Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Andre Sotelo

  • UP shrugs off Korea loss, marches into Asian University Basketball League quarterfinals 

    UP shrugs off Korea loss, marches into Asian University Basketball League quarterfinals 

    University of the Philippines may have absorbed its first defeat in the 2026 Asian University Basketball League Championship, but the Fighting Maroons accomplished the objective that mattered most.

     

    Despite a 70-60 loss to Korea University on Tuesday at the Binjiang Gymnasium in Hangzhou, China, UP punched its ticket to the quarterfinals after securing second place in Pool B.

     

    The Fighting Maroons entered the matchup already holding the inside track to the knockout stage following Monday’s victory over Japan’s Hakuoh University, allowing them to treat the clash against the unbeaten Koreans as a chance to measure themselves against one of the tournament favorites.

     

    Korea University showed why it topped the group from the opening half.

     

    The Koreans built a 15-point cushion midway through the second quarter, taking a commanding 35-20 lead behind their disciplined offense and suffocating defense.

     

    Rather than folding, however, UP responded with one of its best stretches of the game.

     

    A 10-0 burst highlighted by Chicco Briones’ three-point play suddenly cut the deficit to just five points at 35-30, giving the Fighting Maroons a chance to completely swing the momentum before halftime.

     

    That proved to be the closest they would get.

     

    Korea University immediately answered with an 11-0 run that carried over into the third quarter, restoring full control of the contest with a 46-30 advantage.

     

    UP continued to fight throughout the second half and made several pushes to trim the deficit, but every rally was met by timely baskets from the Koreans, who completed an unbeaten run through Pool B.

     

    Noy Remogat paced the Fighting Maroons with 15 points despite shooting 4-of-12 from the field.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    Veejay Pre provided support with 10 points and seven rebounds, while Briones added eight points during UP’s comeback attempts.

     

    Korea University’s balanced attack proved to be the difference.

     

    Seok Jun Hwi led the way with 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals, while Kim Jeong Hyun Daniel also scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

     

    Yoo Min Soo and Shim Ju Eon chipped in 11 points each as four Korean players finished in double figures.

     

    The defeat did little to derail UP’s campaign.

     

    With a 1-1 record, the Fighting Maroons advanced to the quarterfinals, where a much bigger challenge awaits.

     

    Their next opponent will be the winner of Pool A, which will be determined after China’s Tsinghua University and Japan’s Waseda University battle for the top spot later Tuesday.

     

    For UP, the group stage served its purpose.

     

    The Fighting Maroons are still alive, and with the knockout rounds now beginning, every game becomes an opportunity to prove they belong among Asia’s best university basketball programs.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alas Pilipinas Girls count on chemistry as they head to FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Alas Pilipinas Girls count on chemistry as they head to FIVB U17 World Championship 

    Before the first serve is even played, Alas Pilipinas Girls already face their first major test.

     

    It won’t come against volleyball powerhouse China or any of the world’s best young teams.

     

    Instead, it begins with a demanding 32-hour journey from Manila to Chile as the Filipinas travel halfway around the globe for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.

     

    The lengthy trip presents an early challenge in managing fatigue, adjusting to a new time zone, and recovering quickly before the tournament opens on August 6.

     

    Yet for head coach Edwin Leyva, the long hours in transit offer something just as valuable as recovery—time together.

     

    “Hopefully with the long flight medyo makabawi-bawi sa bonding yung players,” Leyva said. “We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare for this, but we did our best in the short time we had, and I believe in this team. We have good players, and we are confident we can do better than our last tournament.”

     

    Leading the Philippine delegation are University of Santo Tomas standout Megan Yesha Hernandez, National University’s Xyz Ellen Rayco, King’s Montessori School’s Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Bacolod Tay Tung’s Cristina Madela Gale, and Caera Celis of St. John’s Institute Bacolod City.

     

    The roster reflects the country’s brightest young volleyball talents drawn from some of the nation’s top high school programs.

     

    Joining them are Ateneo standouts Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia, UST’s Taj Arkhea Teves, Nadeth Faye Herbon of Leyte National High School, and Jello Andrea Mauricio of San Felipe Neri Catholic School.

     

    National University also contributes Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Irish May Mahinay, Princess Khaira Manzano, and Frances Dianne Ramos, giving the squad a strong core heading into the biggest tournament of their young careers.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    The Philippines earned its place in the 24-team world championship after finishing fifth in the AVC U16 Women’s Championship under Leyva, securing one of Asia’s qualifying spots.

     

    Now, the Filipinas will test themselves against some of the strongest youth programs in international volleyball.

     

    Ranked No. 25 in the world, Alas Pilipinas was drawn into a difficult Pool B alongside world No. 1 China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela.

     

    Host Chile headlines Pool A together with Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Türkiye, and the United States.

    World No. 2 Japan leads Pool C featuring Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, and Poland, while third-ranked Italy anchors Pool D with Korea, Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei.

     

    Despite the daunting field, Leyva remains optimistic about what his team can accomplish and hopes Filipinos back home will rally behind the young squad.

     

    “We hope the country would support us, pray for us,” Leyva said. “Kami naman we’ll give our best and put up a good fight for the country.”

     

    The road to the world stage has already required one marathon journey.

     

    The next challenge begins once Alas Pilipinas Girls finally steps onto the court in Chile.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Philippines braces for Thailand rematch as ASEAN Hyundai Cup semifinal hopes hang in balance

    Philippines braces for Thailand rematch as ASEAN Hyundai Cup semifinal hopes hang in balance

    History gave the Philippine men’s football team a moment to cherish.

     

    Now, it presents another opportunity—and an even bigger challenge.

     

    When the Philippines welcomes regional powerhouse Thailand to the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday, it won’t simply be another group-stage fixture in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup. It will be a rematch carrying the weight of history, revenge, and a potential semifinal berth.

     

    The last time the War Elephants visited Philippine soil, they left stunned.

     

    Kike Linares’ dramatic stoppage-time winner lifted the Filipinos to a memorable 2-1 victory in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals, ending a 52-year wait for a win over Thailand.

     

    Although Thailand recovered with a 3-1 victory in Bangkok to advance to the final, that loss remains one of the biggest upsets in recent Southeast Asian football—a result neither side has forgotten.

     

    Philippine head coach Carles Cuadrat expects that memory to fuel an even hungrier Thai squad.

     

    “It would be an interesting match,” said Philippines head coach Carles Cuadrat during the prematch press conference on Monday. “We know that Thailand, it’s a tough opponent.”

     

    “We know that last time they visit the Philippines, they lost the game. It hasn’t happened in more than 50 years so I guess they learned a lesson and they don’t want another loss. We know that it’s going to be a difficult game but we are preparing the team for that,” he continued.

     

    Thailand enters the match in control of Group B after winning its opening two matches and knows another victory would put one foot into the semifinals.

     

    For the Philippines, however, the stakes are even greater.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    After suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Myanmar in their opening assignment, the Filipinos revived their campaign by beating Laos, 4-1, in Vientiane last Saturday. Despite conceding an early goal, the team showed composure to score four unanswered goals and keep its knockout hopes alive.

     

    That victory moved the Philippines level with Myanmar on three points, but inferior goal difference leaves the home side sitting fourth in the standings. Malaysia currently occupies second place after winning its first two matches, making Tuesday’s showdown a virtual must-win for Cuadrat’s men.

     

    Fortunately for the Filipinos, one member of the squad has firsthand experience of what it takes to beat Thailand.

     

    Midfielder Javier Mariona was part of the historic side that celebrated in Rizal nearly two years ago, and he believes the team can produce another memorable night.

     

    “We are confident,” Mariona said. “Going into that game back at home in Rizal, we know we had a chance and we proved that that chance was enough to come away with three points. We are very excited to host Thailand again, and hopefully, get another result just like in Rizal,”

    Playing at home could once again provide the boost the Philippines needs.

     

    The atmosphere that helped inspire the historic victory in 2024 is expected to return in Capas, where the Filipinos hope another packed home crowd can help unsettle one of Southeast Asia’s most successful football nations.

     

    Thailand may arrive seeking revenge.

     

    The Philippines, meanwhile, is chasing something even bigger—a victory that could redefine its ASEAN Hyundai Cup campaign and keep its semifinal dream very much alive.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Adrian Nocum breathes sigh of relief after injury scare after Cliff Hodge collision 

    Adrian Nocum breathes sigh of relief after injury scare after Cliff Hodge collision 

    Rain or Shine escaped with another victory on Sunday, but for a few anxious moments, the result became secondary to the condition of one of its hottest players.

     

    Adrian Nocum sent a scare through the Elasto Painters after collapsing to the floor following a violent knee-to-knee collision with Meralco veteran Cliff Hodge midway through the third quarter of their 85-83 triumph at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    As Nocum remained on the hardwood clutching his leg, concerns immediately grew that Rain or Shine could lose one of its biggest offensive weapons just as the team has found its rhythm in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Fortunately for the Elasto Painters, the injury turned out to be less serious than initially feared.

    “Talagang solid talaga, eh. Yung tuhod niya tumama dito sa hita ko. Uh, sobrang sakit! Ramdam na ramdam ko ‘yung tama,” Nocum told reporters after their victory.

     

    The collision happened with 4:06 left in the third period while Rain or Shine held a slim 66-63 advantage.

     

    Driving aggressively toward the basket, Nocum released the ball before his knee crashed into Hodge’s, sending both players sprawling to the floor in visible pain. Officials later reviewed the sequence and assessed Hodge an unsportsmanlike foul.

     

    When asked whether he believed the contact was intentional, Nocum stopped short of making an accusation but acknowledged Hodge’s physical reputation.

     

    “Hindi ko alam. Pero siyempre knowing Cliff Hodge. Kilala naman natin si Cliff Hodge. So, kasama naman ‘yun,” the Rain or Shine guard said.

     

    More than the pain itself, it was the uncertainty that worried Nocum.

     

    Unable to immediately get back on his feet, the 26-year-old admitted his first thoughts were about whether he had suffered a major injury.

     

    “Oo, kinabahan ako sobra. Kasi talagang nung pagtama niya sa akin, talagang ramdam na ramdam ko ‘yung sakit eh. Alam mo ‘yun, hindi ko siya magalaw. Kasi pagtayo ko, nailakad ko naman. Kaya, sabi ko, okay naman,” Nocum explained.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    Instead of heading to the locker room for good, Nocum returned to the game and finished with six points and eight assists in more than 30 minutes, choosing to contribute as a facilitator after struggling to find his scoring touch.

     

    “Hindi naman [naapektuhan], medyo maalat lang talaga. Kaya bumawi na lang ako sa ibang bagay na pwedeng maitulong sa team,” he said.

     

    His ability to finish the contest also eased concerns that the injury could sideline him moving forward.

     

    Although soreness remains a possibility once the adrenaline wears off, Nocum said there are currently no plans for further medical examinations.

     

    “Uminom kasi ako ng gamot, eh. Siguro, medyo ano pa, okay pa. Problema ko na ito, bukas pagising ko. Baka masakit ito pag bukas o maga,” he shared.

     

    “Wala naman [MRI]. Kasi nailaro ko pa. Mukhang okay naman siya. Talagang solid lang talaga ‘yung pagka-tama niya. Talagang ramdam na ramdam ko. Pero, goods naman,” Nocum said.

    The encouraging update comes at an important time for Rain or Shine.

     

    The Elasto Painters have won four straight games to climb into contention in Group B, with Nocum playing arguably the best basketball of his PBA career following Gian Mamuyac’s departure.

     

    Rain or Shine will now hope its rising star wakes up feeling just as confident as he sounded after the game when the team resumes its campaign against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Alex Eala buries Eastbourne heartbreak, makes history with breakthrough WTA 500 title in Washington 

    Alex Eala buries Eastbourne heartbreak, makes history with breakthrough WTA 500 title in Washington 

    For more than a year, the image lingered.

     

    Four championship points slipped away in the 2025 Eastbourne Open final, leaving Alex Eala one step short of what would have been the biggest moment of her career. It became the defining heartbreak of her rise—a painful reminder of how close she had already come.

     

    On Sunday in Washington, D.C., Eala finally rewrote that story.

     

    This time, there was no collapse. No missed opportunity. No heartbreaking finish.

     

    Instead, the 21-year-old Filipina delivered the performance that officially announced her arrival among the sport’s elite, storming back to defeat World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0, to capture the WTA 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open title.

     

    The victory ended years of waiting for a breakthrough trophy and made Eala the first Southeast Asian player to win a WTA 500 tournament since the current tiered tour structure was introduced.

     

    While Indonesia’s Yayuk Basuki and Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn built decorated WTA careers with multiple titles, those championships came in tournaments now classified at the WTA 250 level. Indonesia’s Janice Tjen also won the Chennai Open in 2025, but Eala’s triumph in Washington marks a new milestone for Southeast Asian tennis on one of the tour’s biggest stages outside the Grand Slams and WTA 1000 events.

     

    Against one of the most consistent players on the women’s tour, Eala once again proved she belongs on tennis’ biggest stages.

     

    Pegula entered the championship match as the tournament’s top seed and one of the hottest players in the world after titles in Dubai and Charleston earlier this season. Early on, the American’s trademark consistency appeared to wear down the Filipina.

     

    Pegula earned the opening break for a 3-2 lead in the first set before Eala immediately answered with a break of her own. The Filipina later had two chances to seize control while leading 4-3, but Pegula escaped the pressure before winning the final three games to steal the opener.

     

    Just as momentum appeared to be shifting toward the American, Mother Nature interrupted.

     

    Leading 2-1 in the second set, Eala and Pegula were forced off court after heavy rain suspended the final, extending what was already a grueling championship into a second day.

     

    If the delay affected Eala, it never showed.

     

    When play resumed, she returned looking like a completely different player.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    The rallies became longer, but more importantly, they became hers. Eala began dictating points with fearless shot-making, repeatedly stepping inside the baseline to attack Pegula’s groundstrokes and forcing the American onto the defensive.

     

    Neither player blinked until the closing stages of the second set.

     

    Locked at 4-4, Eala delivered the decisive breakthrough, breaking Pegula’s serve before holding to level the match and force a winner-take-all third set.

     

    Rather than another tense finish, what followed became a coronation.

     

    Playing with complete freedom and supreme confidence, Eala overwhelmed the World No. 3 from the opening point of the final set.

     

    Pegula, who had spent much of the week outlasting opponents through consistency and patience, suddenly found herself unable to slow down the relentless barrage coming from the other side of the net.

     

    Game after game slipped away.

     

    Before the American could regroup, the scoreboard read 6-0.

     

    On her very first championship point, Eala sealed the victory that had eluded her in Eastbourne, finally lifting the biggest trophy of her career.

     

    The championship also strengthened what has quickly become one of the most remarkable résumés against the world’s best.

     

    With the victory over Pegula, Eala improved to an astonishing 9-4 lifetime record against Top 10 opponents, giving her the highest winning percentage against the WTA Top 10 among active players.

     

    It also served as sweet revenge after Pegula ended Eala’s magical run in the 2025 Miami Open semifinals.

     

    The Washington title, however, was built on far more than one victory.

     

    Eala’s championship campaign featured one of the toughest draws of the season.

     

    She opened the tournament by rallying past reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, before eliminating defending champion Leylah Fernandez in straight sets.

     

    The Filipina then stunned second seed Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals before overpowering four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the semifinals to book her place in the final.

     

    By the end of the week, she had beaten four world-class opponents—including three former Grand Slam finalists and an Olympic gold medalist—to earn the title that had long seemed destined to come.

     

    There will be little time to savor the historic breakthrough.

     

    Fresh off the biggest week of her career, Eala now turns her attention to the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in Toronto, where she has received a first-round bye and will begin her campaign in the second round on Wednesday.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Jimmy Alapag reunites with TNT as unbeaten NLEX faces biggest test yet 

    Jimmy Alapag reunites with TNT as unbeaten NLEX faces biggest test yet 

    Jimmy Alapag’s unbeaten start as a PBA head coach now arrives at the most personal stop on his early coaching journey.

     

    After steering NLEX to a flawless opening stretch in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Alapag will find himself standing across the bench from the franchise where he built his legacy when the Road Warriors battle TNT Tropang 5G on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    For more than a decade, Alapag was the face of TNT, leading the franchise to six championships and becoming one of the greatest point guards in PBA history. This time, however, “The Mighty Mouse” returns not in black and yellow, but as the architect of the league’s only unbeaten team.

     

    The Road Warriors have quickly become one of the conference’s biggest surprises, winning all five of their games through a fast-paced attack built around teamwork rather than individual brilliance.

     

    Their latest statement came against Converge, where NLEX broke open a tight contest with a dominant fourth-quarter surge to remain perfect. After an 88-all deadlock, the Road Warriors outscored the FiberXers 31-19 behind another explosive outing from import DeQuan Jones, who finished with 28 points, while Schonny Winston poured in 24. The pair combined for 22 points during the decisive closing run.

     

    “We wanted to stay composed and aggressive in the fourth quarter and coach Jimmy wanted us to continue to play fast, so that’s what we ended up doing,” Winston said.

     

    “We’ll stay humble, knowing it’s still a long season to go and there’s a lot of hard work to do,” Winston added.

     

    Across the floor will be a TNT squad that has found a completely different formula for winning.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    While injuries continue to sideline key stars Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Kelly Williams, the Tropang 5G have leaned on resilience and defense to climb back above the .500 mark.

     

    They showcased that identity by stunning defending All-Filipino champion San Miguel Beer, limiting one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses to just 89 points in an overtime victory.

     

    Import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson anchored the effort with 20 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, while Kim Aurin delivered the performance of his career with 22 points despite waking up under the weather.

     

    “Sobrang bigat ng trabaho dahil wala sila,” Aurin said, referring to TNT’s injured players. “Mindset lang, pag libre, tira.”

     

    Even San Miguel’s prolific import George King struggled to find his rhythm early, as TNT held him to only eight first-half points before surviving overtime.

     

    For head coach Chot Reyes, the victory became another reminder that mentality can outweigh talent.

     

    “I really don’t know how we did it,” Reyes said after winning on his 62nd birthday. “What I know is how important mindset is. We could’ve had an attitude na ‘overtime na naman’ and be negative.

    But we turned it positive, saying ‘who would’ve thought we could bring them to overtime?’”

     

    “Basta ang sabi namin, daanin na lang natin sa depensa,” Reyes added.

     

    Tuesday’s matchup now offers a fascinating contrast in styles.

     

    NLEX has overwhelmed opponents with pace, depth, and offensive balance under Alapag’s fresh system. TNT, meanwhile, has rediscovered its identity through grit and defense despite operating with a depleted roster.

     

    For Alapag, extending NLEX’s perfect run would make his emotional return to TNT even sweeter. For the Tropang 5G, spoiling their former superstar’s homecoming would further prove that championship habits remain alive, even with an undermanned lineup.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Adrian Nocum’s Gilas dream moves closer after earning spot in Asian Games long list 

    Adrian Nocum’s Gilas dream moves closer after earning spot in Asian Games long list 

    For years, Adrian Nocum’s rise has been fueled by one thing—proving he belongs.

     

    Now, that journey has brought him to the doorstep of Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    The Rain or Shine guard has been included in the national team’s long list for the 20th Asian Games in Japan this September, placing him one step closer to wearing the Philippine jersey for the first time.

     

    While a final roster spot remains far from guaranteed, the recognition alone is another milestone in what has been a breakout stretch for the 26-year-old playmaker.

     

    “Siyempre, masarap sa feeling,” Nocum told reporters after Rain or Shine’s thrilling 85-83 victory over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The news came directly from someone who knows both worlds well.

     

    Rain or Shine lead assistant coach Caloy Garcia, who also serves as part of the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff, personally informed Nocum and newly appointed Elasto Painters captain Caelan Tiongson that they had been included among the national team’s pool of candidates.

     

    “Kinausap kami ni Coach Caloy Garcia, kasama kami raw. Parang sinama lang kami sa list, kaming dalawa ni Caelan Tiongson,” he shared.

     

    For Nocum, the call-up reflects months of consistent growth.

     

    Following Gian Mamuyac’s departure, the former Mapua standout has embraced a larger role, evolving from an energy guard into one of Rain or Shine’s primary offensive creators.

    The numbers tell the story.

     

    Through the Governors’ Cup, Nocum is averaging 17.6 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds while helping power the Elasto Painters’ surge in the standings.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    His biggest statement came just days earlier when he erupted for a career-high 31 points, including the game-winning layup with 5.6 seconds left, to lift Rain or Shine past Magnolia, 98-97.

     

    Even with those performances, Nocum admits making the Gilas conversation still feels surreal.

     

    “Sobrang blessed. Sobrang daming magagaling dito sa PBA, and mas talented, mas malaki, alam mo ‘yun? Pero naisama tayo,” he said.

     

    The Tondo native has steadily earned respect around the league, including praise from former Gilas guard Paul Lee, while his recent performances have sparked growing calls from fans for him to receive a national team opportunity.

     

    Now, with his name officially part of the Asian Games pool, those calls are no longer just wishful thinking.

     

    Whether he ultimately cracks Tim Cone’s final lineup remains to be seen, but Nocum is embracing the opportunity with the same mindset that fueled his climb from collegiate star to one of the PBA’s fastest-rising guards.

     

    “Alam naman natin na ang daming magagaling dito sa PBA na mas matagal pa sa atin, pero nasama tayo sa list. Malaking bagay ‘yun,” he said.

     

    “At kung mabibigyan naman ng chance, subukan natin. Banat!”

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Remy Martin finally gets Philippine club opportunity with Strong Group for Jones Cup title bid

    Remy Martin finally gets Philippine club opportunity with Strong Group for Jones Cup title bid

    It took years of waiting, but Remy Martin is finally headed to Philippine basketball.

     

    The Filipino-American guard will suit up for a Philippine club team for the first time after being named to the Strong Group-Pilipinas roster for the 2026 William Jones Cup, giving one of the most accomplished Fil-Am guards of his generation a long-awaited opportunity to represent a Philippine squad on the international stage.

     

    For Strong Group, Martin’s arrival isn’t just another marquee signing—it’s the culmination of a pursuit that stretched over several years.

     

    “Over the past four years of competing overseas, one name kept coming up wherever we went — Remy Martin. We listened. That’s why we’re proud to bring Remy to Strong Group,” said team president Jacob Lao.

     

    “He’s a proven winner, a champion, and someone we believe embodies the standard we’re striving for as we continue to represent the Philippines on the international stage.”

     

    Martin built his reputation in the United States as one of college basketball’s most dynamic guards before reaching the pinnacle of the NCAA.

     

    After starring at Arizona State and earning two All-Pac-12 First Team selections, the 6-foot playmaker transferred to the University of Kansas, where he helped the Jayhawks capture the 2022 NCAA Division I championship. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional during Kansas’ memorable title run.

     

    Since then, Martin has continued his professional career in Europe, suiting up for Greek side Lavrio before moving to Iceland, where he helped Keflavík become one of the league’s top teams.

    Now, the next stop in his basketball journey brings him closer to his Filipino roots.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    Head coach Charles Tiu admitted Martin has been on the organization’s radar for years, making this year’s signing especially rewarding.

     

    “I’m pleased we finally worked things out with Remy. I’ve been looking to recruit him for quite some time, but our schedules just didn’t align until now,” Tiu said.

     

    “He’s really excited to come play for us, and he wants to win. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”

     

    Martin won’t be the only fresh face joining the defending champions.

     

    Puerto Rico national team veteran Isaiah Piñeiro also joins Strong Group, bringing experience from the NBA G League and professional leagues in Spain, Turkey, Latvia and Puerto Rico.

     

    According to Tiu, Piñeiro fills a role the team has been searching for since the departure of former import Andre Roberson.

     

    “We wanted another (Andre) Roberson-type player—someone who can do everything for us,” Tiu said.

     

    “He’s a glue guy who can shoot, play in the post, and defend. He’s been a fixture on the national team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he brings to our team.”

     

    Martin joins a loaded Strong Group roster that already features former NBA center Boban Marjanović alongside Angelo Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, DJ Fenner, Tajuan Agee, Allen Liwag, and Titing Manalili. Matthew Wright, William Navarro, and Shaun Ildefonso are also set to make their debuts for the squad.

     

    The mission is clear.

     

    Strong Group is chasing a historic third consecutive William Jones Cup championship, a feat no team has accomplished since Iran captured three straight titles from 2009 to 2011.

     

    The Philippine club opens its campaign in New Taipei City grouped with Chinese Taipei Blue, South Korea, and Japan as it begins another quest to keep the Jones Cup trophy in Filipino hands.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Indonesia ends Alas Pilipinas’ four-tournament bronze run in SEA V Cup Leg 1 

    Indonesia ends Alas Pilipinas’ four-tournament bronze run in SEA V Cup Leg 1 

    A streak that had defined Alas Pilipinas Women’s consistency in the SEA V Cup finally came to an end.

     

    For four straight tournaments, the Filipinas had walked away with the bronze medal. On Sunday in Hanoi, Indonesia made sure that the run stopped there.

     

    Indonesia completed its redemption story by defeating Alas Pilipinas, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16, in the bronze medal match of the first leg of the 2026 SEA V Cup at Dong Anh Gymnasium, finally breaking through after four consecutive losses to the Philippines in the regional tournament.

     

    The result not only handed Indonesia its first SEA V Cup podium finish since 2023, but also knocked the Filipinas off the medal stand for the first time in two years.

     

    Alas looked poised to extend its podium streak after claiming the opening set behind a dominant performance from its middle blockers.

     

    Niña Ytang ignited a crucial momentum swing midway through the first frame, scoring three points during a 4-0 run that erased a one-point deficit and turned it into a 22-19 advantage. Dell Palomata then closed the set in style, delivering three of the Philippines’ last five points to secure the early lead.

     

    But the momentum gradually shifted.

     

    Indonesia found its rhythm in the second set, tightening its floor defense while becoming more efficient on offense to level the match.

     

    The third set turned into a tug-of-war before the Indonesians landed the decisive blows. Arsela Nuari Purnama, Ersandrina Devega, and Rara Maradanti engineered a pivotal late-game surge, stretching a narrow 18-17 edge into a commanding 22-17 cushion that ultimately gave Indonesia a 2-1 lead.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    Still, the Filipinas refused to fold.

     

    The fourth set remained within reach early on, with both teams locked at 13-all. But just when Alas seemed ready to force a deciding fifth frame, Indonesia delivered the knockout punch.

    The Indonesians overwhelmed the Filipinas with a stunning 12-3 closing run that left little room for a comeback.

     

    Bella Belen briefly kept the Philippines alive with an off-the-block attack that cut the deficit to 20-15, but it turned out to be the team’s final point. Indonesia answered with five straight points to finish the match, with Belen’s attack sailing long to bring up match point before another swing was denied at the net to officially end the contest.

     

    Ytang paced Alas Pilipinas with 14 points, while Alyssa Solomon, who was named Best Opposite Spiker of the tournament, added 13 markers. Belen also finished in double figures with 12 points.

    Indonesia, meanwhile, leaned on a balanced attack led by Purnama’s 18 points, while Medi Yoku and Chelsa Nurtomo chipped in 16 points apiece.

     

    Although the opening leg ended in disappointment, Alas Pilipinas will have little time to dwell on the setback.

     

    The Filipinas now shift their focus to the second leg of the SEA V Cup, which begins on August 7 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they will immediately face host nation Thailand in their opening assignment as they look to return to the podium.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • UST’s Andwelle Cabanero, NU-Nazareth’s KJ Guada Badajos punch tickets to Jordan Brand global finals in Shanghai 

    UST’s Andwelle Cabanero, NU-Nazareth’s KJ Guada Badajos punch tickets to Jordan Brand global finals in Shanghai 

    The Philippines has found its next two representatives on the global stage.

     

    UST Senior High School standout Andwelle Cabanero and National University-Nazareth School’s KJ Guada Badajos emerged as the last players standing in Jordan Brand’s The One Manila on Saturday, earning the opportunity to carry the country’s colors in the prestigious global finals in Shanghai, China later this month.

     

    With only one ticket available in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, the country’s brightest young talents battled through a grueling knockout tournament before Cabanero and Badajos separated themselves from the field.

     

    Even Mother Nature could not stop the competition.

     

    Originally set to unfold at the Jordan Flight Deck in Bonifacio Global City, heavy rains forced organizers to transfer the event indoors to Kerry Sports Arena at Shangri-La The Fort. The change in venue, however, did little to cool down the intensity as every possession became a step closer to representing the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    For Cabanero, the road to Shanghai became even tougher after suffering a shoulder injury during the quarterfinals.

     

    Instead of slowing down, the 17-year-old fought through the pain, winning his semifinal before defeating fellow UST Tiger Cub Sean Bohol, 13-9, in an all-UST championship showdown.

     

    “I thought to myself, ‘Why would I waste the opportunity to go to Shanghai?’” said Cabanero.

     

    “My motto is whenever I’m tired or even when I’m hurt with an injury, I don’t give up because the fight isn’t over. Never say die.”

     

    On the girls’ side, Badajos showcased why she is regarded as one of the country’s rising stars.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    The Bukidnon native found herself locked in a 6-all battle against Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Developmental League campaigner Jenny Paguipo before taking complete control of the contest.

     

    Badajos buried back-to-back three-pointers to create separation before draining another triple late to complete a commanding 17-6 victory and secure her own ticket to Shanghai.

     

    “I’m so happy because I worked really hard for all of this. I learned a lot, and I hope that more people will get to see just what we can do as athletes,” said Badajos.

     

    “Everything happens for a reason, and we don’t know what’s in store for us in our future, so I believe that we should always put in the work to reach our dreams.”

     

    Before facing elite youth players from North America, Europe, and Asia in the global finals on August 29, both champions will undergo an intensive Jordan Brand development program.

     

    The preparation includes basketball sessions with Philippine Jordan Brand athlete Kiefer Ravena, along with strength and conditioning work under Jordan trainers to help the duo get ready for the biggest tournament of their young careers.

     

    Beyond the international competition, even bigger rewards await in Shanghai.

     

    The One Global Finals champion will have the opportunity to win a cash prize, earn recognition as a Jordan Brand ambassador, and be featured in the brand’s global campaign, with Cabanero and Badajos now carrying Philippine basketball’s hopes onto one of the sport’s biggest youth stages.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.