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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Rain or Shine heads into Governors’ Cup with confidence after rout of Macau Giant Pandas 

    Rain or Shine heads into Governors’ Cup with confidence after rout of Macau Giant Pandas 

    Rain or Shine enters the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with momentum on its side after ending its preseason preparations on a high note.


    The Elasto Painters put together an explosive offensive performance on Tuesday, overwhelming the undermanned Macau Giant Pandas, 139-98, in their final tune-up game at Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.


    The victory allowed Rain or Shine to split its two preseason outings after falling to Converge in its first exhibition game last week, giving head coach Yeng Guiao a more encouraging glimpse of where his squad stands just days before the conference opens.


    One of the bright spots was Caelan Tiongson, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers during a decisive run that helped Rain or Shine quickly create separation and maintain control for the rest of the contest.


    While the scoreline was convincing, Guiao believes the preseason results are less important than helping the team regain its rhythm after a lengthy break and integrating returning import Aaron Fuller back into the system.


    “Isa [na talo] sa Converge, natalo kami pero okay naman. I think it’s part of the adjustment period after a long break and getting used to our import Aaron. Converge played a really good game against us.


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    Sa Macau, mukhang hindi pa sila kumpleto at mukhang hindi pa sila nakakapag-practice ng husto. They just got together. But at least, it’s a good way to get out of our regular practice routine and play games,” said Guiao.


    The veteran coach acknowledged that Macau was far from full strength, but he still welcomed the opportunity to face a different opponent before the start of the new conference, using the game as another step in fine-tuning his team’s chemistry.


    Despite missing several players, the Giant Pandas still featured notable contributors led by import De’Vondre Perry, Damian Chong Qui, Ramon Cao, and Kobey Lam.


    Macau head coach Marcus Elliot said the squad remains a work in progress, with the organization still awaiting the arrival and signing of additional players before its official campaign begins.


    Rain or Shine, meanwhile, now shifts its focus to the games that matter. The Elasto Painters open their Governors’ Cup campaign on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, hoping the encouraging finish to their preseason translates into a strong start in the season-ending conference.


    The Giant Pandas won’t have to wait long for another test either, as the guest team opens its own Governors’ Cup schedule against NLEX on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.


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  • Ginebra set to open Governors’ Cup without Scottie Thompson 

    Ginebra set to open Governors’ Cup without Scottie Thompson 

    Barangay Ginebra’s bid for back-to-back championships will begin with a different challenge—finding ways to win without one of the team’s most indispensable players.

     

    Already preparing to navigate the early part of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup without resident import Justin Brownlee, the Gin Kings will also be missing Scottie Thompson after the star guard was ordered to undergo an extended recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    The setback leaves Ginebra without two of the biggest reasons behind its recent championship run, forcing the defending champions to rely on the depth of their local roster while both veterans work their way back to full health.

     

    According to head coach Tim Cone, Thompson’s rehabilitation timeline has already been determined by the team’s medical staff.

     

    “Doctor (George) Canlas has ordered for him to have a 6-8 weeks of rest,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

     

    “So we’ll probably miss him for the first few weeks of the conference.”

     

    The injury had already affected Thompson beyond the PBA season.

     

    The reigning Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP was originally included in Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers before eventually withdrawing because of the lingering hamstring issue. His absence opened the door for Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liano to earn a spot on the national team.

     

    Cone revealed that Thompson’s condition steadily worsened as the championship series against TNT Tropang 5G progressed.

     

    “Scottie has a really, really bad hamstring that got worse as the series went on,” recalled Cone. “And after Game 7, it was really quite bad.”

     

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    Thompson’s absence comes at the same time Brownlee is also recovering from multiple injuries suffered during the Finals and his stint with Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    The veteran import has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain, right peroneal tendinopathy, along with swelling and cartilage defects in his left knee. Despite nursing those injuries, Brownlee still suited up for the national team against New Zealand, helping push the Tall Blacks to a double-overtime contest before eventually sitting out the Philippines’ game against Australia to begin his recovery.

     

    While Brownlee’s return remains uncertain because of the number of injuries he is managing, Cone believes Thompson’s trademark determination could help shorten his absence once he is medically cleared.

     

    “But you know, Scottie, he’s a warrior and if he’s gonna find a way back, he’s gonna find a way back,” said Cone. “But we’re gonna really miss him.”

     

    With the Governors’ Cup fast approaching, Ginebra now faces the task of defending its title without two of its biggest stars available from the opening tip. For a team accustomed to leaning on Brownlee’s leadership and Thompson’s relentless all-around play, the early weeks of the conference will test just how deep the Gin Kings truly are.

     

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  • Gilas faces familiar rivals as fourth window of World Cup qualifiers takes shape 

    Gilas faces familiar rivals as fourth window of World Cup qualifiers takes shape 

    The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 is entering its most demanding stage for Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    With the completion of the third window of the Asian Qualifiers, the six-team field for Group E is now officially set. The Philippines will carry its campaign into the second round alongside Australia and New Zealand from Group A, while West Asian powers Iran, Jordan, and Syria advance from Group C.

     

    Australia topped Group A to secure the No. 1 seed, followed by New Zealand and Gilas Pilipinas. Iran, meanwhile, claimed first place in Group C with a 5-1 record, edging Jordan for the top spot via the head-to-head tiebreaker after defeating the Falcons, 67-49, in Amman to open the third window.

     

    Because results from the first round carry over, Gilas enters the next phase with a 2-4 record, making every remaining game crucial in its bid to reach the World Cup in Qatar.

     

    The fourth qualifying window, expected to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, presents the Filipinos with immediate opportunities for redemption. Gilas is scheduled to host Jordan on August 28 before taking on Iran on August 30. The national team then travels to face Syria on November 27 in the fifth window.

     

    The matchup against Jordan revives a rivalry that most recently favored the Falcons.

     

    The two nations last met at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga in July 2024, where Jordan defeated the Philippines, 74-66. 

     

    Despite both teams already being out of semifinal contention, Jordan controlled much of the contest behind its disciplined defense, while Gilas struggled to generate consistent offense. The loss denied the Filipinos a winning finish in their Olympic qualifying campaign, giving Tim Cone’s squad added motivation heading into the August rematch.

     

    Iran, on the other hand, brings back memories of one of the biggest victories in recent Philippine basketball history.

     

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    Their last official meeting came in the 2023 Asian Games quarterfinals in Hangzhou, where Gilas pulled off a stunning 84-83 comeback victory. 

     

    Trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Filipinos stormed back behind Justin Brownlee, who delivered the game-winning basket with seconds remaining to eliminate the heavily favored Iranians. The victory ignited the Philippines’ historic run that eventually ended with its first Asian Games men’s basketball gold medal in 61 years, making the August showdown another highly anticipated chapter in the rivalry.

     

    The November clash against Syria will be a meeting of teams that have not crossed paths in nearly a decade.

     

    The Philippines last faced Syria at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, cruising to a dominant 109-55 victory in the classification round behind an explosive performance from NBA veteran Jordan Clarkson. 

     

    Prior to that, their previous major tournament encounter came during the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship, underscoring how rare meetings between the two countries have become in recent years. The long gap adds another layer of intrigue when they finally square off again later this year.

     

    While the opponents each carry different storylines, the stakes remain the same.

     

    The second round consists of six additional games, with the top three teams in Group E automatically qualifying for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. The best fourth-place finisher between the two second-round groups will also secure a World Cup berth alongside host Qatar.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the next three windows will be more than a fight for qualification. They offer a chance to avenge a recent defeat to Jordan, renew a growing rivalry with Iran after a memorable Asian Games classic, and reconnect with Syria in a matchup that has been absent from the international calendar for years.

     

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  • PVL On Tour brings preseason action and new twists to fans across the country 

    PVL On Tour brings preseason action and new twists to fans across the country 

    The road to the new Premier Volleyball League season begins far from its usual Metro Manila stage.

     

    Instead of opening inside the country’s biggest arenas, the league is taking professional volleyball on the road once again as the PVL On Tour officially gets underway on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela, kicking off a seven-leg preseason caravan that aims to bring the sport closer to fans across the Philippines.

     

    Four of the league’s top clubs will headline the opening doubleheader, marking the start of a month-long tour that will also visit Batangas on July 11, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur on July 25, Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 1, the City of Santiago on August 8, Lanao del Norte on August 15, before wrapping up on August 22 at a venue that will be announced later.

     

    Beyond preparing teams for the upcoming conference, the league views the preseason showcase as an opportunity to strengthen its connection with volleyball supporters outside the capital.

     

    “The PVL On Tour is our way, together with the teams, of bringing the game closer to our fans during the preseason. It allows supporters from different parts of the country to experience PVL volleyball firsthand, while giving our teams valuable opportunities to build chemistry and prepare for the season ahead,” said PVL Control Committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.

     

    Every match will also carry financial rewards, with the winning team receiving P100,000 while the losing squad will still earn P50,000, ensuring that every contest has something at stake despite being part of the preseason.

     

    The league has also introduced competition guidelines designed to maximize player development.

     

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    Each team will be required to field all 14 players on its roster before the end of the second set, with every player seeing action in at least three rallies. Once the second set is completed, coaches will regain full control of their rotations under the modified substitution rules.

     

    Meanwhile, the PVL reiterated that players currently committed to official Philippine national team duties will not be eligible to participate in the tour. Athletes may only suit up if they are not part of an official national team delegation and have no scheduled international commitments.

     

    Perhaps the biggest attraction this year is the introduction of the Premier Ball, a rule first unveiled during the PVL All-Star festivities.

     

    Once per set, the serving team’s captain can activate a specially colored ball that turns the next rally into a two-point opportunity instead of the usual single point, adding another layer of strategy for both teams.

     

    To preserve the integrity of close finishes, however, the Premier Ball cannot be used to clinch a set. In the first four sets, teams may only activate it before either side reaches 22 points, while in a deciding fifth set, it may only be used before the score reaches the league’s designated cutoff.

     

    As the tour begins another journey around the country, the PVL is hoping to achieve two goals at once — helping teams prepare for the new season while giving thousands of fans outside Metro Manila a front-row seat to the country’s premier professional volleyball league.reaches 12 points.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo cherishes every Gilas call-up as international journey nears twilight 

    June Mar Fajardo cherishes every Gilas call-up as international journey nears twilight 

    For June Mar Fajardo, the result on the scoreboard will fade with time. The privilege of wearing “Pilipinas” across his chest never will.

     

    The longtime Gilas Pilipinas cornerstone walked away from Monday night’s 92-49 defeat to Australia with more than a bounce-back performance. It was another reminder that, at this stage of his decorated career, every national team appearance is a chance he refuses to take for granted.

     

    After being held scoreless in the Philippines’ heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand just days earlier, Fajardo answered with eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block against the Boomers. He continued to battle inside despite Australia’s size, physicality, and relentless pressure, giving Gilas one of its few steady presences throughout the contest.

     

    Still, the nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player said the statistics mattered far less than the opportunity itself.

     

    “Isang karangalan na makalaro sa national team. Sobrang daming players sa Pilipinas na gustong makalaro sa national team.”

     

    Fajardo admitted he has always felt fortunate to be consistently trusted by the Gilas coaching staff throughout the years, recognizing that many talented players have had to fight for the same opportunity.

     

    “Sobrang swerte ko and blessed ako. Hindi mahirap para sa’kin na makapasok sa roster. ‘Yung iba na dadaan sa tryouts, ako diretso na ako sa line-up.”

     

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    Now 36 years old, Fajardo understands that the remaining chapters of his international career are becoming fewer. Rather than dwell on that reality, it has strengthened his appreciation every time his name appears on the national team roster.

     

    “Hindi ako magsasawa na maglaro para sa national team.”

     

    His determination, however, was not enough to lift Gilas past one of Asia’s basketball powerhouses.

     

    Australia controlled the game from the opening tip and never allowed the Filipinos to find any rhythm. Gilas committed 19 turnovers that turned into 30 Boomers points, surrendered 20 fast-break points, and struggled to match Australia’s dominance on the boards as the hosts cruised to victory.

     

    Despite consecutive losses to New Zealand and Australia in the third window, the Philippines still advanced to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record.

     

    With the next phase beginning in late August, Fajardo and Gilas will once again answer the call when they face Jordan on August 28, another opportunity for the veteran big man to do what he says he will never grow tired of—representing the country.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons to bring Philippine pride to inaugural AVC Gala after fan vote triumph 

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons to bring Philippine pride to inaugural AVC Gala after fan vote triumph 

    For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons have carried Philippine beach volleyball on their shoulders. Now, the rest of Asia is giving the Alas Pilipinas tandem its stamp of approval.


    The decorated pair will be honored with the Fans’ Choice Beach Volleyball Award at the inaugural Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Gala after emerging as the overwhelming favorites in the public voting.

     

    Rondina and Pons collected 43,905 votes, the highest among the beach volleyball fan nominees, earning a place among Asia’s volleyball elite during the awards night on August 8 in Bangkok. The award will be presented by the City of Candon through Mayor Eric Singson.

    Their recognition comes as the AVC launches its first-ever gala, an event designed to celebrate the athletes, coaches, officials, and personalities who helped shape Asian volleyball throughout the 2025 season.

     

    “The AVC Gala was created to celebrate Asian volleyball excellence and to honor the individuals whose talent, dedication, and achievements continue to inspire millions throughout our continent,” said AVC President Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

     

    “The nearly 400,000 votes cast by fans demonstrate the incredible passion that exists for volleyball across Asia, and we are proud to establish a new tradition that recognizes the very best of our sport.”

     

    The award serves as another milestone for Rondina and Pons, whose partnership has become one of the Philippines’ most recognizable in beach volleyball. Their victory in the fan poll also highlighted the strong support they continue to receive not only from Filipino fans but from volleyball followers across the region.

     

    Suzara believes the inaugural gala represents more than just an awards ceremony, describing it as a celebration of both excellence and the people who continue to fuel the sport’s growth.

     

    “We are excited to welcome our winners to the 1st AVC Gala Awards Night this August in Bangkok, where Asia’s volleyball family will come together to celebrate their remarkable achievements and the continued growth of our sport,” Suzara said.

     

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    “Volleyball has always been a sport driven by its community, and our fans remain at the heart of its continued success. By combining the expertise of the AVC Committee with the voices of our supporters, the AVC Gala not only recognizes excellence but also celebrates the strong bond between our athletes and the fans who inspire them every step of the way.”

     

    While the Filipinas captured the fan-voted beach volleyball honor, several of Asia’s biggest names will also headline the inaugural ceremony.

     

    Japanese siblings Yuki Ishikawa and Mayu Ishikawa will receive the Outstanding Men’s Volleyball Player and Outstanding Women’s Volleyball Player awards, respectively.

     

    Qatar’s beach volleyball duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will be recognized as the Outstanding Men’s Beach Volleyball Players after another impressive international campaign, while Japan’s Asami Shiba and Reika Murakami will take home the Outstanding Women’s Beach Volleyball Players award.

     

    Japan women’s national team head coach Ferhat Akbaş will be honored as Volleyball Coach of the Year, while Kazakhstan’s Yuliya Akulova and China’s Wang Lijun will receive the Volleyball Referee of the Year and Beach Volleyball Referee of the Year awards.

     

    The major individual awards were determined through a combined voting system consisting of 70 percent AVC Committee votes and 30 percent public votes, blending technical evaluation with fan participation.

     

    Chinese volleyball icon Zhu Ting claimed the Fans’ Choice Volleyball Award after receiving 42,996 public votes, while Jizhong Wei will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service and lasting contributions to the development of volleyball across Asia.

     

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  • Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    Mike Phillips gives Gilas a fighting pulse despite heavy loss to Australia 

    The final score offered little comfort for Gilas Pilipinas, but Mike Phillips made sure there was still something worth remembering from Monday night’s loss in Perth.

     

    In a game where Australia dictated the tempo from start to finish en route to a 92-49 victory at RAC Arena, Phillips refused to let the contest slip by without a fight. The 6-foot-8 forward relentlessly chased loose balls, battled for rebounds against the bigger Boomers, and provided the energy that the Philippines desperately needed throughout the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers clash.

     

    The numbers reflected his effort. Phillips grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds in just 24 minutes and 29 seconds while contributing six points, highlighted by a pair of emphatic dunks. He also recorded a steal and a block, making an impact on both ends of the floor despite the lopsided result.

     

    For head coach Tim Cone, Phillips’ relentless approach stood out more than anything else.

    “Yeah, he was one of the bright lights for us tonight. He was doing great, especially in the first half. He was rebounding the heck out of the ball and just playing,” said Philippines head coach Tim Cone after the game.

     

    “His nickname is ‘Motor Mike’ and there’s a reason for that. He plays with such a tremendous motor. He’s all over the floor.”

     

    The performance was a significant response after Phillips saw limited production in his Gilas debut against New Zealand, where he posted just two points, three rebounds, and a steal in 11 minutes during the Filipinos’ heartbreaking 106-102 double-overtime defeat.

     

    Against Australia, circumstances also demanded more from him. Gilas entered the contest without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was sidelined by multiple injuries, opening the door for Phillips to take on a larger role in the frontcourt.

     

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    What made his outing even more impressive was that he wasn’t operating at full strength.

    Cone revealed that Phillips had been dealing with a “gimpy ankle” after suffering an injury during one of Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up games before the third qualifying window, yet the young forward never let it affect the way he attacked every possession.

     

    The effort may not have been enough to prevent the defeat, but it reinforced why Phillips is becoming one of the national team’s most intriguing young pieces heading into the next phase of the qualifiers.

     

    The Philippines wrapped up the first round of Group A with a 2-4 record, securing third place and advancing to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers. Gilas will resume its campaign at the SM Mall of Asia Arena later this August, taking on Jordan on August 28 before facing Iran on August 30.

     

    Cone believes performances like Monday’s are only the beginning for the energetic forward.

    “He’s a young guy, and he plays with so much enthusiasm. It’s very infectious,” Cone said of Phillips.

     

    “Tonight, it was less visible because of the score, but I think that’s something our fans are really going to appreciate moving forward — watching him play with that kind of effort and seeing the other guys get infected by it and continue to play.”

     

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  • Alex Eala’s Wimbledon dream ends as Paolini halts breakthrough run 

    Alex Eala’s Wimbledon dream ends as Paolini halts breakthrough run 

    Alex Eala’s remarkable Wimbledon journey ended just one match shy of history, but not without proving she belonged among the sport’s elite.

     

    The Filipina sensation bowed out of the Wimbledon Championships after a gritty 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 defeat to World No. 13 Jasmine Paolini in the fourth round on Monday, ending the deepest Grand Slam run of her young career.

     

    For Eala, the defeat marked the end of a tournament that saw her eliminate defending champion Iga Swiatek and become the first Filipina in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon Round of 16.

    Standing in her way was a familiar opponent.

     

    Earlier this year, Eala dominated Paolini in straight sets during the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships, but the Italian arrived at the All England Club determined to rewrite that result.

     

    Paolini immediately imposed her game, using her movement and aggressive shot-making to keep Eala on the defensive. The former Wimbledon finalist stormed to a 4-1 advantage before the Filipina settled into the contest.

     

    Eala gradually found her range and mounted a late charge to trim the deficit to 5-4, but an untimely service break in the 10th game handed Paolini the opening set after 51 minutes.

     

    Rather than fading, Eala answered with one of her strongest stretches of the match.

     

    She earned her first lead by breaking serve for a 2-1 advantage in the second set. Although Paolini quickly responded, Eala stayed composed and produced another crucial break in the seventh game before confidently serving out the set to force a decider.

     

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    With momentum seemingly shifting, the third set evolved into a tense battle where neither player gave away easy points.

     

    Both players held serve through seven games as long rallies and baseline exchanges highlighted the quality of the contest. Eala, however, struggled to consistently land her first serve, giving Paolini just enough opportunities to stay within striking distance.

     

    The decisive moment arrived in the eighth game.

     

    A costly double fault at deuce opened the door for Paolini, who capitalized by breaking serve for a 5-3 lead. The Italian never looked back, calmly holding serve in the next game to wrap up the victory after two hours and 23 minutes.

     

    Although her Wimbledon campaign came to an end, Eala leaves London with another milestone in her rapidly growing career, adding a fourth-round appearance at one of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments to an already impressive 2026 season. The 21-year-old also continued to establish herself as one of the rising stars on the WTA Tour, showing she can compete deep into Grand Slam events against the world’s best.

     

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  • Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    The result stung, but for Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Friday’s heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand also revealed something far more encouraging — the next generation of the national team is beginning to arrive.

     

    Despite falling 106-102 to the Tall Blacks in Auckland to slip to 2-3 in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas drew optimism from the emergence of its young core, with Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo carrying much of the offensive load throughout the marathon contest.

     

    Cone believes performances like these are exactly what the program has been building toward.

    “That’s how you evolve a team, right? You try to win with your veterans and you develop your young guys. Our young guys have been developing over the last year and a half, two years. Every time they’ve come into a window, they’ve gotten better,” Cone said.

     

    The trio delivered one of their best collective outings in a Gilas uniform.

     

    Gomez de Liaño finished with a team-high 23 points, matching Quiambao’s output while also adding six rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He repeatedly answered New Zealand’s runs with timely baskets, including clutch shots late in regulation and the first overtime that kept the Philippines alive.

     

    Quiambao continued to showcase his all-around game, contributing 23 points along with three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, while Tamayo chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

     

    For Cone, their steady rise has exceeded expectations.

     

    “They have evolved along with the team. That was the vision from the very beginning when we put this team together. That they, at one point, would be the main guys,” said Cone.

     

    “It may be coming a little more quickly than we thought, but they are certainly stepping up and playing at a much higher level than they were when they were first on the team. We’re real proud of those young guys for continuing to improve.”

     

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    The coach admitted, however, that the progress offered little consolation after Gilas let another opportunity against New Zealand slip away.

     

    After losing another tight contest to the Tall Blacks — who now own an 8-1 advantage in the all-time head-to-head series — Cone acknowledged just how close the Philippines came to stealing a crucial road victory.

     

    “It would have been nice to be able to come down here and steal a game. That would have been special. And the fact that we got as close as we did obviously is a huge disappointment,” he said.

    “Once you feel like it’s in your grasp and you let it slip away, it makes it tough. We had chances in both overtimes. Regulation and overtime to win that basketball game and we just came up short.”

    Still, Cone refused to question his team’s effort after watching Gilas battle one of Oceania’s toughest squads for 50 minutes.

     

    “The bottom line was our guys came to play. They expended an incredible amount of energy just staying in the game,” he said.

     

    Gilas now shifts its attention to another daunting challenge as it closes out the first round of qualifiers against Australia on Monday.

     

    The Philippines has already secured a place in the second round but hopes to snap its three-game losing streak before carrying its record into the next phase of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

     

    Meanwhile, New Zealand officially clinched its own second-round berth by improving to 3-2 behind Reuben Te Rangi, who paced the Tall Blacks with 22 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The Kiwis will face Guam in their final first-round assignment on Monday.

     

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  • For Chris Newsome, representing Gilas is always worth the pain 

    For Chris Newsome, representing Gilas is always worth the pain 

    For Chris Newsome, wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey has never been about convenience.


    Even after another grueling PBA campaign, the veteran guard once again answered the national team’s call—something Meralco coach Luigi Trillo says perfectly captures the kind of player Newsome has always been.


    Speaking to the reporters Trillo admitted he takes pride in seeing his star guard represent the country, but that pride also comes with concern.


    After helping Meralco reach the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Newsome barely had any time to recover before immediately reporting for Gilas Pilipinas’ buildup for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.


    For Trillo, that’s simply who Newsome is.


    “It’s such an honor to be on a national team and any player from your team will put country first and that’s okay… but the thing with New is, he can be on one leg and he’ll still play,” he said.


    What many fans don’t see, however, is the physical punishment the 35-year-old has been enduring behind the scenes.


    According to Trillo, Newsome continues to play through lingering injuries that would sideline many players.


    “Look at his hands, his fingers aren’t sound. One of them dislocates every practice. No joke. He has to pull that finger back into place,” Trillo also revealed.


    Despite those setbacks, Newsome never hesitated when Gilas needed him.


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    He suited up for the national team during its World Cup qualifying campaign, including Friday’s double-overtime battle against New Zealand. Although he was limited in minutes and finished scoreless in the 106-102 defeat, his presence remained valuable as one of the team’s veteran leaders.


    Trillo believes Newsome’s willingness to sacrifice is both admirable and worrying.


    “I think it’s a double-edged sword because of the success we’ve had deep in the playoffs and he has that. He has no time to recover, no time to rest his body. Also, New’s older now. You see some of these other guys, they will sit. New’s right there from the start, though. He’s always there. That’s Newsome for you,” he said.


    “I wish I can tell him what to do sometimes, but he’s just remarkable. New’s very committed in those aspects.”


    The demanding schedule isn’t over yet.


    Once Gilas wraps up its qualifying window against Australia on Monday, Newsome will have only a brief break before returning to Meralco, where the Bolts begin another title chase in the PBA Governors’ Cup.


    For Newsome, however, the routine has become familiar—serve the country first, recover later.


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