NU at cusp of UAAP girls' volleyball crown

National University is at the cusp of securing its first UAAP girls' volleyball crown, defeating the University of Santo Tomas, 25-17, 25-20, 20-25, and 25-21 on Sunday at the Adamson Gym.

Jasmine Nabor and Faith Nisperos led the charge for NU, which will have the chance to clinch on Thursday afternoon at the same venue.

The defending champions have some solace that this situation is familiar territory, having been in this exact scenario just last year. Although this time, they won't have EJ Laure leading the comeback charge.

NU could have had double the reason to celebrate, but Ateneo forced a win-or-go-home decider, needing four sets to defeat the Bullpups, 25-22, 25-18, 22-25, and 25-17.

Whoever wins the noon clash on Thursday will have the unenviable task of attempting to dethrone the 10-time champions UE, which has yet to be beaten this season.

Games Thursday: (Adamson Gym)

12 noon – Ateneo vs NU (boys semis)
2 p.m. – NU vs UST (girls finals)

FEU forces decider against La Salle in women's basketball

Far Eastern University unearthed another come-from-behind bid to force a winner-take-all in their UAAP Season 77 stepladder semifinal against La Salle on Thursday, escaping with a 61-56 victory at the San Juan Arena.

Trailing by as large as fifteen points in the third period, April Siat led the charge in the comeback, scoring seven in the quarter, and followed that up by matching the defending champions' eleven-point output in the final canto.

Even with the offensive struggles, the Lady Archers managed to be just down two points, 58-56, with 103 seconds remaining after a Camille Claro layup. However, Jacq Tanaman nailed a jumper with under a minute left to provide the

Siat would finish with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Tanaman fell just one assist short of a triple-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Nikki Garcia led La Salle with 15 points, while Cass Santos added eleven and four rebounds.

The do-or-die matchup will take place later today at the Mall of Asia Arena, acting as the curtain-raiser for their male counterparts who will also play at the same venue later that afternoon.

Games tomorrow:
(Mall of Asia Arena)
1:30 p.m. – FEU vs La Salle (women semis)
4 p.m. – FEU vs La Salle (men semis)

The scores:FEU (61) - Siat 21, Tanaman 16, Valenzona 7, Arellado 6, Gabriel 4, Ventura 4, Castro 2, Chan 1, Baldonado 0.
La Salle (56) - Garcia 15, Santos 11, Piatos 8, Ong A. 6, Claro 6, Melendres 3, Vergara 3, Ong M. 2, Castillo 2, Corcuera 0, Scott 0, Lumba 0.
Quarterscores: 6-7, 17-29, 37-45, 62-56

Season 77 in Judo set to take place

Defending champions Ateneo and La Salle are to begin their title defense of their judo crowns as UAAP Season 77 judo tournament kicks off at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Blue Judokas will have to deal with their counterparts from UP and La Salle as they try to continue their winning run from last season, led by Season 76 MVP Matt Jao and Anjo Gumila.

La Salle ended its 21-year title drought in the ladies' division, relying on their MVP in Nikki More. Rivals Ateneo comprise the main opposition for the Lady Judokas.

Meanwhile, perennial contenders UST aims to reload after their fourth-place finish in both men's and women's.

In the high school ranks, Ateneo seeks to retain the crown against De La Salle-Zobel and former champions UST.

All In meet-and-greet promo for The Answer set

Fans have the chance to be able to meet and have a photo Allen Iverson  and the rest of the Ball Up squad on the "All In" charity basketball event.

If you are among the first five hundred ticket buyers for the basketball fund-raiser on November 5, you will have the chance to actually watch the closed-door shootaround of the Ball Up squad that Iverson will coach.

The shootaround will be two hours before the game actually begins, and out of the 500, forty lucky fans will be randomly selected to have photos and autographs with Iverson and the Ball Up squad.

The lucky forty will be determined on October 13, with the identities to be known on the official Facebook and Twitter page for the All In event.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.smtickets.com, all SM Tickets outlets, and PCWorx branches. Prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,500 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).

Gawad Kalinga is the beneficiary of the event, which is organized by I-Kurot, and supported by Samsung, NBA Café, Accel (official outfitter), Solaire Resort and Casino (official residence), Rapoo, AOC, and WhenInManila.com

Cool Derek Jeter tributes

The end is near.

On Thursday night (Friday morning), Derek Jeter is slated to play his final regular season game in Yankee Stadium. Although the Yankees have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, it will be a special and momentous occasion.

A week ago, Gatorade put out this ad, that clearly will make a tear go out of your eyes.



Of course, there is this one from Jordan, released back in the MLB All-Star Game



And then of course, MLB has their own tribute that they put out a couple of days ago.



Oyo Sports does it in its own style, memorializing those great Derek moments in those mini-figurines.



We're going to miss the Captain. Hopefully, the weather does enough and allow the game to be played.

UST, UP take UAAP taekwondo titles

University of Santo Tomas Tiger Jins, UAAP Season 77 champions

The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Jins swept their way to their twelfth men's taekwondo title at the UAAP Season 77 taekwondo tournament at the San Juan Arena late Tuesday.

They completed the sweep with a 4-3 victory over the University of the Philippines to win all six games.

Season 77 MVP Paul Romero remarked, "Sobrang saya since last playing year ko na. Kasi pinaghirapan din talaga namin, bawat isa nagsumikap talaga para maibalik sa amin ang championship."

The University of the East finished in second place with a 5-1 record after defeating La Salle, 4-3. The loss sent the Green Jins to a 3-3 record alongside National University, who also lost to Far Eastern University by the same score. However, NU finishes in third place, thanks to the winner-over-the-other rule.

Commenting on the surprise finish of UE and NU, Romero says "Yung NU at UE, nagte-train ng mabuti para makasabay na sila sa mga dating champion. Sa game ngayon, hindi mo masasabi kung sino ang magaling, kung sino talaga ang malakas. It's more kung sino ang mas malakas sa katawan. Nagma-matter na yung flexible ka at yung sumipa sa ulo."

Romero's teammate Aries Capispisan was named as the Rookie of the Year, while the following were named as the gold medalists:

FEU's Ariel Bacud (fin) and Elijah Marcelino (feather)
UST's Rhayzor Catris (fly) and Gian Rubio (bantam)

La Salle's Kiko Sembrano (light)
NU's Arven Alcantara (welter)
UP's Guillano de Dios (middle heavy)
 

The University of the Philippines Lady Jins, UAAP Season 77 champions

In the women's side, the University of the Philippines Lady Jins ended a 12-year drought to snatch its second-ever UAAP title.

UP defeated La Salle, 5-2, to finish atop the standings at 5-1.

Season 77 MVP Charizza Camille Alombro remarked, "Matagal na naming hinihintay na mag-champion ang women's team. Nagtiwala kami na kahit anong nangyari, kaya naming mag-champion at naging united kami."

UST's chances for a double championship in collegiate taekwondo ended with a 4-3 defeat to FEU. The Lady Tiger Jins, who gave UP its lone defeat this season, would end up tied with their opponents and La Salle at 4-2.

Thanks to their superior quotient, the Lady Jins from Taft would finish second and UST would end up third.

La Salle's Camille Bonje was named as the Rookie of the Year and the gold medalist in the lightweight division, while the following were named as the gold medalists:

FEU's Ronnielette Balancio (fin) and Clouie Bolinas (welter)
UST's Korina Paladin (fly) and Jane Narra (middle heavy)
UP's Stephanie Osio (bantam)
NU's Shiryl Badol (feather)

UST maintain edge in UAAP taekwondo

The University of Santo Tomas maintained their hold atop the men's taekwondo standings, defeating La Salle, 4-3, to win their fifth straight match at the San Juan Arena.

Aries Capispisan clinched the win after defeating Gerry del Rosario in the light-heavyweight division for the Tiger Jins, with the other three victories coming from Joaquin Mendoza, Paul Romero and Rhey Catris.

Meanwhile, National University gained solo third place with a 4-3 win over the University of the Philippines, while FEU entered the win column with a 6-1 decision over Ateneo.

In the women's side, defending champions La Salle dominated their University of the East counterparts, 6-1, to forge a three-way tie atop the standings.

This was the case after UST dealt the first loss of UP, 4-3, with Jane Narra clinching the win with a 7-6 result over Cyrmyn Perlas.

Providing the other three wins for the Lady Tiger Jins are Season 76 MVP Nicole Cham, Colleen Heria, and Korina Paladin.

Meanwhile, in the other match, National University won their second match with a 5-2 victory over Ateneo.

TV5 to air 17th Asian Games starting September 19

TV5 will have coverage for the upcoming 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, kicking it off with the Opening Ceremonies at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on September 19.

The Opening Ceremonies will be a hodgepodge of the K-Pop phenomenon, with the likes of JYJ, EXO, CNBlue and PSY performing, adhering to the message: "4.5 Billion Asians' dream, Asia as One."

150 Filipinos will be participating in 28 sports disciplines at the quadrennial meet, led of course, by the Gilas Pilipinas men's basketball team. Other prominent athletes competing include Marestella Torres (athletics - long jump), Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jesse Lacuna (swimming), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), and the Philippine Volcanoes (rugby).

Sports5's coverage of the event will involve the trio of Dennis Principe, Atty. Charlie Cuna and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon providing updates involving our athletes in Incheon. Telecast of the different events will be on TV5, AksyonTV, HYPER, SMART's Viewstream and Cignal's PPV channels.

Ticket Packages now available for Dubai leg of IPTL

Details on ticket packages for the final leg (December 11-13) of the highly-anticipated International Premier Tennis League have been revealed.

Set to be released on September 15 (today), two kinds of passes will be made available on www.ticketmaster.ae and www.platinumlist.net: day passes and season passes.

Season passes encompass all three days of the competition at the Hamdan Sports Complex, allowing fans to be able to watch all six matchups. Day passes will allow you to watch one day's worth of matchups. To encourage more people to avail of the season passes, they come with a 10% discount. Fans can purchase them in three locations: Regular, Corner Prime, and VVIP.

Regular day pass tickets are priced at AED 200 (tier 1), AED 120 (tier 2) and AED 70 (tier 3).
Regular season passes will be available for AED 540 (tier 1), AED 324 (tier 2) and AED 189 (tier 3).

Corner Prime day pass tickets start at AED 450 (tier 1), AED 250 (tier 2), AED 150 (tier 3).
Corner Prime season passes are priced at AED 1,215 (tier 1), AED 675 (tier 2), and AED 405 (tier 3).

VVIP ticket day passes are available at AED 2,000 and AED 2,500.
VVIP season passes are priced at AED 6,000 and AED 7,500.

UE, NU finish atop UAAP HS volleyball elims

The University of the East swept through the field in the process of securing the first Finals slot in the UAAP Season 77 boys' volleyball tournament at the Adamson Gym.

The Junior Warriors dispatched La Salle-Zobel in straight sets, 25-15, 25-16, and 25-11 to complete a twelve-game sweep in the eliminations. UE is now two wins away from securing an eleventh-straight crown.

The stepladder post-season sees 3rd seed Ateneo (8-4) take on 4th seed UST (7-5) in a playoff, with the winner facing the 2nd seed NU (9-3) on a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the stepladder semifinals.

On the distaff side, National University easily handled Far Eastern University, 25-5, 25-13, and 25-13 to claim the top seed with a 11-1 record.

NU will face Adamson in the Final Four, with UST facing La Salle-Zobel in the other match-up. The defending champions clinched the second seed and will have a twice-to-beat advantage thanks to their 4-set victory over Adamson.

Adamson needed a playoff to secure that last postseason slot, going the full five sets to beat UE, 25- 21, 25-21, 17-25, 18-25, and 15-7.

UST, UP lead charge in UAAP Season 77 Taekwondo

The first two playdates for UAAP taekwondo at the San Juan Arena sees UST pave the way for the men, while UP leading the way for the women.

The Tiger Jins opened their campaign on Tuesday with a 6-1 thrashing of FEU, followed by a narrow 4-3 win over UE. They followed that up on Thursday with a 5-2 win over NU and a 7-0 trouncing of Ateneo to accomplish a 4-0 record.

Defending champions La Salle and UE are just behind UST at 3-1, with the Green Jins' lone loss coming from last season's cellar dwellers NU, 4-3 on Thursday.

Alfred Joseph Avila, Aljon Ortonio, Dave Cea and Alven Alcantara secured the wins for NU, who had just joined the competition last season. The Bulldogs in solo fourth place with a 2-2 mark, one game ahead of Ateneo and UP. Far Eastern University is at the bottom, remaining winless after four matches so far.

In the women's side, UP still remains undefeated after four matches. The Season 76 runners-up blanked Ateneo, 7-0, and dispatched FEU, 6-1, to open its campaign on Tuesday. They would then nip NU, 4-3, and defeat UE, 5-2, to go 4-0.

Defending champions UST was tripped up by Ateneo on Tuesday, 4-3. Wins from Thea Bermejo, Weedee Valenzuela, Kyla Relucio and Frances Siapno secured the only victory for the Lady Jins of Katipunan so far this season. In contrast, that was the only loss the Female Jins have had this in four outings this season, good enough for a tie for second place alongside La Salle.

FEU is in fourth place with a 2-2 record, one game ahead of Ateneo and NU, while UE is at the cellar with no wins after four games.

UP claims UAAP Season 77 women's badminton title

The University of the Philippines clinched the UAAP Season 77 women's badminton title on Wednesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall, sweeping defending champions Ateneo with identical come-from-behind 3-2 victories.

The Lady Shuttlers from Katipunan started off strong, winning the first two singles matches. Season 76 MVP Bianca Carlos defeated Bea Bernardo, 21-18 and 21-15, then Trixie Malibiran needed three sets against Mary Ann Maranon, 19-21, 21-18, and 21-15.

The undefeated shuttlers from Diliman answered back by taking the doubles matches, as the tandem of Jessie Francisco and Bernardo defeating Carlos and Dia Magno, 21-19 and 21-12, followed by Marina Caculitan and Maranon beating Malibiran and Cass Lim, 10-21, 21-17, and 21-17.

With the matches tied at 2 apiece, it was up to Francisco for UP and Jana de Vera for Ateneo to duke it out for the win. And it was Francisco who came out on top, as the soon-to-be named MVP secured a 21-16 and 21-13 victory to seal the sweep.

Maranon received the Rookie of the Year plum to complete the awards.

UAAP Season 77 Table Tennis kicks off Saturday

The Blue Eagle Gym will serve as the host for the table tennis tournament for UAAP Season 77, which is set to open later today.

La Salle ended its 14-year title drought in the men's division last season with a sweep over FEU, with the Green Paddlers opening its title defense against UE at 9am, followed by matches against NU at 2pm and UST at 4pm.

According to team skipper Jerald Cristobal, UST is the main threat against a repeat, as the Tiger Paddlers will welcome back a couple of players from ineligibility last season. He also cited FEU, UE and Adamson as the other teams to watch out for. Cristobal also shared that the school started off their preparations last February, adding that he hopes that "the expectations wouldn't negatively get into their heads."

The University of the Philippines will open its title defense in the women's division against UST at 2pm and NU at 4pm. Last season, they were the first seniors squad in all sports to overcome the "thrice-to-beat" disadvantage in UAAP Finals, beating La Salle in three straight games.

Season 75 champions La Salle are hungry for a bounce back as they attempt to reclaim the title they believe should have been theirs.

Team skipper Ian Lariba says that the goal this season is to "recover the championship." She adds that they learned the lesson of momentum last year, noting that they "cannot afford to slow down," and that they have to "strive to get better so we could play at an optimal level."

Aside from UP and La Salle, FEU and UST loom as possible contenders, with both schools having players coming off redshirt seasons.

Meanwhile, UE begins its title defense in the juniors division, going up against UST at 2 p.m. and Adamson University at 4 p.m. They also overcame a thrice-to-beat disadvantage in the finals last season, sweeping National University for the championship.

The Junior Warriors also wiped out the Bullpups' thrice-to-beat edge by completing a 3-0 Finals sweep last season.

Mayweather vs Maidana to be shown on TV5's Big-time Bakbakan

 

Sports5 will show the highly-anticipated duel between Floyd Mayweather (46-0) and Marcos Maidana (35-4) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas this Sunday, September 14 via satellite at 1230pm on TV5. It will also be available via PPV on CignalTV SD & HD at PhP 350.

Mayweather will defend his three championship belts (WBC Welterweight, WBA Super World Welterweight, and WBC Light Middleweight) to prove his superiority over his Argentine challenger.

The two tangled last May, with Floyd securing a majority decision victory, as two judges went in his favor and the other judge seeing it as a draw.

According to "Money," "The first few rounds were exciting and then I turned it around in the second half. I expect to throw more combinations this time. I can't say if the rematch will be easier. I won the first fight, it's up to him to change. The champ can make adjustments and I can be especially smart about it. Nobody can solve the May-Vinci code. Watching a fight from the outside is totally different than from what's going on in the inside. He may have been attacking but I was countering, throwing body shots. That affected his thought process and he fought different after that."

Meanwhile, Chino seeks to avenge that loss, “This time around, I’m not going to get tired. I’m going to be on him from the opening bell, for the entire fight. And I think that’s going to force him to fight."


The undercard will be composed of these matches:

Miguel Vasquez (34-3) defends his IBF Lightweight belt against Mickey Bey (20-1-1)
Leo Santa Cruz defends his WBC Super bantamweight belt against Manuel Roman
Alfredo Angulo faces James Dela Rosa
John Molina faces Humberto Soto

NBA Store in the Philippines to open later this year

On Wednesday, the NBA announced that the Philippines will be the first ASEAN member to have a NBA Store.

Set to open later this year, the NBA Store will be the definitive place to purchase authentic NBA merchandise from all 30 teams. There will also be autographed memorabilia for exclusive products only available at the NBA Store Philippines. Also, official NBA outfitter adidas will have its products also on display inside.

NBA Asia Senior VP and Managing Director Scott Levy says that "the passion and excitement of NBA fans in the Philippines have helped us deliver so many dedicated Filipino NBA destinations across TV, social and digital media, events and the NBA Cafe. He adds, "It is only natural that the Philippines should also have the first NBA Store in Southeast Asia.  This will present yet another opportunity for our fans to get closer to the game, and proudly display their loyalties to their favorite teams and the players."

To celebrate the announcement, there will be a series of activities that will take place today and tomorrow at the Glorietta Main Activity Center in Makati. Among the many things to happen during the event include meet-and-greet opportunities, NBA giveaways, hip-hop dance workshops, and a NBA 2K14 face-off between celebrities and gamers. NBA merchandise will also be in display for the fans, as a possible preview on what to expect inside the store.

Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, Avery Johnson, the Laker Girls, and Denver Nuggets' mascot Rocky the Mountain Lion will also be present and interact with the fans.

Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, and Avery Johnson to visit Yolanda-affected Northern Cebu

Later today, Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews of the Portland Trailblazers, as well as current NBA analyst Avery Johnson will be heading to Northern Cebu to visit communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

This is a reaffirmation of the NBA's commitment to help families in the affected areas rebuild their lives, with the assistance of World Vision Philippines.

NBA Philippines' Country Manager Carlo Singson hopes that the visit to Northern Cebu helps uplift the spirits of the residents as they continue their road to recovery. He also reiterated the support towards efforts in the rehab process, with over $2.2 million in donations coming from the league, the players and the teams. Just this past August, WNBA Legend Allison Feaster and current Houston Rockets player development coach Derrick Alston visited the country as part of the Sports Diplomacy initiative of the United States Embassy, and among the activities that took place during the visit was visiting Leyte and Cebu to donate books and basketballs, as well as participate in school construction and tree planting.

World Vision Development Foundation Executive Director Josaias T. dela Cruz expressed the organization's gratefulness for the continued support of the NBA to World Vision's efforts in emergency response, adding that they "are happy to host" the visit of Lopez, Matthews, and Johnson, noting that the community partners, most especially the children, will be delighted to meet them.

For more details on the NBA's efforts relating to Yolanda, you can check this link for more details or to contribute.

Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, and Avery Johnson to grace 1st Gatorade NBA Training Center in the Philippines

Gatorade, in conjunction with the NBA, will have its first-ever Gatorade NBA Training Center in the Philippines later today at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews of the Portland Trailblazers, as well as ESPN NBA analyst and former NBA champion Avery Johnson will help teach the finer points of basketball as well as share their training techniques with Gatorade collegiate brand ambassadors Jeron Teng, Von Pessumal, Mike Tolomia and Kevin Ferrer, as well as first round draft picks Chris Banchero, Kevin Alas and Rodney Brondial from the recently-held Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft.

Johnson will also share some of his coaching philosophy that helped him lead Dallas to the 2006 NBA Finals with some of the local coaches in their own session. He expressed his excitement in coming to Manila for the first time to participate in the event, adding that “The Philippines has tremendous basketball potential, as we’ve all seen recently on the world stage, and I am eager to share my skills and knowledge with the country’s future stars.”

In the US, the Gatorade NBA Training Center aims to promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices for athletes ages 13-17, highlighting on nutrition, hydration, exercise and physical and mental activity. During the event, there are body measurement, strength and conditioning stations, as well as endurance tests evaluating your physical fitness and identifying key areas for improvement. The collaboration between the league and the sports drink giant brings together elite athletes and top instructors in the field of basketball, fitness and conditioning, and nutrition to oversee the activities within the event.

For more information about the Gatorade NBA Training Center Philippines, visit www.nba.com and follow Gatorade Philippines on Facebook.

NU, UST nab UAAP beach volleyball crowns

National University and the University of Santo Tomas needed three games to dispatch their respective opponents this past weekend to secure the UAAP titles for men's and women's beach volleyball at the sand courts of UE Caloocan.

The tandem of Josephenry Tipay and Edwin Tolentino for National University downed the Tiger Spikers duo of Kris Roy Guzman and Mark Alfafara to secure their third straight title in the men's division and matching FEU for the most number of titles since the event became part of the official UAAP calendar.

On Saturday, NU took Game 1, 15-21, 21-18, and 17-15, but UST forced a winner-take-all on Sunday with a 23-21 and 21-16 victory.

The decided went to the full three-set limit, 19-21, 21-18, and 17-15, with Tipay securing the match-clinching kill. He was then awarded the Most Valuable Player crown.

"Great exit, napakaganda ng team chemistry namin," said Tipay. "Hindi naging madali para sa amin, pero nandoon ang puso namin. Hindi kami nagpabaya."

Tiger Spikers head coach Emil Lontoc remained positive in spite of the defeat, saying "Masaya pa rin. Mag-aral na lang tayo sa pagkukulang natin at 'yung tama, itama pa natin ng todo."

UE's Edward Camposano was named as the Rookie of the Year.

In the women's side, the rookie duo of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera belied their perceived inexperience to lead UST back atop the heap, taking down La Salle in three games.

Undefeated in the eliminations, UST took Game 1, 21-15 and 25-23, ending the match on a Rivera service ace.

La Salle finally managed to put a blemish on the Lady Spikers' record in Game 2, 16-21, 22-20, and 18-16, as Cyd Demecillo secured the final two points needed to establish the win and prevent the sweep.

Securing a split forced a Game 3 on Sunday morning. UST started off slow, going down 0-4, but managed to regroup, eventually uncorking ten straight points to take control of the match. They would eventually win the first set, 21-15.

The second set saw a curious move by DLSU head coach Ramil de Jesus, inserting Ara Galang in place of Demecillo to partner with Kim Fajardo, but the change did not faze UST as Rondina's service ace ensured a 16-6 lead, allowing the Lady Spikers to eventually coast to a 21-11 win.

Rondina was named as the MVP, while Rivera was named as the Rookie of the Year. The tandem already brought honor to the school this past summer at the Philippine National Games, netting a silver medal for their efforts.

"Na-pressure lang kami siguro, nadala lang siguro kami sa cheering ng mga tao," said Rondina, adding that, "Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi mga beterano kasi ang mga kinalaban namin. Ang sa amin eh yung maglaro kung anong itinuro sa amin ni coach (Emil Lontoc)."

Lontoc gave the ladies their due, "Fast learner sila. Pagdating sa ball training, doon sila lumalamang sa mga kalaban at the same time 'yung ball quickness. Kapag nag-mature pa sila, mas malaki pa ang tiyansa manalo."

Rivera chimed in, "Malaking achievement kasi nga Rookie of the Year, pero mas masayang part na nag-champion kami, na 'yun nakuha naming title as rookies."

In an interview, de Jesus explained that the decision to replace Cyd with Ara was due to the former having a problem with her right foot that came up after Game 2.

LG Electronics’ ‘Asian Basketball Showdown’ today

Later today at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the "Asian Basketball Showdown" presented by LG Electronics Philippines will take place between the Changwon LG Sakers and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.


The Sakers have been touted as the modern-day equivalents of Shin Dong Pa, the legendary Korean scoring machine. He is expected to visit the country once again to lead the support for the Koreans in this exhibition.

The event is free for LG customers who have registered online using the sales invoice / official receipt number of the LG product purchased. Those who also registered online at LG Philippines' Facebook page also secures free tickets. Those attending the game have the chance to win the newest LG products on the market, including the simplest yet smartest LG G3; the young and pop LG G Pad, your launch pad; and the sleek, always on Android Wear LG G Watch.

NU reclaims UAAP men's badminton crown

National University capped its men's badminton campaign in impressive fashion, carving another sweep against La Salle to complete its undefeated season this past Sunday, their second title in the last three seasons.

Joper Escueta dismantled EJ Boac to open things up for the Bulldogs with identical 21-11 scores, with Peter Magnaye escaping with a close win over John Kenneth Monterubio, 21-18 and 21-17.

Escueta and Magnaye then teamed up in what turned up to be the only doubles matchup needed to decimate Carlos Cayanan and Gerald Sibayan, 21-8 and 21-10, to take the series and the championship, 3-0.

The Bulldogs swept the awards as well, with Escueta named as the MVP for the second time. Alvin Morada was named as the Rookie of the Year, while team mentor Jojo Mance was named as the Coach of the Year

In spite of the finals defeat, it was a successful season for the Green Shuttlers, who dethroned defending champion Ateneo in the stepladder playoffs to earn a seat in the finals.

In the women's side, the Lady Shuttlers of the University of the Philippines are one step away from ending a 14-year championship drought after a 3-2 Game 1 victory over defending champions Ateneo.

Jessie Francisco clinched the win for UP, nipping Dia Magno, 21-18 and 24-22 in the final match of the day.

Reigning MVP Bianca Carlos did her share in trying to give Ateneo the upper hand, winning her singles match against Paula Bernardo, 21-11, 21-23, and 21-16, as well as her doubles match with Magno against Francisco and Maria Elisha Ongcuangco, 21-17 and 21-13.

UP, though, even things up quickly, as Mary Ann Maranon defeated Trixie Malibiran, 21-18 and 21-16. Then Maranon and Mary Ann Caculitan forced the singles decider, defeating Malibiran and Cass Lim in the second doubles match, 21-15, 9-21, and 21-14.

UP can clinch the title on Wednesday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall, starting at 1pm. Ateneo will have to win three straight games to be able retain the title.

UAAP Season 77 Taekwondo action starts

Taekwondo action in the UAAP will commence later today at the Arena in San Juan, with La Salle and UST seeking to defend their titles.

The Green Jins are looking for their ninth UAAP crown this season, with their title retention campaign anchored on reigning MVP Kevin Sia. They were undefeated in Season 76 and are heavy favorites to repeat.

According to DLSU team captain Gerry Del Rosario, the team's heart and passion to win is what gives them the edge compared to the other schools. He adds that the squad is "more than ready to compete," while citing taekwondo powerhouses UST and UP as the biggest threats.

On the women's side, reigning MVP Nicole Cham and UST seeks a record 13th title, with UP and La Salle seeking to dethrone the Tiger Jins. In the Juniors division, UE seeks to add another title.

UST is also seeking to continue its dominance in poomsae, after sweeping all the categories in the inaugural edition last year. Head coach Rani Ortega expects tougher competition this time around, so they have started early with their preparations for this season, which included a medal haul of four golds and two bronzes at the National Poomsae Championships this past July.

Men's MVP and team skipper Marvin Vidal says that they "will try to have a better performance this year."

 

 

Cebuana Lhuillier supports Gilas Pilipinas

The Philippines' largest microfinancial company and official remittance partner for Gilas Pilipinas made its presence felt at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

In a tie-up with Small World Financial, for every remittance that is coursed from their 38 branches in Spain, the sender received premium Team Gilas items, i.e. limited edition Team Gilas jackets, fans, and clappers that were used to cheer the Philippines on during the games.

Cebuana Lhullier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhullier, says, "The Philippines has been the powerhouse in basketball in Asia. We have a rich history of basketball supremacy, and we have produced the best basketball players in the region. And we cannot deny the love and passion that Filipinos have over the sport."

He adds, "Team Gilas embodies the Filipinos’ resilience and never-ending hope for the better – the same traits that drive overseas Filipino workers to strive hard in order to give their families back in the Philippines a better life. That is what we in Cebuana Lhuillier would like to strengthen through our international remittance service; because their hard work means their families’ survival."

Cebuana Lhullier has been a major supporter in the sport of basketball, having been part of the history of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (Cebu Gems), as well as being the main backer for the national team in the SEA Games and SEABA in 2003, and in the 2004 Jones Cup. They currently have a PBA D-League franchise (Cebuana Lhullier Gems) that is currently helmed by Boycie Zamar.

NU one win away from reclaiming UAAP badminton crown

National University is at the cusp of reclaiming the UAAP men's badminton crown after sweeping La Salle on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

Joper Escueta overpowered John Kenneth Monterubio, 21-16 and 21-12 in the first singles match, while Ariel Magnaye took care of Gerald Sibayan, 21-12 and 21-16.

Escueta and Magnaye then teamed up in the doubles to formalize the sweep with identical 21-14 victories over Sibayan and Carlos Cayanan.

The Season 75 MVP said that they "were very focused and well rested because of our one-week break," after they dispatched the Green Shuttlers for their eighth straight win this season.

In the women's side, defending champions Ateneo took care of business against Far Eastern University, 3-1, to set up a matchup against the University of the Philippines.

Patricia Malibiran defeated Michal Dei Duquilla, 21-12, 14-21, and 21-9 to open things up for the Lady Shuttlers. Reigning MVP Bianca Carlos then beat Thea Pomar in her singles matchup, 21-9 and 21-15.

Although Pomar and Hannah Tudtud managed to pull one back for FEU in the first women's doubles match, 21-23, 21-19, and 21-17 over Jana de Vera and Dia Magno, Carlos and Malibiran sealed their return to the finals with a 21-19 and 21-18 victory over Duquilla and Maridel Rivera.

Game 2 of the men's finals and Game 1 of the women's finals are pegged to take place this Sunday.

La Salle secures finals in UAAP women's beach volleyball

Games on September 6 (Saturday) at the UE Caloocan sand court

9 a.m. – UST vs NU (Men’s Finals, Game 1)
9:30 a.m. – La Salle vs UST (Women’s Finals, Game 1)
10 a.m. – UST vs NU (Men’s Finals, Game 2)
10:30 a.m. – La Salle vs UST (Women’s Finals, Game 2)

La Salle and UST duke it out for the women's beach volleyball crown at the UE Caloocan sand court this weekend, after the Lady Spikers ousted defending champions Adamson, 21-11 and 21-14.

Amanda Villanueva and Marleen Cortel managed to get past FEU in straight sets, 21-13 and 21-15 to open the stepladder proper, but the duo just could not handle the attacking and combination plays of their Taft counterparts Cyd Demecillo and Kim Fajardo.

On the prospects of facing UST in their quest to give La Salle their maiden title in this event, Fajardo says, "Siyempre nandito na kami, maghahanda namin ng sobra. Hindi namin palalagpasin yung pagkakataon na nasa Finals kami. Paghuhugutan namin yung experience sa laro."

The Female Spikers own a thrice-to-beat advantage, thanks to their sweep of the eliminations. The rookie duo of Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera are seeking the school's third beach volley title, which would put them level with Adamson as the winningest side.

On the men's side, UST and National University forged a finals rematch after dispatching their respective Final Four opponents.

The Male Spikers duo of Mark Alfafara and Kris Roy Guzman defeated FEU's Greg Dolor and Joshua Barrica, 21-15 and 21-14, while the Bulldogs' Edwin Tolentino and Josephnry Tipay took out Adamson's Rence Melgar and Michael Sudaria with identical 21-16 scores.

Allen Iverson "excited" for upcoming Manila visit

With over two more months to go before his visit to the Philippines, Allen Iverson continues to be excited for the chance to meet his Filipino fanbase.

In an e-mail, the former NBA MVP says that he "can't wait to see all of you this November," adding that he's "very thankful for the opportunity to come out there and be a part of a good cause for the poor and homeless Filipinos."

He also hopes "all of you would come out and support us in this project."

Iverson's long-time manager Gary Moore affirmed Iverson's views, noting that the guard "is really looking forward to coming to the Philippines to meet his Filipino fans." He adds that Allen remains "very passionate about basketball and loves sharing his knowledge and experiences." Moore also says that with the Manila visit, "we're sure that Allen will have a wider reach and inspire more people."

Allen Iverson will be the centerpiece of the "All-In" basketball fundraiser for Gawad Kalinga, where he will be calling the shots for the Ball-Up crew (best remembered for their involvement in the legendary And-1 Mix Tapes). They will face a combination of a local selection of college and pro standouts and former NBA ballers Gilbert Arenas, Eddy Curry, and DerMarr Johnson. Having him coach the Ball-Up squad is part of his preparations as he eventually ventures into that part of the game.

The charity event will take place on November 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with tickets already available at all SM Tickets outlets (and smtickets.com), as well as in all PCWorx branches. This event is also supported by Samsung, NBA Café, Accel, and Rapoo.

Ticket prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,000 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).