata na yan. Dream nya 'yan eh,” he added during the special Chooks-to-Go-hosted dinner on Tuesday, March 26. 

(Whatever pool that is, that kid will play. That’s his dream.)

The Sottos are set to leave early April for Atlanta to begin Kai’s training before they finally decide on one team. And the Sotto patriarch revealed that settling with a European club is most likely their next goal, with the US NCAA out of the picture.

“Mas gusto ko yung [Europe] kasi yung skillset ng bata, malaki siya, di naman siya ganun ka-athletic pero mataas siya tumalon para sa height niya. Mobile siya,” he said. “Mataas yung upside niya, so nakikita ko pag nanonood ako ng NBA, yung mga lumalabas na European players ngayon, parang ganoon yung skillset. So sabi ko, pwede siguro siya maging ganoon.” 

(I prefer Europe more because when you look at the skillset of the kid, he’s tall, not very athletic but still jumps well for his height. He’s mobie. He’s got high upside and when I watch the NBA, the European players who are coming out now have those same skillsets. So I said he could be like that.)

“Pero di naman siya magiging katulad ni [Duke University star] Zion Williamson, alam mo yun? Di siya puwede maging Kobe Paras na sobrang athletic, di siya ganoon,” he continued. “So nakikita ko is parang European style of play.” 

(But he won’t be someone like Duke University star Zion Williamson, you know? He can’t be like Kobe Paras who’s super athletic. He’s not like that. So what I’m seeing is the European style of play.) 

The young Kai may be on his way to receive a lot of overseas training that not many can brag about, but his father repeated that the Philippines will be the first to reap its rewards.

“Kahit anong mangyari, babalik siya rito. Pilipino yan eh,” he said.

(Whatever happens, he’ll return. He’s a Filipino.)– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses got back on track to complete an elimination-round sweep of the Adamson Lady Falcons in a straight-set demolition, 25-15, 25-12, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 27, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

Eya Laure led the pack with 17 points off 15 attacks and 2 blocks while fourth-year middle blocker Caitlin Viray notched a career-high 14 points.

With Viray’s breakthrough performance, Laure feels happy that the whole team has started to step up, noting that the Tigresses have also started gaining composure.

“Mas nadagdagan ang tulong ngayon. Hindi lang kaming dalawa ni Ate Sisi (Rondina). Masaya kasi nakita ulit ang teamwork namin binigay talaga namin yung best namin,” said Laure.

(We're getting more help now. It’s not just me and Ate Sisi Rondina. I’m happy that we’re seeing our teamwork and we’re giving our best.)

A lackluster Adamson side had Joy Dacoron leading with 8 points.

UST improved to 6-3 while Adamson remained at the bottom of the standings at 1-8. 

The Golden Tigresses didn't look like the same team that allowed the match to drag to 5 sets in the first round as they closed out the opening frame with a 9-4 run and sustained their dominant form for most of the game.  

Although the Lady Falcons managed to nab a 6-3 lead in the 2nd set, the Golden Tigresses overturned the deficit with a massive 22-6 run that sealed UST's 2-0 lead in the match.

UST cruised to a 6-1 start in the 3rd set en route to notching match point thanks to Ysa Jimenez before Eya Laure ended the quick game with an offspeed attack.

Adamson sorely missed the services of topscorer Eli Soyud as she never returned after the 1st set, dealing the Lady Falcons’ offense a huge blow. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – National University (NU) streaked to its eight straight victory as the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) completed a sweep of archrival De La Salle University (DLSU) in the UAAP Season 81 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 27 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

The Bulldogs showed mastery over the University of the East (UE) in straight sets, 25-7, 25-21, 25-15, while the Blue Eagles made quick work of the Green Spikers, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20.

Bryan Bagunas fired 22 points while Angelo Almedras added 11 for the defending champion Bulldogs, who grabbed the top spot with an 8-1 card, narrowly overtaking Far Eastern University (FEU), which totes a 7-1 record. 

Only one player from the Red Warriors side scored more than 5 points with Clifford Inoferio tallying 6 points for UE, who fell to 2-7. 

Meanwhile, Ateneo stalwart Tony Koyfman collected 22 markers as Ron Medalla and Chumason Njigha added 14 and 13, respectively.

Lawrence Magadia also tallied 31 excellent sets for the Blue Eagles, who strengthened their grip of the 3rd spot with 6-3 slate. 

Captain Chris Dumago was the lone double-digit scorer for La Salle with 15 points as they slumped to a 3-6 record, just a rung above UE and University of the Philippines (UP). 

NU and Ateneo will clash on Saturday, March 30, in another finals rematch at the Mall of Asia Arena. – Leigh Nald Cabildo/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines –  The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) extended its condolences to the Philippine football community after the death of former commissioner Cathy Nazareno, who passed away last Sunday, March 24 after a long battle with colon cancer. 

She was 49. 

"Nazareno was a match commissioner for the AFC since 2007. She was also awarded for her hard work in 2009, when she was named the AFC Women's Match Commissioner, the only Filipino to ever win the prestigious award," read the AFC statement. 

"She was also known for her work in spreading the game in the Philippines at the grassroots level, as the Executive Director and CEO of the Younghusband Football Academy." 

"The thoughts and prayers of the AFC and the rest of the Asian football family are with Nazareno's close relatives and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)." 

The country's local football federation PFF also remembered her contributions to the beautiful game in the Philippines.

"Her passion for football was extraordinary as exemplified by her dedication in promoting youth football and efficiently acting as coordinator in numerous national team matches in the country," read the PFF statement. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Reigning champion La Salle made sure there would be no upset this time.

Embarrassed by UP last weekend, the Lady Spikers exerted their dominance over the skidding National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs with a straight-set win, 25-20, 25-18, 25-10, in the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 27, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

Desiree Cheng led La Salle with  17 points off 14 attacks, 2 aces and one block.

La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus credited the team’s effort to believe in their own strengths despite coming off a humbling loss.

“Sa bawat composition ng team, iba yung strength. Kailangan natin maniwala sa team natin, maniwala sa sarili natin. Hindi kalaban ang magpapanalo sa atin, tayo ang gumalaw, tayo ang maghirap para manalo tayo,” said De Jesus.

(The strength of each team is different. We need to believe in our team and in ourselves. We can’t just rely on our opponents’ lapses to win, we have to be the ones to move, we have to be the ones who pour in the hard work to win.)

Compared to last Sunday’s 37 errors against UP, the Lady Spikers only tallied 10 errors in 3 sets.

Veteran Roselyn Doria was NU’s lone double-digit scorer with 11 points off 8 attacks, 2 aces and the team’s only block of the game.

The Lady Spikers took control all the way against the hapless Lady Bulldogs to grab a share of 2nd place with University of Santo Tomas at 6-3 as NU fell to 2-7 in the standings. 

The defending champions got off to a strong 8-3 start that basically dictated the tempo of the entire game. 

The Lady Bulldogs' errors further bolstered La Salle's momentum that allowed them to immediately cruise to a 2-0 match advantage. 

By the 3rd set, the Lady Spikers showed no mercy and got off to a 6-1 start before a massive 9-0 run proved to be the dagger that completed the demolition of NU. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – NorthPort pulled the rug from under Alaska, 94-84, to arrest a fourth-quarter meltdown and boost its playoff hopes in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 27. 

After squandering an 11-point lead in the payoff period, the Batang Pier regained their bearings behind Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle to notch their second straight win and improve to 4-6 for 7th place. 

The Aces, meanwhile, slipped to 9th place as they ended the elimination round with a 4-7 card behind back-to-back losses. 

With the win, NorthPort narrowed the race for the last two quarterfinals berths to 3 teams with Alaska and NLEX (4-6), eliminating Meralco (3-7) and Columbian (4-7) from contention due to inferior quotients. 

Anthony chalked up 24 points – with 8 coming in the final frame – to go with 17 rebounds and 3 steals while Pringle scored 12 of his 21 points in the 4th quarter as the Batang Pier clinched the win off a 23-10 run. 

Trailing 60-71 entering the 4th period, Alaska unloaded 14 straight points to take the upper hand before Anthony and Pringle hit a layup and a triple to restore order for NorthPort, 76-74. 

The Aces never tasted the lead again as the Batang Pier's deadly duo continued to take control in the endgame. 

Mo Tautuaa added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists while Jonathan Grey chipped in 13 points in the win. 

Carl Bryan Cruz caught fire from deep with 6 triples but his 23-point effort was not enough for Alaska to enhance its playoff chances. 

Sonny Thoss had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Simon Enciso delivered 11 points and 5 assists in the loss. 

The Scores

NorthPort 94 – Anthony 24, Pringle 21, Tautuaa 14, Grey 13, Flores 6, Taha 6, Bolick 3, Guinto 3, Elorde 2, Sollano 2, Lanete 0.

Alaska 84 – Cruz 23, Thoss 14, Enciso 11, Banchero 8, Pascual 8, Ayaay 6, Casio 5, Baclao 3, Teng 2, Galliguez 2, Racal 2, Exciminiano 0.

Quarters: 16-19, 40-37, 71-60, 94-84.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After La Salle absorbed its "worst loss of the season" against the University of the Philippines (UP), middle blocker Lourdes Clemente stepped up to prove her bashers wrong.

Clemente shrugged off all the hate from her last game where she had a spate of errors, including an inexplicable serve that went under the net.

Instead, Clemente – an NCAA transferee playing a one-and-done season with La Salle – bounced back by helping strengthen the Lady Spikers' frontline defense with 9 points, including 5 blocks, as they cruised to their sixth win in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 27 against the young, gritty National University.

"Iyon nga po, nag-focus talaga ako,” said Clemente. “Kasi last time [against UP], nag-focus ako lagi, ang first ko po muna [na iisipin] is sa palo talaga muna," recalled Clemente.

"Siguro, nakalimutan ko po yung service, masyado akong nag-focus sa net. Kaya pagdating ko sa service area, eh pag hindi ako nabigyan sa harap, parang nag-doubt ako." 

(I really focused on this game. Last game against UP, I focused more on my attacks than my service. I started to doubt myself when I didn’t make my attacks.) 

Clemente even added that the crowd in Ynares Antipolo was calling her out and bashing her when she was at the service line. 

After the game where the Lady Spikers gave up a whopping 37 errors – including a bunch of service errors – the netizens were merciless in pointing out the middle blocker's crucial mistakes. (READ: De Jesus: La Salle still looking for leadership)

Clemente was visibly upset after the Sunday slump, but vowed to bounce back. 

"Tapos after ng game na yun, sabi ko sa sarili ko, babawi ako. Prove them wrong," said the former Perpetual Help star. 

 (After that game, I told myself that I would bounce back. Prove them wrong.) 

Clemente revealed that coach Ramil de Jesus’ words also buoyed the Lady Spikers' spirits during their game against the Lady Bulldogs.

"Lagi kaming nire-remind ni coach na maniwala ka lang sa sarili mo, maniwala ka lang sa kasama mo, at maniwala kayo sa team niyo na malakas kayo. Yun lang ang lagi niyang nire-remind na nagpa-wake up sa amin kanina sa amin sa game," said Clemente. 

(Coach Ramil always reminds us that we should believe in ourselves and in our teammates. He told us to believe that our team is strong enough to win. That woke us up during our game.)

Moreover, the Lady Spikers limited their errors to just 10 and made 8 aces against NU.

De Jesus said the Lady Spikers are more focused on improving their game instead of wresting pole position from rival Ateneo. 

“Well kami basta one game at a time, kailangan namin... sabi ko sa kanila, hangga't maari huwag na tayong matalo para mas maganda," said De Jesus.  "Ngayon, kung ano man ang standing nila... basta ang hanap namin umabot kami sa taas. Kung lalampasan namin [Ateneo] okay; kung hindi, basta andoon kami sa taas."

(It’s just one game at a time for us. I told my team that we shouldn’t drop any more games, if possible. Whatever our standing is, our goal is to remain in the top 4. If we can surpass Ateneo, it’s fine; if not, at least we’re in the top 4.) – Leigh Nald Cabildo/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra secured the No. 3 placing heading into the quarterfinals with an 86-76 triumph over the also-ran Meralco in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, March 27. 

Greg Slaughter delivered 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks as the Gin Kings won their fourth straight game to improve to 7-3.

Even if Ginebra drops its final elimination round game against NorthPort and figures in a three-way tie with San Miguel and TNT at 7-4, it will still lock in on the No. 3 spot due to a superior quotient.

Japeth Aguilar delivered 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists while Kevin Ferrer and Jeff Chan chipped in 11 points apiece in the win that saw the Gin Kings lead by as large as 15 points. 

The Bolts, though, did not go down without a fight as they shaved their deficit to just 6 points off a Trevis Jackson and-one, 73-79, with 2:21 minutes remaining.

But Ginebra immediately dashed Meralco's hopes of a comeback by scoring 7 straight points to seal the deal. 

Scottie Thompson put up 6 points and 10 rebounds and LA Tenorio added 8 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for the Gin Kings. 

Jackson paced the Bolts – who were officially eliminated from playoff contention after dropping to 3-8 – with 18 points off 3 triples on top of 4 rebounds and 1 steal. 

Cliff Hodge and KG Canaleta had 12 and 10 points, respectively, and conjoined for 10 rebounds in the loss. 

The Scores

Ginebra 86 – Slaughter 18, Aguilar J. 12, Chan 11, Ferrer 11, Tenorio 8, Dela Cruz 6, Thompson 6, Mariano 5, Mercado 5, Caguioa 2, Aguilar R. 2, Caperal 0, Teodoro 0.

Meralco 76 – Jackson 18, Hodge 12, Canaleta 10, De Ocampo 7, Quinto 6, Salva 5, Jamito 4, Tolomia 4, Newsome 3, Amer 3, Hugnatan 2, Pinto 2, Faundo 0, Caram 0.

Quarters: 15-17, 35-34, 63-50, 86-76.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It's easy to point fingers when team losses pile up, but NorthPort did exactly the opposite of that.

After a dreadful six-game losing streak, the Batang Pier got back in the playoff picture as they booked back-to-back wins following a 94-84 romp of Alaska in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, March 27.

"Whenever you lose, it's just like one of the things you learn as a kid, you got to bounce back. You get knocked down, you got to get up and keep fighting," said Stanley Pringle of NorthPort's resurgence. 

"That's what we did as a team, we stuck together, we got closer, nobody's pointing fingers, nobody's blaming each other. We just stick together as a team and we picked each other up, and as you can see, it's finally showing." 

The Batang Pier actually had a solid start to the conference as they won their first two games only to gradually crash out of the playoff hunt no thanks to the skid that lasted for more than two months.

But NorthPort found its way to relevancy as it raised its record to 4-7 for 7th place in the team standings. 

In fact, even if the Batang Pier drop their final game against Barangay Ginebra, they will still have a chance to avoid an early vacation since they're already assured of a playoff for the last quarterfinals berth. 

And for Pringle, NorthPort is peaking just in time for the crucial push. 

"We could have peaked a little earlier before the 6 games, but things happen. It's good timing right now, right before the playoffs." 

To avoid complication and secure a quarterfinals spot, the Batang Pier need to topple the Gin Kings when they meet at the Araneta Coliseum next Wednesday, April 3. – Rappler.com