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Category: Basketball

  • BT Toews sets long-term blueprint for Gilas Women with 2027 Asia Cup in sight

    BT Toews sets long-term blueprint for Gilas Women with 2027 Asia Cup in sight

    Rather than chasing quick fixes, new Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach Burke “BT” Toews is focused on building a sustainable program that can compete with Asia’s best by the time the Philippines hosts the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Cebu.


    The Canadian mentor, who officially took over the national team months ago after replacing Pat Aquino, sees the upcoming FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico as an important checkpoint—not the finish line.

     

    For Toews, every international tournament is an opportunity to establish the standards and playing identity he hopes will define Gilas Women in the years ahead.

     

    His confidence stems from decades of coaching experience in Japan, where he spent most of his career and helped shape one of the strongest women’s basketball programs in the world. Most recently, he guided Fujitsu Red Wave to the 2024-25 domestic league championship after a lengthy stint with the club.

     

    “I’m bringing a lot. I sent, I don’t know how many, but probably about 12 players in 10 years to the national team. Part of being a coach that long is that you are part of creating Japanese basketball. Coaches watch each other. They watch successful coaches,” Toews said.

     

    Beyond Fujitsu, Toews also coached Toyama Grouses, Hyogo Storks, Kuroda Electric Bullet Spirits, and Hitachi SunRockers Tokyo-Shibuya during a coaching career in Japan that spanned from 1992 to 2025.

     

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    His years overseas also allowed him to witness Japan’s steady rise into a global women’s basketball powerhouse. 

     

    “The fact that Japan plays the way they do is no secret. They started in 2015 with a FIBA ranking of 15. And then it took them 12 years. They went to eighth, and now they’re presently third. It doesn’t happen overnight, right? So yeah, of course,” the 60-year-old coach said.

     

    Despite drawing inspiration from Japan’s success, Toews emphasized that Gilas Women will not become a replica of the Japanese national team.

     

    Instead, he wants to blend proven concepts with the strengths of the current Filipino roster, creating a system built specifically for the players available to him.

     

    “But I don’t want to say that we can just bring what Japan does to the Filipino national team. Not only should you not copy someone completely, because you lose the essence of the players that you’re coaching and what they do well, but at the same time, I feel like there are a lot of areas that we can tune up and imitate,” he said.

     

    Recognizing the Philippines’ size disadvantage against many international opponents, Toews wants Gilas Women to become a disruptive defensive team capable of forcing turnovers and generating easy points in transition.

     

    “I think the part where I want to put in my most effort is defensively – just to make sure that we have not just a solid defense, but a defense that is also attacking because we would like to be in transition as much as possible because of our lack of size,” Toews said.

     

    “Take the best parts of Filipino players and put them in a position to succeed with the talent that they have.”

     

    Those principles will be tested immediately when Gilas Women competes in the Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament before shifting its attention to the Asian Games later this year.

     

    While Toews refused to predict results, he made it clear that expectations inside the program have already been raised.

     

    “We have high goals and we want to win every game we play. And we take it one game at a time. But I won’t make predictions, but my standards are high. And the players know that,” he said.

     

    Leading the 17-player pool for the Mexico tournament are national team veterans Jack Animam, Kacey Dela Rosa, Vanessa de Jesus, Afril Bernardino, and Janine Pontejos.

     

    For Toews, however, the success of this roster will not be measured solely by what happens in Guadalajara. It will also be determined by whether each tournament brings Gilas Women closer to becoming a team capable of challenging Asia’s elite when the Philippines welcomes the continent for the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Cebu.

     

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  • UP’s Final Four dream ends as Tsinghua escapes late in Asian University Basketball League 

    UP’s Final Four dream ends as Tsinghua escapes late in Asian University Basketball League 

    The University of the Philippines proved it could trade blows with one of Asia’s top collegiate basketball programs, but one late surge was all unbeaten Tsinghua University needed to end the Fighting Maroons’ championship aspirations.

     

    UP bowed out of title contention in the 2026 Asian University Basketball League (AUBL) after absorbing a hard-fought 85-81 defeat to China’s Tsinghua University in the quarterfinals on Thursday at the Binjiang Gymnasium.

     

    Rather than being overwhelmed by the tournament favorites, the Fighting Maroons matched Tsinghua possession for possession in a contest that featured multiple momentum swings and several lead changes.

     

    The game remained deadlocked at 74-all in the closing minutes before Tsinghua finally found the separation it had been searching for. He Wenwei and Shi Kui delivered consecutive three-pointers that suddenly gave the Chinese side breathing room and shifted the pressure onto UP.

     

    The Fighting Maroons refused to fold.

     

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    UP continued to attack until the final seconds, with Gani Stevens converting a putback basket to cut the deficit to just two points and keep hopes alive. But Shi calmly buried two pressure-packed free throws to seal Tsinghua’s victory and preserve its unbeaten run.

     

    Shi finished with a game-high 26 points and six assists, leading the Chinese powerhouse into the semifinals.

     

    Rey Remogat spearheaded the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, while Veejay Pre produced an impressive double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

     

    The victory sends Tsinghua to the Final Four, where it will face fellow Chinese squad Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The other semifinal will feature Taiwan’s National Chengchi University against Japan’s Waseda University.

     

    Although its championship bid has ended, UP’s campaign is not yet over. The Fighting Maroons will continue competing in the tournament’s classification round as they seek the highest possible final placing.

     

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  • NBA Trade Report: Dillon Brooks agrees to three-year, $73 million contract extension with Phoenix Suns

    NBA Trade Report: Dillon Brooks agrees to three-year, $73 million contract extension with Phoenix Suns

    The Phoenix Suns have secured one of the cornerstones of their new-era roster, agreeing to a three-year, $73 million contract extension with veteran forward Dillon Brooks that will keep him in Phoenix through the 2029-30 NBA season.

     

    The news was first reported by ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, who revealed on X that Brooks and the Suns had reached an agreement on the lucrative extension.

     

    “Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has agreed to a three-year, $73 million contract extension through 2029-30, Mike George of Klutch Sports tells ESPN. Brooks has become a key part of the Suns’ two-way, hard-nosed culture under Jordan Ott and lands a new guaranteed long-term deal.”

     

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    The extension represents another significant step in Phoenix’s efforts to establish a long-term identity following a dramatic roster overhaul over the past year. Brooks has quickly emerged as one of the franchise’s emotional leaders, bringing the defensive intensity, physicality, and competitive edge that the Suns have sought to build around under first-year head coach Jordan Ott.

     

    The timing of the agreement is also notable. Brooks was entering the final season of the four-year, $86 million contract he originally signed before arriving in Phoenix and would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer. By extending him now, the Suns eliminate any uncertainty surrounding one of their most important veterans while reinforcing their commitment to continuity.

    At 30 years old, Brooks is coming off arguably the finest season of his nine-year NBA career. He averaged a career-best 20.2 points per game while contributing 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists, showcasing the most complete offensive production of his career without sacrificing the defensive tenacity that has defined his reputation around the league.

     

    Although injuries interrupted portions of his season, Brooks still proved invaluable whenever he was on the floor. He appeared in 56 regular-season games after missing 18 contests with a fractured left hand, but his return provided an immediate lift as Phoenix surged into the postseason.

     

    During the Suns’ playoff campaign, Brooks elevated his game even further. He led the team in scoring with 26.0 points per game while connecting on an outstanding 43.8 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. Despite his stellar individual performances, Phoenix was unable to advance, suffering a first-round sweep at the hands of the eventual Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

     

    Brooks’ journey to Phoenix has been one of steady evolution. He arrived with the Suns on July 26, 2025, as part of one of the most complex trades in recent NBA history—a seven-team blockbuster that sent former Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets while bringing Brooks and rising guard Jalen Green to Arizona. The move marked the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise, with Brooks quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s foundational veterans.

     

    Originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 45th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Brooks spent six seasons in Memphis before continuing his career with Houston. Throughout his time in the league, he has earned a reputation as one of basketball’s premier perimeter defenders, routinely drawing assignments against opposing stars while embracing the role of defensive enforcer.

     

    Brooks has also become one of the NBA’s most polarizing personalities. His relentless trash talk, physical style of play, and willingness to challenge the league’s biggest names have made him a frequent lightning rod for criticism. At the same time, those same qualities have earned him widespread respect from teammates, coaches, and many fans, who view him as the type of player capable of changing a team’s mentality and competitive culture.

     

    That influence has already been evident in Phoenix. Beyond the statistics, Brooks has helped instill a tougher, more resilient identity on both ends of the floor, emerging as one of the emotional engines behind the Suns’ resurgence. His leadership, defensive versatility, and improved offensive consistency have made him indispensable to the organization’s long-term plans.

     

    By locking Brooks into a new deal before the start of the season, Phoenix sends a clear message about the direction of the franchise. The Suns are not only investing in one of their most productive players but also in the culture they believe can return them to championship contention. With Brooks now secured through the end of the decade, the organization has reaffirmed its belief that his intensity, leadership, and two-way impact will remain central to its pursuit of an NBA title.

     

     

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  • NLEX eyes 7-0 sweep, Magnolia and Meralco battle to keep playoff hopes alive 

    NLEX eyes 7-0 sweep, Magnolia and Meralco battle to keep playoff hopes alive 

    NLEX has spent the opening stretch of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup proving it can win, but staying perfect brings a different kind of challenge.

     

    The Road Warriors look to protect their unbeaten 6-0 record when they face Terrafirma once again on Friday at 5:15 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, hoping to move one step closer to securing a playoff berth in Group A.

     

    Rather than dwelling on the spotless record, NLEX has embraced a simple approach that head coach Jimmy Alapag has preached since the beginning of the conference.

     

    “Honestly, the only time we’re reminded of it is after the game,” import DeQuan Jones said.

     

    “Like, literally, even the first talk we had with coach Jimmy (Alapag), he said we’re going to have a ‘next play’ mentality and we’re taking every game one at a time.”

     

    “We’re literally focused and homed in and put all of our energy in the next accomplishment because we know what we want to achieve and that’s by brick by brick… and we know and understand that and we’re just taking it brick by brick.”

     

    That mindset has helped transform the Road Warriors into the league’s lone unbeaten team, but recent victories have also reminded them that nothing comes easy.

     

    NLEX nearly surrendered a 17-point lead before escaping defending champion TNT with an 88-83 victory earlier this week, while its first meeting against Terrafirma also came down to the wire.

     

    Back on July 12, the Dyip erased a 23-point deficit and had a chance to steal the win before Justin Arana’s potential game-winner missed in the closing seconds, allowing NLEX to survive, 101-100.

     

    Alapag believes those tense finishes offer valuable lessons despite the winning streak.

    “I want us to try our best to not think about the record so much, just because there’s still so much conference left to play,” Alapag said.

     

    “But like I told the guys, this is a compliment to their work ethic and their competitive spirit, which is why we’re here right now.”

     

    “It’s not easy to win six in a row in the PBA.”

     

    “Credit goes to DeQuan and the rest of our guys for, you know, continuing to weather whatever challenges we’ve faced so far this early in the conference.”

     

    “But, again, there’s still so much work to be done.”

     

    Terrafirma, meanwhile, enters with a 2-4 record and hopes to finally finish the comeback it nearly completed in their first encounter.

     

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    Magnolia, Meralco clash in pivotal Group B rematch

     

    Later in the evening, Magnolia and Meralco renew their rivalry in another matchup carrying significant playoff implications.

     

    The Hotshots, tied with Barangay Ginebra at 2-3, currently occupy the final Top Four position in Group B, while the Bolts sit at the bottom with a 2-4 slate and little room for error entering the second half of the eliminations.

     

    Magnolia heads into the rematch with confidence after dismantling Ginebra, 88-73, in the latest edition of the Manila Clasico.

     

    Head coach LA Tenorio credited his team’s disciplined defensive effort, particularly against former teammate RJ Abarrientos.

     

    “Kung meron man nakakakilala kay RJ sa kanila sa court, sa team, I think ako siguro ‘yun,” Tenorio said.

     

    “RJ is a superstar. We cannot just play him straight up or play him normal. We treat him like an import.”

     

    “I have to go back to all the players who guarded the whole team. We were very disciplined with our game plan. ‘Yun ang maganda sa amin today.”

     

    That defensive identity will once again be tested against a Meralco squad desperate to halt a three-game losing streak.

     

    The Bolts have dropped consecutive games to Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, and Rain or Shine, putting their postseason hopes in danger.

     

    They could also receive a timely boost if leading scorer CJ Cansino returns from injury for the crucial rematch.

     

    With the elimination round entering its decisive stretch, Friday’s twin bill could significantly reshape the playoff race in both groups.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield edges closer to Gilas dream with Asian Games pool inclusion 

    Sedrick Barefield edges closer to Gilas dream with Asian Games pool inclusion 

    For years, wearing a Gilas Pilipinas jersey remained out of reach for Sedrick Barefield despite his Filipino roots.

     

    Now, the Blackwater star is closer than ever to turning that childhood dream into reality.

     

    Barefield has been named to the 30-man Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 Asian Games, giving him a legitimate opportunity to represent the Philippines for the first time in international competition.

     

    Unlike FIBA tournaments, where Barefield is ineligible to suit up as a local player, the Asian Games follows a different set of eligibility rules that only require athletes to hold a Philippine passport.

     

    That distinction suddenly places the explosive guard firmly in contention as Gilas prepares to defend the historic gold medal it captured in Hangzhou two years ago.

     

    The Fil-Am guard admitted the news caught him by surprise but quickly became one of the biggest moments of his basketball career.

     

    “I was really excited. It got sent to me early in the morning.”

     

    Barefield told reporters.

     

    “It’s something that, as a kid, you always dream about. I’ve been aware of it since I was young, so I’m just excited. I’m praying for the best.”

     

    His inclusion comes alongside Meralco big man Brandon Bates as among the fresh faces added to the expanded national team pool ahead of the September tournament in Japan.

     

    While making the preliminary list is only the first step, Barefield understands the opportunity that now lies in front of him.

     

    Rather than looking too far ahead, he plans to focus on proving himself if given the chance to train with some of the country’s best players under Gilas.

     

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    “I’m not sure what’s going to happen from here, but I’m praying for the best,”

     

    he said.

     

    “I’m going to give it my all day in and day out. I’m going to soak up as much as I can from the players around me and use it as an opportunity to grow and learn.”

     

    Barefield also backed up his growing reputation on the court just hours after the announcement.

     

    The high-scoring guard erupted for 26 points to lead Blackwater past Phoenix, 106-100, in the opening game of the second round of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, further strengthening his case as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons.

     

    Should Barefield survive the final cut, he would become one of the key backcourt options for a Gilas squad aiming to defend the Asian Games championship it famously won in 2023 under coach Tim Cone.

     

    For Barefield, however, the objective extends beyond simply making the roster.

     

    “You want to walk away with a medal, a gold medal. Hopefully we can bring that home,” Barefield added on Gilas’ Asian Games mindset.

     

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  • UP strengthens rebuilding bid with five new recruits for upcoming UAAP campaigns 

    UP strengthens rebuilding bid with five new recruits for upcoming UAAP campaigns 

    As the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons focus on their UAAP Season 89 campaign, the program has already laid the foundation for the future after securing five new recruits who are expected to play key roles once they become eligible in Season 90 following the mandatory one-year residency period.


    Leading the incoming class are Fil-Am twins Heart and Hannah Lising, who arrive after playing for Los Angeles Mission College. Although they will spend their first year developing within the program, the sisters are expected to become integral pieces of UP’s long-term plans.

     

    Joining them is 5-foot-6 Fil-Am guard Kristan Yumul, whose resume already includes several notable appearances for the Philippine national team despite her young age.

     

    Yumul was instrumental in Gilas Pilipinas Girls Under-16’s successful campaign in the 2022 FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship, averaging an impressive 21.6 points per game as the Philippines earned promotion to Division A.

     

    Later that year, she suited up for the Gilas Under-18 squad and contributed 10.6 points per game in another promotion-winning campaign at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Championship.

     

    Her steady rise continued in 2024 when she debuted for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s national team. Most recently, she represented the country in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League – Asia Pacific Conference, further strengthening an already impressive basketball résumé before joining UP.

     

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    The Fighting Maroons also welcomed 19-year-old Fil-Aussie forward Lecita Sherriffs, who, like the other newcomers, will spend a season in residency before becoming eligible.

     

    Completing the recruiting class is 18-year-old Nigerian Okesola Victoria Olauluwa, whose arrival comes at an opportune time after the UAAP approved the inclusion of two foreign student-athletes in a team’s lineup. Once eligible, she is expected to join fellow Nigerian Blessing Chuole Francis to give UP additional size and depth in future seasons.

     

    The additions mark another step in the program’s transition under head coach Eric Altamirano, who emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the roster.

     

    “Siyempre, recruitment naman ang lifeblood of any program, and we’re just happy for the trust these players gave us, even as they wait for a year before being able to play,” said Altamirano.

    While the newcomers patiently wait for their opportunity in Season 90, UP’s attention remains on the immediate challenge of UAAP Season 89.

     

    The Fighting Maroons will lean on veterans Louna Ozar and Camille Nolasco, along with promising recruits Kennan Ka, Ashley Loon, and Blessing Chuole Francis, as they attempt to return to the Final Four after finishing fifth and seventh in the last two UAAP women’s basketball tournaments.

     

    Altamirano also stressed that every member of the growing roster will have an opportunity to contribute as the program continues its rebuild.

     

    “What we can promise naman is all of them will be given the chance to prove themselves, kasi kailangan natin lahat sila,” he said.

     

    UP hopes its latest recruiting class will help restore the Fighting Maroons as contenders in the coming years after the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses captured the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball championship by dethroning the defending champion National University Lady Bulldogs. 

     

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  • Matthew Wright leaves door open for PBA return during homecoming visit 

    Matthew Wright leaves door open for PBA return during homecoming visit 

    Matthew Wright may currently be focused on a new chapter in Japan, but the PBA still feels like home.

     

    The veteran guard made an unexpected appearance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, giving Philippine basketball fans a glimpse of a familiar face as he stopped by the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    While many wondered if the visit hinted at an immediate comeback, Wright made it clear that his priorities remain with Strong Group Athletics and his newly signed B.League club, the Saitama Broncos. Still, he admitted that returning to the PBA is far from being off the table.

     

    The former Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters standout spent much of his visit catching up with former teammates, Gilas Pilipinas players, coaches, and friends he built relationships with during his six-year PBA career.

     

     

    “It’s good to see the guys. I have a lot of friends still in the PBA,” Wright told One Sports. “It’s good to see them playing well, doing well and catching up with their families.”

     

    “I haven’t forgot about them, I was here for six years so you develop a lot of friendships.”

     

    Rather than suiting up in the Governors’ Cup, Wright is back in the Philippines for another opportunity to wear the country’s colors as he joins Strong Group Athletics in its bid to defend the William Jones Cup title in Taiwan.

     

    The tournament also marks his first stint with the powerhouse club despite having represented the Philippines on multiple occasions in international competitions.

     

    “This is my first time playing for SGA,” says Wright. “Obviously it’s not my first time representing the Philippines but that’s always a big deal for me. That’s an easy sell no matter what.”

     

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    Wright also revealed that his participation came with the full support of the Saitama Broncos after recently signing with the B.League Division One franchise.

     

    Although he remains committed to completing his contract in Japan, the 34-year-old acknowledged that Philippine basketball continues to hold a special place in his career and personal life.

     

    “I’m under contract in Japan. I signed for a year so after that year… who knows? Anything can happen.”

     

    “PBA is never too far away from my side. It’s close to home, I have a family here, I still have property here, I have business here so it’s always a possibility to come back.”

     

    For now, Wright’s attention shifts to helping Strong Group Athletics chase a third consecutive William Jones Cup championship. But his brief homecoming served as a reminder that while his career has taken him overseas once again, the possibility of another PBA chapter remains very much alive.

     

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  • Sedrick Barefield fuels Blackwater’s revenge bid, powers Bossing past Phoenix

    Sedrick Barefield fuels Blackwater’s revenge bid, powers Bossing past Phoenix

    After ending the opening round of the PBA Governor’s Cup with a frustrating 93-102 defeat to the Fuel Masters, the Bossing made sure history would not repeat itself. 


    They turned the tables on Wednesday night, using a dominant fourth-quarter finish to pull away for a 106-100 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and breathe new life into their campaign.

     

    The win carried extra weight for Blackwater, which had dropped three straight games to close out the first round and entered the second phase of Group B competition needing a momentum-shifting performance.

     

    Sedrick Barefield made certain his second meeting with Phoenix would be remembered for different reasons.

     

    The sophomore guard, who was limited to just 10 points on 5-of-19 shooting in their previous encounter, erupted for 26 points this time. Eleven of those came in the final period as Blackwater unleashed a decisive 29-14 closing run that erased Phoenix’s hopes of completing another victory over the Bossing.

     

    “I feel like I had some of my best games against Phoenix so not having a great game against them last time kind of put a bad taste in the mouth,’’ Barefield said.

     

    His late-game takeover reflected the urgency inside the Blackwater locker room.

     

    “We knew today was important, if we lost, it would become tough for us going forward. It was do or die for us so that set the tone,” the sophomore guard said.

     

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    While Barefield delivered the finishing blows, import Kentrell Barkley provided the steady production that kept the Bossing within striking distance throughout the contest. Barkley powered Blackwater with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists, while RK Ilagan chipped in 15 points and six rebounds.

     

    Head coach Pat Aquino praised Barefield’s growing influence after another clutch performance.

    “I love what Sed has been doing. He is becoming the leader of the team. He took over,” Aquino said.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, leaned heavily on import BJ Johnson, who exploded for a game-high 45 points in a losing effort. Ricci Rivero added 15 points, while Kai Ballungay finished with 12 as the Fuel Masters were unable to hold off Blackwater’s late surge.

     

    Despite the setback, Phoenix remained tied with Rain or Shine atop Group B with a 4-2 win-loss record.

     

    For Blackwater, the victory was more than just revenge. Improving to 3-3, the Bossing halted their three-game slide and put themselves back in the hunt as the second round gets underway.

     

    Blackwater will try to build on its renewed momentum when it takes on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, August 9, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

     

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  • George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    George King drops conference-high 46 as San Miguel halts Converge’s skid bid 

    San Miguel Beer wasted little time putting its latest setback behind it.

     

    After seeing its momentum halted by TNT in its previous outing, the Beermen responded with one of their most complete performances of the conference, overpowering Converge, 126-114, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to strengthen their position in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The victory lifted San Miguel to a 5-2 record in Group A while handing the FiberXers a fourth straight defeat after they opened the conference with three consecutive victories.

    The game was anything but comfortable early on.

     

    Converge stayed within striking distance throughout the first two quarters and even trailed by just a point, 65-64, at halftime as Jamaal Franklin, Justin Arana, and Calvin Abueva kept the FiberXers within striking distance.

     

    But everything changed after the break.

     

    San Miguel turned the third quarter into a statement, exploding for 37 points while limiting Converge to only 21. What had been a tightly contested battle suddenly became a double-digit lead as the Beermen stormed ahead, 102-85, entering the fourth.

     

    Converge attempted one last push behind Abueva’s aggressive scoring late in the game, but every rally was answered by George King, who repeatedly delivered baskets whenever the FiberXers threatened to make things interesting.

     

    The import finished with a conference-high 46 points along with 14 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in another dominant all-around performance.

     

    While King’s scoring grabbed the headlines, San Miguel’s balance proved equally important.

     

    The Beermen received 27 points from Don Trollano, while reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo quietly orchestrated the offense with a near triple-double of five points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists.

     

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    Head coach Leo Austria pointed to that collective effort as the biggest reason behind the bounce-back win.

     

    “The reason for this win, I think we’re able to balance the scoring. If you imagine, ang bench points namin 63, and that’s what I’m looking for sa team,” Austria said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “At the same time, we’re able to limit the fastbreak points of our opponent, which I think Converge is very good at the fastbreak. Another thing is the turnover, very limited, and we have a lot of assists.”

     

    The numbers backed up Austria’s assessment.

     

    San Miguel committed just nine turnovers while preventing Converge from getting easy transition opportunities, limiting the FiberXers to only 12 fastbreak points — a significant achievement against one of the league’s fastest-paced teams.

     

    Converge, meanwhile, continued searching for answers after another frustrating outing.

     

    Franklin and Abueva each finished with 26 points, while Justine Baltazar added 21 and Justin Arana chipped in 17, but the FiberXers had no response for San Miguel’s third-quarter avalanche.

     

    Instead of snapping their losing skid, Converge saw its early-season promise fade further as its losing streak reached four games, while the Beermen reminded the rest of the league why they remain among the top championship contenders despite recent setbacks.

     

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  • Leo Austria returns after heart procedure, guides San Miguel to victory

    Leo Austria returns after heart procedure, guides San Miguel to victory

    The San Miguel Beermen continued their impressive campaign in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, overpowering the Converge FiberXers, 126-114, on Wednesday, August 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Leading the charge was import George King, who delivered a dominant all-around performance to help the Beermen secure their fifth victory of the conference. King erupted for a game-high 46 points while grabbing 14 rebounds and dishing out six assists, bouncing back in emphatic fashion after a disappointing outing in San Miguel’s previous loss to the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    King dictated the tempo from the opening quarter, attacking the basket relentlessly while knocking down timely perimeter shots. He also made his presence felt on the defensive end and in transition, allowing the Beermen to maintain control despite several comeback attempts by the FiberXers.

     

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    His stellar performance was complemented by San Miguel’s balanced offensive execution, as the Beermen capitalized on efficient ball movement and timely contributions from their local core to keep Converge at bay throughout the contest.

     

    The victory was made even more meaningful by the return of veteran head coach Leo Austria, who was back on the sidelines after missing the team’s previous six games while recovering from a heart procedure.

    Austria recently underwent an angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow by opening blocked coronary arteries. Although he was away from game-day coaching duties, the 68-year-old mentor remained actively involved in the team’s preparations by attending practices and providing guidance behind the scenes.

     

    Speaking after the game, Austria expressed gratitude for being given another opportunity to coach.

     

    “Thanks God I was able to have another opportunity to coach the team. I would like to thank the people who helped me, for saving my life,” Austria said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The veteran tactician admitted that returning to the bench was an emotional experience, particularly during the opening minutes of the game.

     

    “At the start, I was really nervous because I’m trying to feel the rhythm of the game. And I’m so happy because even though I’m not coaching in the past six games, I’m always in the practice, trying my best to be with the team, to inspire them. They wanted me to coach, I’m here. I’m thankful dahil baka I think baka 99 percent na okay ako,” he added.

     

    Austria’s return provided an emotional boost for the Beermen, who have maintained their strong form despite his temporary absence. The players responded with a disciplined performance on both ends of the floor, giving their longtime coach a memorable victory in his first game back.

    With the win, San Miguel improved to a 5-2 record, strengthening its hold on second place in the Group A standings and further establishing itself as one of the top contenders in the Governors’ Cup.

     

    The Beermen will now look to build on their momentum when they face the Macau Giant Pandas on Saturday, August 8, at the Ynares Center in Montalban. With King rediscovering his dominant form and Austria back calling the shots from the bench, San Miguel hopes to continue its winning run as the race for playoff positioning intensifies.

     

     

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