Pinoy Buzz: sports

RUNRIO honors winners of 2017 Trilogy Race Series, announces line-up of activities for 2018

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - RUNRIO Events, Inc., organizer of running events, recently held the RUNRIO Trilogy Awards at the Grand Ballroom of the Okada Manila in Pasay City.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hmGdn2J8RHUj-tOGtX6gvnzIojmHpZPF7-fl2lg-ypvryVwlur-IDJuwny5RegOoRBxD6JdB3yAwE8RGWG-EMeuoCKhZ8QHyMiKBnhZEAfRyrFi0-WoITnr4C5O5ErmR16RWe80vgN6T/s1600/runrio-2017-awards-night.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="RUNRIO honors winners of 2017 Trilogy Race Series" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="817" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hmGdn2J8RHUj-tOGtX6gvnzIojmHpZPF7-fl2lg-ypvryVwlur-IDJuwny5RegOoRBxD6JdB3yAwE8RGWG-EMeuoCKhZ8QHyMiKBnhZEAfRyrFi0-WoITnr4C5O5ErmR16RWe80vgN6T/s1600/runrio-2017-awards-night.JPG" title="RUNRIO honors winners of 2017 Trilogy Race Series" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RunRio recognizes participants of of 2017 Trilogy Race Series.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The company recognized last year’s runners who completed the three-leg race series namely, 21k, 32k, and 42k that happened on June 25, August 31 and October 1, respectively. They also honored the fastest and oldest finishers. All awardees received a limited edition medal hanger.<br /><br />“The RUNRIO Trilogy Awards is our way of showing our appreciation to all those who participated and gave everything they’ve got fueled by their #HeartToFinish strong,” said Andrew Neri, RUNRIO Events, Inc. Managing Partner.<br /><br />Moreover, RUNRIO also presented YesPinoy Foundation a total of PhP500,000.00 donation. Founded in 2009, the foundation in partnership with Taclob, produces emergency bags made by survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. The aim is to provide hooded cloak backpacks with emergency kits and learner’s materials to young people in vulnerable public schools particularly those in areas affected by Typhoons.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Aside from the Trilogy Awards, RUNRIO also announced the schedule of races for 2018 as the RUNRIO Trilogy Race Series expands its presence in Cebu. This year, the first leg of the race series will be held on March 4 in Cebu and on March 18 in Manila. The second leg will be in Cebu this time on May 6 and again in Manila on June 3. The last leg will be on August 19 and again on September 23 in Cebu and Manila, respectively.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLktb_CQjXc3Ro2EHmmh4vxZmjMJFu2qZUpu7ZIylqzKQD9K2HKTsaay29zf4IKSDBg4Ca7AYGxzywoywPj4ZGEZghd3No4m6M-P8mjE1S4uBqR9r2kh1fdpj_sOVx8qzpy0UBitwvBVb/s1600/RUNRIO+TRILOGY+2018_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="RunRio Trilogy Race Series 2018 official logo." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="1442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLktb_CQjXc3Ro2EHmmh4vxZmjMJFu2qZUpu7ZIylqzKQD9K2HKTsaay29zf4IKSDBg4Ca7AYGxzywoywPj4ZGEZghd3No4m6M-P8mjE1S4uBqR9r2kh1fdpj_sOVx8qzpy0UBitwvBVb/s1600/RUNRIO+TRILOGY+2018_logo.jpg" title="RunRio Trilogy Race Series 2018 official logo." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RunRio Trilogy Race Series 2018 official logo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Running enthusiasts can also look forward to more exciting running activities in store for everyone. First is the 5k Family Run. For this race, teams must consist of two adults and two kids. Each kid must be 15 years or below to qualify. The 5k Barkada Run, on the other hand, is open to four adults each of whom must be 16 years of age or older. There is also the 10k Buddy Run which, is also for participants 16 years old and above.<br /><br />As an added incentive for runners, participants who register in groups are entitled to a substantial discount on the registration fees.<br /><br />For more information on the registration fees and the online registration schedule, visit <a href="http://www.runrio.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.runrio.com</a>.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

RUNRIO honors winners of 2017 Trilogy Race Series, announces line-up of activities for 2018

MANILA, Philippines - RUNRIO Events, Inc., organizer of running events, recently held the RUNRIO Trilogy Awards at the Grand Ballroom of the...

ABL: Alab Pilipinas survives Mono Vampire Thailand to extend its winning streak to 6

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Alab Pilipinas relied on its super imports heroic acts to survive Mono Vampire Thailand, 86-84 at the Star Arena in Baliuag Bulacan on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbA9ihnJgYIpTE4CqyCLv32Mbt2RaHaESAq_ZjpXo54vXIePIONdJ-UVuUj5J2kcMiqqTStj3MdD-8tVQbgK8UytTeStKsoQxHfaIV3dQ8BfVoJbhb58d8pFcZvmA3D2Kml-_UK6JFvkp/s1600/Balkman_Alab.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alab Pilipinas survives Mono Vampire Thailand to extend its winning streak to 6" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbA9ihnJgYIpTE4CqyCLv32Mbt2RaHaESAq_ZjpXo54vXIePIONdJ-UVuUj5J2kcMiqqTStj3MdD-8tVQbgK8UytTeStKsoQxHfaIV3dQ8BfVoJbhb58d8pFcZvmA3D2Kml-_UK6JFvkp/s1600/Balkman_Alab.jpg" title="Alab Pilipinas survives Mono Vampire Thailand to extend its winning streak to 6" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renaldo Balkman’s late drive saved Alab Pilipinas from the scary Mono Vampire Thailand | Photo Courtesy: Asean Basketball League</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The last time that these 2 teams met, Alab Pilipinas humiliated Mono Vampire in Thailand. Tonight, Philippines aimed to replicate its victory in front of its home court and continue its winning streak.<br /><br />Sam Deguara’s gigantic presence in the middle became an early problem for Alab as the Thais posted their early lead of 10-2. Coach Jimmy Alapag had enough and called a timeout.<br /><br />Alab bounced back from a sloppy start after the untimely ceasefire spearheaded by Justin Brownlee and Josh Urbiztondo who both ignited the crowd with their three pointers and snatched the lead away from Mono Vampire.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />San Miguel Alab Pilipinas held onto its 22-18 thin advantage until the end of the opening period.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee lighted it all up in the beginning of the 2nd period as the country’s most popular import unleashed more treys and blocked shots on the other end. Alab hit the double-digit lead, 33-20 with over 6 minutes left in the quarter.<br /><br />In just less than a minute, Alab’s lead was brought down to just 6 as Sam Deguara re-entered the floor and owned the shaded lead.<br /><br />Aside from Deguara’s dominance underneath the basket, misses and turnovers started to pile up for Alab Pilipinas that gave an opportunity for Mono Vampire to tie the game at 38-all with 1:22 left in the half.<br /><br />Filipino-American Jason Brickman ended the 1st half with a floater and for the lead. 40-38 in favor of Mono Vampire Thailand.<br /><br />The Filipinos started the 3rd quarter with an 8-0 scoring blitz courtesy of super imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman. The run was also followed-up by a Bobby Parks Jr. to Lawrence Domingo alley-oop play that made the crowd jump off their seats.<br /><br />Thailand’s titan, Sam Deguara, committed his 3rd foul of the game and was taken out immediately to preserve his remaining personals in the final canto. But his partner, ex-PBA import, Mike Singletary took over the scoring chores for Mono Vampire and managed to trim the Alab lead to just 1, 60-59 with 2:38 remaining.<br /><br />Former Ateneo Eagle, Oping Sumalinog closed the penultimate quarter with a long bomb for an 8-point, 68-60 Alab Pilipinas lead.<br /><br />Both squads were too quiet as they unfolded the final chapter of the game. While everyone was quiet, Mono Vampire’s heritage import and Filipino Paul Zamar took the chance to showcase his talents and helped his team cut the lead.<br /><br />Thailand totally snapped Alab’s lead at the 5:34 mark. Coach Alapag pushed the panic button and burned another timeout.<br /><br />Just as badly needed, Justin Brownlee launched another outside bomb and a steal to swing the lead back to Alab’s side.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee found the wide-opened Josh Urbiztondo on the right corner for a sure triple and 3-point advantage with less than a minute left. Right after Urbiztondo’s big shot, Mike SIngletary hit a trey of his of own for the equalizer.<br /><br />Alab had 19.2 to make the last shot. Justin Brownlee took the ball and intended to melt the clock. With 4 ticks left in the clock, Brownlee found the cutting Renaldo Balkman in the center and the Puerto Rican made the shot for the lead 86-84.<br /><br />Mike Singletary attempted a jumpshot to send the game into an overtime but he was clearly denied by Justin Brownlee and Mono Vampire Thailand officially bowed down to San Miguel Alab Pilipinas for the 2nd time.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas improved its record to 9-4 while Mono Vampire Thailand fell to 9-5 in the league standings.<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Alab Pilipinas survives Mono Vampire Thailand to extend its winning streak to 6

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Alab Pilipinas relied on its super imports heroic acts to survive Mono Vampire Thailand, 86-84 at the Star ...

Tough Mudder lands in the Philippines

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Tough Mudder, the world's best mud run, has arrived in the country!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia61HYs44wq0MgqzCky8gneT5RTE0pwM2CDNZmEsL4y6UfNQTG5JcCl1U8oMIY65fa6N8qYEz0r1fe1RDGPLSgw7RfNJXiCnAWhYl4pnjD_7AxnDqr3R6MLwMR1SndGC2O5ewbYo6vxS8s/s1600/Tough-Mudder-LondonWest16-Saturday-135_preview.jpeg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tough Mudder arrives in the Philippines" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia61HYs44wq0MgqzCky8gneT5RTE0pwM2CDNZmEsL4y6UfNQTG5JcCl1U8oMIY65fa6N8qYEz0r1fe1RDGPLSgw7RfNJXiCnAWhYl4pnjD_7AxnDqr3R6MLwMR1SndGC2O5ewbYo6vxS8s/s1600/Tough-Mudder-LondonWest16-Saturday-135_preview.jpeg" title="Tough Mudder arrives in the Philippines" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Tough Mudder in the Philippines is scheduled this July 2018</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sport and active lifestyle brand Tough Mudder, Inc. and sports agency Proactive Sports Management partnered to bring the world’s leading obstacle course event for the Filipinos. The announcement was made during the official launch on Saturday, January 27, at the Shangri-La at the Fort in Bonifacio Global City.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Beckvs5lGf1/" data-instgrm-version="8" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Beckvs5lGf1/" rel="nofollow" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">ATM: UK's Tough Mudder Media Launch. #toughmudder</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mysummitexpress/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> The Summit Express</a> (@mysummitexpress) on <time datetime="2018-01-27T08:37:53+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jan 27, 2018 at 12:37am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></center><br />The inaugural Philippine’s Tough Mudder Event Weekend will take place in July, followed by another event in November 2018.  Both events will feature Tough Mudder’s signature obstacles. <br /><br />“This is the first time that Tough Mudder will be in the Philippines, and Tough Mudder is not just about being tough, it is also about teamwork and determination,” said Proactive COO Justine Cordero.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />This new licensee follows the success of Tough Mudder’s licensed events – hosted to date in Mexico, Bali, Ireland, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. It will provide access to events for active lifestyle individuals living or visiting the Philippines seeking the challenge, camaraderie and thrills that only a Tough Mudder experience can offer.<br /><br />“Tough Mudder events have united millions seeking a more engaging, communal form of active lifestyle.  We are excited to partner with Proactive Sports Management, who have a proven track record for success for athletic events in the Philippines, to ensure locals and tourists alike will have the same unparalleled experience that has made Tough Mudder the must-do event for OCR enthusiasts and weekend warriors alike,” said Will Dean, CEO and Co-Founder, Tough Mudder.    <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_4Iuq56IGREVa37EyrSJS92Y14pyseWnF23302EOynuQ9c027NAJC9Tn1qZanRjSJ_FayCzUFoYqbzT9_vlMEJUIfTnyJXgR3QupEIxn_D5wlB8Ewb44MdUL2x1IbOsPoxyGOgLMR9ZH/s1600/Tough-mudder-londo.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tough Mudder London." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_4Iuq56IGREVa37EyrSJS92Y14pyseWnF23302EOynuQ9c027NAJC9Tn1qZanRjSJ_FayCzUFoYqbzT9_vlMEJUIfTnyJXgR3QupEIxn_D5wlB8Ewb44MdUL2x1IbOsPoxyGOgLMR9ZH/s1600/Tough-mudder-londo.JPG" title="Tough Mudder London." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tough Mudder London.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With more than 3 million participants to date across five continents, Tough Mudder has offerings ranging from accessible yet rewarding challenges, such as the Tough Mudder 5K and Tough Mudder Half (five-mile event excluding fire, ice and electricity), to competitive events, such as Tough Mudder X (the toughest mile on the planet) and World’s Toughest Mudder (24-hour endurance event). <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsf9cYzh2yBbIVXQZAQO7KQbOwv94KBbkZZwl77suEfNC1ctL2x3mwLco4Uv5uhQWS72Q__t5o1Bg9iwgdzlTC8JHu3eSlrF0dg9D0fnpteDVtmttRUTIqKglR-znKz6wfJxVYZ-anEhW/s1600/tough-mudder-london-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tough Mudder London." border="0" class="img" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsf9cYzh2yBbIVXQZAQO7KQbOwv94KBbkZZwl77suEfNC1ctL2x3mwLco4Uv5uhQWS72Q__t5o1Bg9iwgdzlTC8JHu3eSlrF0dg9D0fnpteDVtmttRUTIqKglR-znKz6wfJxVYZ-anEhW/s1600/tough-mudder-london-2.JPG" title="Tough Mudder London." /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tough Mudder London.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This year, Tough Mudder, Inc. and its licensees will host an unprecedented 150+ events across nearly a dozen countries, such as the United States, The United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Canada and two new countries, South Africa and Oman, welcoming participants worldwide into a global community that lives courage, personal accomplishment, teamwork and fun.<br /><br />Registration for Tough Mudder in the Philippines is ongoing, for more information, check out Facebook/ToughMudderPhilippines.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Tough Mudder lands in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - Tough Mudder, the world's best mud run, has arrived in the country! First Tough Mudder in the Philippines is sched...

ABL: Alab Pilipinas crushes Mono Vampire Thailand

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay Alab Pilipinas bounced back big time after a sorry loss against Singapore Slingers few of days ago as the Filipinos torched the Mono Vampire Basketball Club, 114-87 in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) on Sunday, January 14, 2018 in Bangkok City Thailand.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyYkOym3btpNNOT8zyVxcgIquMsUNGEz7WcdiGEN5zou09QEpWwWjpsWjxTtTdVELP8EGI1PZFA2HbbdmkmcbRDa8ImzQRNsMrSTss3jXWUnjL2LyXomlhyphenhyphenLyIPWrqbb2C8HraArDayJl/s1600/Justin-Brownlee-Abl.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alab Pilipinas crushes Mono Vampire Thailand" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyYkOym3btpNNOT8zyVxcgIquMsUNGEz7WcdiGEN5zou09QEpWwWjpsWjxTtTdVELP8EGI1PZFA2HbbdmkmcbRDa8ImzQRNsMrSTss3jXWUnjL2LyXomlhyphenhyphenLyIPWrqbb2C8HraArDayJl/s1600/Justin-Brownlee-Abl.jpg" title="Alab Pilipinas crushes Mono Vampire Thailand" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin Brownlee exploded for 29 points to lead Alab Pilipinas in a win against Mono Vampire Thailand. Photo Credit: Asean Basketball League</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Mono Vampire is not an easy task for Alab to accomplish, as the Thai Basketball team has Samuel Deguara, a 7’4” center who can make life harder for Filipino cagers especially under the basket.<br /><br />With Deguara on Mono Vampire, Coach Jimmy Alapag had to tweak his starters to match the height advantage of the Thai Team. <br /><br />Coach Alapag tapped the seldomly used Rico Maierhofer to man the middle. Maierhofer savored the rare opportunity that his coach game him and paid him back with 5 points and a block on Deguara. Alab had the advantage early on with a 20-11 scoring run.<br /><br />Mono Vampire caught-up with Alab led by former UE Red Warrior Paul Zamar and Fil-Am Jason Brickman who became a real threat on both offensive and defensive sides that worried Coach Alapag.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Despite the Thai-run, Philippines managed to get back and ended the opening period with a 10-point, 32-22 lead.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee and Josh Urbiztondo bumped-up the lead to 16 as Alab started the 2nd quarter but Ex-Barako Bull import Mike Singletary retaliated to cut the numbers down.<br /><br />Thailand may have a giant on the floor all the time, but surprisingly, Philippines outrebounded Mono Vampire and converted them into second-chance points to blow the lead to its largest at 18 before the 2nd quarter expired.<br /><br />Tanduay Alab Pilipinas held on to its lead, 54-37 after the first 20 minutes of the ballgame.<br /><br />Thailand was firing back at Philippines come 3rd quarter. The only problem was: the locals were not contributing. In contrast, Tanduay Alab’s guards, Josh Urbiztondo and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. were in full blast in supporting the tenacity of Renaldo Balkman and Justin Brownlee.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee was too quiet in the 1st half. But he got back on his feet and dropped significant digits in the third to help Alab posted a 20-point lead.<br /><br />Bobby Ray Parks Jr. also tallied his 19th point of the game from the outside with 3 more minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. With that trey, Parks Jr. surpassed his 16th-point game performance versus Slingers.<br /><br />Outstanding penultimate quarter for Philippines as the nationals escalated their lead, 88-62.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee was simply unstoppable in the 2nd half. Brownlee turned into a scoring machine who got his points from both the inside and the outside to help Philippines reached the century mark.<br /><br />With 4 minutes remaining in the game, Alab’s advantage had ballooned to 32 points. Coach Jimmy Alapag opted to rest his gunners and sent his 3rd unit in to finish the game.<br /><br />PBA Veteran Dondon Hontiveros led the crew as Alab closed out the game, 114-87 and posted Philippines’ 4th win together with 4 losses.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas will face CLS Knights next on January 20.<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Alab Pilipinas crushes Mono Vampire Thailand

MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay Alab Pilipinas bounced back big time after a sorry loss against Singapore Slingers few of days ago as the Fili...

ABL: Alab Pilipinas’ winning streak is over, falls to Singapore Slingers at home

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay Alab Pilipinas failed to defend the house as the visiting Singapore Slingers defeated the nationals, 90-80, in the ASEAN Baketball League (ABL) on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the San Juan Flying V Arena.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12uaMYsrjzM8InWBnBCkwboZMLt0T2_WhyXpqVy4qlZn2Q0iZHPrWRizUid6vwXlz6zrXFX2gRcAaKDDn3hyW0762_sPw_5E0cmji2JvAELzFPZphfyrvqjqVo7mfFdmYTbfvlvqbdtEa/s1600/Chris+Alexander.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Xavier “X-Man” Alexander led Singapore Slingers in win over Alab Pilipinas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12uaMYsrjzM8InWBnBCkwboZMLt0T2_WhyXpqVy4qlZn2Q0iZHPrWRizUid6vwXlz6zrXFX2gRcAaKDDn3hyW0762_sPw_5E0cmji2JvAELzFPZphfyrvqjqVo7mfFdmYTbfvlvqbdtEa/s1600/Chris+Alexander.jpg" title="Xavier “X-Man” Alexander led Singapore Slingers in win over Alab Pilipinas" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xavier “X-Man” Alexander led Singapore Slingers in win over Alab Pilipinas to and Filipinos’ 3-game winning streak. Photo Credit: Asean Basketball League</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For the 2nd time in less than a week, the Tanduay Alab Pilipinas faced Singapore Slingers in its home turf and welcomed the latter with an immaculate defensive stops and offensive assault.<br /><br />Slinger and big man Chris Charles got into foul trouble too early and gave opportunities for Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Justin Brownlee to relentlessly attack the basket to take a 10-2 lead.<br /><br />Just like Chris Charles, Alab players Justin Brownlee and Robi Celis committed 2 personal fouls each. Brownlee however, continued to play but limited himself on the defensive end to avoid getting another foul that resulted to an 8-0 Slinger-run and for the deadlock.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Renaldo Balkman hit a trey together with 2 back-to-back blocks to break the tie and led Alab in its own scoring run. Philippines recovered and ended the 1st quarter with a 19-12 lead.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas slowed down from scoring at the start of the 2nd quarter. The Slingers on the other hand, erupted spearheaded by Fil-Canadian AJ Mandani and snatched the lead from Alab, 26-21. Coach Jimmy Alapag promptly called a halt to make some adjustment in the defense department.<br /><br />Right after the timeout, Josh Urbiztondo responded with a ringless triple followed by a floater from Renaldo Balkman to level the game. Balkman was the first Alab player who got into double-figures with over 6 minutes remaining in the half.<br /><br />AJ Mandani and Xavier Alexander became real problems for Coach Alapag. Mandani owned the rainbow country while his import dominated the shaded lane to end the 1st half, 42-28 in favor of Singapore Slingers.<br /><br />Good 2nd half start for Alab Pilipinas as the nationals grabbed the lead from the Slingers. Philippines’ lead was just momentarily as Singapore, courtesy of Fil-Canadian AJ Manday fired another long bomb and regained the advantage.<br /><br />Both squads traded baskets in the closing phase of the third. However, it was Singapore which had the lead. Justin Brownlee’s presence was missing in the 3rd quarter. Brownlee only tallied 6 points in the said quarter.<br /><br />Seldomly used Rico Meierhoffer exerted some valuable efforts to save Alab in the 3rd period. The veteran center provided 6 points in 2 minutes and grabbed a handful of crucial boards to level the score at 64-all at the end of the penultimate quarter.<br /><br />Singapore blitzed a 6-0 run as the final quarter was unfolded. Philippines was slowly feeling the hefty presence of 7-footer Chris Charles in the middle as the American import clogged it to prevent the Filipinos from driving through.<br /><br />AJ Mandani continued to sizzle hot from the outside and helped his team posted their biggest lead of 9, 75-66 with 5:43 remaining in the ballgame.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas got double-whammied as Coach Jimmy Alapag was whistled for a technical foul for continuous complaining. Coach Alapag lamented for 2 non-crucial calls on Xavier Alexander as the Slinger committed a travelling infraction and made a basket after it even though the clock had expired. Both violations were uncalled that prompted the crowd to yell “Luto, luto.”<br /><br />AJ Mandani placed the nail on the coffin with another triple for the dozen lead, 88-76. Slingers held on to the lead right until the final horn sounded and will go home victorious, 90-80.<br /><br />Tanduay Alab Pilipinas will travel to Bangkok Thailand to face Mono Vampires on Sunday, January 14.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Alab Pilipinas’ winning streak is over, falls to Singapore Slingers at home

MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay Alab Pilipinas failed to defend the house as the visiting Singapore Slingers defeated the nationals, 90-80, in...

LiAngelo Ball to play in the Philippines?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos might see one of the Ball brothers play live in action this year if plans don’t go accordingly for the most-hyped and young Ballers as local basketball agent Ms. Sheryl Reyes expressed her intent to bring Liangelo Ball in the country.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv_dtwlFNu4Au4_FfoaKeySh9vaJ9Is_NIv04ysJrTHQh25Kc8FHUcImlRtkO8LcLG7vygf7p7_s6qcDeIWyptQipE9zKJqwwCktzqF89o9S8oKkNItH9VkJPCP9pmY1A18bf2lTi8Y8K/s1600/liangelo-ball-brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="LiAngelo Ball to play in the Philippines?" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv_dtwlFNu4Au4_FfoaKeySh9vaJ9Is_NIv04ysJrTHQh25Kc8FHUcImlRtkO8LcLG7vygf7p7_s6qcDeIWyptQipE9zKJqwwCktzqF89o9S8oKkNItH9VkJPCP9pmY1A18bf2lTi8Y8K/s1600/liangelo-ball-brothers.jpg" title="LiAngelo Ball to play in the Philippines?" /></a></div><br />Ms. Sheryl Reyes, one of the agents in the country who have the best pool of local and international players under her name, has just recently flown long-time <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2018/01/brownlee-and-balkman-to-reinforce-alab-pilipinas.html" rel="nofollow">Ginebra import, Justin Brownlee and NBA veteran Renaldo Balkman</a> to Manila to play for Tanduay Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.<br /><br />The lady agent is not done yet in surprising the Filipino basketball fans as she posted her conversation with Ball Brothers’ agent, Harrison Gaines on her Facebook account inquiring about the availability of LiAngelo Ball.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqUxYtfCG3kVatwtBmMqCxxcQY6eWv5R3ycw8bYSZa5QjjUwtyy_XNpmeSSrWt-HdImwTPOopkdU9kCcK3vJhGoN58xpyE_zNHDVppUimPhfYBhpKSmaZNSdkavx00bP-31rZ6VFPuLtc/s1600/Sheryl_Gaines_Convo.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LiAngelo Ball to play Philippines" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="591" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqUxYtfCG3kVatwtBmMqCxxcQY6eWv5R3ycw8bYSZa5QjjUwtyy_XNpmeSSrWt-HdImwTPOopkdU9kCcK3vJhGoN58xpyE_zNHDVppUimPhfYBhpKSmaZNSdkavx00bP-31rZ6VFPuLtc/s1600/Sheryl_Gaines_Convo.jpg" title="LiAngelo Ball to play Philippines" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Sheryl Sanchez Reyes Facebook Account</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the chat window, Harrison Gaines informed Ms. Sheryl Reyes that Liangelo Ball will not be available until mid this year as Gelo Ball is currently in contract with Vytautas Basketball Club in Lithuania together with his younger brother, LaMelo Ball.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Come June this year, the middle Ball will still not be available as he prepares for the 2018 NBA Rookie Draft and will also suit-up for the NBA Summer League a month after.<br /><br />Reyes informed Gaines to give her a heads-up if Gelo Ball will not be going anywhere after the draft and summer league and if they want to try out the Philippine basketball market either for a PBA team or Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.<br /><br />The Ball Brothers became instant online sensations because of their father Lavar Ball who aside from establishing the sneaker company Big Baller Brand criticised various NBA personalities on Social Media as well as exchanges of twitter jabs against US President Donald Trump with regards to Gelo Ball’s theft case in China.<br /><br />The elder Ball, also made the headlines late last year as he pulled out LiAngelo Ball from UCLA and LaMelo Ball from Chino Hills High to hone their basketball skills more abroad. Lavar’s eldest son, Lonzo Ball is currently playing for the LA Lakers and an ambassador of Big Baller Brand.<br /><br />Whether most hoop junkies hate the Ball family or not, LiAngelo Ball’s presence will definitely add huge media mileage to any team or any league that he will be playing on especially here in the Philippines where basketball is a major sports.<br /><br />If Gelo Ball’s stint in PBA or ABL happens, Philippines will also be in the headlines of well-known sports websites and newspapers all around globe. <br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

LiAngelo Ball to play in the Philippines?

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos might see one of the Ball brothers play live in action this year if plans don’t go accordingly for the most-...

ABL: Alab Pilipinas burns Slingers, extends winning streak to 3

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Slowly but surely, Tanduay Alab Pilipinas is climbing up the standings as they humiliated Singapore Slingers in their home turf, 89-80, on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the OCBC Arena in Singapore.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPibpBHj-RwjRIB7I5JIIHVVWzHAHZ-zwNbRwL2oLrjKeOtEf57DhrHbYKO3eTaESD0ZJV0T0X9r9b85KLIFzy1VZpYddEXwv7SDzbbmG3sjJmp1j59swB1PnB2sfhA7SXRbl6gzAYyVaf/s1600/brownlee_balkman_super_duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alab Pilipinas burns Slingers, extends winning streak to 3" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPibpBHj-RwjRIB7I5JIIHVVWzHAHZ-zwNbRwL2oLrjKeOtEf57DhrHbYKO3eTaESD0ZJV0T0X9r9b85KLIFzy1VZpYddEXwv7SDzbbmG3sjJmp1j59swB1PnB2sfhA7SXRbl6gzAYyVaf/s1600/brownlee_balkman_super_duo.jpg" title="Alab Pilipinas burns Slingers, extends winning streak to 3" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dynamic Duo. Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman stepped-up in the O.T. to continue Alab Pilipinas’ winning streak. Photo Credit: CNN Philippines</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For the 2nd time in-a-row, Alab’s new import and NBA veteran Renaldo Balkman opened the scoreboard in favor of the Philippines. The Puerto Rican uncovered the book with 7 quick points while his partner, Justin brownlee, took care of the defense department at the same time.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee joined the scoring party with a long trey and Lawrence Domingo made a well-challenged basket underneath to escalate Alab’s lead to 8. So far, all imports had scored within 7 minutes of the opening quarter.<br /><br />Hanbin Ng on the other end of the floor, started to wax hot from the three point territory together with Singapore world import Xavier Alexander to cut the lead down to 5. Slingers’ heritage import and Fil-Aam AJ Mandani checked in and promptly fired from the outside to downsized Alab’s lead to just 2.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />After the first 10 minutes of the game, Philippines led Singapore by 4, 21-17.<br /><br />Singapore Slingers new import, Chris Charles,got into foul trouble too early at the start of the third as he committed his 3rd personal foul against Renaldo Balkman. <br /><br />Alab hit its 1st double-digit lead midway of the 2nd period, 31-21 but Hanbin Ng spoiled Philippines’ celebration with another long long bomb followed by easy baskets from Chris Charles and Xavier Alexander.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas could’ve brought the lead back to double-figures again before the first half ended but the Filipino cagers and the imports struggled on the free throw line for multiple occasions and had defensive lapses that paved way for Singapore Slingers to level the game 36-all after 2 exciting quarters.<br /><br />Philippines started the third quarter sloppily as the team committed 3 successive turnovers which Singapore converted into 6 instant points to grab the lead for the first time in the game. Chris Charles who was a sleeper in the first half abruptly exploded offensively and gave Singapore a 10-point lead.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas’ intensity and hussle late in the penultimate quarter changed the tides and switched the scoring momentum to the Philippine side as the nationals overcame the double-digit advantage of Singapore and took the lead back, 55-54 with 2:30 remaining in the clock.<br /><br />Bobby ray Parks Jr. and Lawrence Domingo exerted huge efforts with the aid of Justin Brownlee as they wrapped up the third with a three-point 63-60 lead.<br /><br />The final quarter was unfolded with both squads trading baskets and got the crowd going crazy by giving the fans a terrific ball game. Multiple goal tendings had been called by the game officials that proved game’s intensity.<br /><br />At the 2-minute warning, Singapore tied the game at 75 and Coach Jimmy Alapag had no other options but to call a timeout and layout a better game plan that will favor Alab Pilipinas. <br /><br />After the timeout, the play was obviously designed for Justin Brownlee to take the shot. Brownlee got a good look and drove to the basket but missed. Fortunately, Robi Celis drained a cold-blooded trey after the miss and Alab once again led Slingers by 3 with 50 ticks left.<br /><br />Renaldo Balkman did a fantastic job in guarding the shaded lane and prohibited Singapore from closing in right after Alab took the lead. But, AJ Mandani hit a timely three pointer to tie the game once again at 78 and sent the game into overtime.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee took charge in the overtime as he scored back-to-back baskets and a perfect dish to Renaldo Balkman for a 6-point lead. Bobby Ray Parks Jr. added 3 more to to make it a 3-possession Alab ball-game.<br /><br />Singapore had its chances to close in but turnovers hit the Slingers so bad and ended the game in favor of Tanduay Alab Pilipinas 89-80. With the win, Alab has atoned its loss against the same team late last year and will set another faceoff against Slingers for the third time on January 10.<br /><br />Philippines improved its record to 3-3 and won 3 straight games, 2 with Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman on board.<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Alab Pilipinas burns Slingers, extends winning streak to 3

MANILA, Philippines - Slowly but surely, Tanduay Alab Pilipinas is climbing up the standings as they humiliated Singapore Slingers in their ...

An inspiring athlete! Nonito Donaire donates 100 houses to Yolanda victims in Iloilo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire Jr decided to give back to those in need and donated 100 houses to typhoon victims in Iloilo.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl7jsUVV2r7ec_GNriwNT6vhqUlpfkoFJbthroV4Yqn6P6UZhEsby1v2jR0RyekTPKoBvRO4SewZeAKgIMeez-F0w80BFAAG6cTUDRLmP85lZnrCTYJBTGSPuWaWFhg98JwZ5y-tCjBMK/s1600/nonito-donaire-donate-houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nonito Donaire donates 100 houses to Yolanda victims in Iloilo" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhl7jsUVV2r7ec_GNriwNT6vhqUlpfkoFJbthroV4Yqn6P6UZhEsby1v2jR0RyekTPKoBvRO4SewZeAKgIMeez-F0w80BFAAG6cTUDRLmP85lZnrCTYJBTGSPuWaWFhg98JwZ5y-tCjBMK/s1600/nonito-donaire-donate-houses.jpg" title="Nonito Donaire donates 100 houses to Yolanda victims in Iloilo" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Filipino Flash urges other athletes to make a difference. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Nonito Donaire Jr</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In a Facebook post, the boxing champ shared that he and his wife flew to Iloilo this week to turnover the 100 houses they donated. Donaire Jr had always aspired to make a difference and encouraged other athletes to do so.<br /><br />The Filipino Flash urged athletes to have a voice. He said, “In boxing, fighters aren’t just fighters. We can do so much more beyond inspiring people with what we achieve in the ring.”<br /><b><br /></b> <b>Build a House, Build a Home project </b><br /><br />When typhoon Yolanda hit the country in 2013, Iloilo was one of the severely devastated areas. A lot of people lost their loved ones, homes, properties and livelihood.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Two years after Yolanda, English philanthropist Greg Secker saw the need to help in the rebuilding of Iloilo. He founded the Build a House, Build a Home project in Iloilo. It was through this foundation that Donaire was able to make one of his dreams a reality. He said, “I’m looking at the bigger picture, what we can do to create more homes for the less fortunate, maybe 1,000 more homes, how we can make an impact on the lives of people.”<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="690" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnonitodonaire%2Fposts%2F10155815196307040&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="672" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnonitodonaire%2Fposts%2F10155814955992040&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br /><b>Not the first time</b><br /><br />This is not the first time that the former boxing champion had given back to those in need. Back in 2009 at the start of his career, he donated P1 million to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy to help build houses.<br /><br /><b>— Sally, The Summit Express</b></div>

An inspiring athlete! Nonito Donaire donates 100 houses to Yolanda victims in Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines - Nonito Donaire Jr decided to give back to those in need and donated 100 houses to typhoon victims in Iloilo. The Filip...

FIBA: Chot Reyes bares his ultimate Gilas Pilipinas dream team

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines -  Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Chot Reyes is obviously ecstatic for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup which will be hosted in our homeland together with co-hosts Japan and Indonesia. Coach Reyes can’t contain his excitement as he revealed his future roster on Friday morning, January 5, 2017.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA5uV0JzsCOeagKCrm3JK6QUSqVfpE9XvPapLzKs5e-X2-j9HZzQiv9j3er1qo_QfaxrOS4OecECmusy_m2SL7ANvaNZEEgfoJe3l8FBpwsIEIBg2vWtOmuG3pS_Ixy2kI_U8so8SR4CN/s1600/gilas-pilipinas-players-2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FIBA: Chot Reyes bares his ultimate Gilas Pilipinas dream team" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="1131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWA5uV0JzsCOeagKCrm3JK6QUSqVfpE9XvPapLzKs5e-X2-j9HZzQiv9j3er1qo_QfaxrOS4OecECmusy_m2SL7ANvaNZEEgfoJe3l8FBpwsIEIBg2vWtOmuG3pS_Ixy2kI_U8so8SR4CN/s1600/gilas-pilipinas-players-2023.JPG" title="FIBA: Chot Reyes bares his ultimate Gilas Pilipinas dream team" /></a></div><br />In his tweet, the long-time Filipino basketball mentor publicly shared a long list of local and Fil-foreign players bannered by UAAP, NCAA PH and NCAA US young guns. Among the standouts are future twin towers and seven-footers Kai Sotto and Fil-Nigerian AJ Edu.<br /><br />Last year’s collegiate finals protagonists Thirdy Ravena, Matt Nieto, Isaac Go, Abu Tratter, Robert Bolick, CJ Perez, JV Mocon, also made Coach Chot’s wishlist together with other superstars Juan Gomez De Liano, Paul Desiderio, Rodolfo Alejandro III, Kenneth Tuffin, Jeo Ambohot, Josh Sinclair, Arvin Tolentino, Carl Tamayo, Ken Carino, and Will Gozum.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />High-leaping wingman Kobe Paras from Cal State Northridge along with Fil-Ams Remy Martin from Arizona State University and Wake Forest University’s Troy Rike complete Coach Reyes’ 23-man roster for the 2023 World Cup.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4rwsIhI9X-b_75tId1Oz7aZKbl8ujD3FWUtohM98k_lxnGiK0uKr_soc4TdcEurCiW1bL7LO7ejT3hIiEEIl3qSvBEOQo2z2XrrN8AjwRm1pqAKDsTt-Z5q2OtR_Nu_1bgy2xXn33mAL/s1600/Gilas+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="FIBA 2023 Gilas Pilipinas line up" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4rwsIhI9X-b_75tId1Oz7aZKbl8ujD3FWUtohM98k_lxnGiK0uKr_soc4TdcEurCiW1bL7LO7ejT3hIiEEIl3qSvBEOQo2z2XrrN8AjwRm1pqAKDsTt-Z5q2OtR_Nu_1bgy2xXn33mAL/s1600/Gilas+23.jpg" title="FIBA 2023 Gilas Pilipinas line up" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Coach Chot Reyes Twitter Account</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Coach Chot expressed his intention to recruit youthful and promising cagers since he took over the helm of the national team program from Coach Tab Baldwin to prepare for the future international tournaments.<br /><br />Reyes is also eyeing for a young reinforcement in preparation for the departure of Andray Blatche whose contract with Gilas Pilipinas is expiring very soon. 7-foot Isaiah Austin who backed-up Chooks To Go Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Champions Cup last year is being considered by Chot Reyes and SBP to replace NBA veteran and naturalized-Filipino Andray Blatche. But, as per Coach Reyes, nothing is final as of the moment.<br /><br />With this potential line-up, Philippines is having a good chance to regain its basketball supremacy in Asia and hopefully, in global scene.<br /><br />Laban Pilipinas! PUSO!<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

FIBA: Chot Reyes bares his ultimate Gilas Pilipinas dream team

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas Head Coach Chot Reyes is obviously ecstatic for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup which will be host...

ABL: Alab Pilipinas slays Malaysia Dragons

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay Alab Pilipinas made its first winning-streak of the season as the nationals slayed the visiting Westports Malaysia Dragons, 90-79, with the aid of new imports <b><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2018/01/brownlee-and-balkman-to-reinforce-alab-pilipinas.html" rel="nofollow">Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman</a></b> on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the San Juan Arena.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp_eQ6DAe38NhJuxI6S1GXMSu7FFEspVvEwbkavVDdpevD20GAK2vNpXAx-Ho3hQQKgWq13lDk9tsdONEq6VR17mwh5ILRFuKBx-D17GAgvlZGr_WaYDLaSDDoADmr2BSPJy88T4Ib4R8/s1600/brownlee_balkman_duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alab Pilipinas slays Malaysia Dragons" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp_eQ6DAe38NhJuxI6S1GXMSu7FFEspVvEwbkavVDdpevD20GAK2vNpXAx-Ho3hQQKgWq13lDk9tsdONEq6VR17mwh5ILRFuKBx-D17GAgvlZGr_WaYDLaSDDoADmr2BSPJy88T4Ib4R8/s1600/brownlee_balkman_duo.jpg" title="Alab Pilipinas slays Malaysia Dragons" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin Brownlee (right) and Renaldo Balkman are certainly Alab Pilipinas’ missing pieces. Photo Credit: aseanbasketballleague.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Time is of the essence for the new Alab Pilipinas imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman. After setting their feet on the Philippine soil once again, the duo met team owner Charlie Dy and coach Jimmy Alapag together with their agent, Ms. Sheryl Reyes for the briefing and immediately suit-up for tonight’s home game against Westports Malaysia Dragons without any practice.<br /><br />Renaldo Balkman jotted down his first ABL bucket off a steal followed by a floater from Robi Celis for early Alab lead. Balkman didn’t only made a milestone but he also did send a message to the other opposing big men in the league that he’s really a tough nut to crack.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee placed himself on the scoreboard at the 4-minute mark of the opening quarter off a fastbreak layup and a breakaway dunk to escalate Alab’s lead to 11, 18-7. Despite Brownlee and Balkman’s highlights, it was local Robi Celis who topped the Filipino cagers with 6 points in the opener.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Aside from Alab Pilipinas, Westports Malaysia Dragons have also acquired Filipino-American Joshua Munzon who played for Saigon Heat last season. Munzon ended the 1st quarter with a long trey and led all scorers with 7 markers. Alab however, led the Dragons 23-10 after the first 10 minutes of the game.<br /><br />Joshua Munzon continued to pour digits as the 2nd period started and managed to cut the 10-point Alab advantage to just 3 in just 2 minutes.<br /><br />Justin Brownlee scared the pinoy fans as he awkwardly landed on AJ West’s foot. Brownlee sprawled and stayed on the floor momentarily but got up and shook his foot off.<br /><br />Alab Pilipinas was petrified in the 2nd quarter, The nationals had only scored 4 in 7 minutes against Malaysia’s 17. Joshua Munzon virtually destroyed every Alab defender who was tasked to guard him as he initiated the Dragons-comeback with 14 points under his name.<br /><br />The other Joshua, Alab’s Joshua Urbiztondo finally heated-up in the latter part of the 2nd quarter as he unleashed back-to-back triples to bring the lead back to 9, 39-30.<br /><br />The 1st half ended with Alab Pilipinas still on top, 39-32.<br /><br />Malaysia started the third hot. AJ West and Joshua Munzon led the early onslaught and trimmed Alab’s lead to just 1. <br /><br />Alab imports Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman made ways to ramp up the lead and the tandem was somehow successful as they maintained a 4-point lead as the mid-quarter approached.<br /><br />Malaysia outrebounded Philippines in the entire game. To address the woe, Coach Jimmy Alapag went full blast on his bigs Balkman, Brownlee and Domingo hoping to get boards and convert them into baskets.<br /><br />“Ice in his veins.” Joshua Munzon was almost flawless in the three point territory and helped the Dragons took the lead from Alab at the 2-minute warning. Justin Brownlee finally found his rhythm and sank a trey for the equalizer, 63-all. To the fans’ delight, “Ginebra-Ginebra” chant echoed in the entire San Juan Arena.<br /><br />Before the penultimate quarter ended, Brownlee once again drained a long bomb and a seamless assist to Balkman to beat the buzzer with a two-handed dunk. 68-63 after 3 full quarters and Justin Brownlee bannered Tanduay Alab Pilipinas with 24 points.<br /><br />Dragons Coach Chris Thomas called for a mandatory ceasefire after seeing Alab Pilipinas’ surge as both squads started the final quarter where Philippines reached the double-figure-lead anew in less than 2 minutes.<br /><br />Coach Thomas’ problems on how to stop the Alab imports piled-up and decided to burn another timeout to find an antidote to the dynamic duo. At the 7th minute of the 4th quarter, the American Coach found his team downed by 15 points, 81-66.<br /><br />Malaysia made a 5-0 run that prompted Coach Alapag to regroup his team. Nevertheless, his team still led the game by 10 points and his boys brought the huge advantage back after the timeout.<br /><br />88-74 with just 2 more minutes left in the game clock. Coach Alapag took his imports out of the floor to give them a well-deserved rest as a reward for their gallant efforts.<br /><br />Alab’s 2nd unit took care of the business until the final horn sounded and finally sealed the deal 90-79. With the win, Tanduay Alab Pilipinas improved its record to 2-3. Alab Pilipinas will face Singapore Slingers on January 7 with the aim to bounce back after Singapore beat Philippines last month here in Manila. <br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Alab Pilipinas slays Malaysia Dragons

MANILA, Philippines - Tanduay Alab Pilipinas made its first winning-streak of the season as the nationals slayed the visiting Westports Mala...

ABL: Brownlee and Balkman to reinforce Alab Pilipinas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Just as Pinoy hoop junkies thought that Tanduay Alab Pilipinas’ Asean Basketball League (ABL) season is almost over due to losing skids, a ray of hope has finally been seen as 2 prolific PBA imports are set to debut with the nationals couple of days from now.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmDs5CP1Gn05iAogLhUVuiW74mljm4sqQHL_eK-YzDSB5ifJwscHSdqzGIVTbhYhY-rVraZAGd-60ioZBlwPxYPkQt45BYBKphDzbaVdZZ13tc7DJW6x53xadhcGROA4LFfYff34t9caX/s1600/Brownlee_Balkman.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brownlee and Balkman to reinforce Tanduay Alab Pilipinas" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmDs5CP1Gn05iAogLhUVuiW74mljm4sqQHL_eK-YzDSB5ifJwscHSdqzGIVTbhYhY-rVraZAGd-60ioZBlwPxYPkQt45BYBKphDzbaVdZZ13tc7DJW6x53xadhcGROA4LFfYff34t9caX/s1600/Brownlee_Balkman.jpg" title="Brownlee and Balkman to reinforce Tanduay Alab Pilipinas" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginebra import Justin Brownlee and NBA veteran Renaldo Balkman to play for Alab Pilipinas in ABL.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Basketball agent, Ms. Sheryl Reyes greeted the Filipino basketball community a warm happy new year with a stunning revelation. Reyes posted on her Facebook account that her international players Justin Brownlee and Renaldo Balkman are flying to the country to reinforce the Philippine team in the ABL.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="613" scrolling="no" src="https://web.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D10155824223160482%26set%3Da.10151343767380482.521770.579135481%26type%3D3&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br />Justin Brownlee who steered Barangay Ginebra in its back-to-back Governors’ Cup titles along side with NBA veteran and ex-Petron Blaze Boosters import, Renaldo Balkman will be replacing Ivan Johnson and Reggie Okosa in hope to revive Philippines’ ABL team standings.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The new Alab reinforcements will be arriving in the Philippines on January 3 and will immediately suit-up for Philippines’ first home game of the year against Westports Malaysia Dragons at 8 p.m. in San Juan Coliseum.<br /><br />Tanduay Alab Pilipinas is hurting with a 1-3 awful win-loss record and currently positioned at the 7th place. Brownlee’s scoring prowess will be a great boost for the Filipino cagers while Balkman’s hefty presence underneath the basket will be a big threat for other team’s big men and imports.<br /><br />Renaldo Balkman expressed his excitement to play in the Philippines once again after getting a sanction from the PBA Commissioner’s Office 5 years ago after a physical altercation with teammate Arwind Santos and Assistant Coach Biboy Ravanes when he was playing for the Petron Blaze Boosters.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b316gWRVOqir5w3phiWZKd5A_tECUtXlNyZcsfeEKNbBcEWRG-tNwuM3_ssfpFG2CqQyQdPOBVTLXHeQMwyrfRb-dTJPX_Chm2UL_pWnnOs5DeURI-QYJvfy2uLdKz9wqJVPMI-w2aAA/s1600/renaldo-balkman-abl.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Renaldo Balkman Facebook post ABL" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b316gWRVOqir5w3phiWZKd5A_tECUtXlNyZcsfeEKNbBcEWRG-tNwuM3_ssfpFG2CqQyQdPOBVTLXHeQMwyrfRb-dTJPX_Chm2UL_pWnnOs5DeURI-QYJvfy2uLdKz9wqJVPMI-w2aAA/s1600/renaldo-balkman-abl.JPG" title="Renaldo Balkman Facebook post ABL" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Renaldo Balkman Facebook Page</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Justin Brownlee, who’s no longer a stranger to Filipino basketball fans especially to the “Never Say Die - Ginebra” community will once again show his love by bringing his A Game in every Alab outing and hopefully in Ginebra Jersey anew after the ABL season.<br /><br />If everything goes well for Alab Pilipinas, the Filipino ballers together with Brownlee and Balkman will have a chance to play Hong Kong Eastern Basketball again in the playoffs after the latter dominated Alab twice late in 2017.<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Brownlee and Balkman to reinforce Alab Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines - Just as Pinoy hoop junkies thought that Tanduay Alab Pilipinas’ Asean Basketball League (ABL) season is almost over du...

ABL: Alab Pilipinas suffers another tough loss against Hong Kong Eastern

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Almost but not quite. Tanduay Alab Pilipinas had a chance to score its first win of the season but fell short in the hands of Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger and the rest of Hong Kong Eastern Basketball team on Wednesday, December 13 at Changhua Stadium in Hong Kong.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhOGcaCxdoL3llppRcLB1SP4eFKBgQ_ANM2q5g2D2Y0_l_7-9F4RpJnOv6aEWp91_4qma0-6v24Bo7OT81fWIszeXJfk-9HEqaSKDB-5iC12-HIBvxSZiWtIEWAzJQOaTXDw1ZmryPP_h/s1600/Christian+Standhardinger+ABL.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Alab Pilipinas suffers another tough loss against Hong Kong Eastern" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhOGcaCxdoL3llppRcLB1SP4eFKBgQ_ANM2q5g2D2Y0_l_7-9F4RpJnOv6aEWp91_4qma0-6v24Bo7OT81fWIszeXJfk-9HEqaSKDB-5iC12-HIBvxSZiWtIEWAzJQOaTXDw1ZmryPP_h/s1600/Christian+Standhardinger+ABL.jpg" title="Alab Pilipinas suffers another tough loss against Hong Kong Eastern" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fil-German Christian Standhardinger posted double-double in a win against Tanduay Alab Pilipinas. Photo Credit: ASEAN Basketball League</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hong Kong Eastern Basketball is currently enjoying the top spot of the standing with a perfect slate of 4-0 record while Tanduay Alab Pilipinas is hurting with 2 consecutive losses against Hong Kong in the opener and to Singapore just a week ago.<br /><br />After 2 games, Alab Pilipinas had a perfect start with an 8-0 run led by Bobby Ray Parks and import Reggie Okosa with the support of another local, Roby Celis. <br /><br />The game was too intense right from the start. Alab’s second import, Ivan Johnson was whistled for a Technical Foul after inadvertently hitting Ryan Moss in the head while jockeying for position while guard Josh Urbiztondo was also called for a technical for unsportsmanlike conduct.<br /><br />Hong Kong’s Asian import, Tyler Lamb, initiated the comeback as the Thai-American unleashed treys and put his team behind by just 1. 11-10 at the 3:10 mark of the 1st quarter.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Tyler Lamb and Filipino-German Christian Standhardinger combined efforts to level up the score as the 1st period clock died down but it was Alab’s Ivan Johnson who closed the quarter with a buzzer-beater three pointer. 23-20 in favor of Philippines.<br /><br />PBA Veteran, Dondon Hontiveros, made his ABL Milestone as he sank his first ever three point shot at the beginning of the second.<br /><br />Alab world imports took charge mid of the 2nd quarter and successfully posted Philippines’ largest lead of 9, while Bobby Ray Parks extended it to 11,  42-31.<br /><br />Consistent Eastern scorer Christian Standhardinger was simply unstoppable in the latter part of the 2nd period. The once Alab double-digit lead was abruptly downsized to 3, 46-43 at the end of the first half. <br /><br />Despite the slim advantage, Alab’s three-point lead was way better compared to its last 2 games where the nationals trailed their opponents after 2 quarters and eventually lost.<br /><br />Josh Urbiztondo lived up to his moniker “The Fireball” as the 6-foot guard waxed hot from the wing for a back-to-back triples as Philippines unfolded the the 2nd half. Aside from Urbiztondo’s outside sniping, offensive boards helped the Filipinos in widening their lead. <br /><br />Hong Kong world import Marcus Elliot was a sleeper in the 1st half but came alive in the third aided by Tyler Lamb to trim Alab Pilipinas’ 10-point lead to just 1 with more than 3 minutes remaining in the penultimate quarter.<br /><br />After 30 minutes of action-packed basketball, Philippines still led Hong Kong, 46-44.<br /><br />Christian Standhardinger is well-known for his quick release under the basket shots. But in this game, he showed that he’s not only good in close-ranged shots but capable of draining three pointers too. Standhardinger made quick 3 treys as the final period started.<br /><br />Standhardinger kept the energy flowing for Hong Kong. However, his co-imports got into foul trouble as they approached the 6-minute mark of the fourth. Both Elliot and Moss committed their 4th personal fouls that hinted Coach Edu Torres to bring them out and focus on his heritage imports.<br /><br />Tyler Lamb’s highly-contested layup in the middle gave Hong Kong a 1-point, 89-88 lead with 3 more minutes remaining in the ballgame. Coach Jimmy Alapag called a timeout immediately but Alab’s bench was called for a technical foul. Marcus Elliot made the technical free throw to add a point more to Hong Kong’s lead.<br /><br />Coach Edu Torres’ gamble to play his world imports in the dying minutes of the game paid off as his team escalated its margin to 8 with less than a minute left.<br /><br />Bobby Ray Parks and Reggie Okosa managed to trim the lead to just 2 but Hong Kong hanged on tight to its lead and seal the deal with another home win, 99-96 and improved to 5-0. Tanduay Alab Pilipinas on the other hand, fell at the bottom of the standings with a 0-3 record.<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Alab Pilipinas suffers another tough loss against Hong Kong Eastern

MANILA, Philippines - Almost but not quite. Tanduay Alab Pilipinas had a chance to score its first win of the season but fell short in the h...

MVP rewards UAAP Champ Ateneo Blue Eagles with iPhone X, overseas trip

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - After <b><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2017/12/ateneo-beats-la-salle-wins-uaap-season-80-title.html" rel="nofollow">dethroning the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers</a></b>, the newly crowned UAAP Basketball Kings and champions Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles will receive various incentives from the team’s principal benefactor Manny “MVP” Pangilinan as announced on Monday, December 4.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYqtewz9M0wqtKVSwwjCP3DqhrHAhP5oyTp-6Vc_ylExYqtezGtwBJBcTPVzATkCmRBE638VLiH_rRJGv3SSa0oEcUXm5UlIQSdyrWZAwMvShOEPYq-GA3oRvAT9iL5d8BSoeNEQ64Ox2/s1600/ateneo-champion-uaap.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="MVP rewards UAAP Champ Ateneo Blue Eagles with iPhone X" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYqtewz9M0wqtKVSwwjCP3DqhrHAhP5oyTp-6Vc_ylExYqtezGtwBJBcTPVzATkCmRBE638VLiH_rRJGv3SSa0oEcUXm5UlIQSdyrWZAwMvShOEPYq-GA3oRvAT9iL5d8BSoeNEQ64Ox2/s1600/ateneo-champion-uaap.jpg" title="MVP rewards UAAP Champ Ateneo Blue Eagles with iPhone X" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greatest gift ever. Ateneo benefactor Manny “MVP” Pangilinan rewards the Blue Eagles with iPhone X and trip to Hong Kong. Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Sports</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Business tycoon MVP praised both the Eagles and Archers for putting up a great championship series. Aside from lauding the boys, the PLDT Group Chairman revealed the incentives that the Eagles are about to receive from his good office. Each player will get a brand new iPhone X as per The Guidon, ADMU’s official publication.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3O6-JkK0uvsSv2NNYGkeN105mcer8KaGpZOpc6JpzCmMfna2gWovGB0_4H-t1bSGVNXfKQYqmx0VaOblCN5MLi293CP5pK-aRoC19-OJnBoyIp7IXFRqY3e_Xv7_7rMkaHOI9kNteH27/s1600/mvp-rewards-ateneo.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MVP rewards UAAP Champ Ateneo Blue Eagles with iPhone X" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3O6-JkK0uvsSv2NNYGkeN105mcer8KaGpZOpc6JpzCmMfna2gWovGB0_4H-t1bSGVNXfKQYqmx0VaOblCN5MLi293CP5pK-aRoC19-OJnBoyIp7IXFRqY3e_Xv7_7rMkaHOI9kNteH27/s1600/mvp-rewards-ateneo.png" title="MVP rewards UAAP Champ Ateneo Blue Eagles with iPhone X" /></a></div><br />Aside from the luxurious handset, Mr. Pangilinan is also treating the entire team to an extravagant trip and vacation to Hong Kong.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />The Filipino billionaire is also pleased on how the series ended and even bared that players from both squads have the potential to represent the country in international basketball tournaments after displaying their talents all throughout the Season 80 best-of-three finals series.<br /><br />The iPhone X has been available in the US and UK markets a month ago and it was just released in the Philippines last Friday. The prestigious smartphone is priced at Php 64,490 (64GB) and Php 73,990 (256GB) according to Apple Philippines page.<br /><br />Lucky for the Blue Eagles, they don’t have to spend that much on the world’s most high-end smartphone up to date. It will be best used in taking photos as souvenirs in Hong Kong too!<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

MVP rewards UAAP Champ Ateneo Blue Eagles with iPhone X, overseas trip

MANILA, Philippines - After dethroning the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers , the newly crowned UAAP Basketball Kings and champio...

Ateneo wins UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball title, edges La Salle in a thriller

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - After 5 long years, Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles are once again the Kings of the UAAP Basketball after dethroning De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 88-86 on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXAugtGS_-UgLdMkTs1Q_rZGNCpz_H0_VY0SP5R_UALLAjnTn44CVIG74K5r9E-_0nalJ-2EHGfGBccBeMsKtGLINvsT9F5fddFJ0xAPEjt6yRTxxChjBNrhAZLnufBQDwdW4QJkS2PUI/s1600/ravena-nieto.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Thirdy Ravena and Matt Nieto celebrate Ateneo’s victory over La Salle in Game number 3" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXAugtGS_-UgLdMkTs1Q_rZGNCpz_H0_VY0SP5R_UALLAjnTn44CVIG74K5r9E-_0nalJ-2EHGfGBccBeMsKtGLINvsT9F5fddFJ0xAPEjt6yRTxxChjBNrhAZLnufBQDwdW4QJkS2PUI/s1600/ravena-nieto.JPG" title="Thirdy Ravena and Matt Nieto celebrate Ateneo’s victory over La Salle in Game number 3" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thirdy Ravena and Matt Nieto celebrate Ateneo’s victory over La Salle in Game number 3. Photo Credit: Inquirer.net</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Another good start for Ateneo as it forced La Salle to commit several turnovers to get the early 10-4 advantage. You know it’s a good Eagle basketball when a non-shooter big man like Chibueze Ikeh takes a three pointer and makes it.<br /><br />La Salle fought back and managed to trim the lead to just 4 but Ateneo stopped Archers’ run as soon as Isaac Go and Aaron Black stepped in the court and pushed the ball to the basket to bring the margin back to a double-digit.<br /><br />ADMU successfully maintained the lead at the end of the opening quarter, 24-14.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />2-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ben Mbala spent the half of the 1st period on the bench to preserve his energy. But as soon as he re-entered the court in the beginning of the 2nd quarter, La Salle all of a sudden stepped up its game and immediately tied the game at 25.<br /><br />Anton Asistio and Thirdy Ravena combined their efforts to grow their lead once again. But Aljun Melecio started to heat-up from the outside to counterattack Ateneo.<br /><br />Ateneo bigs Raffy Verano, Isaac Go and guard Anton Asistio broke the 4th deadlock of the game and wrapped up the 1st half with a narrow 7-point, 45-38 lead.<br /><br />Compared to the last game where Ateneo lost the will to win in the early phase of the third quarter, the Blue Eagles were full of energy this time. However, La Salle tried to replicate its excellent scoring run in the same quarter in game number 2 where it erased Ateneo’s 19-point lead. Archer Santi Santillan became La Salle’s main man as it started the third.<br /><br />DLSU took the lead for the first time with Ricci Rivero’s seamless trey but it was just momentarily as Raffy Verano also sank a triple.<br /><br />Ricci Rivero for the second straight time obtained his 4th personal foul. But before he was pulled out by Coach Aldin Ayo, he wowed the crowd with a baseline dunk and gave the lead back to his team, 62-59.<br /><br />Both squads gave the fans and patrons a very good game. It was a pure thriller as the penultimate quarter ended in another deadlock, 66-all.<br /><br />Coach Ayo gambled on Ricci Rivero and sent the wingman back with plenty of time left in the final period. Aside from Rivero, Ben Mbala was also nursing his 3rd personal foul. <br /><br />Ateneo guards Matt Nieto and Anton Asistio came back strong with a back-to-back long bombs for the instant 74-68 lead. Coach Ayo didn’t waste any time to burn a timeout to extinguish the hot shooting hands of the Blue Eagles.<br /><br />ADMU bursted an 8-0 run and had most of the boards, 9-3, as the 5-minute mark of the fourth approached. DLSU on the other hand, kept on shooting blanks. Ricci Rivero ended La Salle’s dry spell as he completed his foul shots.<br /><br />Ateneo matched its biggest lead of the game with 10 with 3:33 left. Thirdy Ravena had a terrific night as he led the last period onslaught. 80-70 in favor of the Blue Eagles.<br /><br />Aljun Melecio made a three pointer to cut the lead to just 7 with 2 minutes remaining in the game. However. Ben Mbala committed his 4th personal foul but refused to leave the floor to keep on fighting and hoped to save La Salle from a painful exit.<br /><br />La Salle made it to a one-possession ballgame, 82-80 with 48 seconds left with Andrei Caracut’s three points.<br /><br />Isaac Go, the Atenean hero against FEU in the semis, once again made a timely rainbow shot to make the Eagles’ lead to 5, 85-80. Go spared La Salle with one-full shot clock.<br /><br />The Green Archers had a chance to lessen the gap with a trey but it missed and recovered by the Blue Eagles. Coach Tab Baldwin, called a timeout to secure his team’s final possession with 15 ticks remaining in the ballgame.<br /><br />Andrei Caracut fouled Anton Asistio after the inbound play. The latter split his charities but gave Ateneo a two-possession lead, 86-80.<br /><br />Clearly, La Salle opted for a quick 3 and Aljun Melecio made it with 5 seconds left. Matt Nieto went to the line after getting fouled and completed his foul shots, 88-83. <br /><br />Kib Montalbo hit the last shot from behind the arc and it went it. However, his three wasn’t enough to tie the game and officially handed the trophy to Ateneo after 5 long years. 88-86 is the final score of the game in favor of the new kings of the UAAP, the Ateneo De Manila University.<br /><br />Go was named Manulife's "110% Heart and Hustle" Player of the Finale while Ravena won as the Finals MVP.<br /><br />On behalf of The Summit Express, congratulations to the entire Ateneo De Manila University for a One Big Fight!<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

Ateneo wins UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball title, edges La Salle in a thriller

MANILA, Philippines - After 5 long years, Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles are once again the Kings of the UAAP Basketball aft...

LIVE STREAM: Ateneo vs La Salle UAAP Season 80 Finals Game 3

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 80 men's basketball finals between arch rivals Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) happens today, December 3, 2017 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYg-aU5CIjVfSg_gsYfwjaN9pXHW18Z2R_GYjY9ZwHcrFYoEi3FkWj08OiowzPg_CcIwNo7ua4tvWv5SiF4CNBhCCgAXseCb_eGd_mhAPbA_iDYaetUqiCHL3QVReUVkyVa7CwxgszUoU/s1600/ateneo-la-salle.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LIVE STREAM: Ateneo vs La Salle UAAP Season 80 Game 3 Finals" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYg-aU5CIjVfSg_gsYfwjaN9pXHW18Z2R_GYjY9ZwHcrFYoEi3FkWj08OiowzPg_CcIwNo7ua4tvWv5SiF4CNBhCCgAXseCb_eGd_mhAPbA_iDYaetUqiCHL3QVReUVkyVa7CwxgszUoU/s1600/ateneo-la-salle.JPG" title="LIVE STREAM: Ateneo vs La Salle UAAP Season 80 Game 3 Finals" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: ABS-CBN Sports</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In the Finals, Ateneo seizing Game 1 and DLSU scoring Game 2.<br /><br />Ben Mbala, Ricci Rivero, and the rest of DLSU are riding on the momentum the team has showed in Game 2 as they rallied to counter the 21-point deficit.<br /><br />The fierce competition continues for the Blue Eagles and the Green Archers with the overwhelming support of fans of perennial teams of UAAP men's basketball.<br /><br />The game tipped off at 4 p.m.<br /><br />Live streaming and full coverage are available on S+A, S+A HD, and ABS-CBN Channel 2.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />UPDATE: During the first half, Ateneo prevailed with 45 while La Salle scored 38.<br /><br />Ateneo is showing confidence to get the crown from the defending champions.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Ateneo vs La Salle Finals Game 3 via livestream (video courtesy of ABS-CBN Sports - <a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap</a>):</b><br /><br /><center><object data="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap" height="900" width="100%"> <embed src=http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap width="100%" height="100%"> </embed> There's a problem on embedded video. Watch live stream on <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports portal</a>. </object></center><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIVE STREAM: Ateneo vs La Salle UAAP Season 80 Finals Game 3

MANILA, Philippines - The winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 80 men's basketball finals between arch rivals Ateneo de Manila Univ...

LIVE STREAM: UAAP Cheerdance Competition CDC 2017

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP Season 80 Cheerdance Competition (CDC) happens this Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Eight member schools are now on fire to give their loudest cheer for the fans and viewers of the 23-year-old sporting event.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wv_TWk6-tV9uEPpRWK2Hpxd3kcnLuW_R6UZqShKfyTY-uD8Hg7MMCmSTFebx-pRqA5fbx5tTA70-4jiEBKMedoHjGciub9gG_sTNlghY9n6IJHJwZym4coNQNXj3HfYhWiknIFs6iQsC/s1600/UAAP-cdc-2017.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UAAP CDC 2017 livestream" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="715" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Wv_TWk6-tV9uEPpRWK2Hpxd3kcnLuW_R6UZqShKfyTY-uD8Hg7MMCmSTFebx-pRqA5fbx5tTA70-4jiEBKMedoHjGciub9gG_sTNlghY9n6IJHJwZym4coNQNXj3HfYhWiknIFs6iQsC/s1600/UAAP-cdc-2017.png" title="UAAP CDC 2017 livestream" /></a></div><br />With the CDC craze just around the corner, fans will witness how determined the National University (NU) Pep Squad is to earn a five-peat and a history of finally sitting beside UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe in the elite club of five-peat winners.<br /><br />The NUP Pep Squad, which holds the most convincing win in the UAAP history, will perform first in the competition. The Sampaloc-based group will try to break the curse as no team has ever won the CDC title performing first. This year, the dogs are diving under the blue ocean water.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad, which holds the most number of podium finishes in CDC, returns after their leave of absence last year due to protest.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />UP Pep Squad will take center stage after the performances of De La Salle University (DLSU) Animo squad, Adamson Pep Squad, Far Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad and University of the East Pep Squad.<br /><br />University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and Ateneo's Blue Babble Battalion will perform next.<br /><br />Aside from UP, the 'Salinggawi' squad is gunning to reclaim their long-lost throne in the UAAP CDC.<br /><br /><b>ORDER OF PERFORMANCES</b><br /><br />1. NU Pep Squad<br />2. DLSU Animo Squad<br />3. Adamson Pep Squad<br />4. FEU Cheering Squad<br />5. UE Pep Squad<br />6. UP Pep Squad<br />7. Salinggawi Dance Troupe<br />8. Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion<br /><br />UAAP broadcast partner ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel 23 and S+A HD Channel 166 will bring the live action as the country’s top cheerleaders show their school spirit.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: #UAAPCDC2017 livestream feed is available at ABS-CBN Sports portal (<a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap</a>).</b><br /><br /><center><object data="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap" height="700" width="100%"> <embed src=http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap width="100%" height="700"> </embed> There's a problem on embedded video. Watch live stream on <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/livestream/uaap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABS-CBN Sports portal</a>. </object></center><br />The videos of performances for this year's UAAP CDC (courtesy of ABS-CBN) will be available here.<br /><br />Catch the live updates of CDC here:<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="936596509935656961" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#UAAPCDC2017 Tweets</a><br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></center><br />Who will win this year's cheerdance competition?<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIVE STREAM: UAAP Cheerdance Competition CDC 2017

MANILA, Philippines - The UAAP Season 80 Cheerdance Competition (CDC) happens this Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Eig...

ABL: Singapore Slingers hand Alab Pilipinas its 2nd straight loss

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Nothing will be more painful than losing a game in front of the home crowd. Tanduay Alab Pilipinas hit the rock bottom of the standings in the 2017 ASEAN Basketball League after losing anew, this time, against visiting Singapore Slingers, 97-83 on Wednesday, November 29 in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh9aAxuONrnaQduJeEpG6Ii8R39gS-wlm5XZSMdEz3GZEYPthhQ6Qi-8EsCr7bAI463qCU6tW-nfzmw8OYC6J_ixHDa7QOjlFEkk9jqojIInmI1dvkeY033ptJgL_yqcvgczCIdaej4QE/s1600/xavier_alexander.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Singapore Slingers hand Alab Pilipinas its 2nd straight loss" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="591" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh9aAxuONrnaQduJeEpG6Ii8R39gS-wlm5XZSMdEz3GZEYPthhQ6Qi-8EsCr7bAI463qCU6tW-nfzmw8OYC6J_ixHDa7QOjlFEkk9jqojIInmI1dvkeY033ptJgL_yqcvgczCIdaej4QE/s1600/xavier_alexander.png" title="Singapore Slingers hand Alab Pilipinas its 2nd straight loss" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super import Xavier Alexander showed no mercy to Alab Pilipinas and the home crowd. Photo Credit: tnp.sg</td></tr></tbody></table><br />If there’s one thing in every Alab Pilipinas player’s mind, that would be: not to lose a back-to-back games in the home turf. But sadly, lightning struck the Philippine ABL team twice tonight.<br /><br />Both teams started the game slow. But it was Singapore Slingers who went ahead of the game with a 7-2 lead with over 6 minutes left in the opening period. World imports Ivan Johnson and Reggie Okosa teamed-up to level the score with 9-apiece at the 3:12 mark of the opener.<br /><br />Ex-TNT reinforcement, Ivan Johnson, fell hard on the floor as he fought for a rebound against counterpart Xavier Alexander. Johnson stood-up but was obviously in pain. He was sent to the bench for further examination and was replaced by heritage import Lawrence Domingo.<br /><br />Aside from Xavier Alexander, local Slingers star Delvin Goh lifted up the team to secure the lead after the first 10 minutes of the game. 23-15 in favor of Singapore.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Philippines was held scoreless for the first 2 minutes of the 2nd period. Lawrence Domingo broke the scoring drought with a driving layup. On the other hand, second Slingers world import, Ryan Wright, did significant damage to Alab and escalated the lead to 15.<br /><br />Oping Sumalinog and Bobby Ray Parks Jr. both sank triples as soon as they stepped on the floor to cut Singapore’s lead to a single-digit. But Slinger heritage import and Filipino-Canadian, AJ Mandani, answered back with his own version of back-to-back three pointers to place his team’s advantage back to 14.<br /><br />Just like its previous game against Hong Kong, Tanduay Alab Pilipinas still can’t find its rhythm after the 1st half. Singapore Slingers led by a dozen, 50-38.<br /><br />Alab had a terrific run in the early phase of the third. But the problem was, Slingers did a spectacular 3rd quarter as well. Xavier Alexander and Ryan Wright continued to punish Alab in the shaded lane that prolonged the Slingers’ lead.<br /><br />It was a three point shootout between Alab’s Josh Urbiztondo and Slingers’ Ng Hanbin come midway of the 3rd period. Philippines managed to lower the lead to just 8, 68-60.<br /><br />Philippines leaned on its transition offense to finally break the barriers and started to show what it’s capable of. Ivan Johnson who had 7 points in the 1st half came back aggressively in the third and led Alab’s onslaught until the quarter buzzer sounded. Philippines slashed Singapore’s lead to just 3, 74-71.<br /><br />Singapore welcomed Philippines at the start of the final period with a 12-0 run and ballooned its lead to 15 once again.<br /><br />Slingers posted its biggest lead of 18 points, 91-73 with 5:31 left in the ballgame. Nothing was going right for Alab. Even the close-range shot were not going in. In contrary, Singapore got too lucky in all angles of the floor.<br /><br />Slingers imports: Alexander, Wright and Mandani tormented Alab Pilipinas until the end of the game while locals Goh and Hanbin chipped in valuable numbers to give Philippines its back-to-back losses.<br /><b><br /></b> <b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

ABL: Singapore Slingers hand Alab Pilipinas its 2nd straight loss

MANILA, Philippines - Nothing will be more painful than losing a game in front of the home crowd. Tanduay Alab Pilipinas hit the rock bottom...

La Salle dodges the bullet, extends UAAP finals series to Game 3

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Top-seeded Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles blew a 21-point lead but unfortunately handed down Game 2 to De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 92-83 in the Season 80 UAAP men's basketball finals on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldAvJ2vGzispq868fMztljQM6buHmtAKsEBc3OhiJp5pXrOX4yKs6LPGxpgExR6Jy7LMtA1NA8mUZvs1byJJXqbBmbEY_fq_JfLGdFu2MfQQTMq2sJaQpEAYyv0hTnjZhHJ85pzigdSq1/s1600/MBala-dlsu-uaap.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ben Mbala after the Game 1 debacle, vowed to be more explosive in Game 2" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldAvJ2vGzispq868fMztljQM6buHmtAKsEBc3OhiJp5pXrOX4yKs6LPGxpgExR6Jy7LMtA1NA8mUZvs1byJJXqbBmbEY_fq_JfLGdFu2MfQQTMq2sJaQpEAYyv0hTnjZhHJ85pzigdSq1/s1600/MBala-dlsu-uaap.JPG" title="Ben Mbala after the Game 1 debacle, vowed to be more explosive in Game 2" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True to his words, Ben Mbala after the Game 1 debacle, vowed to be more explosive in Game 2. The 2-time MVP fulfilled his promise and led La Salle’s comeback win against Ateneo. Photo Credit: Inquirer.net</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Gunning for their 9th title since joining the prestigious collegiate league in the country, the Blue Eagles with a 1-0 series advantage tried to finish off their greatest rivals, the Green Archers today. But the men in green aimed  to repulse their arch-nemesis to force a rubber match on Sunday.<br /><br />Both teams traded baskets as early as the first few seconds of the game. Both had quick triples but it was Ateneo who had the slight edge as the 5-minute mark of the opening period approached, 13-5 and all starters had made a bucket at least.<br /><br />La Salle’s agile wing-man, Ricci Rivero hit the foul trouble too early and prompted Coach Aldin Ayo to send him back to bench to preserve his remaining personal fouls for the rest of the game.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />Anton Asistio lighted it up from the outside to widen the Ateneo-gap to a dozen that panicked Coach Ayo and called a mandatory timeout.<br /><br />Ayo’s timeout didn’t do his team any good. It was a double black-eye for the sophomore coach as his ace player and MVP Ben Mbala got into foul trouble as well after the ceasefire.<br /><br />ADMU was in total control after the first 10 minutes of the opener, 32-15.<br /><br />La Salle slowly getting back on track at the start of the 2nd period. Kib Montalbo and Ricci Rivero led the way while Ben Mbala wasn’t able to keep it up in terms of scoring.<br /><br />Despite La Salle’s early 5-0 run, Ateneo fired back with their own scoring blast and posted the biggest lead of the game of 21 points, 45-24 with 5:30 remaining in the half.<br /><br />With 3:21 minutes left in the 2nd quarter, La Salle’s Ricci Rivero committed his 4th personal foul and once again relegated to the sidelines. <br /><br />Green Archers made another excellent run led by Aljun Melecio and Ben Mbala who rocked the rim with a monster alley-oop jam. The once 21-point lead was abruptly cut to just 9 in less than 3 minutes. The Blue Eagles however were still in favor after the first half, 51-42 spearheaded by Thirdy Ravena who led all scorers with 13. <br /><br />After La Salle’s 12-0 blitz, Ateneo finally made a most-needed basket courtesy of Chibueze Ikeh at the beginning of the third.<br /><br />DLSU intensified its defense that resulted to a superb comeback. The Archers were able to trim Ateneo’s lead to just 6 from as high as 21 and they did it without the aid of Ricci Rivero who was nursing his 4th personal fouls.<br /><br />All of a sudden, Ateneo’s hot shooting hands gone ice cold as the Eagles allowed a 24-5 scoring surge by La Salle. The Archers were totally back in the game as they snatched the lead from the Eagles  with over 2 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.<br /><br />La Salle turned the momentum to its side and ended the penultimate period with a 68-59 lead.<br /><br />Ateneo tried to regain the lead in the final quarter. But every time the Eagles scored, the Archers retaliated to stop Coach Tab Baldwin’s boys in re-taking the advantage that could cost them this game.<br /><br />Aaron Black was the only Eagle who thrived to level the score with 5 more minutes remaining in the game. Black single-handedly poured 10 points to get closer to La Salle. His three pointer cut the lead to just 4, 74-70.<br /><br />Ateneo’s Assistant Coach Gene Afable was whistled for a technical foul for continuous complaining. Some of the fans didn’t like the call and they started yelling “luto! luto!” and bottles and coins were thrown at the court.<br /><br />In spite of the efforts exerted by Aaron Black who had 11 points in 4th quarter alone, De La Salle still managed to take care of its lead and closed out game number 2 with an unbelievable comeback win, 92-83 for the series equalizer.<br /><br />Do-or-die game will be on Sunday, December 3 at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.<br /><br /><b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

La Salle dodges the bullet, extends UAAP finals series to Game 3

MANILA, Philippines - Top-seeded Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles blew a 21-point lead but unfortunately handed down Game 2 to...

Gilas Pilipinas makes it two-in-a-row, tops bracket in the 2019 FIBA WC Asian Qualifiers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Another sloppy and sluggish game for Gilas Pilipinas. But the nationals successfully defended their house and wrapped up the year with an immaculate 2-0 bracket record in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers after surviving a scary Chinese Taipei run, 90-83 on Monday night, November 27, 2017 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsirFelFrqdq1ebzWoK_kqghZ73eRR7JEcxOtyMLaclcErtRPOfulv-8ZJKAe7BELcweFnmNAeUAqUAsx9xkdsiDDOCWa0IBYUSTBpqDPzU-8bE6YB_-IAqKRCcvn6V11ZvsWco5jdPO4/s1600/Matthew_Wright.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Matthew Wright made crucial three pointers in the final period" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsirFelFrqdq1ebzWoK_kqghZ73eRR7JEcxOtyMLaclcErtRPOfulv-8ZJKAe7BELcweFnmNAeUAqUAsx9xkdsiDDOCWa0IBYUSTBpqDPzU-8bE6YB_-IAqKRCcvn6V11ZvsWco5jdPO4/s1600/Matthew_Wright.png" title="Matthew Wright made crucial three pointers in the final period" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Matthew Wright made crucial three pointers in the final period to survive the tough Chinese Taipei squad. Photo Credit: Inquirer.net</td></tr></tbody></table>Just like the way Gilas started against Japan, the nationals were once again sloppy and defenseless as they allowed Taipei to blitz a 10-0 run. Quincy Davis alone, posted a quick 7 points.<br /><br />Prior to the game, Coach Chot Reyes warned his boys not to be over-confident and not to underestimate the Taiwanese team despite their convincing win over Japan 3 days ago. Reyes emphasized that they must treat their opponents with utmost respect.<br /><br />Gilas barely caught up as June Mar Fajardo stepped in the court. Fajardo made it to 19-12 with over 3 minutes remaining in the first. The reigning PBA MVP even got Quincy Davis’ 2 personal fouls.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />After 10 minutes of careless Gilas basketball, Philippines managed to comeback and trimmed the Taipei lead to just 5, 23-18.<br /><br />Coach Chot wasn’t really happy on how Andray Blatche guarded Quincy Davis in the first and gave the latter a dozen points. To his dismay, Coach Reyes sent Blatche to the bench and let June Mar took over his role. Realizing his mistakes, Andray Blatche atoned his errors by chipping in significant numbers and crushing the boards as he re-entered in the 2nd period.<br /><br />Rookie Kiefer Ravena converted a fastbreak layup that switched the lead to the Philippine side, 28-27. Aside from the momentum shift, created by Ravena, the former King Eagle stole another Taipei possession for an extra deuce.<br /><br />Gilas Pilipinas managed to preserve its paper-thin lead, 44-42 at the end of the 1st half. June Mar Fajardo led the Philippine squad with 9 points.<br /><br />Quincy Davis spent a little over a minute in the 3rd quarter and immediately went back to the sideline as he committed his 4th personal foul. Due to Davis’ absence, June Mar Fajardo continued to pummel Taipei under the basket and widened Gilas’ margin inch by inch.<br /><br />Chou Po Hsun made a baseline jumper to regain the lead from Philippines, 61-60 with a minute remaining in the 3rd period. <br /><br />Calvin Abueva intercepted a pass as the clock died down. Abueva attempted a hail mary shot but got fouled. Unfortunately, “The Beast” missed all of his 3 free throws that left Gilas with just a point lead, 63-62.<br /><br />Matthew Wright started the final period with a trey. Wright’s long shot was just Philippines’ 3rd conversion in 14 attempts. Seconds after the first 4th quarter three pointer, Matthew Wright sank another triple.<br /><br />Chinese Taipei threatened to overtake Philippines anew as they closed the gap to a half-shot with 6 minutes left in the game clock.<br /><br />Slowly but surely, Gilas Pilipinas was showing its true form in the final phase of the 4th period. RR Pogoy joined Matthew Wright in three point shooting spree that gave Philippines its biggest lead of 8, 84-76.<br /><br />Coach Reyes pulled out Kiefer Ravena who had a terrific night with 9 markers and brought Jayson Castro-William in to protect their lead and prevent an upset.<br /><br />Gilas Pilipinas once again survived a scary run and wrapped-up 2017 with a 90-83 victory and a 2-0 clean slate record. Philippines is currently at the 1st place together with Team Australia in their bracket. Chinese Taipei on the other hand, dropped to 0-2 alongside Japan.<br /><br />Team Philippines has 3 months to prepare before they face the Boomers on February 22 in Australia and fly back promptly to Manila to host Akatsuki 5 Japan on February 25.<br /><b><br /></b> <b>— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

Gilas Pilipinas makes it two-in-a-row, tops bracket in the 2019 FIBA WC Asian Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines - Another sloppy and sluggish game for Gilas Pilipinas. But the nationals successfully defended their house and wrapped ...

LIVE STREAM: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The country's national team SMART Gilas Pilipinas will try to defend the home court against Chinese-Taipei in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers on Monday evening, November 27, at the Araneta Coliseum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncgmk_1cOR4r7f5fJGIC43iW68N-QpcnD2MMLjKOBqmNO7iAfztTpFddhOoW05mc2_mNByGrsdkTFJuuh6zXiJAiCX1dRLjxSOtfjrZVHM09-aSGnhIAVkUNJ6pa4XqycK2EuGV_pQUvR/s1600/Gilas-Pilipinas.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="LIVE STREAM: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncgmk_1cOR4r7f5fJGIC43iW68N-QpcnD2MMLjKOBqmNO7iAfztTpFddhOoW05mc2_mNByGrsdkTFJuuh6zXiJAiCX1dRLjxSOtfjrZVHM09-aSGnhIAVkUNJ6pa4XqycK2EuGV_pQUvR/s1600/Gilas-Pilipinas.jpg" title="LIVE STREAM: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GILAS PILIPINAS. Photo Credit: Sports5PH</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Philippines being ranked 5th in Asia and 30th in the world faces the ranked 10th in Asia and 57th in the world Chinese Taipei.<br /><br />Even Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes knows his team are the favored ones against Chinese Taipei, which got blown out at home by Australia a few days ago, but he won't be quick to pronounce an easy road ahead for his guys.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />"We know them pretty well," Reyes told local media. "A lot of their players are the players that we’ve played with against before. We just have to be prepared, but there’s a chance that they can always spring some surprises against us."<br /><br />Watch Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei on livestream (video courtesy of sports.tv5.ph/live):<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><div style="height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.67%; position: relative;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qKrFE8T4TWQ?ecver=2" style="height: 100%; left: 0; position: absolute; width: 100%;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div></center><br />Here are the live updates courtesy of Sports5PH:<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" href="https://twitter.com/Sports5PH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tweets by Sports5PH</a> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

LIVE STREAM: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines - The country's national team SMART Gilas Pilipinas will try to defend the home court against Chinese-Taipei in the ...