MANILA, Philippines – Tim Cone has made it known he is not a fan of garbage-time baskets, so he could not help but be mad at his own player for making one. 

Cone was left fuming as Raymond Aguilar buried a layup with the verdict already settled in Barangay Ginebra's 86-76 win over Meralco in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, March 27.

The Gin Kings led 84-73 with under 30 seconds remaining before Aguilar waved at teammate Aljon Mariano for the ball and sank the easy deuce.

"I'm furious at Raymond for taking that last shot. I am absolutely steaming," an annoyed Cone said in the post-game presser. 

"I make a big deal about that, about not doing that to us and I have a guy that goes out there and does it. I am just steaming mad. I'm sorry." 

It was Aguilar's only shot attempt in 42 seconds of action as Ginebra cruised to its fourth straight win to secure the No. 3 seeding heading into the quarterfinals. 

When asked about his side by reporters, Aguilar begged off. 

"No comment," he said. 

Cone then apologized to Meralco head coach Norman Black, who quickly downplayed the incident. 

"I have no reaction to that. I'm sure coach Tim was upset about it but I don't take those things personal," Black said. "I'm a little bit different than coach Tim, I don't really take it personal."

Ginebra seeks to enter the playoffs on a winning note when it tangles with NorthPort at the Araneta Coliseum next Wednesday, April 3. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Caitlin Viray's breakthrough performance couldn't have come at a better time. 

As University of Santo Tomas (UST) needed a key win to get its Final Four bid back on track, Viray delivered a career-high 14 points in the Tigresses' straight-set win, 25-15, 25-12, 25-16, over Adamson to earn Player of the Game honors on Wednesday, March 27, in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.

UST head coach Emilio "Kung Fu" Reyes said Viray just needed to come out of her shell.

"May depensa, ang daming nakuha sa block at yung atake, mas naging aggressive," he said. 

(She played defense, she got blocks, and she had more aggressive attacks.)

UST captain Sisi Rondina even described Viray as a "silent killer" after the fourth-year middle blocker's surprise performance.

"Parang tahimik lang pero pumapatay, and masaya kasi marami na kaming katulong, hindi lang sa amin [ni Eya Laure] nafo-focus," said Rondina. 

(She's like a silent killer and I'm happy that everyone is contributing to the team, it's no longer just me and Eya Laure.) 

"Nakukuha na niya rhythm niya, ‘yung confidence niya sa paglalaro, which is ‘yung pinaka-importante ‘pag naglalaro ka," added Laure. 

(She's starting to get her rhythm and confidence, which is crucial whenever you are playing.)

At the start of the season, Viray was tasked to fill in the shoes left by injured middle blocker Christine Francisco. And she's glad she finally got to help lessen the scoring burden on Rondina and Laure.

Viray, of course, knows she needs to step up again when UST takes on defending champion La Salle on Sunday, March 31, at the MOA Arena.

"Definitely confidence booster siya, pero marami pang kulang," said Viray.

(It definitely boosts my confidence, but there's still room for improvement.) – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Desiree Cheng honestly shared that her right shoulder is still not in perfect condition, but she showed up with her veteran presence and willed her team to its sixth triumph in 8 games.

"Shoulder is not that super okay, but I can cope with it," said Cheng who registered a game-high 17 points against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, March 27. 

Cheng though, was hopeful that her shoudler gets healthier as the reigning champions enter the crucial stages of the current campaign.

"Sana maging healthy pa. Sana maging consistent. Consistency talaga inaantay ko, kahit sa akin personally, ako mismo."

(I hope it gets healthier. I hope that I can be consistent. I'm really waiting for consistency of the team and myself.) 

The reigning UAAP volleyball women’s division Best Server also indicated that there was an additional drive on her part after witnessing her team struggle in their last game – a straight-set defeat against the Univeristy of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons. 

"Extra motivation is hindi ko na papayagan na magkaroon ng talo basta-basta yung team na ganun-ganon lang kasi ang hirap sa part namin na makabangon from any loss ng ganun," she said in her post-game interview.

La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus believed that the champion team didn't play like one at all as it lacked leadership on the court. 

The 22-year old spiker then took it personally as the captain and one of the seniors. 

"It’s a team sport pero dapat like lahat gagalaw pero like ikaw yung inaasahan nila pero parang wala ka. Parang ganun, ang hirap sa part ko."

(It’s a team sport, but since I’m one of the seniors, they look up to you and it’s hard on my part when we lose.)

Their next game is against the Univeristy of Santos Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses– a team that dealt them their first straight-set loss – and Cheng expects the team to bounce back and emerge victorious from that game.

"This time, pipilitin namin makabawi, hindi yung basta-basta lang na talo like last time."

(We’ll try to win this time, and not give it away easily like last time.) – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Phiippines – It may be an uphill climb, but the Philippine women’s football team remains positive that it can secure a berth in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The Malditas got drawn in Group C in the second round of the 2020 AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Qatar this April. (READ: PH women's football set for Olympic qualifiers debut)

The Philippines – currently ranked No.74 in the FIFA World Rankings – will first go up against Iran (No. 60) on April 3. The Malditas will then play group favorite Chinese Taipei (No. 40) on April 6 and Palestine (No. 106) on April 9.

Only the top performing team in each group will advance to the third round of the Olympic qualifiers. 

National team head coach Marnelli Dimzon thinks they have a legitimate shot at getting a decent result against Iran and Palestine if they can study their opponents’ style very thoroughly.

“Kasi now, we have their videos of the games from their last year’s qualifiers so yung system that they are playing now, ni-rurun namin siya ngayon sa practices. Kung maayos lang namin siya and then ma-popolish namin yung defending and attacking namin, I think we have a good chance.”

(We have their videos from the qualifiers and we're simulating their system in our practices. If we can find a solution to that, and polish our defending and attacking tactics, I think we have a good chance.)

Dimzon said their chances of getting to the next round rests on how well they perform against Chinese Taipei – the very same team that overpowered them in the first round with a five-goal to none beating.

“Yung pinaka-big challenge kasi namin is playing against Chinese Taipei, so if ever na maging successful kami playing against Taipei, siguro pwede. Kaya nating pumasok sa third round.”

(Our biggest challenge is Chinese Taipei, so if we play well against them, I think we can qualify for the third round.)

New look

Vice-captain Inna Palacios said the Malditas will target a sweep. 

“To be sure, we want to win all games, but if it's too hard, two [wins] and a draw would be good and some goal difference,” she said. 

The former La Salle standout then added: “It’s tricky, very tricky in women’s football, goal difference plays a lot, like a big role.”

Dimzon said the Malditas will have a new-look roster in the second round of the qualifiers. 

“Yung ibang players busy with the UAAP so ‘di sila makapunta dito. We still have the core ng team. Intact pa rin,” she said. 

(The other players are busy with the UAAP, but the core of the team remains intact.)

The training pool: Palacios, Cavill, Simarago, Pachejo, Long, Amita, Rodriguez, Dolino, Navaja, Semacio, Mendano, Castañeda, Tomanon, Bernal, Bautista, Shelton, Madarang, Pariña, Impelido, Del Campo, Hodges, Montelibano, Ladero, Lam, Belluga, Lucera, and Isulat. – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Philippines – James Yap will face fierce competition as he looks to defend his crown in the Three-Point Shootout of the 2019 PBA All-Star Weekend at the Calasiao Sports Complex here on Friday, March 29.

The Rain or Shine gunner showed he still possesses the deadly shooting he has been known for throughout the years after catching fire for 24 points in the final round last year to rule the event for the second time. 

But it will not be a walk in the park for Yap with the PBA's best outside snipers vying to dethrone him.

Those heavily favored to give Yap a run for his own money are San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter, TNT's Roger Pogoy, Phoenix's Matthew Wright and Blackwater's Mike Digregorio. 

Magnolia's PJ Simon, Alaska's Simon Enciso, NLEX's Philip Paniamogan, NorthPort's Robert Bolick, Columbian's Rashawn McCarthy, Meralco's Baser Amer and Barangay Ginebra's Kevin Ferrer also look to make a splash. 

Also eyeing to retain their titles are Phoenix's Rey Guevarra and Rain or Shine's Beau Belga, who reigned supreme in the Slam Dunk Contest and Obstacle Challenge last year. 

The high-flying Guevarra will try to soar to a record-tying fifth title against Blackwater's Renz Palma, Meralco's Chris Newsome and NorthPort's Lervin Flores.

Belga, meanwhile, will be challenged by reigning five-time league MVP and San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo, NLEX's Poy Erram, NorthPort's Mo Tautuaa, Magnolia's Kyle Pascual and Ginebra's Prince Caperal. 

Columbian's Russel Escoto, Blackwater's Reymar Jose, TNT's Yousef Taha, Phoenix's Justin Chua, Meralco's Brian Faundo and Alaska's Noy Baclao will also contend for Belga's title. 

The skills events will then be followed by a clash pitting the mixed team of Rookies and Sophomores against the Juniors. – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Manchester United appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the club's permanent manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, March 28, following a highly successful caretaker spell in charge.

The Norwegian has inspired a revival of United's fortunes since taking over from the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, winning 14 of his 19 games and leading the Red Devils to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Solskjaer, who scored 126 goals in 366 appearances for United, was already a hero to fans as the man who scored the stoppage-time winner in the 1999 Champions League final to complete the treble.

"From the first day I arrived, I felt at home at this special club," Solskjaer said in a statement on the club's website. "It was an honour to be a Manchester United player, and then to start my coaching career here. 

"The last few months have been a fantastic experience and I want to thank all of the coaches, players and staff for the work we've done so far. 

"This is the job that I always dreamed of doing and I’m beyond excited to have the chance to lead the club long-term and hopefully deliver the continued success that our amazing fans deserve."

United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "More than just performances and results, Ole brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a coach, coupled with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club."

Well deserved

After Mourinho was sacked following a 3-1 loss to Liverpool on December 16, Solskjaer initially arrived from Norwegian club Molde "on loan" until the end of the season.

Solskjaer, who spent 11 seasons at Old Trafford as a player, took over with the club in 6th place in the Premier League, 11 points off the top 4.

But they have lost just once in the league since then and are now in 5th place, just two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, with 8 games remaining in the season.

The highlight of his reign so far was a dramatic 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 in the Champions League, with United overturning a 2-0 first-leg defeat to reach the quarterfinals on away goals.

Solskjaer's former United teammate Peter Schmeichel tweeted: "Congratulations my friend, it is well deserved. Up and onwards let's chase some trophies."

Former United defender Gary Neville welcomed the appointment and urged the club to back the new full-time boss financially.

"I'm delighted for Ole," Neville tweeted. "I didn't think this would happen when he was appointed. However the results and spirit in the club have been incredible since he arrived and he deserves it. He now needs support in the transfer market in terms of finance and the right resource!"

Another former United teammate of Solskjaer's, Rio Ferdinand, tweeted: "Yessss Ole is officially at The Wheel... Signed, Sealed, Delivered! Manager of @ManUtd! I hope my Thank You is in post Ole." – Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Philippines – Not even a slip could prevent Beau Belga from defending his Obstacle Challenge throne in the 2019 PBA All-Star Weekend.

The Rain or Shine forward clinched his second Obstalce Challenge title after besting TNT's Yousef Taha and Columbian's Russel Escoto in the final round at the Calasiao Sports Complex here on Friday, March 29.

Belga clocked in 21.0 seconds while Faundo almost seized the crown with a time of 21.3 seconds. Faundo came in at 3rd with 26.3 seconds.

It almost did not end up as triumph for Belga after he literally stumbled and fell in the second round against Meralco's Brian Faundo.

But the burly big man immediately stood up and finished the course faster than Faundo to reach the finals. 

Also competing in the event were San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo, Alaska's Noy Baclao, NLEX's Marion Magat, Phoenix's Justin Chua, Blackwater's Reymar Jose, NorthPort's Mo Tautuaa, Ginebra's Prince Caperal and Magnolia's Kyle Pascual. – Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Peter June Simon dethroned former backcourt partner James Yap in the Three-Point Shootout of the 2019 PBA All-Star Weekend at the Calasiao Sports Complex here on Friday, March 29.

The Magnolia guard scored 17 points in the championship round to seize his first Three-Point Shootout crown as the two-time titlist Yap failed to reach the final after scoring 12 points in the elimination round. 

NorthPort's Robert Bolick almost captured the title but missed the last shot – a money ball – to settle for 16 points and 2nd place while NLEX's Philip Paniamogan landed at 3rd with 14 points. 

Paniamogan actually led the pack in the first round after scorching hot for 21 points only to fizzle out in the finals. 

Simon and Bolick, meanwhile, finished the first round with 20 and 19 points, respectively, to complete the finals cast. 

San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter and TNT's Roger Pogoy, who were heavily favored to win the event, struggled and ended up with 7 and 11 points, respectively. 

Also competing in the event were Blackwater's Mike Digregorio (15 points), Phoenix's Matthew Wright (15), Columbian's Rashawn McCarthy (15), Meralco's Baser Amer (14), Alaska's Simon Enciso (11) and Ginebra's Kevin Ferrer (11). – Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Rey Guevarra claimed a piece of PBA history after clinching a record-tying fifth Slam Dunk crown in the 2019 All-Star Weekend at the Calasiao Sports Complex on Friday, March 29. 

The high-flying Phoenix forward dominated the competition with a combined 100 points to equal Meralco's KG Canaleta for most Slam Dunk titles.

Scoring a combined 95 points in the elimination round, Guevarra upped the ante in the finals against Blackwater's Renz Palma and Columbian's CJ Perez. 

Guevarra pulled off a windmill flush off the bounce to earn a perfect 50 on his first dunk before sealing the deal with a tomahawk slam as his Phoenix teammates cleared the way for him and jumped in unison. 

Rey Guevarra gets a 50 for this dunk. #PBAAllStar2019 | @dioquinodelfinpic.twitter.com/bAlnvlGcye

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 29, 2019

Guevarra also received a 50 on his first dunk in the finals. He finished with a perfect 100 to capture the Slam Dunk crown. #PBAAllStar2019 | @dioquinodelfinpic.twitter.com/9WjBS7f461

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 29, 2019

Palma recorded a 50 with a dunk over 6 Blackwater teammates on his first attempt but failed to get a shot off on the second as time ran out. He finished with a combined 85 points to settle for 2nd place for the second straight year. 

Perez, meanwhile, was immediately eliminated after putting up 42 points on his first dunk. 

NorthPort's Lervin Flores saw action in the contest for the second straight year but bowed out in the elimination round with a combined 69 points as Palma and Perez joined Guevarra in the finals tied with 86 points. – Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Philippines – Javee Mocon put the Rookie-Sophomore All-Stars on his back with the game-winning basket in a 141-140 escape win over the Junior All-Stars at the Calasiao Sports Complex here on Friday, March 29. 

Day 1 of the 2019 PBA All-Star Weekend ended in hysterics as the rookie beat the buzzer with a putback off a CJ Perez miss to give the Rookie-Sophomore All-Stars the victory over the more experienced Junior All-Stars.

Down 139-140, the Rookies-Sophomores looked poised to steal the game after Jason Perkins was fouled during a three-point attempt with 5 seconds remaining in the clock.

Perkins, though, missed all of his foul shots as the game remained in the balance.

Fortunately enough, Perez hauled down the offensive rebound and shot a fadeaway jumper at the baseline before Mocon – who finished with 18 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds – came up with the game-winning putback. 

While Mocon delivered the win, it was the hometown hero Perez who was adjudged Most Valuable Player as he scored 18 of his 32 points in the final frame of the come-from-behind triumph. 

Perez – who hails from Bautista, Pangasinan – drilled in 4 three-pointers in the payoff period as the Rookies-Sophomores stormed their way back from a 106-112 defict following 3 quarters.

Jeron Teng finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds, Robbie Herndon had 16 points and 5 rebounds while Perkins had 9 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the win. 

Defense was loose early as the Rookies-Sophomores raced to a 40-29 lead after the maiden period before the Juniors scored 47 points in the 2nd quarter to mount a 76-73 halftime advantage. 

Rashawn McCarthy paced the Juniors with 24 points while Roger Pogoy delivered 20 points and 6 rebounds. 

Jio Jalalon had 14 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals, Mike Tolomia added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, Ed Daquioag chipped in 13 points while Mac Belo and Matthew Wright added 12 points apiece in the loss. 

More than giving PBA fans a treat, the players all contributed to a bigger cause as Double V Productions pledged a wheelchair to the Alagang PBA Foundation for every three-pointer and dunk.

A total of 44 wheelchairs will be given as both squads combined for 34 triples and 10 dunks. 

The Scores

Rookies-Sophomores (141) – Perez 32, Teng 19, Mocon 18, Herndon 16, Desiderio 11, Perkins 9, Bolick 9, Tallo 7, Nambatac 7, Jackson 6, Tratter 4, Jose 3.

Juniors (140) – McCarthy 24, Pogoy 20, Tolomia 15, Jalalon 14, Daquioag 13, Escoto 13, Belo 12, Wright 12, Ferrer 6, Banal 5, Pessumal 4, Cruz 2.

Quarters: 40-29, 73-76, 106-112, 141-140.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Hong Kong Eastern just pushed defending champion Alab Pilipinas on the brink of elimination.

The No. 7 Hong Kong squad pulled off a stunning 90-88 escape act against San Miguel Alab Pilipinas to move within a win of a series upset in Game 1 of the ABL Season 9 quarterfinals in Hoopsdome Cebu on Friday, March 29.

Alab skidded to a fifth straight loss after a rousing start to the season that secured them the No. 2 berth. And the Philippine club now faces a must-win situation when the best-of-three series shifts to Hong Kong for Game 2 on Wednesday, April 3.

Hong Kong import O’Darien Bassett led the way with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Fellow reinforcement Marcus Elliot fired 22 markers while Michael Holyfield anchored the squad with a 14-point, 16-board double-double.

Although Alab mounted a 15-point lead early in the 3rd, Bassett kickstarted a 16-2 comeback that put his team within one, 61-62, with 2:16 left in the frame.

Both teams then traded blows until Holyfield knotted the game 77-all midway through the 4th. The Hong Kong big man kept the aggression up down the stretch, giving them a late 85-84 lead with a minute to go.

However, reigning two-time Local MVP Ray Parks followed up with a clutch go-ahead jumper, 86-85, with 39 ticks left.

Not to be outdone by their 3 imports, local gunner Lai Lau responded with a huge triple to lift Hong Kong by two in the final 32 seconds of regulation. Lau finished with 9 points on a 3-of-4 (75%) shooting.

Alab had a chance to tie or reclaim the lead, but Ethan Alvano’s corner three clanked off, forcing Caelan Tiongson to foul Marcus Elliot off the rebound to stop the clock. 

Elliot then calmly sank his two penalty shots to give Hong Kong a safe two-possession lead, 90-86, with only 13 seconds left on the clock. 

Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Renaldo Balkman paced Alab with a near triple-double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists.

PJ Ramos returned from a one-game absence with a 17-point, 7-board effort while Tiongson had 13 markers and 7 rebounds. 

The Scores

Hong Kong 90 – Bassett 29, Elliott 22, Holyfield 14, Lau 9, Xu 8, Siu 5, Lee 3, Chan 0.

Alab Pilipinas 88 – Balkman 30, Ramos 17, Tiongson 13, Parks 10, Alvano 8, Rosser 7, Javelona 3, Urbiztondo 0, Sumalinog 0.

Quarters: 22-23, 36-44, 63-66, 90-88. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines (UP) and Ateneo meet in another heated Battle of Katipunan while a shorthanded Far Eastern University (FEU) looks to stop a streaking University of the East in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament.  

Fresh off a straight-set win over defending champion La Salle, the UP Lady Maroons face another big challenge as they look to live up to their billing as the match favorites this time. 

In the first round, the Ateneo Lady Eagles pulled off a shocking sweep over the Lady Maroons, who were suddenly plagued with health concerns prior and during the game. 

But this time, the Maroon side of Katipunan will make sure that they enter the game in top shape as Justine Dorog – who suffered menstrual cramps in the first round –  is expected to lend an extra hand to the fiery duo of Tots Carlos and Isa Molde. 

Although UP is labeled as one of Ateneo's biggest threats, the Lady Eagles just survived Sisi Rondina's record-breaking performance as they rallied from two sets down to keep the solo lead with a 7-1 record.

Maddie Madayag shattered records herself with 11 denials in one game, emerging as the league's top blocker in the Final Four era. 

With Madayag leading the league's top blocking team, Ateneo plans on working up to their strengths and continuing to improve their floor defense that is a notch better than UP's. 

The Battle of Katipunan – where UP targets a sixth win to gain a share of the 2nd spot – gets going on Saturday, March 30, 4 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Earlier at 2 pm, the FEU Lady Tamaraws (5-3) aim to prove that they can make up for the loss of rookie standout Lycha Ebon with a conquest of the UE Lady Warriors (2-6). 

The topscoring Ebon will sit out as she picked up a right knee injury in the 5th set of FEU's thrilling win against Adamson last Sunday, March 24. 

Veteran outside hitter Heather Guino-o is expected to fill in the scoring void while middle blocker Celine Domingo also needs to bounce back from a quiet game against the Lady Falcons. 

The Lady Tamaraws cannot take UE lightly as the Lady Warriors are coming off from one of their best games of the season against National University. 

Setter Laizah Bendong was determined to surpass expectations which resulted to 38 excellent sets, propelling her to the top of the best setter rankings.

UE also showed brilliant team effort over the Lady Bulldogs as Me-an Mendrez, Judith Abil and Seth Rodriguez tallied double digits and combined for a total of 44 points. – Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Aside from showcasing his wares in his first PBA All-Star Weekend, top rookie CJ Perez had his mind set on a greater cause.

Perez helped raise 8 wheelchairs for the Alagang PBA Foundation after firing 32 points in the Rookie-Sophomore All-Stars' 141-140 win over the Junior All-Stars on Friday, March 29.

Event organizers Double V Productions pledged a wheelchair to the Alagang PBA Foundation for every three-pointer and dunk, and the 2018 first overall pick seized the opportunity to give back to the community.

Perez drilled in 6 triples – with 4 coming in the payoff period – and slammed home two dunks to contribute 8 wheelchairs. 

A total of 44 wheelchairs will be given thanks to the 34 three-pointers and 10 dunks both  teams made. 

"Lahat ng tira ko, 'yung mga dunks ko, siyempre para doon sa wheelchair na maibibigay sa PBA," he told reporters after the game. 

(All of my shots and my dunks, those were all dedicated to the wheelchairs that will be donated to the PBA.) 

"Thirty two points ako. Doing the right thing all the time. 'Yung mga shooting, siguro sinuwerte lang ako," added Perez, who won the game's MVP honors. 

(I had 32 points because I just did the right thing all the time. Regarding my shooting, I guess I was just lucky.) 

Perez – who hails from Bautista, Pangasinan – was also pumped up to deliver in front of his townsmen and family cheering for him.

"Na-inspire lang ako maglaro kasi nga nandito ako sa hometown ko. Gusto ko ipakita doon sa mga [kababayan] ko, ma-inspire ko sila," said Perez. 

(I was inspired to play because I'm here in my hometown. I want to show up for my townsmen, I want to inspire them.)  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Far Eastern University (FEU) managed to pull through even minus rookie standout Lycha Ebon.

The Lady Tamaraws rallied past the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors in a grueling five-setter, 25-15, 16-25, 12-25, 25-22, 17-15, to grab a share of 2nd place in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ebon, the Lady Tamaraws' top scorer, sustained a knee injury during FEU's win over Adamson last weekend.

Although FEU clearly missed her scoring firepower, the Lady Tamaraws recovered just in time to sustain their winning run and forge a three-way tie at 6-3.

FEU rode on its fourth-set momentum to gain control of the final frame, but the Lady Warrior continued to threaten to close the gap, 11-13, and tie the match at 14.

Ivana Agudo – who ably filled in the void left by Ebon – put FEU at match point, 14-11. The Lady Warriors, though, refused to fold and Zilfa Olarve later hit back-to-back aces to tie the game, 14-all.

UE even clinched match point, 15-14, but the Lady Warriors committed a crucial error beore Jerrili Malabanan sealed the win with back-to-back attacks, 17-15.

Agudo made the most out of her first start of the season to lead the team with 12 points.

Heather Guino-o, Celine Domingo and Jeanette Villareal tallied 11 points each.

Although the Lady Tamaraws were motivated to win for their injured rookie, head coach George Pascua said they have to stay focused in order to perform.

“Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina after ng 4th set, it’s not about Lycha. Siyempre, ang naging motivation yung pagkawala niya. Kasi ayaw ko naman na lilitaw na matatalo yung team dahil wala siya, at naniniwala ako sa kanila, na kaya nila na mag-perform without yung isa sa mga scorer namin,” said Pascua.

(I told them in the 4th set that it’s not about Lycha. Of course, her loss was our motivation and I don’t want it to look like the team will lose just because she’s missing. I believe in them that they can perform even with one scorer down.)

UE’s Me-an Mendrez notched a career-high 22 pints off 21 attacks and 1 block. Laizah Bendong also continued her fiery start to the second round as she dished out a season-high of 42 excellent sets.

The Lady Tamaraws escaped the early deadlock with a 5-0 run for a 15-10 edge as UE collapsed with errors in the opening frame. With the Lady Warriors failing to gain their rhythm, FEU cruised to a 7-1 run to close out the set.

But the Lady Warriors bounced back to even the match as FEU committed 3 errors in 4 sequences that paved way for a six-point UE lead, 16-10.

UE continued to dominate the Lady Tamaraws in the 3rd set with a massive 10-4 run on the way to a commanding set win, 25-12, that gave them the 2–1 match advantage. 

The Lady Warriors trailed in the 4th set until Olarve lifted UE to tie the score at 16-all. But another UE collapse allowed FEU to regain control and extend the match to a deciding set, 25-22. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – National University (NU) streaked to its ninth straight victory against Ateneo as Adamson picked up win No. 5 versus the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 81 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

NU, though, worked hard to keep its winning run going as the Bulldogs barely escaped the gritty Blue Eagles in a five-set thriller, 25-19, 25-20, 19-25, 25-27, 15-10.

The Falcons also had a tough time dispatching the Maroons, going through a couple of extended sets before forging a 25-21, 24-26, 25-20, 32-30 triumph.

Bryan Bagunas fired a game-high 25 points to power the Bulldogs, who stayed on top with a 9-1 card. 

Nico Almedras and James Natividad also collected 18 and 17 points, respectively, for the defending champions.  

Ateneo forced a deciding frame after a 7-2 rally that turned a 20-23 deficit into a 27-25 fourth-set win in the rematch of last season’s finals.

But the Bulldogs managed to snap the Blue Eagles’ momentum in the final set, wresting the lead at 8-7 before closing out the match with a 6-2 run.

Chumason Njigha scored 18 points while Ish Rivera had 10 markers and 30 excellent receptions for the Blue Eagles, who remained at 3rd place with 6-4 slate despite the recent slump.  

Meanwhile, Paolo Pablico had a career-game as the Adamson captain sizzled with a 31-point performance, including 15 excellent digs.

Jadewin Gudoy and George Labang added 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Falcons, who improved their record to 5-4, just a step behind Ateneo.

Four UP players scored in double digits as John Millete (16), Jerry San Pedro (12), Nicolo Consuelo (11) and Ruskin Ijiran (10) combined for 49 markers in a losing effort for the Maroons, who remained at the bottom of the standings at 1-8.  – Leigh Nald Cabildo/Rappler.com

CALASIAO, Philippines – James Yap thinks former backcourt partner Peter June Simon still has plenty of gas left in the tank, especially now that his old pal won his first PBA Three-Point Shootout title in the 2019 All-Star Weekened.

Simon has seen limited playing time for Magnolia in the 2019 Philippine Cup, but he showed he remains one of the league's deadliest shooters by dethroning, coincidentally, Yap. 

The 38-year-old Simon fired 20 points in the elimination round before beating NorthPort's Robert Bolick and NLEX's Philip Paniamogan in the finals with a score of 17. 

"Alam naman natin 'yang si PJ, noong rookie year ko, magkabasay na kami. Marami pang gasolina na natitira diyan sa katawan niya," said Yap of Simon, with whom he won 7 titles under the Purefoods franchise. 

(We all know how PJ plays. I started my PBA career with him. He still has plenty of gas left in the tank.) 

"Puwedeng puwede pa yan. 'Di pa bugbog 'yan." 

(He can still play. He's not yet beaten.) 

Yap also believes the Three-Point Shootout triumph will work wonders for Simon, just like it did for him when he captured the title in 2018. 

Since last year's All-Star festivities, Yap has gradually improved his averages after every conference and now norms a team-leading 14.7 points for the playoff-bound Rain or Shine. 

"Malaking boost sa kaniya and 'yung kumpiyansa babalik. Noong nanalo ako last year, 'yung kumpiyansa ko tumaas eh. Sana ganoon din sa kaniya," Yap said. 

(I hope this will give him a big boost and that his confidence will come back. When I won last year, my confidence skyrocketed. I hope that also happens to him.)

Yap and Simon will reunite as they suit up for the South All-Stars against the North All-Stars in the All-Star Game at the Calasiao Sports Complex here on Sunday, March 31. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo conquered a University of the Philippines (UP) side that lost its top player in the UAAP Season 81 volleyball tournament’s Battle of Katipunan.

The Lady Eagles dominated the Lady Maroons – who lost Isa Molde to a knee and ankle injury in the 2nd set – in another straight-set win, 25-23, 25-16, 25-23, on Saturday, March 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kat Tolentino led the Ateneo pack with 15 points off 11 attacks, 3 blocks and 1 ace.

As Ateneo streaked to its eighth straight victory, the Lady Eagles strengthened their hold of the No. 1 spot with an 8-1 record while UP fell to 5th place with a 5-4 slate.

Molde, one of the team’s top scorers, suffered an injury after colliding with teammate Mary Bautista and landing awkwardly on her left leg. The UP stalwart was stretchered off the court and never returned to the game.

Molde being stretchered off the court. Her left knee is elevated according to the footage. #UAAPSeason81Volleyball | @beebeego09pic.twitter.com/92clLsx9Ej

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 30, 2019

UP challenged the Lady Eagles in the 1st set but Ateneo took the lead after back-to-back attacks by Ponggay Gaston and Bea de Leon, 16-14.

The Lady Maroons’ crucial errors towards the end of set allowed Ateneo to take the opening frame, 25-23.

As Ateneo got off to a 4-0 start in the next set, Molde sustained an injury that halted play and visibly left the Lady Maroons shell-shocked.

Ateneo zoomed to a 10-1 advantage and cruised to 25-16 set win for a 2-0 match lead.

The Lady Maroons, though, regained their poise in the 3rd set even minus Molde and stayed within striking distance of the Lady Eagles.

Three straight errors by Ateneo gave UP a fighting chance, and later, back-to-back attacks by Marian Buitre gave UP the edge, 14-13.

Both teams brought the game down to the wire before Ateneo leaned on its veterans to break the deadlock before Jules Samonte ended the match with a kill.

Tots Carlos led UP’s balanced scoring effort with 8 points as Marian Buitre and Justine Dorog tallied 6 points apiece. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – To close out the madness of March, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 will hold the knockout Grand Finals of the President's Cup on Sunday, March 31 at the SM Fairview Events Center.

However, two of the 4 top-ranked squads will enter the final tour of the country's first-ever 3x3 basketball league with new pieces.

Two-leg champions Pasig Grindhouse Kings will not have Dylan Ababou for the knockout phase of the tournament that has P1 million at stake as he is still nursing a strained right calf.

Replacing Ababou is former San Sebastian stalwart Leo De Vera.

"Leo has been training with us for the last two weeks. I taught him our plays and he seems to have good chemistry with Josh [Munzon], Taylor [Statham], and Troy [Rike]," said Ababou, the ninth-ranked 3x3 player in the country. 

Pasig, which has tallied 360 points in the first 4 legs, will need to finish in the top 3 to book a ticket to the 2019 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha, which takes place from April 18 and 19. 

The Kings will face the winner between No. 8 Bulacan Kuyas and No. 9 Zamboanga Valientes MLV. 

The wild card games begin at 11 am. 

Second-seed Bataan Risers, who will join Pasig for the Chooks-to-Go 3x3 Asia Pacific Super Quest from April 6 to 7 at SM Megamall, opted to suit up Chito Jaime instead of Anton Asistio.  

"Hindi kami papayag maulit sa amin yung nangyari nung 4th leg," lamented Pasaol as they need to win the final leg and Pasig to finish below 3rd place to punch their ticket to Doha. "Papakita namin na kami ang deserving na mag-represent sa Pilipinas sa Doha."

(We won't let a repeat of the 4th leg happen. We will show that we are the ones deserving to represent the Philippines in Doha.)

They will face the victor of the No. 7 Cebu-Max4 Birada, who will have Dondon Hontiveros in the lineup, and No. 10 Zark's Jawbreakers-Quezon City.

Third-ranked Pasay Voyagers will not have sniper Roosevelt Adams as the Fil-Am is still recovering from a slight right meniscus tear. Stepping up for Pasay is former UST Growling Tiger Justin Arana. 

The Karl Dehesa-less Vigan Wolves and the Bacoor City Strikers will face off for the right to face Pasay. 

Finally, Mac Cardona will make his return for the fourth-seeded San Juan Knights-Go for Gold. San Juan will await the winner of the Mac Andaya-powered Carga Valenzuela Classic and the Marikina Shoemasters, who will have Gerald Anderson once again. 

The Most Valuable Player of the tournament will bring home a cool P50,000 as well. 

To bring a more all-star feel to the event, David Carlos, Kobe Paras, Franky Johnson, and Darwin Cantong will vie for P20,000 in the Gameville Slam Dunk competition while the winner of the 12-man Gameville Three-point Shootout will pocket P10,000. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons absorbed their fourth defeat in 9 games, but it wasn’t the most heartbreaking incident of the day.

Isa Molde – who is having an outstanding season so far – fell awkwardly in the 2nd set of their match against the league-leading Ateneo Lady Eagles in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 30.

Although UP mentor Godfrey Okumu hoped that she could return soon, he still sees a silver lining in this latest setback as it paves way for his deep bench to shine in the next few games. 

"I wish that she'd have come back, because when you make those kinds of substitutions, the rotation order, the chemistry somewhere gets distorted and we have to start from zero again. So we have to go back to the drawing board and think of our next lineup for Wednesday," said Okumu. 

The Lady Maroons were down 0-4 in the 2nd set when Molde and teammate Mirgie Bautista collided near the net.

Molde went up for the spike following Bautista’s dig, but she unfortunately landed on the libero and stayed down for a couple of minutes.

Lord God tama na po for injuries. Kota na po ang batch nato. Get well soon Isa Molde! #UAAP81WomensVolleyball#obf#BraveStanceAteneo#UPFightpic.twitter.com/Nt89IBByBH

— captainA (@CaptainAirwolf) March 30, 2019

UP’s vice-captain was eventually stretchered out of the playing court, while the latter was fortunate to see off the game healthy.

Molde being stretchered off the court. Her left knee is elevated according to the footage. #UAAPSeason81Volleyball | @beebeego09pic.twitter.com/92clLsx9Ej

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) March 30, 2019

Isa Molde exits the UP Lady Maroons dugout right after the game. She will be brought to PGH for further tests on her injured left knee. #UAAAPSeason81Volleyball@RapplerSportspic.twitter.com/qRni2WqH2N

— Juro (@juro_morilla) March 30, 2019

It seemed like a left knee injury for the fourth-year spiker, but Lady Maroons head coach Godfrey Okumu shared post-game that the injury was probably a sprain on the left ankle, and nothing on the knee.

"What I know is she’s gonna be fine. It’s nothing serious, but what we don’t know is how long she’s gonna stay out," said Okumu. 

"She’s going for x-rays, then after the x-rays, we’ll be able to talk about it."

According to Okumu, he expects Marian Buitre – who produced 6 points against the Lady Eagles – to step up in the next few games without Molde. 

Despite playing in the same position as team captain Tots Carlos, Okumu indicated that it would be nice if both of them click while playing at the same time.

"She’s a very good player," Okumu said of Buitre. "I believe she will do wonders. She’s capable of doing wonders. She will give us a lot of strength that we’ve been waiting for."

The UP Lady Maroons look to bounce back versus the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors on Wednesday, April 3, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. – Juro Morilla/Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses go for another heated rematch against the La Salle Lady Spikers while the Adamson Lady Falcons and National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs battle to end their skids in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament. 

UST – pushed to step up its game following the loss of Fil-Italian Milena Alessandrini to injury – gained solid momentum after pulling off a shocker with a straight-set win over La Salle. 

And the Golden Tigresses plan to keep hold of the No.2 spot by sweeping the defending champions again. 

With other UST players stepping up like Caitlin Viray– who quietly notched a breakthrough performance with a career-high 14 points – they've proven that the España squad doesn't soley rely on Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure. 

Although this year's La Salle team is totally different from the three-peat squad, veterans like Desiree Cheng and Tin Tiamzon have emerged as the key players leading the young squad. 

Cheng looks to ride on her 17-point outburst over NU and guide her team to replicate a close-to-perfect performance as La Salle only registered 10 errors in the three-set drubbing. 

Former NCAA standout Lourdes Clemente proved she could bounce back from an embarrassing game by delivering for the Lady Spikers at the net. 

La Salle and UST – both aiming for a seventh victory – collide on Sunday, March 31, 4 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. 

At 2 pm, the skidding Adamson Lady Falcons and NU Lady Bulldogs look to get out of their slump. 

The Lady Falcons have only tallied one win, which was taken at NU's expense.

But Adamson is coming off one of its worst performances against the Golden Tigresses as no Lady Falcon registered double digits in the embarrasing straight-set loss. 

The talented NU team hopes to take advantage of Adamson's lackluster performance as rookies Princess Robles and Ivy Lacsina continue to do the damage. 

Although either failed to topscore for the Lady Bulldogs against a powerful La Salle team last Wednesday, March 27, they're very capable of living up to their reputation as one of the best scorers in the league. – Rappler.com