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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Sandy Arespacochaga appeals for compassion as grieving Ateneo players face threats after tragedy 

    Sandy Arespacochaga appeals for compassion as grieving Ateneo players face threats after tragedy 

    As Ateneo continues to mourn the loss of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, another burden has emerged for the Blue Eagles to carry.

    Former Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga disclosed on Wednesday that some members of the team have been receiving threats in the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed the lives of the two student-athletes during a training camp in Dipaculao, Aurora.

     

    For Arespacochaga, the situation has become even more painful as players who are already grappling with grief and trauma are now being forced to deal with outside pressure while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

     

    “It doesn’t help na with all of what’s happening na crazy. Wag naman po sana. Tigilan niyo naman sana. Wag na kayong mag-te-threat sa mga players. Doesn’t help the situation,” Arespacochaga told reporters following TNT’s 106-98 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    The veteran coach declined to provide specifics regarding the threats but emphasized that speculation and misinformation have only complicated an already heartbreaking situation for everyone involved.

     

    “And I think a lot of people are confused about the information going around. We can’t deny that. Hopefully, medyo may light na with what happened. It’s tragic. No way to describe it,” he added.

    Authorities have since classified the incident as an accident after reports indicated that Baterbonia and Adili were swept away by strong currents while swimming.

     

    Yet even as official investigations continue, Arespacochaga believes clarity remains crucial—not only for the public but for the families searching for answers.

     

    Earlier in the day, he accompanied several members of the Ateneo community to Baterbonia’s wake at Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. Ateneo athletic director Em Fernandez, along with assistant coaches Louie Alas, Dean Castano, Alton Lister, Nico Salva, and RJ Jazul, were also present.

     

    According to Arespacochaga, the visit carried a deeper purpose beyond paying respects.

     

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    Many of the players wanted to personally speak with Baterbonia’s family, share what they knew about the events in Aurora, and grieve together during an unimaginably difficult time.

     

    “It was very hard, of course,” said Arespacochaga.

     

    “(They) got back yesterday but they really wanted to visit and at least get to talk to [Baterbonia’s] mom and dad and grieve. Medyo mabigat and all. Mahirap din with everything that is happening. The players, medyo traumatize pa at lahat and everything. It’s really hard.”

     

    “Hopefully, nakausap nung a couple of our players ‘yung parents to shed some light on the situation and I think, very important, give them a chance to really grieve then for Rene and vice versa, ‘yung family,” he added.

     

    Although no longer officially part of Ateneo’s coaching staff after taking over the Gilas Pilipinas Women U18 program, Arespacochaga admitted the tragedy remains deeply personal.

     

    He coached Adili during UAAP Season 88 and had also been looking forward to seeing Baterbonia begin his collegiate career with the Blue Eagles.

     

    “I’m helping out in any way I can because I was a part and even though officially, I’m not part, in title, these are my fellow coaches, these are my players. Divine is my player. Si Rene is a player of Ateneo de Davao, and supposed to be a player for Ateneo de Manila. It doesn’t make me any better. I’m devastated,” said Arespacochaga.


    In the midst of the grief, he urged patience as various probes and fact-finding efforts seek to establish a complete account of what happened.

     

    “I think may mga probes or fact-finding para at least talagang ma-verify what really happened and to shed light. I think the right information is really important,” said Arespacochaga.

     

    For now, the focus remains on supporting a devastated team and two grieving families—while hoping the search for answers is allowed to proceed without adding further pain to those already carrying the weight of loss.

     

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  • TNT carries memories of Divine Adili, Rene Baterbonia in crucial Game four Finals victory 

    TNT carries memories of Divine Adili, Rene Baterbonia in crucial Game four Finals victory 

    For one night, the PBA Finals became about something bigger than momentum, adjustments, or the race to four wins.

     

    Before Jordan Heading discussed his game-high performance in TNT’s season-saving victory over Barangay Ginebra, he first turned his attention to two names that had weighed heavily on the basketball community throughout the week: Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

     

    The reigning champions entered Game 4 carrying more than the pressure of a must-win situation. They also carried grief.

     

    “First of all, I want to take the time to give my love to the families of Rene and Divine,” Heading said after TNT’s 106-98 win Wednesday night at SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    “That played heavily on our minds, so I just wanna take the time and give love to their families.”

     

    The emotional tribute came after the Tropang 5G avoided falling into a dangerous 3-1 hole in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, leveling the series at two games apiece.

     

    Heading delivered one of his finest performances of the conference, finishing with 29 points, six rebounds, and eight assists to help keep TNT’s title defense alive.

     

    But inside the locker room, basketball was not the only thing on the players’ minds.

     

    The tragic deaths of Ateneo student-athletes Adili and Baterbonia during a team-building activity earlier in the week served as a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change.

     

    “Back to the game, it was a big game, and we needed to come out and win this, and that’s really it. We needed to win it,” Heading said.

     

    Yet even as the Tropang 5G battled for survival on the court, their thoughts often drifted elsewhere.

     

    For TNT head coach Chot Reyes, the tragedy felt especially personal.

     

    “Really glad that Jordan brought it up because he’s right, that was something we discussed also as a team yesterday,” Reyes said.

     

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    Unlike many who only knew Adili from afar, Reyes encountered the Ateneo center almost daily.

     

    Both TNT and Ateneo regularly train at the Moro Lorenzo Wellness and Sports Center, creating a familiarity that extended beyond basketball drills and practices.

     

    Over time, simple greetings became part of Reyes’ routine.

     

    Now, their absence is impossible to ignore.

     

    “We see those guys–well, not too much Rene, but Divine. The past two years, we’ve seen them almost every day because we practice in the same facility, we lift weights in the same gym,” Reyes said.

     

    “I don’t know if you saw my Instagram story yesterday, it was really surreal stepping into the Moro Lorenzo court and the gym without Divine’s ‘Good morning, Coach!’ greetings right there.”

     

    The victory allowed TNT to pull even in the championship series, but the emotions surrounding the game extended far beyond the final score.

     

    In a Finals often defined by pressure, rivalries, and championship stakes, Game 4 became a reminder of basketball’s deeper connections — the relationships built inside gyms, the familiar faces seen every day, and the people whose impact remains long after the final buzzer sounds.

     

    For TNT, the win kept a title defense alive.

     

    For Heading, Reyes, and the rest of the Tropang 5G, it was also a chance to honor two young lives that left an imprint on Philippine basketball far greater than any statistic.

     

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  • Ginebra duo rules Commissioner’s Cup honors 

    Ginebra duo rules Commissioner’s Cup honors 

    Before Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals even tipped off, Barangay Ginebra had already secured two major victories.

     

    RJ Abarrientos and Justin Brownlee were officially recognized as the conference’s top local and import performers, giving the Gin Kings a clean sweep of the individual honors and further highlighting the depth of talent that powered their latest championship push.

     

    For Abarrientos, the award represented more than just statistical excellence. It marked the next milestone in a career that has steadily moved from promise to production.

     

    The sophomore guard entered the season carrying expectations after a successful rookie campaign. By the end of the conference, he had established himself as one of the league’s premier backcourt weapons.

     

    His defining stretch came during the semifinals against Rain or Shine.

     

    With the series hanging in the balance, Abarrientos elevated his game exactly when Ginebra needed it most. He averaged 22.0 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field.

     

    More importantly, he delivered when the pressure peaked.

     

    The former Korean Basketball League and B.League standout erupted for 31 points in Game 5 before following it up with another 30-point performance in the series-clinching Game 6 victory, helping Ginebra return to the Finals.

     

    Those performances proved enough to overcome players who had spent most of the conference atop the race.

     

    Despite finishing third in statistical points with 37.2, Abarrientos surged ahead through media and player votes to collect 1,147 total points, comfortably beating Robert Bolick, June Mar Fajardo, Ricci Rivero, and Jerrick Ahanmisi.

     

    The award also carried family significance.

     

    Abarrientos now joins his uncle Johnny Abarrientos in the list of Best Player of the Conference winners. Remarkably, he reached the achievement faster than the PBA legend, claiming the honor in only his second season.

     

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    If Abarrientos represented the league’s future, Brownlee continued proving why he remains one of its enduring standards.

     

    At 38 years old, the Ginebra resident import added another chapter to an already legendary résumé by claiming his fourth Best Import award.

     

    The recognition moved him into a tie for second all-time among import award winners, trailing only Bobby Parks Sr., whose seven trophies remain the benchmark.

     

    Brownlee’s latest triumph was built on consistency.

     

    While several imports delivered explosive performances throughout the conference, none matched his ability to produce at a high level every night while guiding his team through the toughest stages of the tournament.

     

    During the semifinals, Brownlee averaged 29.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks, serving as the centerpiece of Ginebra’s offense and defense.

     

    His biggest challenger was Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson, who opened their semifinal series with a dominant 40-point, 19-rebound performance.

     

    But as the series progressed, Brownlee’s steady brilliance separated him from the field.

     

    By the close of voting, Brownlee accumulated 1,284 points to comfortably finish ahead of Johnson, TNT reinforcement Chris McCullough, and Meralco’s Patrick Gardner.

     

    McCullough and Gardner entered the race under unusual circumstances, both arriving as replacement imports after Bol Bol and Marvin Jones exited their respective teams during the conference.

     

    In the end, however, the awards reflected two very different stories converging on the same stage.

     

    One belonged to a rising star who announced himself as one of the league’s new faces.

     

    The other belonged to a veteran who continues to redefine longevity and excellence.

     

    Together, Abarrientos and Brownlee ensured that before the Finals battle resumed, Barangay Ginebra had already claimed the conference’s highest individual honors.

     

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  • NBA Finals: New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs — Game 4 preview, predictions, & betting odds 

    NBA Finals: New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs — Game 4 preview, predictions, & betting odds 

    The 2026 NBA Finals suddenly feels wide open.

     

    What looked like a potential New York Knicks coronation after back-to-back wins in San Antonio has transformed into a highly competitive championship battle after the Spurs stormed back with a 115-111 victory in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

     

    Now, with New York still holding a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, Game 4 becomes one of the most pivotal contests of the Finals. A Knicks victory would put them one win away from capturing their first NBA championship since 1973, while another Spurs triumph would erase New York’s early advantage and turn the series into a virtual best-of-three.

     

    San Antonio finally found the breakthrough it desperately needed on the road.

     

    After struggling offensively through the first two games, the Spurs rediscovered their rhythm behind Victor Wembanyama and a more balanced attack. 

     

    The win also snapped New York’s 13-game playoff winning streak and handed the Knicks their first postseason loss in over a month.

     

    For a young Spurs squad chasing its first title since 2014, Game 3 served as proof that the series is far from over.

     

    “We needed that one,” Wembanyama said after the victory. “Now we have to do it again.”

    Meanwhile, New York enters Game 4 facing a challenge it has not encountered throughout most of its playoff run — responding to adversity.

     

    The Knicks have thrived in close games all postseason, but Game 3 exposed some vulnerabilities. Their offense stalled late, and San Antonio’s defense successfully limited several of New York’s secondary scoring options during critical stretches.

     

    Despite the loss, head coach Mike Brown remains confident in his group.

    “It’s still about us,” Brown said. “We’ve responded all year long.”

     

    Match Information

     

    Match: San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks


     Event: NBA Finals – Game 4


     Date & Time: Thursday, 8:30 AM (PHT)


     Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

     

    Head-to-Head Context

    • Knicks lead series, 2-1

    • Spurs won Game 3, 115-111

    • Knicks are 8-1 at home this postseason

    • Spurs have won seven of their last nine playoff games following a loss

    • Victor Wembanyama is averaging 28.3 points through three Finals games

    • New York remains unbeaten in consecutive playoff losses this postseason

    Key Storylines

     

    Spurs Have Finally Found Momentum

     

    For the first time in the Finals, San Antonio looks comfortable offensively.

    After averaging just 99.5 points across the first two games, the Spurs erupted for 115 points in Game 3 while finding answers against New York’s physical defense.

     

    The challenge now is proving that Game 3 was not an outlier.

     

    If San Antonio can duplicate that offensive efficiency, the pressure immediately shifts back to New York.

     

    Can the Knicks Respond?

     

    The Knicks have built their postseason reputation on resilience.

    Whether overcoming double-digit deficits against Cleveland or surviving multiple close games throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, New York has consistently found answers when tested.

     

    Game 4 presents another opportunity to demonstrate that toughness.

     

    A victory would restore control of the series and place the Knicks one step from ending a championship drought that stretches back more than five decades.

     

    Wembanyama’s Biggest Stage Yet

     

    The Finals continue to showcase why Victor Wembanyama is considered one of basketball’s brightest stars.

     

    The 7-foot-4 phenom delivered arguably his best all-around performance of the series in Game 3, impacting the game as a scorer, rebounder, rim protector, and facilitator.

    If San Antonio hopes to even the series, another dominant performance from its franchise cornerstone will likely be required.

     

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    Predictions & Betting Odds

     

    Game 4 is expected to be another tight battle despite San Antonio’s momentum-shifting victory.

     

    Moneyline Odds

     

    The Knicks enter Game 4 as slight favorites as according to the OKBet sportsbook at 1.73, while the Spurs are listed at 2.04.


    The odds continue to favor New York due to home-court advantage and the fact that the Knicks still own the series lead. However, the narrow margin reflects growing confidence in San Antonio following its Game 3 breakthrough.


    Probability Estimates

     

    Based on the current odds, New York carries an estimated 58% probability of winning Game 4, while San Antonio sits at approximately 42%.

     

    Those numbers suggest that bookmakers still lean toward the Knicks, but view the matchup as significantly more balanced than it was entering Game 3.

     

    Predictions & Outlook

     

    The pressure now falls squarely on both teams for different reasons.

     

    The Knicks must prove they can immediately respond after their first setback of the Finals, while the Spurs have an opportunity to completely flip the narrative of the championship series.

     

    San Antonio’s path to victory remains clear: continue spreading the floor, limit turnovers, and allow Wembanyama to dictate the game without forcing difficult shots against constant double teams.

     

    For New York, improved late-game execution and stronger secondary scoring will be critical. The Knicks cannot rely solely on their stars if they hope to avoid giving away their early series advantage.

     

    Expect another close contest that could be decided in the final minutes.

     

    What’s at Stake

     

    Game 4 may ultimately determine the direction of the entire NBA Finals.

     

    A Knicks win would establish a commanding 3-1 lead and place New York within touching distance of a long-awaited championship.

     

    A Spurs victory, meanwhile, would level the series at 2-2 and completely erase the momentum New York built through the first two games.

     

    With the Finals now guaranteed to return to San Antonio, both teams understand that Thursday’s showdown could be the turning point of the championship.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas faces do-or-die test against Chinese Taipei in AVC Women’s Cup 

    Alas Pilipinas faces do-or-die test against Chinese Taipei in AVC Women’s Cup 

    For all the progress Alas Pilipinas has shown in the 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup, everything now comes down to one match.

     

    The Filipinas enter Thursday’s showdown against Chinese Taipei knowing that their tournament fate is no longer entirely in their hands. Still, the first order of business remains simple: win.

     

    After dropping a straight-set decision to South Korea, Alas Pilipinas finds itself in a must-win situation at the Candon City Arena, where a loss would officially end its semifinal hopes and send the team to the classification phase of the tournament.

     

    A victory, however, would keep the door open.

     

    The Philippines carries a 2-2 record and seven points in Pool A, trailing unbeaten South Korea and Chinese Taipei, who both own identical 3-0 slates and nine points. With South Korea heavily favored to maintain its grip on the top spot, Alas Pilipinas must first take care of Chinese Taipei and then hope results elsewhere break in its favor.

     

    What makes the challenge even steeper is the level of opposition awaiting the host nation.

     

    Chinese Taipei has looked every bit like a semifinal contender behind the firepower of Yu-Chun Tsai and Yi-Chi Chang, giving the Filipinas little room for error in a match that could determine whether their medal aspirations survive another day.

     

    Yet despite the pressure, the mood inside the Philippine camp remains one of belief rather than desperation.

     

    “At this point… dami naming natutunan, pinagaralan, so sana buong puso naming haharapin ‘yong susunod nang laban,” said team captain Alyssa Valdez.

     

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    “Syempre best effort pa rin, bigay lang namin ‘yong best namin, ‘yong makakaya namin, and susubukan talaga namin lahat ng makakaya namin,” added veteran middle blocker Ara Galang.

     

    Alas Pilipinas will lean heavily on middle blocker Thea Gagate, who has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent performers after leading the scoring in each of its last two matches.

     

    Niña Ytang is also expected to play a pivotal role after earning praise from South Korean star Kang Sohwi for her strong performances throughout the tournament. Alongside them, Alyssa Solomon, Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kyle Negrito, Alyssa Eroa, Kyla Atienza, and Tots Carlos will be tasked with delivering a more complete team effort against one of the tournament’s toughest squads.

     

    The situation is straightforward for the Filipinas.

     

    Win, and their hopes remain alive.

     

    Lose, and their quest for a podium finish comes to an end.

     

    With a passionate home crowd behind them and their AVC campaign hanging in the balance, Alas Pilipinas now faces its biggest test yet in Candon City.

     

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  • PBA’s top individual honors up for grabs as Finals spotlight shifts to awards race 

    PBA’s top individual honors up for grabs as Finals spotlight shifts to awards race 

    Before the focus shifts back to the battle for the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup championship, the league will first recognize the players who delivered the most impactful performances throughout the conference.

     

    The spotlight briefly turns to the individual awards on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) and Best Import trophies will be handed out ahead of Game 4 of the Finals between TNT and Barangay Ginebra.

     

    While the championship remains undecided, the race for the conference’s top individual honors has already taken shape, featuring a mix of playoff contenders, statistical standouts, and players who carried their respective franchises deep into the tournament.

     

    Leading the BPC race is NLEX star Robert Bolick with 38.9 statistical points, narrowly ahead of June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer, who sits at 38.6. Despite both teams falling short of the Finals, their body of work through the elimination round and playoffs kept them atop the standings when the statistical cutoff was finalized after the semifinals.

     

    Just behind them is RJ Abarrientos with 37.2 statistical points. Unlike the two players ahead of him, the sophomore guard remains active in the championship series, strengthening his case as one of the conference’s breakout stars.

     

    Also making the shortlist are Ricci Rivero of Phoenix and Jerrick Ahanmisi of Terrafirma, whose individual performances stood out even as their teams exited earlier in the competition.

     

    The Best Import race, meanwhile, appears to be one of the closest in recent memory.

     

    Justin Brownlee enters the awards night as the statistical leader with 50.5 points, putting him in position to capture what would be his fourth Best Import award. The longtime Ginebra reinforcement once again delivered across the board, helping steer the Gin Kings back to the Finals while remaining one of the league’s most consistent two-way players.

     

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    Not far behind is TNT’s Chris McCullough at 49.3 points. Despite joining the Tropang 5G midway through the playoffs as a replacement for Bol Manute Bol, McCullough immediately became one of the league’s most dominant offensive forces and helped power TNT’s return to the championship round.

     

    Jaylen Johnson of Rain or Shine remains in contention with 47.2 points after leading the Elasto Painters to a semifinal appearance, while Meralco replacement import Patrick Gardner rounds out the finalists with 44.7 points.

     

    For one night, the championship chase takes a brief pause as the league honors the conference’s most outstanding performers. But once the trophies are handed out, attention will immediately return to the Finals floor, where team success—not individual accolades—will once again take center stage.

     

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  • AVC ends speculation over covered PNVF marks on Alas player jerseys 

    AVC ends speculation over covered PNVF marks on Alas player jerseys 

    The missing PNVF logos on the uniforms of Alas Pilipinas Women sparked plenty of questions this week. As the national team continued its campaign in the AVC Women’s Cup, many wondered whether the taped-over federation markings were a silent message amid the growing turmoil surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.

     

    The Asian Volleyball Confederation has now provided a definitive answer.

     

    In a move aimed at ending speculation, the AVC clarified that the absence of the PNVF logo on the Philippine uniforms has nothing to do with the federation’s ongoing leadership crisis and everything to do with tournament regulations.

     

    Since Monday’s match against Kyrgyzstan, fans noticed that the PNVF markings on both the playing and warm-up jerseys of Alas Pilipinas had been covered. The timing naturally fueled discussions, with the federation currently facing suspension from the FIVB, the withdrawal of Philippine Sports Commission funding, and a widening internal dispute that has left president Tony Boy Liao under mounting pressure.

     

    However, according to the AVC, the matter is purely procedural.

     

    In a June 9 letter signed by AVC executive vice president and tournament control committee president Mohamed Latheef, the continental body explained that the Philippine team was simply following the uniform guidelines imposed for the tournament.

     

    Under AVC regulations, only specific identifiers are allowed in designated portions of the jersey, including the country flag, country name or code, approved manufacturer logo, and authorized sponsors. Federation logos are not permitted in those restricted areas.

     

    “The AVC does not allow any participating team to place supplementary graphics, including National Federation logos, in the specific positions reserved for the officially mandated country flags, country codes, manufacturer marks, or approved sponsors,” the letter stated.

     

    The governing body further stressed that any additional markings in those locations would violate tournament regulations.

     

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    “The Alas Pilipinas team is currently in full compliance with AVC rules by omitting the PNVF logo from these strictly regulated areas on their match jerseys,” the AVC wrote.

     

    The clarification comes at a time when the national team has been trying to keep its focus on competition despite the noise surrounding the federation.

     

    While administrative issues continue to dominate headlines off the court, officials have repeatedly urged the players to concentrate on representing the country.

     

    Among them is PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who recently called on stakeholders to rally behind Alas Pilipinas regardless of the ongoing controversy.

     

    “There is a time for commercial volleyball and there is a time for the national team. Kapag Alas ang pinag-uusapan, dapat lagi tayong magkakampi at sama-sama. The best gift you can give to yourself is to wear that Philippine team uniform. It is your gift to the nation,” Gregorio said.

     

    “We want all of you to just concentrate. Kalimutan nyo yung pulitika ng sports. Kalimutan nyo yung pulitika ng pederasyon nyo.”

     

    For now, the AVC’s clarification puts an end to one of the tournament’s biggest off-court talking points, confirming that the logos were covered not as a statement, but as a requirement. As far as the continental governing body is concerned, Alas Pilipinas remains fully compliant and fully focused on the competition at hand.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos says Stephen Holt’s emergence gives Ginebra another Finals weapon 

    RJ Abarrientos says Stephen Holt’s emergence gives Ginebra another Finals weapon 

    For most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Stephen Holt’s contributions could not be measured by points.

     

    His defensive assignments, floor spacing, and ability to fit seamlessly into Barangay Ginebra’s system rarely showed up in the box score. Through the first two games against TNT, Holt managed just a single point, yet remained a fixture in coach Tim Cone’s rotation.

     

    That changed dramatically in Game 3.

     

    Holt erupted for 23 points and provided the early spark that helped Ginebra seize control en route to a convincing 116-102 victory, giving the Gin Kings a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    For teammate RJ Abarrientos, the performance was less of a surprise and more of a reminder of what makes Ginebra dangerous.

     

    “Si Scuba, (Stephen Holt’s nickname in the team), isa sa mga beterano namin. Isa sa mga go-to-guy namin ‘yan,” said Abarrientos.

     

    “Ang nakikita lang kasi ng tao siyempre ‘yung mga stats eh. About Scuba, sa loob ng court, ang laking factor ‘yun sa amin. Kita niyo naman. Hindi kami pinahiya sa first quarter. Siya ‘yung spark plug, siya nag-start ng offense namin.

     

    “Dahan-dahan, nakuha na namin lahat ng tira namin. Sobrang nakita namin ‘yung Scuba na kailangan namin ngayong Game 3.”

     

    In many ways, Holt’s explosion reflected the identity Ginebra has embraced throughout the conference.

     

    Unlike teams that rely heavily on one or two scorers, the Gin Kings have built a roster where different players can carry the offense depending on the matchup and the flow of the game.

     

    Earlier in the Finals, Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Abarrientos himself all had moments where they shouldered the scoring load. Game 3 simply became Holt’s turn.

     

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    According to Abarrientos, it was only a matter of time.

     

    “Siya talaga ‘yung hinihintay namin. Nagsimula nung dumating sila sa Ginebra, sila ‘yung pinaka go-to namin. Hindi na kami nagulat na ganun ‘yung gagawin niya sa team,” said Abarrientos.

     

    The timing could not have been better.

     

    Facing a TNT squad determined to reclaim momentum after its Game 2 victory, Ginebra needed another offensive option to complement Brownlee and prevent the Tropang 5G defense from focusing on a single player.

     

    Holt delivered exactly that, helping the Kings build a massive early lead that ultimately proved too much for TNT to overcome.

     

    More importantly, his breakout reinforced what Abarrientos views as the team’s greatest advantage heading deeper into the Finals.

     

    “‘Yun ‘yung maganda sa sistema namin with Ginebra. Hindi mo alam kung sino ang iiskor sa amin. Hindi rin about sa stats eh. After the game, stats lagi ‘yung tinitignan. (Game 3) si Scuba, si Scottie, lahat kami, JB, kahit sino ilagay mo,” said Abarrientos.

     

    With Game 4 looming and TNT expected to make another round of adjustments, Ginebra enters the pivotal contest knowing it possesses something every championship contender covets: multiple players capable of becoming the difference-maker on any given night.

     

    In Game 3, that player happened to be Stephen Holt. The challenge for TNT now is figuring out who it will be next.

     

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  • Alex Eala wastes no time, powers into Queen’s Club second round 

    Alex Eala wastes no time, powers into Queen’s Club second round 

    Less than 48 hours after lifting the biggest grass-court trophy of her young career, Alex Eala proved she has no intention of slowing down.

     

    The newly crowned Lexus Birmingham Open champion opened her Queen’s Club Championships campaign with another commanding performance, rallying past veteran Chinese star Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-2, on Tuesday in London to continue her impressive transition from one tournament to the next.

     

    Coming off an emotional title run that propelled her to a career-high world ranking of No. 33, the 21-year-old Filipina entered Queen’s Club carrying both momentum and expectations. What stood out most, however, was her ability to reset.

     

    Against a seasoned opponent who once climbed as high as World No. 22 in singles and remains one of the world’s top doubles players, Eala weathered an early storm before steadily taking control of the match.

     

    Zhang struck first, breaking serve immediately and racing to a 2-0 advantage as she tested Eala with aggressive baseline play and powerful groundstrokes.

     

    For a brief stretch, it appeared fatigue from the previo

    us week’s championship run might become a factor.

     

    Instead, Eala responded the way top players often do — by solving problems in real time.

     

    The Filipina gradually found her rhythm, turning defense into offense and forcing longer rallies where her consistency began to wear down the Chinese veteran. She reeled off three straight games to seize momentum before Zhang briefly halted the surge to level the opening set at 3-3.

     

    That proved to be the last opening Eala would give.

     

    The Birmingham champion dominated the closing stages of the set, winning the final three games to move ahead, 6-3.

     

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    The second frame briefly mirrored the first as both players exchanged service breaks early. But once Eala established a 3-1 lead, she never looked back.

     

    While Zhang managed to stop the bleeding momentarily with a service hold, Eala tightened her grip on the contest and finished the match with another late burst, claiming the final three games to secure victory in just one hour and 11 minutes.

     

    The win extends Eala’s strong start to the grass-court season and keeps her confidence soaring after capturing her second WTA 125 title just days earlier.

     

    Next up is a familiar face.

     

    Eala will face sixth-seeded American teenager Iva Jovic in the second round, setting up a rematch of their meeting at the French Open two weeks ago.

     

    Jovic got the better of Eala in Paris before advancing to the third round, where her run ended against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

     

    This time, however, the circumstances are different.

     

    Eala arrives at Queen’s Club carrying a trophy, a career-high ranking, and perhaps most importantly, the confidence that comes from proving she can win on grass. The challenge now is seeing just how far that momentum can take her.

     

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  • PBA Finals: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang 5G — Game 4 preview and match predictions

    PBA Finals: Barangay Ginebra vs TNT Tropang 5G — Game 4 preview and match predictions

    With the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals reaching a critical stage, both Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang 5G enter Game 4 knowing the direction of the series could be decided by what happens Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Ginebra regained control of the championship showdown with a convincing 116-102 victory in Game 3, using a blistering start and relentless defensive pressure to build a lead that TNT never fully recovered from. The win gave the Gin Kings a 2-1 advantage, but history has prevented them from becoming too comfortable.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone has repeatedly stressed that a series is far from over at 2-1. The veteran tactician still remembers Ginebra’s painful collapse against TNT in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals when the Gin Kings held a 3-2 lead before losing the final two games. Similar experiences against San Miguel in recent conferences have reinforced the message inside the Ginebra locker room: finish the job before celebrating.

     

    The Kings will once again lean on their battle-tested core led by Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, and Stephen Holt. Brownlee remains the steadying force of the team, while Abarrientos continues to strengthen his case for Best Player of the Conference after another solid Finals performance.

     

    On the other side, TNT enters Game 4 searching for answers after one of its most uneven outings of the series.

     

    Import Chris McCullough delivered his best performance since returning to the PBA, exploding for 44 points and 13 rebounds. Roger Pogoy added 28 points, but the defending champions received little production elsewhere.

     

    Much of the spotlight now falls on Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac, who were instrumental in TNT’s Game 2 victory but struggled badly in Game 3. Oftana scored only two points after erupting for 31 in the previous game, while Nambatac was held scoreless.

     

    TNT coach Chot Reyes pointed to turnovers and Ginebra’s efficient shooting as the major reasons behind the loss. If the Tropang 5G hope to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole, their local stars will need to provide significantly more support to McCullough.

     

    With momentum hanging in the balance, Game 4 presents an opportunity for Ginebra to tighten its grip on the series or for TNT to once again prove its resilience.

     

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    Predictions & Outlook

     

    Ginebra enters as the slight favorite after rediscovering its offensive rhythm and successfully limiting TNT’s supporting cast in Game 3.

     

    The Gin Kings will look to continue disrupting TNT’s perimeter scorers while allowing Brownlee and Abarrientos to dictate the pace offensively. Their ability to generate turnovers and convert them into easy baskets proved decisive in the previous game.

     

    TNT’s chances will largely depend on whether Oftana and Nambatac can return to form. McCullough has already shown he can carry the scoring load, but the Tropang 5G need more balance if they hope to keep pace with Ginebra’s deeper rotation.

     

    Expect another physical and highly competitive contest as both teams make adjustments following Sunday’s result.

     

    Key Factors

     

    Calvin Oftana’s response after being limited to just two points in Game 3.

     

    Chris McCullough’s offensive production following his 44-point explosion.

     

    Justin Brownlee’s leadership and Finals experience.

     

    Turnover battle, which heavily favored Ginebra in the previous game.

     

    Bench contributions and secondary scoring from both sides.

     

    What’s at Stake

     

    Game 4 could become the defining moment of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    A Ginebra victory would move the Gin Kings one win away from another championship and place TNT on the brink of elimination.

     

    A TNT win would level the series at 2-2 and completely reset the Finals, transforming it into a best-of-three battle for the title.

     

    With the championship race tightening and adjustments becoming increasingly crucial, Wednesday’s showdown may ultimately determine who gains the upper hand in the final stretch of the series.

     

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