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Category: Basketball

  • After Justin Brownlee’s heroics, Ginebra braces for TNT’s response in crucial Game 2 

    After Justin Brownlee’s heroics, Ginebra braces for TNT’s response in crucial Game 2 

    Game 1 may have belonged to Justin Brownlee, but both Barangay Ginebra and TNT know the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals is only beginning.

     

    Brownlee’s clutch fadeaway jumper over Chris McCullough with 0.6 seconds remaining lifted the Gin Kings to a dramatic 102-100 victory on Wednesday, handing Ginebra the early edge in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    Now comes the challenge of maintaining it.

     

    When the two teams meet again in Game 2 on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Ginebra will look to build on its advantage while TNT aims to turn a painful defeat into a valuable lesson.

     

    For all the celebration surrounding Brownlee’s latest game-winning moment, the Gin Kings emerged from the opener fully aware that they were fortunate to escape.

     

    After controlling much of the contest and building an 18-point lead in the third quarter, Ginebra watched TNT methodically chip away behind RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac, and McCullough before eventually surrendering the lead in the fourth period.

     

    The comeback forced Ginebra to rely on late-game execution and individual brilliance rather than the dominant performance it appeared headed toward earlier in the night.

     

    “I gotta admit, we lost a lot of rhythm, offensively,” Brownlee said after Game 1.

     

    The veteran import pointed to TNT’s ability to exploit the interior and generate second-chance opportunities as major factors behind the shift in momentum.

     

    “They hurt us on the post and I think that opened up some shooters for them,” Brownlee said. “I also think that we could do a better job on the offensive rebounding. I’m not sure how many offensive rebounds we gave up, but I know we gave up some crucial ones.”

     

    The Tropang 5G grabbed 14 offensive rebounds in Game 1, repeatedly extending possessions and giving themselves opportunities to erase the deficit.

     

    That area is expected to be one of Ginebra’s primary focuses heading into Friday’s rematch.

    Another concern for head coach Tim Cone is the play of Nambatac, who helped spark TNT’s fourth-quarter surge with timely perimeter shooting.

     

    “He had a hot-shooting night,” Cone said. “He hadn’t shot well during the Meralco series for them, but he came in and shot well. And he did that last year when he got the best player of the Finals.

     

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    “So we got to figure him out a little bit better, we got to figure out everybody well.”

    While Ginebra searches for answers defensively, TNT enters Game 2 encouraged by the fact that it nearly stole Game 1 despite an uneven start.

     

    The Tropang 5G struggled through stretches of the first half, committed costly turnovers, and found themselves buried under a double-digit deficit before mounting their rally.

     

    Yet even after all that, they were one defensive stop away from taking control of the series.

    For TNT, the challenge now is finding a way to sustain the level it showed during its comeback while avoiding the slow start that put it in trouble in the first place.

     

    McCullough remains a major weapon after posting 25 points and 14 rebounds in his Finals debut for TNT, while Pogoy and Nambatac proved they can provide the firepower needed to pressure Ginebra’s defense.

     

    Meanwhile, the Gin Kings will once again lean on Brownlee, whose 23-point performance was highlighted by another signature clutch shot. They will also need continued production from RJ Abarrientos, whose two crucial four-point plays helped shift momentum back in their favor late in Game 1.

     

    The opener showed how little separates the two teams.

     

    One side carries the confidence of securing the first victory. The other brings the belief that it already discovered the formula to challenge its rival.

     

    With adjustments expected from both benches and momentum hanging in the balance, Game 2 could reveal whether Ginebra can seize full control of the Finals or if TNT can immediately turn the series into a best-of-five battle.

     

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  • “He is very talented offensively”: Justin Brownlee acknowledges Chris McCullough’s talent after Game 1 win

    “He is very talented offensively”: Justin Brownlee acknowledges Chris McCullough’s talent after Game 1 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew first blood in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, edging TNT Tropang 5G, 102-100, in a thrilling Game 1 showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, June 3.

     

    In a tightly contested opener that went down to the final possession, veteran import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the clutch, drilling the game-winning basket with just 0.6 seconds remaining to secure the victory and give Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

     

    Brownlee finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, orchestrating Ginebra’s offense down the stretch while also taking charge in crucial defensive stops. The reigning fan favorite continued his reputation as one of the most reliable closers in PBA history, adding another memorable finish to his growing list of Finals heroics.

     

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    He was well-supported by rising guard RJ Abarrientos, who played one of his strongest Finals performances to date. Abarrientos tallied 24 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, providing consistent scoring and playmaking as Ginebra weathered multiple TNT rallies throughout the game. His poise in high-pressure moments proved vital in keeping the Gin Kings within striking distance before Brownlee sealed the outcome.

     

    The victory also carried added narrative weight for Brownlee, who is looking to overcome a difficult Finals history against TNT franchises in recent conferences. The Ginebra import has previously come up short multiple times against the Tropang 5G during past championship clashes, particularly during matchups against former TNT reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

    Hollis-Jefferson, who had been a central figure in TNT’s recent title runs, is currently sidelined for the season after suffering an Achilles injury while competing for the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League (EASL). His absence has reshaped TNT’s import rotation, with Chris McCullough stepping in as his replacement for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

     

    Following the game, Brownlee offered his assessment of McCullough, acknowledging both similarities and differences between TNT’s current import and his former Finals rival Hollis-Jefferson.

     

    “Obviously, C-Mac is a little bit taller, but Rondae, he plays taller than he is. I can’t really say big differences. I do think Rondae is an elite defender. I’m not saying C-Mac is not a good defender, but Rondae is definitely more known as far as when it comes to defense. He is an elite, world-class defender. Can C-Mac be that as well? I’m not sure. But he definitely has the ability to do that,” Brownlee said in a media interaction.

     

    The 38-year-old veteran import also praised McCullough’s offensive versatility, noting his ability to stretch the floor and attack off the dribble, while also placing him among a unique class of talented imports who have recently entered the PBA landscape.

     

    “Of course, C-Mac, he is very talented offensively. He is really a great shooter from the outside. He is good at driving. He is athletic. C-Mac is just as good but Bol Bol, obviously, he is a special player. But we still have a very tough challenge with C-Mac at TNT,” he added.

     

    With Ginebra taking an early series advantage, both teams now shift their focus to Game 2, scheduled for Friday, June 5, still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. TNT will be aiming to bounce back and level the series, while Ginebra looks to extend its momentum and move closer to another Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

     

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  • Ray Parks Jr. stays in B.League, signs with Ibaraki Robots for 2026-27 season 

    Ray Parks Jr. stays in B.League, signs with Ibaraki Robots for 2026-27 season 

    Ray Parks Jr. will remain in the B.League for the 2026-27 season after signing with the Ibaraki Robots, giving the club a proven veteran as it looks to improve on its 19-41 record and 10th-place finish in the East Division last season.


    After concluding a two-season stint with Osaka Evessa, the Filipino standout has found a new home with the Ibaraki Robots, giving the rebuilding franchise a proven veteran as it looks to reverse its fortunes.

     

    The move keeps Parks in Japan, where he has steadily built one of the most successful careers by a Filipino player in the B.League. Having previously suited up for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins and Osaka Evessa, the former Gilas Pilipinas guard enters his third stop in the league carrying a reputation as a dependable scorer, facilitator, and leader.

     

    For Ibaraki, the signing comes at a crucial time as the Robots are seeking a fresh identity after a difficult 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish with a 19-41 record and place 10th in the East Division. 

     

    By bringing in a player with Parks’ experience, the organization is signaling its intent to become more competitive in the upcoming season.

     

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    Parks joins the club after helping Osaka Evessa during the previous campaign. His departure became official after Evessa announced the expiration of his contract, ending a partnership that lasted two seasons.

     

    Rather than viewing the move as a setback, Parks sees it as an opportunity to help shape a new project.

     

    “To the Ibaraki Robots fans, I’m really excited for this next chapter and grateful for the opportunity to be part of your organization,” Parks said.

     

    “I can already feel the energy and support, and I can’t wait to meet everyone soon, compete together, and give everything I have for the team and the city.”

     

    The 33-year-old added that he hopes to contribute to Ibaraki’s rise in the standings and help establish the Robots as legitimate contenders in the seasons ahead.

     

    Long before becoming a fixture in Japan’s top professional league, Parks built his resume across multiple levels of Asian basketball. He suited up for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League and also played in the PBA for Blackwater Bossing and TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    His continued success overseas has made him one of the most recognizable Filipino imports in Asia, and his latest move presents another opportunity to add to that legacy.

     

    As Ibaraki looks to move beyond a 19-win season and Osaka turns the page after a 23-27 campaign, Parks finds himself at the center of a new challenge—one that could redefine the trajectory of both player and club in the 2026-27 B.League season.

     

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  • Gilas Girls set up title-deciding clash with Indonesia after crushing Thailand 

    Gilas Girls set up title-deciding clash with Indonesia after crushing Thailand 

    The 2026 FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers have quickly turned into a two-team race, and the stage is now set for a winner-take-all showdown.


    Gilas Pilipinas Girls continued their commanding run in the regional tournament after dismantling Thailand, 86-48, on Thursday at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod, extending their unbeaten streak to three games and moving within one win of the SEABA crown.

     

    With Indonesia also preserving its spotless record earlier in the day, Saturday’s meeting between the two squads will determine the tournament champion and the region’s representative moving forward.

     

    The Filipinas have barely been challenged throughout the competition. They opened with a 93-42 demolition of Vietnam before dispatching Singapore, 83-53. Against Thailand, Gilas delivered perhaps its most complete performance yet, seizing control from the opening minutes and never allowing the Thais any chance to recover.

     

    Lea Pinuela spearheaded the balanced attack with 16 points on 50-percent shooting while adding five rebounds and two assists. Ruiza Olmos made the most of her limited floor time, scoring 11 points on a perfect shooting night in just 13 minutes.

     

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    Tiffany Reyes and Zia Onate chipped in nine points each, with Onate also contributing five assists and three rebounds. Sophia Dignadice orchestrated the offense with eight points and eight assists, while Zaydhen Rosano and Rhiane Perez supplied seven and six points, respectively. Perez also controlled the glass with 10 rebounds.

     

    The depth of the Gilas roster continued to be one of its biggest strengths as every player once again managed to score, marking the third consecutive game in which the entire lineup contributed offensively.

     

    Unlike their previous victories, where opponents managed to stay within striking distance early, the Filipinas wasted no time asserting themselves against Thailand. Gilas raced to a 14-2 lead and closed the first quarter comfortably ahead, 20-6.

     

    The defensive pressure only intensified as the game progressed. Thailand struggled to generate quality looks and was held to just nine points in the third quarter, allowing the hosts to stretch the gap to 67-33 entering the final period.

     

    Thailand, which dropped to 0-2, could not produce a double-digit scorer. Kanyaphat Hookee and Paweetida Chanasimma led the team with nine points apiece as the Thais remained tied with Singapore at the bottom of the standings.

     

    While Gilas enjoyed another dominant win, Indonesia sent a message of its own earlier in the day.

    The Indonesians rolled past Vietnam, 81-32, to improve to 2-0 and keep pace with the Philippines atop the standings.

     

    Richelle Widjaja scored 14 points to lead Indonesia, while Mabekou Talla Valerie posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Praisey Blessed delivered an all-around effort with eight points, seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals.

     

    Vietnam absorbed its second straight defeat and slipped to 1-2. With both contenders yet to taste defeat and each winning its games by wide margins, Saturday’s clash between Gilas Pilipinas Girls and Indonesia promises to be the defining game of the tournament.

     

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  • “We’re going to keep chipping away”: Jalen Brunson reveals Knicks’ winning mentality 

    “We’re going to keep chipping away”: Jalen Brunson reveals Knicks’ winning mentality 

    The New York Knicks made the perfect start to the 2025-26 NBA Finals, producing a remarkable comeback to defeat the San Antonio Spurs, 105-95, in Game 1 at the Frost Bank Center on Thursday, June 4 (Philippine Standard Time).

     

    The victory handed New York a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series and continued what has become one of the most impressive postseason runs in franchise history. Facing a 14-point deficit in the second half against a talented Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama, the Knicks once again showcased the resilience and determination that have defined their playoff campaign.

     

    At the center of the comeback was star guard Jalen Brunson, who delivered another clutch performance on the NBA’s biggest stage. Brunson finished with 30 points, three rebounds, and two assists, taking control when his team needed him most. The All-Star guard scored 13 points in the fourth quarter alone, spearheading a dominant final-period surge that silenced the home crowd and extended New York’s winning streak to 12 games.

     

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    While Brunson stole the spotlight, he received valuable contributions from several teammates. Karl-Anthony Towns provided a strong presence in the paint and on the boards, OG Anunoby delivered his trademark two-way impact, and Landry Shamet chipped in with timely scoring.

    Together, they helped the Knicks erase the deficit and outplay the Spurs down the stretch.

     

    The result highlighted the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of this Knicks squad throughout the postseason. Time and again, New York has found ways to respond under pressure, refusing to panic when trailing and consistently finding answers in crucial moments.

     

    Following the victory, Brunson praised the collective mindset that has allowed the Knicks to overcome adversity throughout their playoff journey.

    “I think we know what we have to do. I think we are a pretty together group and still just continue to fight and have each others’ back and just know that we’re going to keep chipping away, chipping away. It’s a credit to the mentality we have as a team,” Brunson said after the game.

     

    The win moved New York three victories away from ending one of the longest championship droughts in franchise history. The Knicks are seeking their first NBA title since 1973 and are appearing in the Finals for the first time since 1999, adding extra significance to every game in the series.

     

    However, despite taking the early advantage, Brunson was quick to stress that the job is far from finished. The 29-year-old acknowledged the quality of the Spurs and expects a strong response from a young San Antonio roster that has exceeded expectations throughout the season.

     

    Led by the generational talent of Wembanyama, the Spurs have consistently demonstrated their ability to bounce back from adversity and remain one of the league’s most dangerous teams. For Brunson and the Knicks, maintaining focus will be essential as they attempt to seize control of the series.

     

    “They come ready to play more than any other team we have faced. We have the utmost respect for them. We know that we have got to be ready for game two. We can’t just be satisfied. We have a lot of things we can do to be better,” he added.

     

    Game 2 is set to take place at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, June 6 (Philippine Standard Time), with the Knicks aiming to carry their momentum into another hostile road environment. New York will once again look to Brunson to lead the way as they chase a crucial second victory before the series shifts venues.

     

    If Game 1 was any indication, the Knicks possess the confidence, composure, and championship belief required to compete for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Yet against a Spurs team eager to respond, they know another stern test awaits in what promises to be a fiercely contested NBA Finals.

     

     

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  • TNT carries Bol Bol into PBA Finals fight as Tropang 5G honor injured import in Game 1 

    TNT carries Bol Bol into PBA Finals fight as Tropang 5G honor injured import in Game 1 

    TNT Tropang 5G’s import Bol Manute was nowhere near the hardwood on Wednesday night, but his presence was impossible to miss.


    As TNT opened its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the team carried a visible reminder of the import who helped bring them to the championship stage.

     

    Each TNT player took the floor wearing a white jersey adorned with a yellow No. 1 patch—a tribute to Bol’s jersey number and a symbol that the injured reinforcement remains very much part of the team’s title pursuit.

     

    For TNT guard Jordan Heading, the gesture was about recognizing the impact Bol made before a devastating injury cut his conference short.

     

    “I think it was just carryong Bol along with us for the series,” Heading told reporters after the game.

     

    “Really meant a lot to us that he came out here to the Philippines and was part of our journey. And he’s stil a part of our journey, so we just wanted to have him here with us that way.”

     

    Bol’s Finals dream came to an abrupt halt during Game 2 of TNT’s semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts when he suffered a partial Achilles tear on a non-contact play. The injury ultimately required surgery, which team manager Jojo Lastimosa confirmed was completed just a few days ago.

     

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    Before his season-ending setback, Bol had established himself as one of the conference’s most dominant imports.

     

    The 7-foot-3 reinforcement averaged 35.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, serving as a cornerstone of TNT’s campaign and helping propel the franchise back into the championship round.

     

    His injury forced the Tropang 5G into an unexpected mid-playoff adjustment, leading the team to sign former PBA import Chris McCullough in an effort to defend its Commissioner’s Cup crown.

    The transition, however, came with challenges.

     

    TNT dropped Game 1 of the Finals to Barangay Ginebra, 102-100, after a tightly contested battle at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Despite the loss, Bol’s connection to the team remains intact.

     

    According to Heading, the sidelined import continues to stay involved behind the scenes, following the team’s progress and maintaining regular communication with his teammates.

     

    “He’s still in our team group chat. He’ll chuck me a message every now and then. We know he’s watching the games,” Heading said. 

     

    While Bol’s contributions can no longer come through points, rebounds, or blocked shots, TNT’s tribute served as a reminder that his influence on the team extends beyond the box score.

     

    As the Tropang 5G prepare for a crucial Game 2 on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, they will once again be chasing a championship with one of their most important players watching from afar—but still very much part of the journey.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    In the aftermath of TNT’s heartbreaking Game 1 defeat to Barangay Ginebra, much of the attention centered on the final 0.6 seconds.

     

    The Tropang 5G had one last opportunity to erase a two-point deficit after Justin Brownlee’s game-winning jumper. A well-designed inbounds play gave Calvin Oftana a chance to receive an alley-oop pass from Jordan Heading, but the attempt never materialized as Brownlee disrupted the play and preserved Ginebra’s 102-100 victory.

     

    For many, that final sequence became the defining moment of the opener.

     

    For Oftana, however, the loss was decided much earlier.

     

    While the veteran forward admitted he felt contact on the last play, he refused to pin the result on a whistle that never came.

     

    “Alam ko may foul talaga eh, pero point-six seconds na lang yung time, talagang glimpse of an eye na lang yung nangyari. Talagang dinraw ni coach yung play na yun,” Oftana said.

     

    “Ganun talaga, pero mahaba pa naman yung series, so move forward na lang and adjust sa Game Two,” he added.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the controversial finish, Oftana pointed toward the opening stages of the game where TNT spent most of the night trying to recover from its own mistakes.

     

    Ginebra stormed to an 18-point lead and dictated the pace early, forcing the defending champions into catch-up mode. Although TNT eventually erased the deficit and even threatened to steal the victory late, the uphill battle proved costly.

     

    According to Oftana, the damage had already been done long before the final possession.

     

    “Mas maiisip mo yung first half namin. Ang sama din kasi, dami naming turnovers. They’re making their shots. Kami naman, dami namin mali,” Oftana said.

     

    “So mga ganoon bagay yung unang pasok pa lang, first quarter, second quarter, yun yung pinaka-importante.”

     

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    The numbers backed up his assessment.

     

    TNT committed 15 turnovers compared to Ginebra’s 10, repeatedly giving away possessions that allowed the Kings to build confidence and establish control. The Tropang 5G also struggled to find rhythm offensively in the early stages, forcing them to expend significant energy mounting a comeback.

     

    Oftana himself was unable to impose his usual influence on the game. The three-time champion finished with 12 points but attempted only seven shots across 40 minutes while also committing three turnovers.

     

    Despite the disappointment, TNT can draw some encouragement from the way it fought back after trailing by as many as 18 points. The defending champions nearly completed the rally before Brownlee delivered another signature clutch moment for Ginebra.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from what could have been to what comes next.

     

    Rather than replaying the final sequence, Oftana and TNT are concentrating on correcting the issues that placed them in that situation in the first place as they prepare for Game 2 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    For the Tropang 5G, the lesson from the Finals opener is clear: the last play may be remembered, but the first half may have cost them the game. 

     

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  • Balanced Gilas Girls stay unbeaten, tighten grip on SEABA U18 qualifiers lead 

    Balanced Gilas Girls stay unbeaten, tighten grip on SEABA U18 qualifiers lead 

    The deeper the tournament goes, the clearer one thing becomes for Gilas Pilipinas Girls: this team is not built around a single star.

     

    Two games into the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup–SEABA Qualifiers, the Philippines has showcased a luxury few youth teams possess — production coming from virtually everywhere.

     

    That depth was on full display once again Wednesday evening as Gilas overwhelmed Singapore, 83-53, at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City to remain unbeaten and seize sole possession of first place in the five-nation tournament.

     

    Fresh off a 51-point demolition of Vietnam in its opener, the Philippines encountered a brief challenge from Singapore early on. The visitors stayed within striking distance throughout the opening quarter and trailed by just a point, 18-17, after the first 10 minutes.

     

    But once Gilas settled in, the gap between the two sides quickly became evident.

     

    Sophia Dignadice orchestrated the attack while Zaydhen Rosano helped ignite a decisive second-quarter surge that transformed a close contest into a comfortable lead. The Filipinas outscored Singapore, 26-10, in the period to enter halftime ahead, 42-27.

     

    The second-half script followed a familiar pattern.

     

    Wave after wave of Philippine pressure gradually wore down Singapore as the lead ballooned to as much as 32 points, allowing Gilas to cruise to its second straight double-digit victory.

     

    What has made the Philippines particularly dangerous through the opening rounds is the collective nature of its offense.

     

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    For the second consecutive game, every player who saw action found the scoring column, underscoring both the team’s balance and coach Sandy Arespacochaga’s confidence in his entire roster.

     

     

    Tiffany Reyes spearheaded the attack with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting clip while also contributing seven rebounds and four steals. Dignadice continued her impressive tournament with 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and four steals without committing a turnover.

     

    Rosano added nine points, while Rhiane Perez chipped in seven. Brianna Katigbak and Lea Pinuela supplied six points apiece as the Filipinas showcased their growing offensive versatility.

     

    Singapore struggled to keep pace throughout the night, with Hui Jun Ayeni emerging as its lone double-digit scorer. The defeat dropped Singapore to 0-2 in the standings.

     

    The result leaves Gilas alone at the top of the table and strengthens its position as the team to beat in the regional qualifiers. 

     

    With momentum firmly on its side, the Philippines now shifts its attention to another important test against Thailand.

     

    If the first two games have revealed anything, it is that Gilas does not need a single player to carry the load. The Filipinas are winning through numbers, depth, and relentless energy — a formula that has placed them two victories closer to another successful international campaign.

     

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  • Rey Nambatac sparks TNT rally, but Ginebra escapes Game 1 thriller 

    Rey Nambatac sparks TNT rally, but Ginebra escapes Game 1 thriller 

    Rey Nambatac delivered a strong fourth-quarter push, but it wasn’t enough as TNT Tropang 5G dropped a narrow 102-100 decision to Barangay Ginebra in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.


    While Ginebra took the early advantage in the series, much of the late-game momentum belonged to TNT’s guard, who helped turn what had been an 18-point deficit into a tense finish.

     

    Nambatac finished with 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists, with 13 of those points coming in the fourth quarter as he orchestrated TNT’s comeback attempt. 

     

    His scoring burst helped the Tropang 5G seize control briefly, taking a 95-90 lead with 3:06 remaining.

     

    The rally put TNT in position to steal Game 1 on the road, with Nambatac at the center of the offensive surge.

     

    Despite the loss, the former Finals MVP against Ginebra said the matchup carried added motivation for him.

     

    “I won Finals MVP last year so that doesn’t mean they’ll leave me alone. They made some adjustments on me and it had some good outcomes,” he said.

     

    “I was limited in the first half but it’s extra motivation for me that I won a Finals MVP against Ginebra (last year).”

     

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    He also emphasized TNT’s ability to compete despite the result.

     

    “I don’t have any regrets because we gave them a good fight and we gave the fans a show. Actually, this is what I wanted, to have my rhythm, timing and confidence. After some three-point shots, I struggled again but personally, my rhythm and timing are there,” Nambatac said.

     

    Ginebra, coached by Tim Cone, managed to weather TNT’s late surge in the final minutes. Cone’s squad leaned on Justin Brownlee for steady production and RJ Abarrientos for the decisive plays down the stretch. 

     

    Abarrientos connected on back-to-back four-point plays in the last 91 seconds, swinging the lead back to Ginebra and sealing the 102-100 victory.

     

    The result gave Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, despite TNT’s strong finish by Nambatac.

     

    Game 2 is set at 7:30PM on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where Nambatac and his squad will look to build on its late-game adjustments and avoid falling into an early series hole.

     

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  • Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    Camille Clarin powers historic Gilas Women win to end FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign 

    For three games, Gilas Pilipinas Women kept searching for a breakthrough.

     

    On the final day of its campaign in Warsaw, that breakthrough finally arrived.

     

    With its hopes of reaching the knockout stage already gone, the Philippine squad found something else worth celebrating — a landmark victory on one of the biggest stages in international 3×3 basketball.

     

    Powered by a long-awaited shooting explosion from Camille Clarin, Gilas Pilipinas Women closed out its 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup campaign with a historic 17-13 upset of World No. 11 Italy on Wednesday night (Manila time).

     

    The victory not only prevented a winless finish but also delivered the Philippines’ first triumph in the tournament, giving the team a memorable reward for its persistence against some of the world’s best programs.

     

    After struggling to find her rhythm through the opening games, Clarin saved her best performance for last.

     

    The former National University standout transformed the contest with her outside shooting, repeatedly punishing Italy from beyond the arc and providing the offensive spark Gilas had been missing throughout the tournament.

     

    Clarin drilled four two-pointers and finished with eight points, accounting for nearly half of the Philippines’ total output. Her biggest shot came with just 22 seconds left, a dagger from distance that effectively sealed the upset and sent the Filipina bench into celebration.

     

    The victory did not come without tension.

     

    Italy mounted a late charge and trimmed the deficit to 15-13 after Caterina Gilli completed an and-one play with just over a minute remaining. But every time the Italians threatened to take control, Gilas found an answer.

     

    Clarin delivered the decisive blow, while veteran leader Afril Bernardino provided stability inside with four points and six rebounds.

     

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    Mikka Cacho added three points, while Kacey Dela Rosa chipped in two as the Filipinas completed one of the most significant wins in the program’s young history.

     

    The result was especially meaningful considering the disappointment earlier in the day.

     

    Gilas showed flashes of potential against powerhouse China, racing to an early 6-1 lead and briefly putting one of Asia’s traditional contenders on the defensive. The Chinese eventually settled down and pulled away for a 20-12 victory, officially ending the Philippines’ chances of advancing.

     

    Yet instead of letting that defeat define their tournament, the Filipinas responded with their most complete performance.

     

    The final standings show Gilas finishing fourth in Pool C with a 1-3 record, narrowly missing out on the knockout rounds reserved for the top three teams.

     

    But beyond the numbers, the campaign offered something equally valuable: proof that the Philippines can compete and win against established programs on the world stage.

     

    And fittingly, it ended with a piece of history.

     

    In a tournament filled with lessons, challenges, and growing pains, Gilas Women left Warsaw with a breakthrough victory that may prove just as important as any medal — a reminder that the gap between the Philippines and the world’s elite continues to shrink.

     

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