Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • “It’s a long process, but my relationship with clay is getting better”: Alex Eala gains confidence on clay despite Italian Open exit 

    “It’s a long process, but my relationship with clay is getting better”: Alex Eala gains confidence on clay despite Italian Open exit 

    Alex Eala may have exited the singles draw of the Italian Open, but the tournament still marked another important step in what she describes as her evolving relationship with clay.


    Facing world No. 2 Elena Rybakina in Rome, the 20-year-old Filipina showed flashes of the aggressive and fearless style that has steadily elevated her game on the WTA Tour. 

     

    Although Eala absorbed a 4-6, 3-6 defeat against the reigning Grand Slam champion, the match offered more than just a scoreline—it gave her another measuring stick against one of the world’s elite players on one of tennis’ most demanding surfaces.

     

    “I’m happy with my performance. I was able to reach a good level of tennis. I don’t think it was an easy win for her. Of course, there are still things to work on and learn from this match, but I think I’m on the right track,” Eala said.

     

    Against Rybakina’s powerful serve and baseline game, Eala tried to match aggression with aggression. She stayed committed to dictating rallies whenever opportunities appeared, a mindset that reflected her growing confidence on clay despite still adjusting to the slower surface.

     

    Eala said she moved well throughout the match and capitalized on her opportunities, adding that she was pleased with her improvement on clay compared to last year and satisfied with both her recent performances and the work she has put in with her team off the court.

     

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    For the Filipina standout, one of the biggest lessons from the encounter came from experiencing the difference between competing well and consistently winning points against the sport’s top-tier players.

     

    She said the match was highly competitive but acknowledged that her opponent’s ability to earn more free points, combined with greater experience as a Grand Slam champion, played a major role in the outcome.

     

    The encouraging signs in Rome extended beyond the result itself. Eala played three matches on clay during the tournament, gaining valuable repetitions ahead of Roland Garros, which begins in just two weeks. More importantly, she leaves Italy believing that her comfort level on the surface is steadily improving.

     

    “It’s a long process, but my relationship with clay is getting better. This was a good week and I hope there will be many more good weeks. I’m really positive about my progress,” she said.

     

    Although her singles campaign has ended, Eala’s Italian Open journey is not over yet.

     

    She will continue competing in doubles alongside Hailey Baptiste after the pair earned a late entry into the tournament as alternates. The duo is set to face second seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in another major test against established doubles specialists.

     

    Eala expressed her happiness after getting into the tournament as alternates, saying they were initially left out of the main draw and only received confirmation that day, allowing them to extend their stay in Rome and continue competing at a high level.

     

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  • Meralco, Magnolia meets again with semifinal spot at stake 

    Meralco, Magnolia meets again with semifinal spot at stake 

    The PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals shift into high gear as the Meralco Bolts and Magnolia Hotshots collide once again on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—this time a semifinal ticket hanging in the balance.


    Meeting for the second time in just four days, the fourth-seeded Bolts and fifth-seeded Hotshots enter a familiar but far more dangerous setting.

     

    Unlike their elimination encounter, where Magnolia prevailed 93–76, this rematch carries immediate consequences, as the winner advances to the best-of-seven semifinals against the victor of the NLEX-TNT series.

     

    Meralco, finishing the eliminations at 8–4, spent much of the conference building stability before peaking at the right moment. After an uneven 3–3 start, the Bolts found their rhythm and surged with a three-game winning streak, dismantling Ginebra, Blackwater, and Terrafirma by an average margin of 27 points. 

     

    Their consistency has been anchored by import Marvin Jones, who has led the way with 22.4 points per game. He has been supported by CJ Cansino’s 16.0 points and Chris Newsome’s 13.8 average, forming a reliable local-import balance that has carried Meralco through tight stretches of the conference.

     

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    Magnolia, on the other hand, has been one of the conference’s most dramatic turnaround stories.

    After stumbling to an 0–3 start, the Hotshots reshaped their season following the arrival of import Clint Chapman. Since his debut, Magnolia has gone 7–2, transforming from early strugglers into one of the most dangerous teams entering the playoffs. 

     

    Chapman immediately set the tone with a dominant 39-point, 15-rebound performance against Blackwater, and has since averaged 26.4 points across the eliminations.

     

    The Hotshots also leaned heavily on Xavier Lucero, who has contributed 15.8 points per game, alongside Jerom Lastimosa’s 12.8 scoring output. Their late-season surge included six wins in their last eight games, a run that propelled them firmly into contention despite finishing at 7–5.

     

    Their most recent meeting with Meralco, however, added an extra layer of intensity to this rematch. Magnolia’s 93–76 victory in the eliminations finale not only extended their winning streak to three games but also exposed the physical edge expected to carry into the playoffs. 

     

    Meralco carries a twice-to-beat advantage, meaning they only need one win to move forward. Magnolia, meanwhile, must replicate their recent form under pressure and string together two perfect performances to survive.

     

    Despite the pressure, both sides enter the matchup believing in their identity—Meralco trusting its balance and consistency, Magnolia banking on its explosive late-season transformation. 

     

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  • NBA round up: Cavaliers level series as Thunder complete sweep over Lakers in contrasting NBA Playoff Semifinals 

    NBA round up: Cavaliers level series as Thunder complete sweep over Lakers in contrasting NBA Playoff Semifinals 

    The NBA Playoffs produced two very different outcomes in a busy double-header of Conference Semifinals action—one series tightening into a full-blown battle, while another ended in a decisive sweep that underscored complete dominance from start to finish.

     

    Cavaliers tie Pistons, 112–103 

     

    In the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons continued to trade blows in a series that has refused to settle on a clear direction. Game 4 proved pivotal as Cleveland edged Detroit 112–103 to even the matchup at 2-2, turning the series into a best-of-three sprint heading forward.

     

    The contest was closely fought for long stretches, with neither side able to fully break away early. Detroit leaned heavily on Caris LeVert, who delivered a steady 24-point performance and helped the Pistons stay within reach deep into the game. However, Cleveland’s experience and late-game composure ultimately made the difference.

     

    Donovan Mitchell once again stepped into the spotlight, producing a commanding 43-point performance that tilted the game in the Cavaliers’ favor. His shot-making down the stretch proved crucial as Cleveland created separation in the final minutes, flipping momentum back in their direction after Detroit’s earlier push in the series.

     

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    Thunder complete sweep of Lakers, 115–110 

     

    In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder delivered a completely different storyline, closing out their series in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers following a 115–110 victory in Game 4.

     

    Unlike the back-and-forth nature of the Eastern series, Oklahoma City maintained control across all four games, steadily wearing down the Lakers with consistent execution on both ends of the floor. 

     

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the driving force behind the sweep, capping the series-clinching win with 35 points and eight assists. His ability to control the tempo and create offense in crucial possessions proved to be the defining edge in the matchup, especially during the closing stretch of the series.

     

    The Lakers, meanwhile, turned to Austin Reaves in an effort to extend the series. Reaves delivered a strong all-around performance with 27 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, showing resilience despite the team falling short. However, Los Angeles struggled to consistently contain Oklahoma City’s offensive rhythm across the series, which ultimately sealed their fate in four straight losses.

     

    The contrasting results highlighted the unpredictable nature of the playoffs—one series now locked in a fierce 2-2 deadlock with everything still to play for, and another concluding with Oklahoma City asserting full control to advance without dropping a game.

     

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  • Chris Newsome’s Sabrina 3 turns Gilas pride into a global sneaker story

    Chris Newsome’s Sabrina 3 turns Gilas pride into a global sneaker story

    Nike recently unveiled the Sabrina 3 dressed in red, white, and blue with a gold Swoosh, a design deeply rooted in Filipino symbolism. But behind that striking palette lies a more personal origin, it was conceptualized by PBA standout Chris Newsome, who has long used Nike’s customization platform to craft personal pairs during his stints with the Meralco Bolts and Gilas Pilipinas.


    For Newsome, however, this release goes beyond style or performance. It represents a narrative shaped by years of representing the country on different stages.

     

    “We had the freedom to choose exactly what we wanted to do, and I wanted to use mine to represent the country,” Newsome said.

     

    That intention eventually aligned with WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, who had her own connection to the Philippines after visiting Manila during her Nike Asia Tour in March 2025. 

     

    Her trip, which included an exhibition game at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, left a lasting impression—one that quietly set the stage for a collaborative project rooted in shared appreciation for Filipino basketball culture.

     

    Unbeknownst to Newsome at the time, he and Gilas Women’s standout Camille Clarin were later selected by Ionescu herself to help bring a special sneaker concept to life.

     

    “They were offering some players here the opportunity to have a shoe that was made by some of the players, and Camille Clarin and I were actually the two that Sabrina remembered, that she chose for us to be able to create,” he said.

     

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    From there, the process became more than design—it turned into storytelling. Video calls with Nike teams guided them through everything from early concepts to final execution, with each detail reflecting Filipino identity and competitive spirit.

     

    The result was the Nike Sabrina 3 “Laban Pilipinas,” a shoe that blends cultural symbolism with performance aesthetics. White serves as the foundation, layered with blue pleated overlays, red Flywire cables, and matching red embroidery. Gold Swooshes on both sides elevate the design, while “LABAN” is engraved on the left midsole and “PHI” on the right—an unmistakable nod to the national rallying cry.

     

    Subtle details tie it all together are Newsome’s number “3” appears in blue on the heel, while an icy outsole grounds the design in performance readiness. Every element, crafted through Nike By You, reflects intentional storytelling rather than mass production.

     

    “It’s a Nike By You campaign. And they want people to kind of get into the customization of making your own shoe and just supporting Sabrina and her line. And she wants to expand her line globally, make a bigger impact,” Newsome said.

     

    The shoe has already made its on-court debut, first appearing during Meralco’s dominant 112–91 win over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup last May 1 at the Big Dome. It is expected to become a regular fixture in his rotation moving forward.

     

    More than just a PBA statement piece, Newsome is also planning to bring it to the international stage when FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers resumes in July, further extending its symbolic reach as a representation of Filipino basketball pride.

     

    “I’m excited to wear it in our next window come July,” the 34-year-old Gilas Pilipinas guard said.

     

    On the other hand, Newsome and Meralco Bolts currently sit in fourth place with an 8–4 win-loss record and are set to face the Magnolia Hotshots.

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  • Aurora Gaming’s MPL PH Playoffs spot hanging by a thread after straight defeats 

    Aurora Gaming’s MPL PH Playoffs spot hanging by a thread after straight defeats 

    From world champions to a team desperately trying to stay alive in the playoff race, Aurora Gaming’s sudden collapse in MPL Philippines Season 17 has become one of the league’s biggest surprises.


    Aurora entered the season carrying the prestige of being the reigning M7 world champions, expected by many to contend for another MPL crown behind a veteran core led by Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto, Edward “Edward” Dapadap, and Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo. Instead, the team now finds itself fighting to avoid an early exit after absorbing a painful defeat against Onic Philippines on Sunday at the Victoria Sports Tower.

     

    The loss marked Aurora’s fifth straight defeat, extending a downward spiral that began in Week 5 and continued against Team Liquid Philippines, TNC Pro Team, Twisted Minds, Team Falcons, and now Onic.

     

    For a moment, it looked like Aurora had finally rediscovered its championship form. Demonkite gave the struggling squad an explosive start in Game 1, masterfully piloting Harley with four kills and six assists to punish Onic’s rotations and secure the opener. 

     

    Aurora’s aggression and tempo resembled the disciplined style that helped the franchise capture the M7 world title earlier this year.

     

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    But the momentum quickly vanished. Onic adjusted in the next two games and exposed Aurora’s inability to maintain control once the pace shifted. Frince “Super Frince” Ramirez delivered a flawless Game 2 performance on Gord with two kills and three assists without a single death, before Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez completely took over Game 3 on Suyou with a devastating seven kills and seven assists in another deathless outing.

     

    The defeat dropped Aurora to a troubling 3-9 win-loss record, currently placing the former champions near the bottom of the standings with their playoff hopes hanging by the thinnest margin.

     

    Despite the collapse, Aurora head coach Aniel “Masterthebasics” Jiandani still believes the team is slowly recovering its identity.

     

    “Konti pa. Hindi pa 100 percent bumabalik ‘yung form pero nakitaan naman natin ng improvement. So konting mastery pa sa ginagawa namin,” Jiandani said.

     

    Onic head coach Jeniel “Haze” Bata-Anon admitted Aurora’s opening-game draft caused serious problems, particularly Demonkite’s Harley pick which snowballed early and dictated the pace.

     

    “‘Yung Harley kasi, ‘yung hero na ‘yun, malaking factor siya sa meta ngayon kasi grabe siya mag-snowball. Ang OP (overpowered) niya kasi. Kaya naman siya tapatan pero nag-snowball lang nang malala nu’ng first game. Tapos hindi na namin na-sustain. Wala kasing makasabay sa Harley,” Haze said. 

     

    The timing of Aurora’s skid has made the situation even more alarming. Earlier in the season, the squad was still viewed as one of the league favorites after retaining the same championship-winning roster that captured the M7 World Championship with a dominant 4-0 finals victory over Alter Ego in Jakarta.

     

    Aurora still has a narrow path to the playoffs, but there is little room left for mistakes. The team faces Smart Omega on May 16 before closing the regular season against AP Bren on May 17.

     

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  • Philippines eyes breakthrough on three emerging top medal aspirant in Karate One Youth League 

    Philippines eyes breakthrough on three emerging top medal aspirant in Karate One Youth League 

    The Karate One Youth League opens on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and it will be on the Philippines’ emerging generation of karate talents eager to prove they belong on the world stage.


    Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Manila leg of the prestigious international tournament arrives at a time when karate continues to expand globally under its new motto “The World is Our Dojo,” a theme that reflects the sport’s rapidly growing reach.

     

    According to the Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc. president, the federation now counts 200 member nations worldwide — a testament to karate’s increasing popularity and competitiveness across continents.

     

    For the host country, much of the attention will center on three young athletes seen as the country’s strongest representatives, Sebastian Neil Mañalac, Zian Alexander Sing, and Aeleyah Magrata.

     

    Among them, Mañalac enters the four-day competition carrying the most decorated international experience and achievements.

     

    The 17-year-old Filipino standout has steadily built his reputation against elite foreign opponents, highlighted by his gold and bronze medal finishes in the 22nd Asian Cadet, Junior and Under-21 Karate Championships at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City in 2024. 

     

    Those results elevated him to No. 8 in the World Karate Federation rankings for his age-group category.

     

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    Long before earning global ranking points, Mañalac had already shown signs of becoming one of the country’s brightest karate prospects. He captured another gold and bronze medal during the 1st Asian Karate Federation Youth Tournament and Training Camp in Wuhan, China two years ago.

     

    His growth continued earlier this year when the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong graduate advanced through two matches in the junior kumite men’s -68-kilogram division during the Karate One Youth League leg in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates last February — valuable experience he now brings into the Manila tournament.

     

    While Mañalac’s international achievements stand out, Sing has quietly assembled a strong body of work of his own.

     

    The 17-year-old ruled the junior men’s 61kg division of the 4th Shureido International Karate Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia last year, reinforcing his status as one of the country’s most promising kumite competitors.

     

    He also sustained his momentum domestically, dominating his weight class in both the 6th Manuel Veguillas Philippine International Open Karate Championship in 2025 and the recent National Championships in Tagaytay City.

     

    Magrata, meanwhile, offers versatility that could make her a dangerous contender in Manila. Equally comfortable in kumite and kata, the young Filipina will compete in the juniors women’s -66kg kumite category armed with momentum from several strong performances over the past year.

     

    She won the juniors female intermediate kata division and earned silver in the cadets female +61kg kumite class during the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Games in General Santos City. Magrata also emerged as Karate Pilipinas’ grand winner in the juniors female kumite -66kg division last year.

     

    “All three young karatekas have been training very hard and I wouldn’t be surprised if they figure prominently in the battle for gold in their respective age-group categories. There may be others, but for now, Mañalac, Sing, and Magrata are our brightest hopes for the Karate One Youth League Manila leg,” karate chief Ricky Lim said.

     

    With the tournament finally arriving on home soil, the country’s rising karate stars now face an opportunity larger than rankings or medals — the chance to show that the Philippines can develop athletes capable of consistently challenging the world’s best.

     

    “All three young karatekas have been training very hard and I wouldn’t be surprised if they figure prominently in the battle for gold in their respective age-group categories. There may be others, but for now, Mañalac, Sing, and Magrata are our brightest hopes for the Karate One Youth League Manila leg,” karate chief Ricky Lim said.

     

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  • Several collegiate standouts set for PVL move, UAAP champion DLSU Lady Spikers seniors yet to decide on turning pro

    Several collegiate standouts set for PVL move, UAAP champion DLSU Lady Spikers seniors yet to decide on turning pro

    As the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball comes to an end, attention has quickly shifted from championship celebrations to career-defining decisions.


    For some players, the next chapter is already clear — the professional stage awaits. For others, one more season in the collegiate spotlight remains possible. And then there is the unique case of the newly crowned champions from De La Salle University Lady Spikers, whose future continues to fuel intrigue after ending the season with perfection.

     

    Fresh off a dominant 16-0 campaign that culminated in reclaiming the UAAP crown, the Lady Spikers left fans speculating after their now-viral post-game “archer stance” celebration. 

     

    Traditionally, graduating players stand at the center of the formation, but this time, no one occupied the middle spot. The gesture immediately sparked conversations that La Salle’s core could return intact for Season 89.

     

    Notably, Angel Canino, Amie Provido, Lyka de Leon, and Shevana Laput all remain eligible for another year, leaving the possibility of a title-defense campaign very much alive.

     

    After La Salle completed its championship conquest against National University Lady Bulldogs in Game 2 of the Finals, Canino revealed that the decision behind the formation came from head coach Ramil de Jesus, adding even more mystery to the plans of the team’s senior stars.

     

    While La Salle’s future remains open-ended, several of the league’s other stars are already preparing to close their collegiate chapters.

     

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    For National University, the season marked the emotional farewell of veteran setter Lams Lamina, who wrapped up her five-year UAAP journey after the Lady Bulldogs settled for runner-up honors against La Salle. Despite falling short in the Finals, Lamina leaves behind a decorated legacy as one of NU’s steady leaders during its recent rise back into contention.

     

    Meanwhile, NU captain Vange Alinsug now finds herself at a major crossroads. The rising star admitted that her next move remains undecided as she weighs two different paths — returning to lead the Lady Bulldogs’ redemption bid in Season 89 or following Lamina into the professional ranks.

     

    The second runner up, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, is already beginning to take shape.

     

    The Tigresses are set to lose longtime captain and defensive anchor Detdet Pepito after completing her five playing years with the program. 

     

    At the same time, Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula are preparing to make the jump to the professional level, with both expected to continue their careers in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    Still, UST retains a key piece for next season as Regine Jurado committed to stay for her fifth year, giving the Tigresses an experienced presence as they attempt another Final Four push.

     

    Moreover, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons standout Niña Ytang ended her collegiate run by cementing her reputation as one of the league’s premier middle blockers. 

     

    Ytang captured her fourth UAAP Best Middle Blocker award before turning her focus toward the professional ranks and life beyond collegiate volleyball.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA and PBA (May 11 – 17)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA and PBA (May 11 – 17)

    A packed week of basketball action awaits fans as the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup continues its crucial stretch while the NBA Playoffs intensify with key semifinal matchups and possible closeout games. From local rivalries at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Ynares Center to high-stakes battles in the NBA postseason, several teams will look to gain momentum and move one step closer toward championship contention.

     

    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Wednesday, May 13

    5:15 PM — TNT Tropang 5G vs NLEX Road Warriors
    7:30 PM — Magnolia Hotshots vs Meralco Bolts

    📍 Ynares Center

    Friday, May 15

    5:15 PM — San Miguel Beermen vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
    7:30 PM — Phoenix Fuelmasters vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

     

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    NBA Playoffs 2025–26 Conference Semifinal

    Tuesday, May 12

    8:00 AM PHT — Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 4: DET leads 2-1)

    10:30 AM PHT — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 4: OKC leads 3-0)

     

    Wednesday, May 13

    8:00 AM PHT — Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs (Game 5: Series tied 2-2)

     

    Thursday, May 14

    TBD — Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons (Game 5: DET leads 2-1)

    TBD — Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5: If necessary)

     

    Saturday, May 15

    TBD — Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 6: If necessary)

    TBD — San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves (Game 6: Series tied 2-2)

     

    Sunday, May 17

    TBD — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 6: If necessary)

     

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  • Shaina Nitura bags four individual awards in her standout UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign

    Shaina Nitura bags four individual awards in her standout UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball campaign

    In a UAAP Season 88 campaign defined by breakthrough performances and rising stars, one name stood above the rest as both a symbol of consistency and a catalyst for change.


    In just her second year, Shaina Nitura completed a rapid rise from Rookie of the Year to Most Valuable Player, officially earning the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball MVP award while delivering a historic first for Adamson University in the women’s division. 

     

    It marked the first time the program produced a women’s MVP, capping off a season that reshaped expectations for the Lady Falcons.

     

    Nitura’s dominance was reflected not just in accolades, but in cold statistical control across multiple categories. She finished with 98.51 statistical points and a league-best 284 total points, while also ranking among the league’s elite in nearly every major skill area—third in spiking efficiency at 38.15%, seventh in service with 0.26 aces per set, fourth in reception at 44.48%, and eighth in digging with 2.11 digs per set.

     

    Her all-around impact also earned her a share of the Best Outside Spiker award alongside Angel Canino of De La Salle University, with Nitura and Canino finishing with 303 and 272 ranking points respectively.

     

    Beyond the major honors, Nitura also collected two minor season awards, including the Hyundai Stargazer Player of the Season and Sunsilk Player of the Season, bringing her total cash incentives to P100,000. 

     

    But for her, the achievement carried meaning beyond individual recognition.

     

    “Very honored po ako na ibalik yung binigay sa aking tiwala, positivity, yung tulong na binigay ng Adamson sa amin, sa akin, sa buong team. Binigyan kami ng (Adamson) hindi lang basta sa pera, sa dorm, sa pag-aaral, kung hindi puso sa paglalaro at puso para ipanalo yung Adamson, yung Adamson community at ipaglaban sila,” she said.

     

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    More than personal success, Nitura’s season became the driving force behind Adamson’s return to relevance, steering the program to its first Final Four appearance since UAAP Season 84. 

     

    Her leadership on the court turned the Lady Falcons from outsiders into legitimate contenders once again. Even in celebration, she pointed toward what comes next—expressing belief that the breakthrough is only the beginning and that both she and Adamson can push further in the seasons ahead.

     

    The season also carried a family storyline of success, as her sister Judiel Nitura made her own mark by winning Best Opposite Spiker and Finals MVP honors for the NCAA Season 101 champion Letran Lady Knights.

     

    Furthermore, in the league the other standout performers were also recognized in a talent-heavy season. 

     

    Shevana Laput secured Finals MVP and Best Opposite Spiker honors, while La Salle teammate Amie Provido earned Best Middle Blocker recognition. 

     

    National University’s National University (Philippines) Lady Bulldogs also saw key awardees in Shaira Jardio (Best Libero) and Sam Cantada (Rookie of the Year), while Adamson’s Fhei Sagaysay was named Best Setter and UP’s Niña Ytang completed the Best Middle Blocker selections.

     

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  • NBA round up: Knicks sweep 76ers as Timberwolves even series with Spurs in Playoff double-header 

    NBA round up: Knicks sweep 76ers as Timberwolves even series with Spurs in Playoff double-header 

    The NBA Playoffs produced two very different outcomes in a busy double-header of Conference Semifinals action—one series reaching a swift and decisive conclusion, while another was pushed deeper into a tense, evenly matched battle.


    In the East, one team stamped its authority early and never let up, turning the matchup into a one-sided showcase. 

     

    In the West, however, momentum continued to swing back and forth as neither side managed to gain full control of the series, setting up a dramatic finish moving forward.

     

    Knicks complete sweep of 76ers, 144–114 

     

    The New York Knicks completed a commanding sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4, overpowering them 144-114 to book a 4-0 series victory and punch their ticket to the next round.

     

    Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for New York with a strong all-around outing, finishing with 17 points and 10 assists while Miles McBride unleashed his playoff career high of 25 points, four rebounds as the Knicks maintained control from start to finish. 

     

    Philadelphia, meanwhile, leaned on a 24-point effort from Joel Embiid, but could not slow down New York’s offensive rhythm across the four-game series.

     

    The Knicks’ sweep underlined their consistency on both ends, turning what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided statement.

     

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    Timberwolves stun Spurs in Game 4, series tied 2–2 

     

    Out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves responded to level their series against the San Antonio Spurs at 2-2, pulling off a 114-109 win in Game 4.

     

    Anthony Edwards delivered a standout performance for Minnesota, finishing with 36 points and six rebounds as he powered the comeback push. 

     

    San Antonio countered with a strong all-around showing from rookie guard Dylan Harper, who tallied 24 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, but the Spurs fell short in the closing stretch.

     

    With the series now evenly split, both teams head into Game 5 with everything still to play for, setting up a decisive phase in what has become a tightly contested matchup.

     

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