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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Alas Pilipinas Girls make history despite Round of 16 exit after loss to unbeaten South Korea

    Alas Pilipinas Girls make history despite Round of 16 exit after loss to unbeaten South Korea

    The result may have ended Alas Pilipinas Girls’ championship dream, but it could not erase what the young Filipinas had already accomplished in Chile.

    The Philippines bowed to South Korea, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14, in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship on Thursday at Liceo Mixto Los Andes.

    For a team that arrived in Chile simply hoping to make an impression, the defeat now feels like only a footnote.

    By reaching the Round of 16, Alas has guaranteed itself a finish between ninth and 16th place—the best-ever global placement by a Philippine national volleyball team.

     

    That achievement alone represents a significant leap for a program still building its foundation.

     

    Before this group, the benchmark belonged to the Philippine women’s team that finished 18th at the 1974 World Championship in Mexico. The men’s national team led by Bryan Bagunas finished 19th at last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship, which was hosted by the Philippines.

     

    The young Filipinas have now moved beyond both marks.

     

    And they did it on a stage where they were rarely expected to be among the teams still standing when the knockout rounds arrived.

     

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    The loss to South Korea was certainly a difficult way to see their title hopes end. The Koreans controlled the match from the opening set and never allowed Alas to build the kind of momentum that carried the Philippines through the preliminary round.

     

    But the significance of this campaign goes well beyond Thursday’s scoreline.

     

    Alas has already shown that Philippine youth volleyball can compete on the world stage, withstand the pressure of international competition and reach a knockout round that no previous Philippine team had managed to enter.

     

    There is still more basketball to be played—just not for the championship.

     

    The Philippines will face Japan in the losers’ quarterfinals on Friday at the National Stadium Park in Santiago, with a ninth-place finish still within reach.

     

    For coach Edwin Leyva and his players, three more victories would extend an already historic campaign.

     

    But even if the Filipinas fall short of that mark, their place in Philippine volleyball history is already secure.

     

    They came to Chile carrying a dream.

     

    They will leave having given the next generation something far more tangible: a new standard to chase.

     

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  • Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso take family reunion to international stage with Strong Group 

    Brothers Dave and Shaun Ildefonso take family reunion to international stage with Strong Group 

    For Dave and Shaun Ildefonso, the 45th William Jones Cup offers more than another opportunity to compete for a championship.

     

    It gives the brothers a chance to share the court for the Philippines on a stage they have never experienced together before.

     

    The Ildefonso brothers have already gone through several chapters as teammates. They played together at National University in the UAAP before Shaun moved to Ateneo de Manila University, and they eventually reunited in the professional ranks with the Abra Solid North Weavers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

     


    Now, they are taking that partnership beyond the Philippine basketball scene.

     

    Dave is returning to Strong Group-Pilipinas as the team chases a historic third straight Jones Cup title, while Shaun joins Charles Tiu’s squad for the first time.

     

    For Dave, having his younger brother beside him makes an already meaningful opportunity even more special.

     

    “Siguro it’s a, malaking step up talaga, it’s an international league this time around. And kasama ko pa rin kuya ko. So it’s a great feeling to be able to experience this with him. And hopefully, maka-championship ako kasama siya,” Dave told reporters.

     

    Shaun, meanwhile, sees the tournament as a rare chance to test himself against high-level international competition while learning from some of the biggest names on the roster.

     

    “It’s not every day that you get to play with Boban, sila Tee, DJ, Matthew Wright, sila Remy Martin. These big names, I’m just really trying to learn from them talaga,” he told the media.

     

    “Especially, hindi ako masyado makapag-international stint sa buong career ko. So, given this chance, I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Shaun added.

     

    But beyond basketball, the brothers are also carrying a family name that has followed them throughout their careers.

     

    Dave sees their reunion as another chapter in a journey that began in college, was temporarily separated when Shaun transferred schools, and eventually brought them back together in Abra before leading to this international opportunity.

     

    “Siyempre it’s a good opportunity to represent the country, but also yung pangalan namin, give homage to our family. It’s been us ever since, nung college, tapos naghiwalay kami tapos ito ulit sa Abra,” he said.

     

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    For Shaun, the focus is simple: appreciate the opportunity and make every moment count.

     

    “We’ll just treat it as another tournament where we can share the court together. Ang daming players na would sacrifice a lot to be in this position. We’re just really thinking of that. You know, just give everything on the court while sharing this experience with him,” Shaun explained.

     

    The brothers will be part of a loaded Strong Group lineup featuring former NBA big man Boban Marjanović, Fil-Am guard Remy Martin, veteran Matthew Wright, and returning players DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee and Titing Manalili.

     

    Naturalized big man Malick Diouf, William Navarro and Puerto Rican forward Isaiah Piñeiro also add depth to a squad determined to extend its dominance in the tournament.

     

    That dominance, however, also means Strong Group will enter Taiwan with an even bigger target on its back.

     

    “Mas malaki yung targets on our backs kasi nga it’s our third year and we’re trying to gun for the third three-peat. So I heard nga na our competition this year is stronger and parang nag-iba pa yung tournament format,” Dave said.

     

    “So I think we have a really big target on our backs this year. Pero yun nga, you said that we have a bunch of new guys and I’m really confident in our team this year,” Dave added.

     

    Strong Group-Pilipinas will travel to Taiwan on Thursday ahead of the nine-day tournament, which runs from August 14 to 23 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

     

    For the Ildefonsos, the goal remains the same as the rest of the team: win another title. But whatever happens, they will get to experience something that has been years in the making—representing the Philippines together on an international court.

     

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  • NSAC World Invitational puts Filipino college teams to international test 

    NSAC World Invitational puts Filipino college teams to international test 

    The Philippine collegiate basketball scene gets an international measuring stick this weekend as four local programs go head-to-head with teams from Japan, Taiwan, and Australia in the National Student Athletes Championship (NSAC) World Invitational.

     

    Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and organized by Asiabasket, the three-day tournament runs from August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena, bringing together eight teams for a competition designed to expose Filipino student-athletes to different styles of basketball.

     

    Representing the Philippines are the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

    They will be tested by Japan’s Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University, Taiwan’s National Formosa University, and Australia’s Elite Stacks AUS.


    More than simply adding another tournament to the collegiate calendar, the event gives the four Philippine teams an opportunity to see how their systems and players measure up against international opposition without having to leave the country.

     

    PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio highlighted the value of that exposure for the development of Filipino student-athletes.

     

    “The NSAC World Invitational allows our students to compete against international opposition here at home and gain valuable experience that can contribute to their development. The Philippine Sports Commission is pleased to support initiatives that create more meaningful competitive opportunities for Filipino athletes,” Gregorio said.

     

    For Asiabasket, the tournament is also part of a bigger push to connect Philippine collegiate basketball with the wider Asia-Pacific scene.

     

    “The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders,” Reyes said.

     

    “We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion, and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage.”

     

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    The format guarantees that the participating teams will get more than one chance to make an impression. The tournament opens with quarterfinals on August 14, followed by semifinals and classification games the next day before the final round of games on August 16.

     

    JRU opens against Elite Stacks AUS, while San Beda faces National Formosa University. UST battles Tenri University, with FEU taking on Fighting Eagles Nagoya.

     

    Every team will play three games, giving the Filipino squads valuable opportunities to adjust after each outing and gain experience against unfamiliar opponents.

     

    Reyes also credited the PSC and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for helping make the international competition possible.

     

    “We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    With four Philippine schools facing four international programs, the NSAC World Invitational offers more than a championship trophy.

     

    For the local teams, it is a chance to discover where they stand, identify areas that need work, and gain experience that could prove valuable when they return to domestic competition.

     

    For fans, it is also an opportunity to see Philippine collegiate basketball measured against programs from across the region and beyond.

     

    Tickets are available through TicketNet, with one ticket providing access to all games scheduled for the corresponding tournament day.

     

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  • NLEX races against time to replace injured DeQuan Jones 

    NLEX races against time to replace injured DeQuan Jones 

    NLEX is facing a race against the clock after losing DeQuan Jones for the remainder of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, leaving the Road Warriors with just days to find a replacement import.

     

    Jones suffered a gruesome ankle injury during NLEX’s overtime victory over TNT on Tuesday, forcing the team to immediately shift its attention toward finding another reinforcement before its final game ahead of the league’s long break.

     

    The Road Warriors are scheduled to face Converge on Friday, giving coach Jimmy Alapag little time to make a decision. NLEX must submit its new import to the league by Thursday noon or enter the matchup with an all-Filipino lineup.

     “You never expect your import to go down. I’ll get our staff together with management and try to figure out what we can do kasi ‘yung next game is Friday so medyo bitin ‘yung time,” Alapag said.

     

    The urgency is understandable. Jones had become a major piece of NLEX’s impressive campaign, averaging 24.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks through eight games as the Road Warriors climbed near the top of Group A.

     

    Replacing that production on short notice will be a difficult task, but NLEX knows it cannot afford to dwell on the setback with another important game approaching.

     

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    “But we will do the best we can. But again, right now, all of our thoughts and prayers are with DJ. 

     

    Big time loss for our team but we will try to find somebody who can fill that void,” Alapag said.

     

    Jones has already undergone successful surgery to repair the ankle dislocation sustained in the injury. He is also scheduled for another procedure to address the fractured fibula he suffered in the same incident.

     

    While the Road Warriors work on finding his replacement, Alapag made it clear that the team’s immediate concern remains Jones himself rather than simply the production they have lost on the court.

     

    “My deepest prayers go out to DJ. More than the basketball player, it’s the person. The team had lunch yesterday and his value to this team goes far beyond what he does on the basketball court. It’s the person, it’s the leadership, it’s the character. It’s heartbreaking to see him go down,” Alapag said.

     

    That makes the search for a new import about more than filling a statistical gap.

     

    NLEX is trying to replace a player who had become an important part of the team’s identity, while also keeping its momentum alive before the Governors’ Cup pauses for Gilas Pilipinas’ commitments.

     

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  • Zavier Lucero hopes Asian Games call-up brings first Gilas Pilipinas 

    Zavier Lucero hopes Asian Games call-up brings first Gilas Pilipinas 

    For Zavier Lucero, making the Gilas Pilipinas preliminary roster is more than simply another name on a 30-man list. It represents a possible first step toward finally wearing the national team jersey he has long wanted to earn.

     

    The Magnolia Hotshots forward was included in the preliminary pool for the 20th Asian Games in Japan next month, putting him within reach of a potential national team debut under head coach Tim Cone.

     

    “Hopefully, I’m on that short list too and get to represent the country for the first time,” he told Tiebreaker Times Wednesday night, shortly after the Hotshots beat Phoenix for their third straight win in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Lucero still has work to do before that dream becomes reality. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has only submitted the long list required for the Asian Games, with Cone and his coaching staff still tasked with trimming the pool down to the final 12-man roster.

     

    Still, the opportunity gives the 29-year-old a fresh chance after coming close to joining Gilas in the past.

     

    The former University of the Philippines standout was initially part of the national team pool for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, only to be removed while his eligibility was being verified. The Asian Games’ more relaxed eligibility rules could now work in his favor, particularly with the absence of several overseas-based Filipino players.

     

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    On the court, Lucero offers the type of physicality and athleticism that could make him an intriguing option for the frontcourt. His ability to defend, rebound and battle inside gives Cone another potential piece as the Philippines tries to defend the Asian Games gold medal it won in 2023.

     

    But Lucero knows being considered is still a long way from making the final cut.

    For now, he is simply embracing the opportunity and allowing himself to dream about what could be his biggest basketball honor yet.

     

    “It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever been a part of, so I’m very thankful to be considered,” said Lucero.

     

    “Like I said … Hopefully I’ll make that short list. I’m excited. I’m excited at the possibility, and it’s an honor.”

     

    For a player who has already experienced the highs of college and professional basketball, the possibility of finally representing the Philippines could be the next major chapter in Lucero’s career.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball team sets sights to Korea  for FIVB Pro Tour 

    Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball team sets sights to Korea  for FIVB Pro Tour 

    The Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball Team is heading to Korea with momentum from a strong year on the sand, as the Filipinas prepare for another international test in the FIVB Beach Pro Tour from August 13 to 16.

     

    Leading the Philippine delegation are Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons, Dij Rodriguez, and Cherry Rose Macatangay, with the group bringing a mix of established national team experience and proven beach volleyball credentials.

     

    Rondina and Pons enter the competition with plenty of confidence after a breakthrough stretch that began with their historic gold-medal run at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December. The duo also reached the silver-medal match of the AVC Beach Tour’s Pingtung Open in Chinese Taipei in June, beating Australian and Thai pairs along the way.

     

    Rondina has also enjoyed success alongside Rodriguez this year. The two teamed up to dominate the BVR On Tour Sipalay Open in May, completing a five-match sweep and beating Kat Epa and Kizil Quijote in the championship match.

     

    The team’s international experience was further tested at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge in May, where Rondina and Pons faced Denmark’s Sofia Bisgaard and Cirkeline Hog. Although the Filipinas fell in straight sets, the match provided another opportunity to compete against higher-level opposition.

    For Rondina and Pons in particular, the Korea trip represents another step in their progression against the world’s best. The pair already made history last year by becoming the Philippines’ first women’s beach volleyball tandem to win SEA Games gold, helping the country dethrone Thailand on its home soil. 

     

    The renowned SiPons pair has also gained another milestone in the AVC Awards winning fan’s choice honors for beach volleyball, adding to the international achievements the pair already has. 

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    Now, the challenge shifts back to the international circuit.

     

    The FIVB Beach Pro Tour provides the Filipinas with an opportunity to gain more experience against established beach volleyball programs while building valuable ranking points and tournament experience. It also serves as another important stage in their preparation for bigger international competitions later in the year.

     

    For Rondina, Pons, Rodriguez and Macatangay, the objective is more than simply making up the numbers in Korea.

     

    After a year that has already produced gold medals, podium finishes and tournament victories, Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball will look to carry that momentum onto the international stage and show that Philippine beach volleyball can compete beyond Southeast Asia.

     

    The Korea Pro Tour runs from August 13 to 16, with the Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball Team hoping to make another statement on the international sand.

     

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  • William Navarro keeps PBA door open as future remains uncertain 

    William Navarro keeps PBA door open as future remains uncertain 

    William Navarro is not closing the door on a PBA return, even as his basketball future in the league remains largely out of his hands.

     

    The 29-year-old forward remains hopeful that he can once again play in the PBA, but knows that any comeback will depend on the league’s decision regarding the three-year ban imposed on him.

     

    “Hopefully, why not,” Navarro said during Strong Group Athletics’ media day ahead of the 45th William Jones Cup. “Naka-ban ako, eh. If tanggalin nila ‘yun, babalik ako.”

     

     

    Navarro was among the players sanctioned by the PBA after turning down a contract offer from his mother team and choosing to continue his career overseas.

     

    The former Ateneo standout declined a renewal from Magnolia before moving to South Korea, where he helped KCC Egis win a championship. He later parted ways with the club just weeks after their title triumph.

     

    His PBA playing rights have since changed hands, with Magnolia trading them to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers for Arvin Tolentino.

     

    For now, though, Navarro can only wait for the league to make its next move.

     

    “We’re just waiting for what they’re [PBA] gonna say,” Navarro said. “Whatever happens, happens.”

     

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    Rather than allow the uncertainty surrounding his PBA status to become a distraction, Navarro has chosen to put his attention on the opportunity immediately in front of him.

     

    That means helping Strong Group-Pilipinas defend its Jones Cup crown and chase a third consecutive championship in the prestigious tournament.

     

    “I’m just very grateful for the opportunity kasi ‘di naman lahat nakaka-experience niyan,” he said.

    For Navarro, the Jones Cup provides more than another competition. It gives him a chance to stay sharp, contribute to a talented national selection and continue proving what he can bring on the court while his next chapter remains unclear.

     

    “I’m just going to prepare for this moment. Whatever happens in the future, wala pa. After nito, I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

     

    For now, Navarro’s focus is simple: play, compete and make the most of the opportunity in front of him.

     

    Whatever comes after the Jones Cup — including a possible return to the PBA — will have to wait.

     

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  • Robert Bolick compares injured DeQuan Jones to Justin Brownlee after NLEX beats TNT in OT thriller  

    Robert Bolick compares injured DeQuan Jones to Justin Brownlee after NLEX beats TNT in OT thriller  

    Robert Bolick could barely celebrate NLEX’s latest victory.

     

    The Road Warriors had just beaten TNT for the second time in as many weeks, escaping with a thrilling 118-111 overtime win Tuesday at the Ynares Center–Antipolo to improve to 7-1 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    But for Bolick, the result was secondary after seeing DeQuan Jones go down with an apparent serious leg injury.

     

     

    Jones was stretchered off the court late in the third quarter following a collision with Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, leaving NLEX without its import for the remainder of the game.

     

    And while the Road Warriors found a way to finish the job, Bolick admitted it was difficult to celebrate knowing what happened to one of the team’s biggest contributors.

     

    “Ang hirap mag celebrate, ang hirap makahanap ng import na di lang magaling, pero mabait eh.”

     

    Bolick’s next words showed just how highly NLEX values Jones.

     

    “Sya yung Justin Brownlee sa team namin.”

     

    For a player who has seen first-hand what a dominant import can mean to a PBA team, Bolick’s comparison carried plenty of weight.

     

    Jones has been at the heart of NLEX’s unbeaten run for most of the conference, providing the scoring, production and leadership that helped turn the Road Warriors into the early pace-setters in Group A.

     

    “Kaya nga kami 7-1, malaking part nun sya.”

     

    Still, NLEX showed Tuesday that it was capable of surviving without Jones.

     

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    Bolick delivered 27 points, including the Road Warriors’ final eight points in regulation. With NLEX facing elimination from the lead late in the fourth, he buried a clutch four-pointer over Rey Nambatac with 2.2 seconds left to force overtime.

     

    He then continued making plays in the extra period, picking off a Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson pass before setting up David Semerad for an open basket that gave NLEX a 118-111 lead.

     

    Ljay Gonzales also produced a career performance with 26 points and six rebounds, giving the Road Warriors another major boost when they needed it most.

     

    “Pero at the same time, kahit wala kaming import, lumaban kami.”

     

    That resilience may prove crucial moving forward.

     

    Jones finished with 23 points before suffering the injury, with early reports indicating a complete right lower-leg fracture and surgery potentially scheduled as early as Wednesday.

     

    NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag was visibly affected by the injury but praised his players for finding a way to finish the game.

     

    “My deepest prayers to DJ. More than the basketball player, it’s the person. It’s heartbreaking to see him go down, but I’m so proud of ouR guys,” Alapag said.

     

    The victory moved NLEX to 7-1 and further strengthened its grip on the top spot in Group A, but the Road Warriors could now face their biggest challenge of the conference yet.

     

    For Bolick, however, Tuesday’s game was less about another win over TNT and more about a teammate who has helped make their remarkable run possible.

     

    NLEX proved it could win without Jones.

     

    The bigger question is whether it can continue doing so if its import is forced to miss significant time.

     

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  • Magnolia seeks revenge as surging Hotshots meet Phoenix again 

    Magnolia seeks revenge as surging Hotshots meet Phoenix again 

    Magnolia has already learned what Phoenix can do.

     

    Now the Hotshots get a chance to show how much they have changed since that first meeting.

     

    The two Group B contenders collide again at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with Magnolia looking to erase the memory of its 86-98 defeat to the Fuel Masters in the conference opener.


    Phoenix entered the rematch in a different position.

     

    The Fuel Masters remain tied with Rain or Shine at the top of Group B at 4-2, but they have stumbled in two of their last three games, falling to the Elasto Painters, 98-105, before suffering a 100-106 loss to Blackwater.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, has gone in the opposite direction.

     

    After losing three of its first four games, including the opening-day setback against Phoenix, the Hotshots have finally found their rhythm. They enter Wednesday’s contest riding consecutive statement victories over Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, and Meralco, 105-88.

     

    Those wins have pulled Magnolia back into the playoff picture at 3-3, tied with Blackwater for third place and just half a game ahead of Ginebra.

     

    For coach LA Tenorio, the recent turnaround has been about treating every game like a playoff game.

     

    “The past three games, we’ve been really in a playoff mentality already. I challenged the players, my team, that this kind of games, ito ang magbibigay sa amin ng chance going to the next level,” Tenorio said after the victory over Meralco.

     

    The urgency is understandable.

     

    “Two more losses could have sent us packing,” he admitted.

     

    Magnolia’s response has been encouraging for Tenorio, particularly the way his players have embraced the system.

     

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    “What I really like about my team is how they responded to that challenge. They really responded well, not only in the games, but in practice… They’re really locked in, they’re buying in the system na gusto kong iparating sa team.”

     

    That buy-in will be tested against the same Phoenix team that exposed Magnolia’s weaknesses in their first encounter.

     

    The Fuel Masters took the opener behind a sensational debut from import BJ Johnson, who exploded for 34 points and 10 rebounds. Phoenix recovered from a slow start before Johnson and Jason Perkins ignited a 7-1 fourth-quarter run that turned a 79-71 advantage into a more comfortable lead.

     

    This time, Magnolia knows exactly what it is facing.

     

    The Hotshots will have to find a way to slow Johnson while preventing Perkins from providing the same complementary production that helped Phoenix seize control late in the first meeting.

    But Phoenix also has questions of its own.

     

    After starting 4-0, the Fuel Masters have lost two of their last three games, giving Magnolia a chance to capitalize on the slight dip in momentum and climb further up the Group B standings.

    For Phoenix, Wednesday is an opportunity to prove its opening victory over Magnolia was more than just a strong start.

     

    For Magnolia, it is a chance to show that the team that walked off the court that night is no longer the same one taking the floor now.

     

    The first meeting belonged to Phoenix.

     

    This time, Magnolia wants the last word.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas Girls face crucial Venezuela test after Peru setback 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls face crucial Venezuela test after Peru setback 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls came within touching distance of taking control against Peru, only to watch a promising lead slip away.

     

    The young Filipinas fell to Peru, 28-26, 22-25, 23-25, 20-25, in the FIVB Girls’ U17 World Championship early Tuesday in Chile, turning what looked like a potential statement victory into a crucial setback in their bid to reach the Round of 16.

     

    The defeat dropped the Philippines to 2-2 in Pool B, while Peru improved to 3-1 and strengthened its position in second place behind unbeaten China, which remained perfect at 4-0. Venezuela also sits at 2-2, keeping the race for the remaining knockout spots wide open.

     

    For Alas, the equation is now straightforward.

     

    The Philippines needs to beat Venezuela on Wednesday at 2 a.m. (Manila time) to keep its Round of 16 hopes alive.

     

    The Filipinas showed early signs that they could pull off another upset after winning the opening set in dramatic fashion.

     

    Down 26-25, middle blocker Cristina Gale answered with a soft touch that caught Peru off guard and forced another deadlock. Caera Celis then put the Philippines at set point before Gale came through again, denying Fernanda Pinto at the net to complete the 28-26 escape.

     

    Peru responded in the second set, however, as the two sides remained within striking distance of each other before an attack error from Xyz Rayco allowed the South Americans to level the match.

    The Philippines appeared to regain control in the third.

     

    Alas built an eight-point advantage at 21-13, with Zoe Koechlin producing a timely block on Pinto to help put the Filipinas in position to reclaim the lead.

     

    Instead, Peru produced the decisive run of the match.

     

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    The South Americans stormed back with a 10-1 surge, flipping the deficit into a 23-22 advantage. Alas managed to stop the run momentarily, but Peru grabbed the next two points to complete the comeback and move ahead 2-1.

     

    The fourth set offered no similar opening for the Philippines.

     

    Peru controlled the frame from the outset and eventually closed out the match when Celis’ final attack from the left wing sailed wide.

     

    Sharina Lleses led Alas with 18 points, while Celis added 17 and Rayco finished with 12.

     

    The result was a frustrating one for a Philippine side that had entered the match with plenty of momentum after consecutive victories over higher-ranked Mexico and Tunisia.

     

    But the tournament is far from over.

     

    With China already sitting comfortably at the top and Peru holding second place, the Philippines now faces a direct battle with Venezuela for a place in the next round.

     

    Both teams own 2-2 records.

     

    One match will decide which side keeps its world championship journey alive.

     

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