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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Vic Manuel’s Converge chapter closes quickly, but doors open elsewhere

    Vic Manuel’s Converge chapter closes quickly, but doors open elsewhere

    Vic Manuel’s time with Converge may have been short, but it was enough to stir conversations far beyond the FiberXers’ locker room.

     

    After his month-long contract expired on Monday, the veteran forward officially parted ways with Converge, closing a brief chapter that came late in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations. 

     

    Manuel will not be renewing his deal and is instead set to suit up for the Zamboanga Valientes, who are bound for the Dubai Invitational Basketball Championship later this month in the United Arab Emirates.

     

    Despite the limited run, Manuel made sure to acknowledge the opportunity given to him by the franchise. In a social media post, he expressed appreciation to the team that brought him in during a crucial stretch of the season.

     

    “Thank you Converge. Short term, but it means a lot to me,” Manuel wrote on Facebook.
     “Good luck fam. See you around.”

     

    The farewell, however, quickly turned into speculation. Fans flooded the comment section with suggestions for where the 38-year-old big man could land next once his overseas stint wraps up. Two destinations stood out: Barangay Ginebra and Titan Ultra.

     

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    Supporters of Titan Ultra see a natural fit, pointing to Manuel’s potential reunion with close friend and team star Calvin Abueva. Others, particularly Ginebra fans, believe the “Muscle Man” still has enough left to be a reliable interior presence—one who could complement the Kings’ veteran frontline of Japeth Aguilar and Troy Rosario.

     

    There’s history behind that idea. Manuel previously played under Ginebra head coach Tim Cone during Gilas Pilipinas’ successful gold-medal run in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, a campaign that showcased his willingness to embrace a defined role within a disciplined system.

     

    Adding another layer to the discussion is recent memory. It was Ginebra that ended Converge’s All-Filipino Cup run, eliminating the FiberXers in the quarterfinals, capped by a dramatic do-or-die overtime win, 99-98. Manuel was part of that short-lived Converge squad that came up just short of a semifinals berth.

     

    Statistically, his impact with the FiberXers was modest—averaging 4.0 points and 1.6 rebounds across three games—but the conversation surrounding his future suggests his value isn’t measured purely by numbers.

     

    For now, Manuel’s focus shifts to Dubai and an international stage. Beyond that, his swift exit from Converge has only reinforced one thing: even brief stints can reopen long-standing debates about where a seasoned veteran still belongs in the PBA landscape.

     

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  • Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante and rivals rekindle classic battles at WNT Legends Manila

    Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante and rivals rekindle classic battles at WNT Legends Manila

    For longtime fans of the sport, the sight of Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Earl Strickland, and Ralf Souquet sharing the same arena again feels less like a novelty and more like a time machine.

     

    The four icons will headline the WNT Legends showcase at Gateway Mall in Quezon City, a three-day event that reconnects some of the most storied rivalries professional pool has ever known. While they are now celebrated as legends, these players were once constant fixtures against one another on the biggest stages—from World Nineball Championships to Matchroom Classics and international opens across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

     

    Reyes and Bustamante, the twin pillars of Philippine billiards, famously battled Strickland and Souquet throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, a period widely regarded as pool’s golden era. 

     

    Fans still recall Reyes and Strickland’s intense world-title clashes, Souquet’s clinical precision against Asian opposition, and Bustamante’s fearless shot-making that often turned matches on their head. 

     

    Their last competitive appearances together came sporadically in international invitationals and seniors events, making this reunion a rare convergence rather than a routine exhibition.

     

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    Designed as a celebration of legacy, rivalry, and personality, WNT Legends places equal weight on history and the present moment. The format ensures that each of the four legends will play every day, allowing fans to once again see combinations that once defined the sport’s global narrative—Manila versus America, Europe versus Asia, flair versus fundamentals.

     

    Gateway Mall serves as a fitting backdrop. The same venue hosted last year’s packed Philippine Open, and its intimate layout once again brings the audience within arm’s reach of the action, echoing the old days when crowds gathered close, reading every expression and reaction from the players.

     

    Matches will be played as a race-to-11 with alternate breaks, striking a balance between competitive structure and fan-friendly pacing. While the pressure of ranking points is absent, pride, history, and muscle memory remain very much in play.

     

    Fans worldwide can watch the entire showcase exclusively on WNT TV via a $30 pay-per-view. In the Philippines, live coverage will be available through the Pilipinas Live app for P499, with primetime broadcasts airing on One Sports—ensuring that a new generation gets to witness, and an older one gets to relive, what it once meant when these four names appeared on the same match card.

     

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  • Alex Eala soars to career-high WTA No. 49, eyes Donna Vekić Rematch at Kooyong Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala soars to career-high WTA No. 49, eyes Donna Vekić Rematch at Kooyong Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala reaches new career-high WTA No. 49, to have rematch against Donna Vekic in Kooyong Classic ahead of Australian Open. 

     

    Alex Eala’s Australian swing continues to gather momentum, and her next stop is less about ranking points and more about rhythm, confidence, and unfinished business.

     

    Fresh off a semifinal run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, the Filipina standout has arrived in Melbourne for the 2026 Kooyong Classic, an invitation-only exhibition that traditionally acts as a final dress rehearsal before the Australian Open. 

     

    Scheduled from January 13 to 15, the event offers elite players a rare chance to sharpen their games under competitive conditions—without the pressure of the WTA points race.

     

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    For Eala, Kooyong carries an added layer of intrigue. She is set to face Croatia’s Donna Vekić on January 14 in an exhibition rematch that revisits their recent encounter in Auckland, where Eala sent the former world No. 19 packing in the opening round. 

     

    The matchup provides a familiar benchmark as Eala fine-tunes her form ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne.

     

    The timing could hardly be better. Entering Kooyong, Eala has climbed to a career-high No. 49 in the WTA rankings, a milestone that reflects her steady rise and growing consistency on tour. Rather than chasing points, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and adapting to Melbourne’s conditions before the Australian Open main draw begins.

     

    While Kooyong does not carry official WTA status, its role on the calendar is well-established. The singles-only exhibition draws a select group of ATP and WTA players looking for match play and visibility ahead of the Slam. Alongside Eala and Vekić, the 2026 field includes Australian world No. 121 Priscilla Hon and multiple Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Daniela Hantuchova.

     

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  • Petro Gazz pause triggers free-agency frenzy as PVL contenders scramble for Angels’ core

    Petro Gazz pause triggers free-agency frenzy as PVL contenders scramble for Angels’ core

    Petro Gazz’s decision to step away from the Premier Volleyball League has done more than sideline a perennial contender—it has cracked open one of the most intriguing player markets the PVL has seen in years.

     

    With just three weeks left before the 2026 All-Filipino Conference tips off, the league confirmed that the Angels’ entire roster will enter free agency, instantly turning a quiet offseason into a full-blown race against time. 

     

    For the players, it’s a sudden reset. For the league’s remaining 10 teams, it’s a rare opportunity to reshape their rosters with championship DNA almost overnight.

     

    The numbers alone underline the urgency. Only 12 Petro Gazz players are still in the mix, and nine of them are already out of contract.

     

     Even those with live deals—two-time Finals MVP MJ Phillips, sophomore setter Jules Tolentino, and inaugural draft first-rounder AA Adolfo—are also headed to the open market, placing every Angel in play at once.

     

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    At the center of it all is Brooke Van Sickle, the undisputed crown jewel of this free-agent class. Still just 26, the three-time PVL MVP has compressed a historic résumé into barely two years of league action. 

     

    She now stands alongside Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as the only players to win conference MVP honors three times, on top of collecting two Best Outside Hitter awards. Any team looking to fast-track a title push will inevitably build its plans around her availability.

     

    But this is far from a one-player sweepstakes. Petro Gazz’s pause has also released a deep pool of proven winners and versatile contributors. 

     

    Veterans like Myla Pablo and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas bring instant credibility and leadership, while younger pieces such as Tolentino and Adolfo offer upside that could anchor teams for years. It’s a blend of experience and promise that rarely hits the market all at once.

     

    As front offices work the phones and players weigh their options, one thing is clear: Petro Gazz’s absence won’t leave a void—it will redistribute power across the league. How teams capitalize on this sudden windfall may ultimately define the 2026 All-Filipino Conference before the first serve is even made.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Raptors outlast Sixers in OT, Thunder roll on, Anthony Edwards game-winner as close finishes highlight busy Monday 

    NBA Roundup: Raptors outlast Sixers in OT, Thunder roll on, Anthony Edwards game-winner as close finishes highlight busy Monday 

    A packed NBA slate on Monday, January 12, delivered drama across the league, featuring an overtime thriller in Toronto, narrow finishes in Minnesota and Memphis, and statement wins from contenders Oklahoma City and Denver.

     

    Raptors Edge 76ers in Overtime Classic

     

    Toronto survived a late scare to outlast Philadelphia, 116–115, in overtime at Scotiabank Arena. Tyrese Maxey erupted for a game-high 38 points for the Sixers, but Scottie Barnes answered with a dominant all-around performance of 31 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists to lift the Raptors in the extra period.

     

    Magic Pull Away Late vs. Pelicans

     

    Orlando used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from New Orleans, 128–118. Anthony Black led the Magic with 26 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Trey Murphy III paced the Pelicans with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the loss.

     

    Grizzlies Hold Off Nets

     

    Memphis leaned on timely stops to secure a 103–98 home win over Brooklyn. Santi Aldama anchored the defense with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Tyrese Martin led the Nets with 17 points.

    Knicks Outgun Blazers on the Road

     

    New York continued its strong form with a 123–114 win over Portland. Jalen Brunson stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, while Deni Avdija countered with 25 points and three steals for the Trail Blazers.

     

    Timberwolves Escape Spurs by One

     

    Minnesota survived a late San Antonio push, edging the Spurs 104–103. Victor Wembanyama dominated with 29 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, but Donte DiVincenzo’s 19-point, nine-rebound, seven-assist effort helped the Timberwolves close it out by a game-winning midrange shot by Anthony Edwards who himself dropped 23 points .

     

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    Thunder Stay Hot Against Heat

     

    Oklahoma City continued its surge with a convincing 124–112 victory over Miami. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered 29 points and eight assists, while Andrew Wiggins led the Heat with 23 points in defeat.

     

    Nuggets Slip Past Bucks in Denver

     

    Denver held off Milwaukee, 108–104, in a physical matchup at Ball Arena. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a near triple-double with 31 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, but Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 25 points proved crucial for the Nuggets.

     

    Suns Shut Down Wizards

     

    Phoenix cruised to a 112–93 win over Washington behind a balanced effort. Alex Sarr stood out for the Wizards with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks, while Royce O’Neale matched him with 19 points and seven boards for the Suns.

     

    Hawks Fly Past Warriors

     

    Atlanta overpowered Golden State, 124–111, behind Jalen Johnson’s near triple-double of 23 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors with 30 points in the loss.

     

    Kings Finish Strong vs. Rockets

     

    Sacramento closed the night with a 111–98 win over Houston. Amen Thompson delivered a monster performance for the Rockets with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists, but DeMar DeRozan’s 22 points and six assists guided the Kings to the home victory.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala’s Kooyong Classic Schedule

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA Semis & Alex Eala’s Kooyong Classic Schedule

    Fans of basketball and tennis are in for a jam-packed week as January heats up with key matchups across the NBA, the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, and the international tennis circuit. From high-stakes semifinals featuring TNT, Meralco, San Miguel, and Ginebra, to NBA teams battling for playoff positioning, and Alex Eala representing the Philippines at the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne, there’s no shortage of action. Here’s a complete schedule to keep you on top of all the games and matches happening from January 13–18, 2026.

     

     

    🎾 Alex Eala – Kooyong Classic (Melbourne, Australia)

    January 13–15, 2026

    • January 13–15 – Alex Eala – Kooyong Classic, Melbourne, Australia

    🏀 NBA Schedule – January 13–18, 2026

    Tuesday, January 13, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Jazz @ Cavaliers 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Pacers 
    • 8:30 AM – 76ers @ Raptors 
    • 9:30 AM – Nets @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Lakers @ Kings 
    • 11:30 AM – Hornets @ Clippers 

    Wednesday, January 14, 2026

    • 8:30 AM – Suns @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Bulls @ Rockets 
    • 9:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Bucks 
    • 9:00 AM – Nuggets @ Pelicans 
    • 9:00 AM – Spurs @ Thunder 
    • 11:30 AM – Hawks @ Lakers 
    • 12:00 PM – Trail Blazers @ Warriors 

    Thursday, January 15, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Raptors @ Pacers 
    • 8:00 AM – Cavaliers @ 76ers 
    • 9:00 AM – Jazz @ Bulls 
    • 9:00 AM – Nets @ Pelicans 
    • 10:30 AM – Nuggets @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Knicks @ Kings 
    • 11:30 AM – Wizards @ Clippers 

    Friday, January 16, 2026

    • 3:00 AM – Grizzlies @ Magic (NBA Berlin Game) 
    • 8:00 AM – Suns @ Pistons 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Thunder @ Rockets 
    • 9:00 AM – Bucks @ Spurs 
    • 9:30 AM – Jazz @ Mavericks 
    • 11:00 AM – Knicks @ Warriors 
    • 11:30 AM – Hawks @ Trail Blazers 
    • 10:00 AM – Hornets @ Lakers 

    Saturday, January 17, 2026

    • 8:00 AM – Pelicans @ Pacers 
    • 8:00 AM – Cavaliers @ 76ers 
    • 8:30 AM – Bulls @ Nets 
    • 10:30 AM – Clippers @ Raptors 
    • 11:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Rockets 
    • 11:00 AM – Wizards @ Kings 

    Sunday, January 18, 2026

    • 6:00 AM – Jazz @ Mavericks 
    • 8:30 AM – Celtics @ Hawks 
    • 8:30 AM – Pacers @ Pistons 
    • 8:30 AM – Suns @ Knicks 
    • 9:00 AM – Thunder @ Heat 
    • 9:00 AM – Timberwolves @ Spurs 
    • 9:30 AM – Hornets @ Warriors 
    • 10:00 AM – Wizards @ Nuggets 
    • 11:00 AM – Lakers @ Trail Blazers

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    🏀 PBA Philippine Cup – Semifinals (Best-of-7)

    Series Standings

    • SF1: San Miguel Beermen 2–2 Barangay Ginebra 
    • SF2: TNT Tropang Giga 3–1 Meralco Bolts 

    Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 5)
    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 5)

    Friday, January 16, 2026 – Ynares Center, Antipolo

    • 5:15 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 6)
    • 7:30 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 6 – if necessary)

    Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Smart Araneta Coliseum

    • 5:15 PM – TNT Tropang Giga vs Meralco Bolts (Game 7 – if necessary)
    • 7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Barangay Ginebra (Game 7 – if necessary)

       

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  • Rizal Memorial Courts get final trial as local aces chase wildcard spots for WTA 125 PH Women’s Open

    Rizal Memorial Courts get final trial as local aces chase wildcard spots for WTA 125 PH Women’s Open

    With the clock ticking toward the Philippines’ first-ever WTA 125 tournament, the spotlight shifts to the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center—not for ceremony, but for scrutiny.

     

    Beginning Monday, Philippine sports officials will conduct operational testing of the newly renovated courts, turning the venue into a proving ground just two weeks before the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open tips off. Rather than a quiet inspection, the process will unfold through live competition, as the country’s top female players battle for national ranking points and a prized wildcard into the historic event.

     

    “The matches will not only test the facilities of the tennis center but also serve as a qualifying event for local players aiming to compete in the Philippine Women’s Open,” said Dyan Castillejo, Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) board member and PWO co-Tournament Director.

     

    Over a three-day stretch, competitive play will push the venue’s upgrades to their limits—an intentional move as organizers seek to simulate the demands of a full WTA tournament environment.

     

    “We need to evaluate the ball bounce and traction on the newly resurfaced hard courts under competitive conditions,” Castillejo said. “This testing phase allows us to make any final technical adjustments to the surface to meet the international standards required for a WTA 125 event.”

     

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    Absent from the playoff action are the Philippines’ top two players, Alex Eala and rising prospect Tennielle Madis of M’lang, Cotabato, both of whom have already secured wildcard entries. Eala’s availability, however, remains fluid, as her participation hinges on how deep she advances at the Australian Open, which overlaps with the PWO main draw.

     

    Monday’s slate features three opening-round matchups, led by No. 2 seed and 2025 SEA Games bronze medalist Stefi Aludo against Justine Hannah Maneja. Nina Angeline Alcala faces Elizabeth Abarquez, while Kaye Anne Emana meets Joanna Peña in the third contest.

     

    Top seed Tiffany Nocos received a first-round bye and will await the winner of the Emana-Peña duel in the semifinals, adding further incentive to an already high-stakes setup.

     

    Beyond the local playoffs, the Philippine Women’s Open is shaping up to be a globally diverse affair. At least 24 players from 19 countries have entered the tournament, headlined by Croatian Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic—who could be in line for a rematch with Eala following their recent three-set encounter in Auckland.

     

    Also in the field are China’s Wang Xinyu, who eliminated Eala in the Auckland quarterfinals, and German veteran Tatjana Maria, a former Wimbledon semifinalist.

     

    As matches unfold this week, the stakes extend beyond wins and losses. Every rally doubles as a stress test, ensuring that when the Philippine Women’s Open finally serves off, the stage—and the surface—are fully ready.

     

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  • Philippine men’s lacrosse team finishes second in Asia-Pacific Championship, secures spot in 2027 World Lacrosse Championship 

    Philippine men’s lacrosse team finishes second in Asia-Pacific Championship, secures spot in 2027 World Lacrosse Championship 

    The Philippine men’s lacrosse team capped a breakthrough campaign by finishing second in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand, a result that secured the country a berth in the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship.

     

    The Filipinos bowed to world No. 4 Australia, 3–13, in the finals on Sunday, settling for the silver medal after a week-long run that underscored the program’s rapid growth on the continental stage.

     

    Ranked No. 30 in the world, the Philippines advanced to the championship match after defeating host nation and world No. 24 New Zealand, 12–7, in the semifinals. The win capped an undefeated march into the knockout round and set up a daunting final against one of the sport’s traditional powers.

     

    Earlier in the tournament, the Filipinos delivered one of the competition’s defining moments by upsetting world No. 4 Japan, 10–9, in double overtime during pool play—a result that ultimately sealed their qualification for the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship in Japan. They went on to dominate China, 20–1, and Hong Kong, 9–4, to top Pool B and advance directly to the semifinals.

     

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    The squad leaned on a mix of local development and overseas experience, highlighted by goalkeeper Dan Morris, who finished among the tournament’s top performers with a 60 percent save rate. 

     

    Morris previously played NCAA Division I lacrosse for the University of Maryland and was part of the Terrapins’ national championship team in 2017.

     

    While Australia proved too strong in the final, the Philippines’ second-place finish represents one of the country’s most successful international lacrosse campaigns to date and confirms its place among the region’s emerging forces.

     

    The result also comes at a timely moment for the sport, which is set to return to the Olympic program at the 2028 Los Angeles Games in a ‘sixes’ format, adding further momentum to the Philippines’ long-term development on the global stage.

     

     

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  • Akari bolsters depth ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference with three key signings

    Akari bolsters depth ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference with three key signings

    Akari is choosing reinforcement over reinvention as it gears up for the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, quietly assembling a roster built on balance, flexibility, and insurance against last season’s setbacks.

     

    The Chargers made that intent clear on Saturday by unveiling three additions in Cza Carandang, Judith Abil, and Jyne Soreño—moves that address specific gaps exposed during a campaign derailed by injuries yet salvaged by a hard-earned bronze medal in the Reinforced Conference.

     

    Carandang arrives as a timely solution up front. Coming from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo side, the middle blocker brings much-needed size and presence at the net, giving Akari a stronger frontline rotation alongside Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma following the departure of Ezra Madrigal. 

     

    Her inclusion allows the Chargers to sustain pressure in the middle without overloading their primary options.

     

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    Abil, meanwhile, adds a layer of versatility that often separates playoff teams from title contenders. The former Cignal standout has built a reputation as a dependable all-around contributor—capable of filling multiple roles and delivering in high-leverage moments—making her a valuable stabilizer in a lineup that struggled to stay intact last season.

     

    Soreño completes the trio as a spark plug off the bench. The eighth overall pick in the previous draft, she previously thrived in a reserve role with Chery Tiggo, where her ability to provide instant offense proved crucial. 

     

    That same scoring pop is expected to give Akari more flexibility in managing rotations and late-set situations.

     

    Taken together, the signings reflect a calculated response to last year’s lessons. Akari proved it could compete even while shorthanded; now, with improved depth and the promise of a healthier roster, the Chargers are positioning themselves to turn resilience into consistency when the All-Filipino Conference begins.

     

    Rather than chasing headlines, Akari has focused on fit—and with the pieces now in place, the Chargers believe they are better equipped to make a deeper run in the season ahead.

     

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  • PBA Semifinals: Scottie Thompson’s 35-point triple-double lifts Ginebra, Poy Erram powers TNT closer to Finals

    PBA Semifinals: Scottie Thompson’s 35-point triple-double lifts Ginebra, Poy Erram powers TNT closer to Finals

    Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena felt less like a routine semifinal slate and more like a referendum on belief, balance, and timing.

     

    On one end of the floor, Scottie Thompson authored a performance that instantly etched itself into PBA lore. On the other hand, a long-overdue breakout from Poy Erram reshaped another series entirely. By night’s end, both Barangay Ginebra and TNT had rewritten the momentum of their respective matchups in emphatic fashion.

     

    Ginebra’s 105-91 comeback win over San Miguel was not merely about survival—it was about perspective. Down by as many as 14 early, the Kings leaned on their emotional compass, and Thompson responded with the most complete game of his career.

     

    The former MVP poured in a career-high 35 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists, steering Ginebra back from the brink and knotting the series at 2-2. 

     

    The triple-double placed him in rare air, a feat last achieved by Ronnie Magsanoc during the 1990 All-Filipino Conference, per league statistics.More than the numbers, it was the timing that defined Thompson’s night. 

     

    His nine points during a decisive 12-3 run flipped a fragile one-point San Miguel edge into a commanding Ginebra cushion midway through the fourth. From there, the Kings never looked back.

     

    Yet this was not a one-man rescue. Japeth Aguilar’s steady 14 points and six rebounds stabilized the interior, while Norbert Torres’ trio of triples—including the shot that finally pushed Ginebra ahead for good—punctured San Miguel’s resistance. 

     

    Jayson David and RJ Abarrientos added pace and polish, and the Kings’ 34 assists reflected a team rediscovering its identity at precisely the right moment.

     

    For San Miguel, CJ Perez’s 22 points and Chris Ross’ 20 kept them competitive, but the Beermen struggled to generate consistent offense beyond their guards. June Mar Fajardo, limited by both defensive pressure and sore shoulders, endured another rare single-digit scoring night, though his 20 rebounds underscored his continued influence in other areas.

     

    With the series reset, Game 5 now looms as a referendum on which version of each team is real.

     

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    If Thompson’s game was about legacy, Poy Erram’s was about timing.

     

    Entering Game 4 averaging just two points for the conference, Erram erupted for 27 points on near-perfect efficiency as TNT dismantled Meralco, 102-83, to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead. He scored 21 in the first half alone, immediately setting the tone for a bounce-back performance after TNT’s previous stumble.

     

    Even with Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading struggling to find rhythm, the Tropang 5G thrived on collective execution. Their role players filled the gaps, their defense suffocated Meralco’s options, and their early control never truly wavered.

     

    The win was made more impressive—and complicated—by injuries on both sides. TNT lost Roger Pogoy early to a hamstring injury, while Rey Nambatac remained limited. Meralco, meanwhile, had to cope without Chris Newsome, sidelined by an MCL sprain, a void that proved too large to overcome despite Chris Banchero’s 19-point effort.

     

    By the end of the night, two narratives were clear: Ginebra had rediscovered its heartbeat through Thompson’s brilliance, and TNT had found an unexpected pillar in Erram at the most crucial moment.

     

    In a semifinal round increasingly shaped by depth, durability, and decisive bursts, Sunday served as a reminder that championships are often swung not by who is expected to deliver—but by who does when it matters most. 

     

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