Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    Alas Pilipinas gets major lift as SGA-backed stars flood national team pool 

    The Alas Pilipinas Women has received a significant boost ahead of the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup, as a deep pool of reinforcements from Strong Group Athletics (SGA) officially joins the national team buildup.

     

    With veterans Alyssa Valdez and Myla Pablo leading the core, the program is now set to benefit from at least 12 SGA-backed players coming from various PVL clubs and collegiate programs as preparations intensify for the tournament in Candon City.

     

    Multiple sources confirmed that several of the invited players have already started training under interim head coach Shaq delos Santos, signaling an early push to build chemistry ahead of the international competition.

     

    At the forefront of the new additions are Farm Fresh standouts Ces Molina and Trisha Tubu, along with University of the Philippines middle blocker Nina Ytang, a dominant force in the UAAP who has earned multiple individual distinctions and is widely regarded as one of the country’s top young frontliners.

     

    ZUS Coffee provides the biggest bulk of reinforcements, sending a loaded group that includes Jov Gonzaga, Riza Nogales, Alyssa Eroa, Thea Gagate, Clo Mondonedo, Royse Tubino, and NCAA Season 101 MVP Zam Nolasco from the Lady Blazers, strengthening the national pool with both experience and emerging talent.

     

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    The collegiate representation continues with the Colegio de San Juan de Letran trio of Vanessa Sarie, Lara Mae Silva, and Natalie Estreller, adding more depth across multiple positions.

     

    Rounding out the expanded roster are a mix of PVL and UAAP standouts, including Creamline’s Kyla Atienza and Nxled’s Jules Tolentino, Far Eastern University’s Cla Loresco, Tin Ubaldo, and Jaz Ellarina, Adamson’s Lhouriz Tuddao, and a strong National University contingent composed of Arah Panique, Vange Alinsug, Celine Marsh, and Shaira Jardio.

     

    With a deeper and more diverse pool now in place, Alas Pilipinas enters its next phase of preparation with heightened expectations and a significantly strengthened lineup heading into its AVC campaign.

     

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  • B.League brings historic Manila showdown to MOA Arena in 2026 

    B.League brings historic Manila showdown to MOA Arena in 2026 

    The Philippines is set to host a landmark moment in Asian basketball as the B.League stages its first-ever overseas regular season games in Manila this 2026.

     

    Scheduled on September 9 and 10 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the event marks a major step for the Japanese league as it expands its reach beyond its home country, bringing elite club competition directly to Filipino fans for the very first time.

     

    The showcase, officially branded as the B.LEAGUE MANILA GAMES 2026, will feature a familiar mix of international and Filipino-linked talent. Among those expected to take center stage are Gilas Pilipinas Men standouts Dwight Ramos, suiting up for Levanga Hokkaido, and AJ Edu, who will play for Gunma Crane Thunders—setting up a unique crossover where national team teammates turn opponents on the club stage.

     

    The timing of the event also carries symbolic weight, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines. Organizers say the games are not only about basketball, but also about celebrating a growing sporting and cultural bridge between the two nations.

     

    The B.League emphasized that the Philippines was a natural choice for its first overseas venture due to the deep connection already formed through Filipino players competing in Japan under the Asia Special Quota system.

     

    “We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us,” said B.League chairman Shinji Shimada.

     

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    “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations.”

     

    Shimada also pointed to the significance of holding the games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a venue etched in basketball history after hosting the Final phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

     

    “The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a very special venue that hosted the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena,” he added.

     

    “We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand.”

     

    With anticipation already building, the Manila Games are shaping up not just as a basketball event, but as a historic meeting point of two basketball-loving nations sharing one stage.

     

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  • Healthy TNT gives Meralco a bigger problem in Game 2 

    Healthy TNT gives Meralco a bigger problem in Game 2 

    For most of the conference, TNT Tropang 5G spent more time searching for the right lineup than building momentum.

     

    Injuries repeatedly disrupted the defending champions’ rhythm, forcing coach Chot Reyes to shuffle combinations and adjust roles almost every game. But now, at the most important stretch of the season, TNT finally appears complete — and that reality may have created an even bigger problem for Meralco heading into Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The Tropang 5G struck first in the series with a 94-89 win in Game 1, but more than the result itself, it was how TNT looked that raised concern for the Bolts.

     

    For the first time in weeks, the defending champions played with their preferred core fully available — and the difference immediately showed.

     

    Bol Manute Bol controlled the interior with 37 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and six blocks, while Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and Jordan Heading gave TNT the spacing, shot-making, and versatility it lacked earlier in the conference.

     

    According to Reyes, this was the version of TNT they had envisioned all along.

     

    “That’s really a lineup we like going to because it’s pretty hard to match up and defend that lineup,” said Reyes.

     

    “We were struggling the whole conference trying to find that combination and that balance. But remember we were never fully healthy in the eliminations,” he added.

     

    “So, we were really not able to put in the lineup that we want together. Fortunately, as the eliminations wound down, we got Roger back to a hundred percent healthy and I think what you’re seeing now is being able to finally put the combinations that we want together.”

     

    The timing could not have been better for TNT.

     

    After missing eight elimination-round games, Pogoy looked fully locked in during the playoff opener, finishing with 21 points and nine rebounds while also helping slow down Meralco’s perimeter attack. Oftana added a double-double with 14 points and 11 boards, while Heading provided another offensive spark off the bench with 16 markers.

     

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    But the biggest issue for Meralco remains Bol.

     

    The 7-foot-3 import dominated both ends despite struggling from the free throw line, where he shot just 5-of-13. Even then, his impact completely changed the complexion of the game, particularly inside where TNT overwhelmed the Bolts, 56-42, in points in the paint.

     

    That interior advantage effectively erased Meralco’s edge from the perimeter and exposed one of the team’s biggest concerns entering Game 2 — its inability to consistently contain TNT near the basket.

     

    The Bolts also struggled to find offensive rhythm themselves.

     

    Import Marvin Jones still managed 22 points and 14 rebounds, but he missed his first seven attempts and never fully established control offensively. Chris Newsome was limited to just 11 points, while CJ Cansino, one of Meralco’s reliable scorers this conference, finished with only 12 after dealing with Pogoy’s defense for most of the night. 

     

    Oddsmakers also appear to be leaning toward TNT heading into the second game of the series. According to OKBet Sportsbook, the Tropang 5G enter Game 2 as slight favorites with 1.73 odds, while Meralco is listed at 2.07 as the underdog. The over/under for the matchup has been set at 195.0, signaling expectations of another tight and physical battle between the two semifinal contenders. 

     

    Meralco now heads into Friday’s matchup facing the possibility of falling into a dangerous 0-2 hole.

     

    And unlike earlier in the conference when TNT was still trying to figure itself out, the Bolts are suddenly dealing with a Tropang 5G side that may finally be whole at exactly the right time.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons show fight despite early exit in stacked Nuvali Challenge field

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons show fight despite early exit in stacked Nuvali Challenge field

    Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons may have exited the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge without a win, but not without proving they could stand their ground against some of the world’s rising beach volleyball pairs.

     

    Facing a much taller and more experienced Swiss tandem in Annique Niederhauser and Menia Bentele on Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, the Alas Pilipinas duo pushed the match to the limit before bowing out, 20-22, 22-24, in a tightly contested battle that showcased both their grit and growing chemistry.

     

    The loss officially ended the Filipinas’ campaign in the tournament after finishing the modified pool play at 0-2, but the scoreline hardly reflected how competitive the match truly was.

     

    After narrowly dropping the opening set, Rondina and Pons responded with arguably their best stretch of the tournament in the second frame. The Filipinas dictated the tempo early and eventually built a 19-16 lead after Bentele committed a costly service error that energized the home crowd.

     

    For a moment, it looked like the hosts were headed for a deciding third set.

     

    But the Swiss pair refused to crack under pressure.

     

    Niederhauser and Bentele answered with a timely 4-0 surge to snatch back control, before surviving a tense extension capped by Niederhauser’s block and Bentele’s finishing attack to clinch a Round of 24 berth in the tournament organized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Patrick Gregorio.

     

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    Despite the heartbreak, Rondina took pride in how quickly she and Pons managed to compete at a high level together.

     

    “I’m proud of the result. It’s just nice because Pons only trained with me for one and a half weeks, but we were able to keep up with them,” said Rondina after the loss.

     

    For Pons, the tournament also served as a reminder of the massive leap in competition between regional events and the world stage.

     

    “The level of competition in the Challenge is really different. So I’m very grateful to compete against volleyball players from around the world,” Pons added.

     

    Bentele paced Switzerland with 13 points, while Niederhauser contributed 12 as the European pair once again ended the Filipinas’ Nuvali campaign after also defeating them in last year’s edition.

     

    Rondina carried the scoring load for Alas Pilipinas with 12 points, while Pons chipped in six markers in their final match of the tournament backed by Rebisco, Akari, Ayala Land, and PLDT.

     

    Earlier in the day, the Filipina tandem also absorbed a straight-set defeat to Denmark’s Sofia Bisgaard and Cirkeline Hog, 19-21, 17-21.

     

    Still, even in defeat, Rondina and Pons showed flashes of a partnership capable of challenging established international teams — something the Philippines hopes to continue building moving forward. 

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    Alyssa Valdez keeps door open for Alas return: ‘I will never get tired of representing the country’ 

    As Alas Pilipinas Women continues to navigate a major transition ahead of the AVC Women’s Cup, one familiar figure once again emerged willing to answer the call for the country.

     

    Alyssa Valdez may no longer be the young face of Philippine volleyball she once was, but the passion to represent the flag clearly remains unchanged. 

     

    Amid reports linking her to a possible return to the national team setup following several withdrawals from the previous Alas core, the longtime team captain admitted she remains open to helping the program in whatever way she can.

     

    “I will never get tired of representing the country,” Valdez said during a thanksgiving event on Wednesday in Makati.

     

    The 32-year-old, however, stopped short of fully confirming whether she would officially suit up for Alas Pilipinas once more in the upcoming continental tournament set for June 6 to 14 in Candon, Ilocos Sur. Valdez explained that she herself is still waiting for clarity regarding the plans surrounding the team moving forward.

     

    “Hopefully, hopefully, makatulong po tayo in our own little ways,” she shared. “‘Yung mga details and every other things, pasensiya na po, wala rin po ako masyadong alam. But definitely, once we all have the answers, we will all let you know and sana maintindihan niyo po.”

     

    Her comments come during a crucial period for the national volleyball program after several key members of the 2025 Alas Pilipinas squad reportedly begged off from rejoining the training pool. 

     

    Among the most notable names was team captain Jia de Guzman, whose absence leaves a significant leadership void within the squad as the federation works to rebuild the roster ahead of international competitions.

     

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    That situation has naturally shifted attention toward veteran players capable of helping stabilize the team, both on and off the floor. 

     

    Few names carry as much experience and influence within Philippine volleyball as Valdez, who has represented the country in multiple international tournaments over the years and became one of the defining figures of the sport’s rise in popularity locally.

     

    Still, what stood out most from Valdez’s remarks was not necessarily her openness to return, but the excitement she expressed about being around the younger generation expected to carry the future of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “Napakasaya to be surrounded by young, talented girls. Hopefully, dumami pa rin. Sana talaga magtulung-tulungan din tayo in supporting these girls kasi… they deserve to be here,” she said.

     

    At this point in her career, Valdez no longer needs to cement her legacy. She has already become one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in Philippine volleyball history. Yet despite everything she has already achieved, the opportunity to once again wear the national colors still clearly means something deeply personal to her.

     

    Whether she ultimately joins the final lineup or contributes in another capacity, Valdez’s message remained clear: her commitment to Philippine volleyball and the national team has never faded.

     

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  • Jaylen Johnson steals spotlight from Brownlee in Rain or Shine victory 

    Jaylen Johnson steals spotlight from Brownlee in Rain or Shine victory 

    For years, opposing imports in the PBA have entered playoff battles against Justin Brownlee knowing one thing: eventually, the spotlight usually belongs to him.

     

    On Wednesday night in Antipolo, however, somebody else owned the moment.

     

    Jaylen Johnson didn’t just match Brownlee blow for blow — he completely seized control of the game when it mattered most, powering Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a statement 115-111 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

     

    Against the league’s gold standard for imports, Johnson delivered arguably his finest performance yet in a Rain or Shine jersey: 40 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in front of more than 10,000 roaring fans at the Ynares Center.

     

    And fittingly, the dagger came from him too.

     

    With Ginebra threatening another late comeback, Johnson buried a booming four-pointer that halted the Kings’ momentum and swung the energy back toward the Elasto Painters for good.

     

    For coach Yeng Guiao, it was the type of performance that elevated Johnson beyond simply having a good game.

     

    “He stepped up to the moment,” Guiao said of his import. “To be able to stand up and be able to go toe-to-toe with Justin Brownlee is already a big achievement tapos tinalo pa namin. Nakakabilib lang. Nakakabilib lang na he’s that kind of a player.”

     

    What made Johnson’s eruption even more impressive was how drastically different it looked from his first meeting against Ginebra earlier in the conference.

     

    Back then, he struggled to just 16 points in a lopsided loss.

     

    This time, he already surpassed that total before halftime.

     

    Then came the avalanche.

     

    Johnson exploded for 15 fourth-quarter points as Rain or Shine unleashed a 41-point finishing kick to erase a double-digit deficit and steal homecourt advantage in the series.

     

    Yet for Johnson, the performance had little to do with redemption or proving himself against Brownlee.

     

    His focus was much simpler.

     

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    “I don’t ever want to lose any game. I know what’s at stake right now. I know time is of the essence and I know we have to get to it. My whole motivation is to win, championship. That’s my biggest motivation. Everything else was in the past,” he said.

     

     

    “Justin Brownlee I can’t say anything more about him, he’s a great player. I’ve been focusing on this game but we haven’t done anything yet. We’ve got three more and ultimately the championship but it was a great game, it was a hard-fought game, shoutout to them.”

     

    What also stood out was how naturally Johnson embraced the playoff atmosphere despite most of the crowd loudly backing Ginebra.

     

    Rather than shrinking under the noise, he seemed energized by it.

     

    Known for his flair and charisma on the court, Johnson openly admitted he thrives in those moments — even jokingly campaigning for some Gin Kings fans to switch sides.

     

    “It’s always fun. I love the fans. I love the crowd. This is what we’re doing it for, you feel me? Just having fun out there. They’re making it even better. Shout out to all the fans for sure,” he said.

     

    “Ginebra got all the fans though, they got it all man. Some of ya’ll come with us.”

     

    Still, Johnson knows one explosive night means very little against a franchise as dangerous as Ginebra.

     

    Especially when Brownlee is still on the other bench.

     

    “It wasn’t easy. Shoutout to them. They’re a hard team over there. We got to go back to the drawing board and prepare for Game 2,” Johnson said.

     

    “It’s gonna be even harder. It’s time to lock in. Rest our bodies and focus up. That’s a great team, we got to go back to the drawing board and do what we got to do.”

     

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  • Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    Vanie Gandler embraces pressure of leading Capital1’s new era 

    For Vanie Gandler, the move to Capital1 Solar Spikers was never simply about transferring teams.

    It was about choosing to start over after finally finding success.

     

    Just weeks removed from helping Cignal Super Spikers reach its breakthrough Finals appearance in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Gandler suddenly found herself facing a reality few players expected — the team she helped elevate was stepping away from the league.

     

    For many stars, that kind of uncertainty could have stalled momentum. Instead, the reigning PVL MVP chose to view it differently.

     

    “It wasn’t easy, especially with the season that we came out of. We finally reached the Finals for the first time in the All-Filipino Conference, so it was really heartbreaking,” she told reporters.

    “But you know, in life you always have to move forward. So I took this as a new challenge for me,” she added.

     

    That mindset ultimately led her to Capital1, a franchise still trying to establish itself among the PVL’s elite.

     

    The Solar Spikers already made headlines after securing top rookie Bella Belen, but despite flashes of promise, the team continued to struggle for consistency in recent conferences.

    Now, the pressure shifts.

     

    Gandler arrives not only as the league’s reigning MVP, but also as one of the faces expected to accelerate Capital1’s climb from rebuilding squad into legitimate contender.

     

    And she understands exactly what the challenge demands.

     

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    “Coming into the pros was a challenge, choosing a team was a challenge, and it ended up working. So I really just balanced where I could see I could grow, and I see that in Capital1 with everyone’s willingness to build a team,” said Gandler.

     

    “It’s my new challenge to help the team also build and write a new story.”

     

    That “new story” suddenly looks far more ambitious with Gandler and fellow former Cignal star Erika Santos joining forces with Belen.

     

    On paper, the trio instantly gives Capital1 one of the most intriguing offensive cores in the league — a blend of proven star power, rising talent, and fresh chemistry still waiting to fully unfold.

     

    But beyond the roster moves, the transfer also reflects something bigger for Gandler personally.

     

    For years, much of her journey revolved around proving she belonged among the PVL’s top names. She accomplished that with Cignal, transforming from promising prospect into league MVP and Finals centerpiece.

     

    Now comes a different responsibility: helping build a winning culture from the ground up.

    Capital1 owner Milka Romero made it clear the franchise is aiming far beyond simply becoming competitive.

     

    “And welcoming now experienced veterans is, I think, what we need to put an exclamation point to what the purpose of the team is, which is, of course, to win, to hopefully may a championship along the line,” Romero said.

     

    For Gandler, the challenge ahead may be unfamiliar. But after already navigating heartbreak, uncertainty, and major career decisions in just a matter of weeks, starting over no longer feels quite as intimidating.

     

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  • Dylan Harper and Jared McCain make history as first Fil-Am duo to clash in NBA conference finals

    Dylan Harper and Jared McCain make history as first Fil-Am duo to clash in NBA conference finals

    For years, Filipino basketball fans dreamed about seeing more homegrown representation on the NBA stage. Now, that dream has reached another milestone — and fittingly, it’s happening under the brightest playoff lights possible.

     

    When the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder opened their Western Conference Finals showdown, it officially marked the first time two Filipino-American players faced each other in an NBA conference finals series.

     

    On one side is rookie sensation Dylan Harper. On the other is sophomore guard Jared McCain. Two Fil-Am guards. Two rising stars. One historic moment for Philippine basketball representation.

     

    And neither got there by accident.

     

    Harper entered the league carrying immense expectations after becoming one of the most highly touted prospects of his generation. The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper quickly established himself as a major piece of San Antonio’s future alongside generational phenom Victor Wembanyama.

     

    The young guard immediately left his mark in the series opener, stuffing the stat sheet with 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and seven steals to help power the Spurs to a huge Game 1 road win over Oklahoma City.

     

    Even in Game 2, where San Antonio struggled to keep pace, Harper still contributed 12 points, two rebounds, and three assists while continuing to show poise beyond his years on the conference finals stage.

     

    Across the bracket stands McCain, whose rise arguably became one of the NBA’s breakout stories this season.

     

    After flashes of brilliance during his rookie year, the former Duke standout blossomed into a reliable scoring threat and spark plug for Oklahoma City. McCain’s confidence, shotmaking, and relentless energy perfectly complemented reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Thunder’s deep postseason run.

     

    McCain scored seven points in Game 1 before responding with a much stronger outing in Game 2, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists as Oklahoma City bounced back to even the series.

     

    What makes the matchup even more meaningful is how different their journeys have been.

     

     

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    Harper arrived with blue-chip pedigree and franchise-player expectations. McCain carved his way into contention through steady development, personality, and relentless work ethic. Yet both now stand as symbols of how Filipino heritage continues to become increasingly visible at basketball’s highest level.

     

    Their Filipino roots have long resonated with fans in the Philippines and across the global Filipino community. McCain has openly acknowledged his Filipino heritage in previous interviews and online content, while Harper’s Filipino lineage through his mother has likewise fueled support from local basketball followers eager to see more representation in the NBA.

     

    And while the Western Conference Finals will ultimately be remembered for wins, losses, and championship stakes, this particular subplot carries a deeper meaning.

     

    For decades, Filipino fans mostly watched from afar hoping for representation beyond Jordan Clarkson and Jalen Green. Now, another generation is arriving — and not merely as role players or end-of-bench projects, but as legitimate contributors on teams fighting for an NBA Finals appearance.

     

    The significance stretches beyond numbers.

     

    It reflects how basketball’s global reach continues to evolve, how Filipino talent and identity are increasingly visible in elite spaces, and how future Fil-Am prospects now have tangible examples to follow.

     

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  • Scottie Thompson remains questionable for Game 2 after scary head hit in Ginebra loss 

    Scottie Thompson remains questionable for Game 2 after scary head hit in Ginebra loss 

    Barangay Ginebra may have lost Game 1 to Rain or Shine, but the bigger concern heading into Friday now revolves around Scottie Thompson’s condition.

     

    The Gin Kings star remains under close observation after suffering a scary hit to the head late in Ginebra’s 115-111 defeat to the Elasto Painters in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    Thompson was later seen leaving the venue with an ice pack wrapped around his head, immediately raising concerns about his availability moving forward in the series.

     

    As of now, no official update has been released regarding the severity of the injury, with the seven-time champion expected to be monitored closely ahead of the crucial Game 2 showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena.

    The frightening moment happened with 31.6 seconds left after Thompson absorbed an accidental hit from Jhonard Clarito’s heel while diving for a loose ball.

     

    Despite the painful collision, Thompson stayed in the game and even nearly sparked a dramatic Ginebra comeback.

     

    Moments after the incident, the former league MVP buried a booming four-pointer under heavy pressure to trim Rain or Shine’s lead to just two, sending the crowd into a frenzy and briefly reviving hopes of another trademark Ginebra escape.

     

    But the Elasto Painters held firm.

     

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    Clarito answered with two pressure free throws before Rain or Shine’s defense shut down Ginebra’s final possession to secure the series-opening win.

     

    While the result already placed the Gin Kings in an early hole, Thompson’s uncertain status could become an even bigger storyline entering Game 2.

     

    Beyond his production, the 32-year-old remains one of the emotional anchors of the franchise, especially in physical playoff battles like this one.

     

    He still finished with 17 points and seven rebounds despite the injury, helping Ginebra build an early fourth-quarter lead before Rain or Shine mounted its comeback.

     

    The incident also reignited conversations among fans regarding player safety and whether stricter concussion measures should be implemented during high-intensity postseason games.

     

    For now, though, Ginebra’s immediate focus centers on Thompson’s recovery.

     

    With Rain or Shine already holding momentum and a 1-0 series lead, the Gin Kings can hardly afford to lose one of their toughest and most experienced playoff performers heading into Game 2.

     

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  • Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons embrace giant challenge as world’s beach volleyball elite arrive in Nuvali 

    Sisi Rondina, Bernadeth Pons embrace giant challenge as world’s beach volleyball elite arrive in Nuvali 

    For years, Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons spent most of their international journeys chasing stronger competition overseas.

     

    This week, the challenge finally came to them.

     

    Fresh off delivering a historic beach volleyball gold medal for the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, Rondina and Pons now find themselves stepping into an entirely different battlefield — one filled with Olympians, world-ranked pairs, and some of the sport’s biggest names at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali Challenge.

     

    And instead of backing down from the moment, the Alas Pilipinas tandem is embracing it.

     

    “Actually, it’s really exciting. Personally, I’m excited about the challenge because there are so many Olympians here. You already know that Pons and I are the type of players who always grab opportunities whenever they come. That’s why we’re really preparing and mentally ready because we know this will be a very tough competition,” said Rondina.

     

    The Filipina pair opens its main draw campaign Thursday at the Nuvali Sands Courts, carrying not just momentum from Bangkok but also the expectations of a home crowd eager to see local stars compete against the world’s elite.

     

    But Rondina knows the jump in level will be massive.

     

    “What we showed in the SEA Games won’t be enough here. We’ll need to give double or even triple the effort because the level of players here is completely different. Our goal is to keep up with them and deliver consistent performances.”

     

    That challenge becomes even clearer when looking at the field assembled in Santa Rosa.

     

    Among those seeing action are Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy of Australia, Paris 2024 Olympians Monika Paulikiene and Aine Raupelyte of Lithuania, French Olympians Lezana Placette and Alexia Richard, and defending Nuvali Challenge champions Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti of Finland.

     

    Top-seeded Americans Corinne Quiggle and Chloe Loreen also headline the tournament, while former NBA player turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger banners the men’s side alongside Trevor Crabb.

     

    For Rondina, however, the moment is bigger than simply facing international stars.

     

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    Hosting a world-class event on Philippine sand gives local players a rare chance to grow without leaving home — and perhaps expose more Filipino fans to beach volleyball’s rising scene.

     

    “Honestly, it’s both exciting and pressuring. Even if it’s a home court advantage, it’s still different when you know the players you’re facing are more experienced or at a higher level. But aside from the pressure, I’m happy because this is happening here in the Philippines,” said Rondina.

     

    “It’s also great that there are audiences watching because we’re able to invite indoor volleyball supporters to watch beach volleyball too and experience a different side of the sport. Imagine the Philippines is competing against Olympians. We’re just praying that we can show a good performance.”

     

    Beyond Rondina and Pons, several other Philippine pairs are also fighting to make noise in the prestigious event.

     

    Sofiah Pagara and Khylem Progella moved within one win of the main draw after surviving Germany’s Mareet Maidhof and Tabea Schwarz in a dramatic qualifier, 21-19, 28-26.

     

    Pagara erupted for 25 points, including crucial plays after the Filipinas saved six match points in the second set.

     

    Meanwhile, Sunny Villapando and Gen Eslapor, Dij Rodriguez and Kly Orillaneda, and Alex Polidario and Jenny Gaviola all bowed out in the qualifiers against more experienced international opposition.

     

    For Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tonyboy Liao, simply bringing this level of competition to the country already marks a major step for the program.

     

    “This is really good for the Philippine team because instead of traveling abroad, we get to compete here at home against international players. This tournament is a huge challenge because the level of competition is much higher. There are also more ranking points at stake, so it’s really a great opportunity for us,” said Liao.

     

    “Sisi and Pons are fighters no matter who they face. They’ll always compete hard. Hopefully, all the Philippine teams perform well, and hopefully, the Beach Pro Tour Challenge becomes a success. It’s also a big moment for us because this is our first term hosting an international event.”

     

    For Rondina and Pons, though, the mission feels simple. 

     

    The medals and titles may have already come in Southeast Asia, but this week offers something entirely different — a chance to see exactly how far Philippine beach volleyball can go against the sport’s biggest names. 

     

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