Experience the NBA All-Star weekend through Rebanse’s exclusive courtside coverage. Join us as we bring Filipino fans closer to all the spectacular moments of basketball’s biggest celebration. 📸
Feb. 17 | 06:00 PHT – 10:00 PHT 📍NBA Crossover and All-Star Game Warm-up and Contests @Chase Center- The 2025 NBA All-Star Game was electric, with roaring crowds, dazzling lights, and nonstop excitement. Fans were fully immersed, celebrating every highlight in an atmosphere that felt like a festival of basketball.
Feb. 16 | 03:00 PHT – 11:00 PHT 📍 NBA All-Star Practice and Farm All-Star Saturday Night @ Chase Center – Watch the All-Star practice at Chase Center, the home court of the Warriors. See many famous players in action and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere firsthand.
Feb. 15 | 07:00 PHT – 12:00 PHT 📍 NBA Crossover @ Moscone Center – explored the vibrant street decorations celebrating the All-Star event. Also, caught a player meet-and-greet hosted by Chase Bank.
Feb. 14 | 02:00 PHT 📍 Touched down at All-Star Alley – our first stop on this basketball journey.
The PBA will enter its official 50th anniversary come the 1st week of October 2025, and the Northporth Batang Pier franchise is officially bought out and replaced by the Pureblends Corporation.
Let’s look back at the prime years of the Northport franchise, which was called back then the “Globalport Batang Pier”.
Origins: Drafted the Face of FEU Tamaraws and a Fil-Am Standout
Before the PBA Season began in 2012, the Powerade Tigers franchise was officially bought out by Mikee Romero, and the birth of “Globalport Batang Pier” started.
The Batang Pier were horrible in their 1st season at the PBA:
Philippine Cup: 1-13
Commissioner’s Cup: 2-12
Governor’s Cup: 4-5
Made the Quarterfinals but was defeated by Rain or Shine
In the 2013-14 season, their resurgence finally happened.
They first ditched the black and yellow colors of their jersey and pulled out a neon green and black for a proper logo rebrand.
(1st Season)(2nd season)
They also drafted Terrence Romeo as the 5th Overall Pick in the 1st Round of the 2013-14 PBA Draft. Romeo, who was referred to as the “King Tamaraw” of the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP and was arguably the face of the collegiate league at that time.
In the 2nd season, they only made the playoffs once, like in their 1st season, but this time it was in the Philippine Cup, but it’s still the Elastopainters that knocked them out.
During the 2014-15 PBA Draft, they then selected the Fil-Am standout guard, Stanley Pringle, as the number #1 overall pick.
Another logo revision was done, but it was certain that the “neon green boys” of the Batang Pier are on a mission to put the league on notice.
With Pringle and Romeo on board, which showcases a similar play style of quick and flashy moves getting to the basket, the name “Splash Bros” was given to the 2 premier backcourt duos of the 2010 PBA.
Splash Bros in Full Effect
With two cornerstone franchise players at their disposal, the Globalport franchise did everything it could to maximize the potential of these two elite guards at their young age.
YEAR 1 (2014-15)
Philippine Cup: 5-6
Enters the playoffs as the 8th seed and lost to Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals
Commissioner’s Cup: 4-7
Governor’s Cup: 7-4
Enters the playoffs as the 4th seed, the highest in franchise history
Lost against Star Hotshots in the quarterfinals despite having a Twice-to-Beat Advantage
YEAR 2 (2015-16)
Philippine Cup: 7-4
Beat Ginebra and enters the Semifinals for the 1st time in franchise history
Rebuild Mode and Transition to become “Northport Batang Pier”
Both for the fans of Globalport, it was really hard to see the face of their franchise leave. Then, not long after, barely a year after Terrence’s departure, Pringle followed as he then got traded to Ginebra in June 2019.
In the middle of their 2017-18 campaign as well, Globalport got rebranded into the now “Northport Batang Pier”. Along with the rebranding is the new logo and team colors. From neon green and black to now orange and white.
The Orange Men of Northport then found new pieces to focus their franchise on. These are Robert Bolick and Christian Standhardinger.
Signs of Wanting to Leave
Even before Pringle and Romeo got traded, there were a lot of speculations that their departure from the franchise was near, considering their heated moments caught on cam during live PBA Games.
And despite their 4-year career run for the franchise, a lot of fans will still remember their playoff runs and semifinal appearances, and most impactful of all?
The crossovers of the Splash Bros and the “Golden Boy Terrence Romeo”.
During the Media Day of the PBA’s 50th Season, it is revealed that LA Tenorio is, on paper, labeled as the Magnolia Hotshots “Playing Head Coach”.
A New Tactic to End the 7 Year Championship Drought
The former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard has confirmed the news as in the paper submitted to league officials which indicates the 15-Man Lineup of each team, Tenorio’s name is under the Injured/Reserved list.
Each squad is allowed to have 15 players in their roster with 1 player in the Injured/Reserved List which allows the ball club to keep the rights of that particular player.
However, despite this revelation, the newly appointed Head Coach bared to the media that he’s number one goal to the team is on the sidelines and not play actual minutes on the court.
“From time-to-time, sumasali ako ng practice. You’ll never know. I’m part of the line-up. I’m part of the injury list. We’ll see. It depends on the management.”
Interestingly, it appears that LA didn’t have a say in this tactic by the Magnolia management and he is as surprised as the fans who are learning about it today.
“I’m not focused on that. My rights is with Magnolia now. I saw the final line-up that we submitted the other day and I was on the injury list. So I have a chance. May chance. But we will see.”
This move by the Hotshots is certainly out of the box but if this is what it takes to end the 7 year championship drought, nothing is too wild at this point.
Can he do it like “The Big J” Robert Jaworski?
In the last 50 years of the PBA, there’s only been a few and I mean very few people to take on the role of “Playing Coach”.
The most popular has to be Robert “The Big J” Jaworski for the crowd darling, Brgy. Ginebra from 1985 to 1999.
Photo Credits: Ernie Sarmiento
Not only was he iconic because of his “Never Say Die” mantra that he gave to Ginebra but he was the 1st ever Playing-Coach to win a championship in the PBA during the 1986 Open Conference.
He then followed it by winning 3 more titles in the 1988 All Filipino Conference, 1991 First Conference and 1997 Commissioner’s Cup.
Despite such big achievements, Jawo also had to suffer big challenges. Such as 1995 Governor’s Cup where he ended the elimination round winless, going 0-10.
In the case of LA, Magnolia fans shouldn’t get their hope too high of LA doing the same thing. After all, it took LA a decade to win his first ever PBA championship. That was the 2016 Governor’s Cup when Brownlee made magic.
Aside from not getting their hopes way too high of LA subbing into the game to hit the clutch 3-pointer to win the game, there’s still a possibility that Magnolia would again finish a season without winning a title.
There’s only been a few people to win a championship in their 1st season or conference with the team. And for Head Coach Tenorio, the idea of that doesn’t seem illogical at this point.
His roster must adjust to the kind of play style he’ll bring and so as his player he’ll handle for the 1st time.
But what fans should anticipate is that can their Playing-Coach bring them to the Finals at the very best this season?
Alex Eala has once again easily defeated her opponent in the Jingshan Open tournament in China as she moves past Jia-Jing Lu in the Quarterfinals in the afternoon of September 26.
Comeback Queen Strikes Again in Set 1
Despite the huge difference in the world ranking among the two opponents, Lu’s experience in the hardcourt was handy during the 1st set.
In Set 1, the 35 year old Chinese athlete was able to get ahead with the score of 4-2, then the 20 year old Filipina Eala slowly regained her momentum as she then made a personal run as she took 4-straight games in order to win the opening period.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 1: 6-4
The Filiprima then carried the winning energy in Set 2.
After the No. 349 Lu first struck in the second set but then Alex went ballistic and finished Set 2 not allowing her Chinese opponent to get any more inspiration from the home crowd.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 2: 6-1
Up Next: Semifinals Match vs Lulu Sun
The top seed Eala now sets her sights fighting against Lulu Sun of New Zealand in the Semifinals match.
The 24 year old Sun is currently ranked No. 146 and was able to beat Elena Pridankina in the quarterfinals in just 2 sets, 6-2, 6-4. During the Round of 16, she defeated Ru Xi Wu and in Round of 32 Tyra Caterina Grant all just in 2 sets.
Sun is also the 3rd seed in the tournament.
Interestingly, the two have met before during the Round 3 Qualifying stage of the Wimbledon Open 2024. Lulu won against Alex in 2 sets, breaking Alex’s Wimbledon dream back then.
The number #1 Alex Eala versus the #3 Lulu Sun will have their semifinals match set to happen tomorrow, Saturday, September 26 with the time still yet to be determined.
With just two months left before the curtains are raised on the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, it appears Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations might hit a snag no thanks to the confusion in eligibility rules for basketball.
So far, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and Norman Black, coach of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s team that will compete in Thailand in December, have been operating on the premise that eligibility will be passport-based. This means naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame will be eligible to play, as will any passport-toting Fil-Am hooper willing to don the Three Stars and a Sun
However, reports have been surfacing that the organizers are instead opting to follow FIBA’s eligibility mandates where players must have secured their passports before the age of 16 in order to be cleared to play. The SBP has assured that no such rule changes have been communicated to the Philippines but guaranteed nonetheless that the federation is on top of things. But given the lineup fiasco prior to the 2023 Asian Games (providing the organizers conflicting lineup submissions), it might be hard to take the SBP’s word for it.
Photo Credit: FIBA
Potential Impact on Gilas: What It Means for SBP Preparations
If these reports are true, Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the SEA Games and its final lineup for the tournament will be significantly impacted. Notably, only one of Brownlee and Kouame will be eligible to represent the country in Thailand. JB would be the obvious choice for his shooting, playmaking, leadership, and big-game gravitas, but not having Kouame would leave the Gilas frontline quite thin—that is unless Quentin Millora-Brown signs up to play.
The pool of players from which Black can draw will also get smaller if FIBA rules are followed as it will rule out Fil-Ams like Remy Martin and Jason Brickman—a pair of highly touted guards who have previously said they’re ready to represent the Philippines in the biennial meet. This change, if true, would also bar La Salle Green Archer big man Mike Phillips from playing, as FIBA considers him a naturalized player at the moment.
Black, then working on the premise of the passport-only rule, emphasized the need to form the best team possible to avert disaster in Thailand. With the uncertainty over which eligibility rules will be followed, Black’s ability to do just that will be hampered and Gilas Pilipinas’ preparation time might even be shortened.
After making it to the semis four consecutive times dating back to PBA Season 48, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will surely be pegged as one of the favorites to make it at least to the top four of the upcoming Philippine Cup.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao would sure love to make the semifinals again—and maybe even take a big, bold step forward. The fiery tactician, however, is wary about the now-tougher road to get back there after an offseason that saw teams seemingly getting better, whether through trades, free agent signings, or the draft. That’s on top of the league’s elite still boasting stacked lineups fully capable of winning the season-opening tourney of the PBA’s golden seaso
“Alam natin na yung mga malalakas na teams ay malalakas na. Eh yung mga nasa middle-tier, lalong lumakas,” Guiao told the PBA during the opening of the league’s annual Media Day held at Centris Elements in Quezon City on Thursday.
Which Teams Are Which?
The strong teams Yeng Guiao is referring to are likely the usual contenders—the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G, who together won the three championships at stake in Season 49, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who finished runner-up in the first two conferences and made it to the semis in the season-ending tourney.
All three teams have retained their core and added potentially solid rookies, so they’re likely to remain title favorites heading into the PBA’s golden season. But they can expect the other teams—the “middle-tier” squads, according to Guiao—to make things tougher for the league’s elite.
Among those teams are the Converge FiberXers, an up-and-coming squad that got a whole lot better in the offseason after resigning Schonny Winston and adding Larry Muyang via trade and the dynamic Juan Gomez de Liaño through the draft. They’ll be joining an already talented core of Winston, Alec Stockton, Justin Arana, and Justine Baltazar, who together form a foursome that’s among the PBA’s best.
The Magnolia Hotshots with new coach LA Tenorio appear to have gotten better as well, resigning new main man Zavier Lucero, flipping guard Jerrick Ahanmisi for Javi Gomez de Liaño, and adding Yukien Andrade via draft. Expect the Meralco Bolts to be better, too, with the return to health of gunner Allein Maliksi and the addition of highly touted point guard Jason Brickman, whom the Bolts selected as the seventh overall pick in the PBA Season 50 Draft.
Photo Credit: PBA
Yeng Guiao Hopeful Rain or Shine Steps Up to the Challenge
While Yeng Guiao recognizes the tougher road ahead, he nonetheless relishes the “beauty of the journey,” noting that going up against strong teams is part of the journey to “get to that level.”
“Mas mahirap talaga na makabalik ka ng kahit sa semifinals lang, and we recognize that. But that’s the beauty of the journey and the challenge na you get to that level hindi dahil humina yung team. Lumakas yung mga teams, so kailangan mo gumawa ng paraan para mag-improve ka,” added Guiao, who is also quite confident that the Elasto Painters will rise to the challenge thanks to offseason acquisition Stanley Pringle, improvements from within, and players—Luis Villegas, notably, and Beau Belga—finally getting healthy.
“That’s what we did by beefing our team with getting Stanley, getting our injured players back 100 percent, getting to know our system better. Eh yung ibang teams, mga game-changer dinagdag nila, mga masasabi natin na high-impact players, so we have to step up to the challenge.”
Of course, if there’s anything the PBA and its fans have learned from any Yeng Guiao-led squad, it’s that it will do whatever it takes to overcome any and all adversity. And with a talented young core led by Adrian Nocum, Santi Santillan, Jhonard Clarito, and Gian Mamuyac, alongside veterans like Pringle, Belga, and Gabe Norwood, don’t be surprised if Rain or Shine makes it to the semis a fifth straight time—and possibly even the Finals.
Judging by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial’s confident pronouncements, the much-talked-about sale of the NorthPort Batang Pier to Pureblends Corporation will be consummated in the next few days. In fact, according to the affable commish, it might happen in the next day or three.
“Bago mag-Monday. May mga papeles na lang [na inaayos], pero halos done deal na yun,” said Marcial during the first day of the 2025 PBA Media Day at Elements of Centris.
“By Monday, alam ko tapos na yan. Papers na lang ang pinag-uusapan. Parehong legal nila ang nag-uusap. Pero sa amin (Board), mukhang OK na sa amin.”
Pureblends Gets an Assist from SMC
Murmurs of Pureblends buying NorthPort had been circulating since August, and its entry to the PBA got a big boost in early September when San Miguel Corporation, which is also in the food and beverage business like Pureblends, gave its blessing to the Caloocan-based company.
For the longest time, Asia’s first pay-for-play league has barred competitors to existing franchises from entering the PBA, which meant SMC was a major roadblock to Pureblends completing its purchase of NorthPort. That’s not the case now with Ramon Ang giving way, and it now appears there will, indeed, be a new franchise in the PBA.
Should Pureblends take over from NorthPort, they will have the talented Joshua Munzon as one of their cornerstones. (Photo Credit: PBA)
Believe It When It Happens
Then again, this is the PBA. Nothing is ever truly set in stone until the PBA makes a formal announcement. A case in point was the supposed sale of Terrafirma Dyip, first to Starhorse Shipping Lines and then to the MPBL’s Zamboanga Valientes. Both times, the league said talks were advancing and that the Dyip were close to getting sold. Obviously, neither happened.
Now, it is Pureblends that’s solely in the spotlight, and it’s looking like its purchase of NorthPort is, as Marcial describes it, a “done deal.” But crazier things have happened with and in the PBA, so unless Marcial himself announces it officially, it might be best not to believe it yet.
But when that announcement is actually made, then the time to speculate about Pureblends’ PBA future—will it be a lackey of SMC or a truly independent franchise?—can finally begin.
Alex Eala easily defeated Japanese opponent Mei Yamaguchi in the Round of 16 of the Jingshan Open in China on the afternoon of September 25.
“Locked In” Moments for the Filiprima
There was no stopping the Filipina Alex Eala in Set 1. The Filiprima was able to outperform her opponent with ease. Capturing the 1st set without even breaking a sweat.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 1: 6-0
The No. 58-ranked Eala did manage to carry that kind of momentum in the 2nd set, but the No. 268 Yamaguchi showed some life and fought back. After Alex got to a 2-0 start, Mei finally scored a point. Alex then again went to take 2 straight games, making it 4-1, not until Yamaguchi answered with her personal 2-0 run, making it 4-3.
It was then that Alex finally finished the match, capturing the last games to move on to the quarterfinals.
FINAL SCORE OF SET 2: 6-3
Up Next: Quarterfinals Match vs Jia-Jing Lu of China
It’ll yet be another clash of Asia’s finest as the 20-year-old Eala will now set her sights on battling Jia-Jing Lu of China in the Quarterfinals of the Jingshan Open.
The 35-year-old Lu is currently ranked No. 349 and was able to beat Riya Bhatia of Indonesia in the Round of 16 in just 2 sets and Ekaterina Reyngold in the Round of 32 after 3 sets.
It’ll be the first time these 2 players will meet, and their QF match is set to tentatively happen tomorrow, Friday, September 26, with the time yet to be determined.
Alex had previously beaten her Round of 32 opponent Aliona Falei, with ease as well, finishing the game in only 2 sets in under 2 hours.
It has now been confirmed that the Dubai Basketball team, the squad where Thirdy Ravena is currently with, will compete in the upcoming EuroLeague 2025-26 season.
But a question remains as Thirdy achieves such an accomplishment, can he reach his ultimate form with the team, or will he just stay as a team mascot?
The One who Paved the Way for Filipino Asian Imports
He was the 1st Pinoy Asian Import to play in Japan’s B League, which paved the way for other Filipino players to follow in his footsteps.
In his 1st Year with the San-en NeoPhoenix club during the 2020-21 season, he played 18 games, 14 of which he started, wherein he averaged:
22 Minutes per Outing
9.1 Points
3.6 Rebounds
1.6 Assists
0.7 Steals
0.2 Blocs
35.8 FG%
27.3% from 3-pointers
Then in Year 2 (2021-22), these are his numbers:
Played 46 Games
Started 32 Games
24 MPG
11.4 PPG
3.7 RPG
2.5 APG
1 SPG
0.5 BPG
42.4 FG%
27.5% from 3-pointers
YEAR 3 (2022-23):
Played 60 Games
Started 37 Games
26 MPG
11.5 PPG
4.9 RPG
4.3 APG
1.1 SPG
0.5 BPG
43.4 FG%
23.8% from 3-pointers
YEAR 4 (2023-24):
Played 57 Games
Started in all 57 Games
27 MPG
12.6 PPG
5 RPG
3 APG
0.9 SPG
0.5 BPG
52.2 FG%
26.3% from 3-pointers
With the numbers presented, many can agree that Thirdy was being utilized well during his 4-year tenure with Sanen and was being developed to be one of the best guards that has played overseas.
However, after this Japan stint, he followed it by signing with BC Dubai last July 30, 2024.
Trailblazer Thirdy takes his Talents to Dubai
The former 3X UAAP Champion signed a 1-year contract with a player option in the 2nd season at the ABA League.
But this is where things got weird for the collegiate phenom.
Out of the 30 possible games for the 2024-25 season, Thirdy could’ve played, but he only suited up in 16. And no, he wasn’t injured, and no, he wasn’t even playing heavy minutes in those 16 nights.
He was just a bench warmer, a player used when the team is down big and there’s no more chance to win the game. Or the Dubai team is up big, and Thirdy had to play garbage time.
The once-upon-a-time “Face of Filipino Asian Imports” in Japan just averaged:
4.5 Minutes
0.46 Points
0.03 Assists
0.31 Rebounds
0.03 Blocks
The most points he scored in a game were 4, he recorded his best rebounds of 3, had only 1 assist as well and drained only 1 3-point conversion.
The most amount of minutes he played were 10 minutes, and he did that twice.
His team, though, had a record of 25-5, good enough to be #3 in the standings. Won the Best-of-Three Quarterfinals and played in the semis but still lost, 2-1, against the eventual champions, Partizan Mozzart Bet of Serbia.
Reach his Ultimate Form or become a Team Mascot?
As of writing this story, it has been announced that the BC Dubai team of Thirdy will be making their debut at the EuroLeague 2025-26 season which will make him the 1st ever Filipino Asian Import to play at the EuroLeague.
This accomplishment isn’t easy to do, considering the number of talented hoopers in the Philippines. What Thirdy has done is nothing more than impressive and has his own level of standards with regard to “what it means to become an Asian Import.”
But truth be told, is he being utilized well by his Dubai Team, or is he just being used to get social media engagements from their accounts?
The “Pinoy Pride” was definitely observed in their videos, having him as his content. A bunch of Filipino Sports content creators have also featured his highlights in some games.
But is it really worth it despite his game, pardon me for saying this, but not developing?
As a fan of course, I wanted Thirdy to be utilized more, have that stable rotational minutes, and improve every aspect of his game.
However, what if the cost of not using him means more team success?
Thirdy is a proven WINNER and a CHAMPION in his collegiate days. But as a professional? He hasn’t tasted a Finals appearance yet in the last 5 years despite going to Japan and Dubai.
And as a sports writer, I don’t want to use the line in the possible future:
“Thirdy Ravena is a GREAT asian import, but how many championships has he won again as a pro? Right…”
Now that he is in Europe, battling bigger, tougher, more skilled, more big and talented defenders and players, he now has a chance to become a better player compared to the one who won 3-straight championships back in the Philippines.
He has outgrown the comparisons from his older brother, Kiefer Ravena. And for all we know, people have chosen him in the silly debates on “Who’s the better Ravena? Kiefer or Thirdy?”
I wish nothing but the best for him as he reaches the heights of only very few people in the Philippine basketball community ever imagined. The 28-year-old (soon to be 29 by December) has certainly OVERACHIEVED everyone’s expectations from him.
The TNT Tropang 5G are off to Dubai as they are slated to compete at the second annual Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship 2025. The pocket tourney will take place from September 29 to October 5 at the Al Jazira Club Indoor Arena and will feature a mix of local and international clubs.
“Preparations are well underway to deliver a distinguished edition of this tournament. We are delighted to welcome all participating clubs to Abu Dhabi,” said Abdullah Salem Al Junaibi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship 2025. “Al Wahda Club has a proud tradition of organizing high-profile competitions, and this event strengthens sporting ties with teams from Lebanon, Kuwait, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan.”
TNT announced their participation in the Dubai tourney on social media on Thursday, saying: TNT Tropang 5G will bring the heat of the battle to the desert! Let’s all support our KaTropa at the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship from September 29 to October 5.”
The Tropa, who won two of the three championships at stake in Season 49, will be parading its core of Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kelly Williams, and the comebacking Rey Nambatac, who missed the Philippine Cup playoffs due to an injury.
Dadalhin ng TNT Tropang 5G ang init ng laban sa disyerto! Sama-sama nating suportahan sa Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship ang mga KaTropa sa darating na Setyembre 29 hanggang Oktubre 5!🇦🇪#TNTTropang5Gpic.twitter.com/jsevnmz4bF
Needless to say, the Tropa can expect top-notch competition and explosive action as some very good teams will be making their way to Dubai to compete at the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Championship 2025. It will be the kind of competition TNT probably won’t be getting if they played preseason games opposite other PBA teams. This makes the Dubai pocket tourney an excellent preparation ahead of Season 50.
Among the elite teams TNT will surely face are former UAE National Basketball League champion Sharjah and Lebanese Basketball League (LBL) champ Al Riyadi, who are in Group A alongside the Tropang 5G. Joining them is Al Dhafra, another prominent member of the UAE National Basketball League.
In Group B are UAE’s Al Wahda, Lebanon’s Champville, Kuwait’s Al Qarin, and Kazakhstan’s Astana, who won the latest edition of the Kazakhstan Basketball Championship.
Teams in the same group will play each other once, with the top two advancing to the knockout crossover semifinals. The winners in the semis will dispute the title in the one-game final.
The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are off to a hot start after edging out the University of the East Red Warriors, 62-60, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, September 24, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The Red Warriors were leading 60-58 after a three-point jump shot by Welo Lingolingo. A few seconds later, Ateneo’s Kymani Ladi answered back with a three-pointer of his own with an assist from Jared Bahay to take back the lead, 61-60.
Dom Escober made a free throw as the game ended in favor of the Blue Eagles, 62-60.
“We had a pretty stable first half… But then our shooting really abandoned us in the second half. We got good looks, but we just didn’t hit shots. At the end of the day, it was defensive rebounding that won the game. We had some critical stops in critical moments, and different guys stepped up,” Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said after the game.
Ladi once again led the team with a double-double performance of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Joaquin Espina contributed 17 points. Bahay finished the game with eight points, six rebounds, and four assists.
For the Red Warriors, Lingolingo scored a game-high 19 points with seven rebounds, while John Abate added 11 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
In the second game, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons shocked defending champions University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 62-59, to finally get in the winning column. Unfortunately, the Fighting Maroons were off to a 0-2 record.
Tied at 59-all with seven seconds remaining, Ray Allen Torres went back on the court and made a three-pointer to seal the game for the Soaring Falcons, 62-59.
“During halftime, that’s when we told the players – we have to grind this game out, that was really expected. From start to finish dikdikan. I don’t really know what to say about the officiating. Gulong-gulo kami kanina. We wanted to adjust to the referees, but medyo naguguluhan kami. Buti na lang ‘yung players were able to deliver,” said Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela.
Anthony Fransman and Torres both scored 10 points apiece for the Soaring Falcons.
For the Fighting Maroons, Gerry Abadiano had 15 points, while Harold Alarcon finished the game with 12 points and six rebounds. Jalen Stevens contributed 10 points and four rebounds.
Here are other things you might have missed in the September 24 games of UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
101
After three seasons, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are off to a hot 2-0 record. The last time they won their first two games in the UAAP was way back in Season 85 when they went on to win the championship.
The victory against the University of the East Red Warriors is also notable for Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin, who recorded his 101st win in the UAAP, becoming the fourth coach to achieve the mark after Ateneo’s Norman Black, La Salle’s Franz Pumaren, and UST’s Aric del Rosario.
“It’s a pretty good start getting to 200, I’m 1-0. I don’t win any games. Ateneo has won 100 games where I’m labeled as the head coach. The truth is, this is a team game, and the coach just plays a role. Basketball is about the players, and it should always be about the players,” coach Tab said.
Coach Tab is expected to coach the Blue Eagles until Season 91 as he signed a three-year contract extension before the start of Season 88.
2-0
In Ateneo’s two wins in the season so far, it was one usual player delivering the win – Kymani Ladi.
In their first game against the Far Eastern University, Ladi scored five of the team’s last six points that sealed their opening-day win, 86-83. Against the Red Warriors, Ladi also delivered a crucial three-point shot that sealed the deal for the team once again.
“I’m not necessarily content with my performances. I can never really be too content,” he shared after their latest victory. “I just want to make sure our team is progressing with each game. Sometimes we’re really solid on defense, sometimes not – but that’s the joy of basketball. You just keep working on it.”
4
Based on official play-by-play records, it only took four seconds for Ray Allen Torres to score the game-winner three-point shot when he was subbed back in with seven seconds remaining in the game.
After recording their victory, Torres explained the game that coach Nash Racela designed. He revealed, “‘Yung last play kasi sabi dalhin lang ni Matty [Erolon] ‘yung bola sa gitna and then last five seconds ibigay sa akin. Nung nasa akin na ‘yung bola, block out na lahat, tinanggal ko lahat ng emotions ko, nag-focus lang ako sa tira ko.”
In a separate interview, Torres said that his love for basketball remained in his DNA despite not playing in the UAAP for two seasons.
He said, ‘Big factor ‘yun kasi parang nasa DNA ko na ‘yun, e. Kahit anong mangyari, kahit three years or five years na nakalipas, nasa akin pa rin ‘yun. Kumpyansa pa rin ako kasi alam kong kaya ko.”
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