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Category: Basketball

  • “I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

    “I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

    Calvin Oftana continues to solidify his status as one of the most versatile forwards in Philippine basketball, with the TNT Tropang Giga and Philippine Basketball Association standout drawing increasing attention from overseas clubs amid his rising profile for both club and country.

     

    The 30-year-old has emerged as a key figure for both Gilas Pilipinas and TNT, thanks to his two-way impact, perimeter shooting, and ability to guard multiple positions. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed internationally, with his agent PJ Pilares recently confirming that teams from South Korea have expressed interest and are actively pursuing a potential signing.

     

    Despite the growing buzz around a possible overseas move, Oftana has made it clear that his immediate focus remains with TNT, emphasizing professionalism and commitment to his current contract.

     

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    “I respect my contract. I respect my team. Kailangan ko i-honor yun as a professional player. Happy lang ako na may mga ganung pangyayari sa buhay ko. As of now, focused ako sa conference na ito at sa all throughout ng contract ko,” Oftana said in a media interaction.

     

    While he acknowledged the attention coming from abroad as a positive sign of his development, Oftana stressed that he is not rushing into any decisions and remains fully locked in with his current campaign.

    “Hindi natin alam, di ba? Kasi hindi natin alam yung panahon. As of now, focus ako sa Talk ‘N Text kasi napamahal na ako dito. Sabi ko nga kay boss PJ, siya na bahala sa kung anong meron sa labas. Pero internally, dito ako sa Talk ‘N Text,” he added.

     

    Oftana’s rise has been steady and well-earned. A standout during his collegiate years with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA, he was selected third overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA Draft. After a brief stint with NLEX, he was traded to TNT, where his career has since flourished.

     

    Since joining the Tropang Giga, Oftana has become one of the franchise’s most reliable two-way wings, contributing to multiple championship runs and establishing himself as a core piece of their long-term plans. His achievements include three PBA championships, the 2025 PBA Order of Merit, the 2024 PBA 3-Point Shootout (Guards division) title, and multiple All-Star selections, underscoring his rapid ascent in the professional ranks.

     

    Beyond the numbers, TNT values Oftana’s versatility and maturity on both ends of the floor—traits that have also made him a valuable asset for Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions. His ability to stretch defenses, defend bigger wings, and provide consistent scoring has made him one of the most trusted options in the national pool.

     

    While interest from South Korea signals growing recognition of his talent on the Asian stage, Oftana remains measured about what comes next, prioritizing stability and growth within TNT’s system for now. Still, the possibility of an overseas stint remains open-ended, depending on future opportunities and timing.

     

    As the current PBA season continues, Oftana’s focus will be on helping TNT chase more championships, while his long-term trajectory—both in the Philippines and potentially abroad—will be one of the more closely watched storylines among Filipino basketball talents in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao sets up semis clash vs Carl Tamayo in KBL 

    Kevin Quiambao sets up semis clash vs Carl Tamayo in KBL 

    Some rivalries don’t fade—they evolve. For Gilas Pilipinas teammates Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo, the next chapter will unfold on a different stage, but with the same competitive edge that has followed them for years.

     

    The stage now shifts to the Korean Basketball League semifinals after Quiambao steered the Goyang Sono Skygunners past the Seoul SK Knights, escaping with a tense 66-65 win in Game 3 to complete a stunning 3-0 sweep of the higher-seeded squad.

     

    It wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement.

     

    Sono, the lower seed, showed composure in the tightest moments, even after letting a comfortable cushion slip away late in the fourth quarter. What once looked like control quickly turned into a scramble, as Seoul clawed back and briefly seized the lead behind a clutch basket from Jameel Warney.

     

    But just as quickly, the momentum flipped again. With four seconds left, Nathan Knight delivered the decisive blow, knocking down the go-ahead shot that ultimately sealed the series and silenced any hopes of a comeback.

     

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    In the middle of it all was Quiambao. The Gilas standout finished with 19 points and nine rebounds—just shy of a double-double—while anchoring Sono’s effort on both ends. It was another steady performance that underscored his growing role in the team’s playoff run.

     

    Knight led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, providing the finishing touch in a game that demanded execution under pressure.

     

    On the other side, Filipino reinforcement Arvin Tolentino added 11 points for Seoul in a losing effort, as the Knights saw their campaign end earlier than expected.

     

    Now, the spotlight shifts to what lies ahead. Waiting in the semifinals is the defending champion Changwon LG Sakers, bannered by Tamayo—a familiar name in Quiambao’s journey.

     

    From their days as teammates at NU-Nazareth School to their fierce collegiate clashes between De La Salle and UP, their paths have long been intertwined. Now, they meet again, this time with a trip to the KBL Finals on the line.

     

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  • Kawhi Leonard noncommittal on future following Clippers’ NBA exit

    Kawhi Leonard noncommittal on future following Clippers’ NBA exit

    The Los Angeles Clippers saw their 2025–26 National Basketball Association campaign come to a disappointing end on Thursday, April 16 (Philippine Standard Time), falling 126–121 to the Golden State Warriors at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

     

    In a tightly contested playoff clash, the Warriors leaned on their veteran firepower down the stretch. Stephen Curry once again delivered in the clutch, erupting for 35 points, including key baskets in the closing minutes that ultimately sealed the victory. He was well-supported by Kristaps Porzingis and Gui Santos, who chipped in 20 points apiece, giving Golden State the offensive balance needed to outlast a determined Clippers side.

     

    For Los Angeles, Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 21 points on an efficient 8-of-17 shooting clip, while also contributing seven rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Clippers were unable to capitalize on momentum swings throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter where execution proved costly. The defeat was made even more frustrating given that Los Angeles had beaten the same Warriors squad in their regular-season finale, raising expectations that they could replicate that success in a win-or-go-home scenario.

     

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    The loss not only ended the Clippers’ season but also reignited questions surrounding Leonard’s future with the franchise. When asked postgame about what lies ahead, the typically reserved superstar offered little clarity.

     

    “Let me cry about this loss a little bit more. We will have our discussions when that time comes,” Leonard said.

    Leonard, 34, remains under contract for the 2026–27 season, where he is set to carry a cap hit of approximately $50 million. However, his long-term future in Los Angeles is far from certain. He is projected to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2027 offseason and will soon be eligible for a contract extension. According to reports from ESPN, the maximum extension the Clippers can offer stands at $126.1 million over two additional seasons.

     

    Complicating matters further are recent reports involving both Leonard and the franchise in a controversy tied to alleged attempts to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap rules. The situation prompted league authorities to initiate an investigation, though Leonard appeared unfazed when addressing the issue.

     

    “I never thought about it too much other than questions asked. You will have to ask the NBA, not me. I’m not the one doing the investigation, I think we are going to be in the clear. I’m not stressing it,” he added.

     

    Amid the uncertainty, Leonard’s individual brilliance this season cannot be overlooked. The two-way star delivered one of the finest campaigns of his career, averaging a career-high 27.9 points per game while ranking among the league’s top 10 in field goal percentage, two-point percentage, and three-point percentage—a testament to his elite efficiency and scoring versatility.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest two-way players in NBA history, Leonard’s résumé speaks for itself. A two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, he has consistently proven his ability to perform on the biggest stage. His accolades also include a NBA All-Star Game MVP award in 2020, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, the 2015 steals title, and seven All-Star selections.

     

    As the Clippers head into a pivotal offseason, the focus now shifts to roster decisions and the future of their franchise cornerstone. Whether Leonard remains the centerpiece of the team’s championship aspirations or explores a new chapter elsewhere will be one of the most closely watched storylines in the coming months.

     

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    After a brief setback, Juan Gomez de Liano is steadily finding his footing again—and just in time for Converge’s push in the standings.


    Coming off a right knee contusion that sidelined him for three games, the young guard has begun to reestablish his presence for the FiberXers. 

     

    His return was highlighted in their dominant 103-82 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where he contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in a balanced team effort.

     

    The injury traced back to their loss against Terrafirma last March, forcing Gomez de Liano to undergo an MRI evaluation and a period of recovery before being cleared to return. While not yet at full strength, his recent outings suggest a player gradually regaining rhythm.

     

    Prior to the Titan win, Gomez de Liano also showed flashes of form despite a 120-111 loss to league leader Rain or Shine, tallying 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

     

    “I’m getting there. As long as it’s not getting any worse, (I’m fine), there’s always progress every day. Always trying to get one-percent better. I’m about 70-percent still, but slowly getting back to game shape,” de Liano said.

     

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    For a Converge squad trying to stay alive in the playoff race, his return couldn’t have come at a better time. The team improved to 2-5, snapping a five-game skid with the emphatic win over Titan and showing signs of cohesion after weeks of inconsistency.

     

    Head coach Delta Pineda emphasized that the team’s steady improvement isn’t accidental, pointing to their tightening chemistry and closer statistical outputs in recent games.

     

    “Talagang wala nang tigil ang dasal para makuha po ‘yung pangalawang panalo. ’Yung stats namin hindi na nalalayo the last four games. Unti-unti, ‘yung chemistry ng mga bata, na-bi-build na po,” Converge’s head coach Delta Pineda said.

     

    The timing is crucial, with Converge currently sitting at 10th place and facing a tough stretch ahead, including matchups against Magnolia and TNT.

     

    Gomez de Liano’s return also coincides with the availability of Calvin Abueva, giving the FiberXers a much-needed boost in experience and versatility. With the roster nearing full strength, expectations are rising for the team to finally convert competitive performances into consistent wins.

     

    Beyond this current conference, Gomez de Liano has already proven to be a cornerstone for the franchise. The former No. 2 overall pick made an immediate impact in his rookie season, delivering triple-doubles and even erupting for a 32-point performance in a win over Barangay Ginebra, showcasing his ability to take over games.

     

    Now, as he works his way back to full health, Converge is banking on Gomez de Liano to once again orchestrate their offense and help steer the team back into playoff contention—one steady step at a time.

     

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  • Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have stormed out of the gates in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, extending their unbeaten run to seven games with a 124–117 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, April 15, at the Ynares Center.

     

    Rain or Shine showcased its depth once again, with four players finishing in double figures. Adrian Asistio and Jhonard Johnson led the way with 18 points apiece, anchoring a balanced offensive attack that continues to fuel the team’s early dominance in the conference.

     

    Beyond the numbers, one of the game’s most engaging moments came from the spirited matchup between veteran Beau Belga and rookie Shawn Umali. The two big men traded highlights in the second quarter, with the 6-foot-3 Umali muscling his way to a one-handed scoop over the 39-year-old Belga. The veteran quickly answered back on the other end, knocking down a three-pointer in the next possession to the delight of the crowd.

     

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    Belga finished with six points on an efficient 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, along with two rebounds and two assists in limited minutes. Umali, for his part, contributed five points on a perfect 2-of-2 clip in 11 minutes of action.

     

    Despite the competitive exchange, Belga was all praise for the young Terrafirma big man after the game.

     

    “I just wish the guy a better career. Bata pa naman yun. E, ako halos pa-retiro na,” Belga said in a media interaction.

    The veteran admitted he sees similarities between himself and Umali, while noting the rookie’s physical edge.

     

    “Mas mataba pa ako dun. But the good thing with us ni JR, nadadala namin yung katawan namin. Kaya naming i-manage, hindi kami nai-injury kahit mabigat kami. Yun siguro yung naging advantage namin.

     

    “Kasi maraming nagsasabi sa iyo kapag ganun ang katawan mo hindi ka magtatagal sa liga. Sa tingin ko naman napatunayan ko naman yun. I have been in the league for 17 years with this type of body and nag-survive naman,” he added.

     

    Belga also highlighted Umali’s potential, pointing out the unique combination of size and mobility.

     

    “Ang advantage niya mabigat na siya, hefty siya, plus mabilis siya. He just has to manage kung anuman ang meron ka and make it an advantage and not a disadvantage. Hindi ko lang ulam kung paano niya i-manage yung katawan niya, how he works out, kung paano mo dalhin yung sarili mo sa professional league kasi yun ang puhunan namin, yung katawan,” Belga continued.

    True to his role as one of the league’s most respected veterans, Belga extended an open hand to the rookie.

     

    “Anything that will be good for his career. I will be happy to help, kasi hindi ko naman puwedeng sarilinin lang yung alam ko. I want to share it to anybody, I want kung sino man yung gustong matuto,” he concluded.

     

    Rain or Shine’s perfect start reflects not only its firepower but also its chemistry and depth, qualities that make the Elasto Painters early contenders in the Commissioner’s Cup. Meanwhile, the Belga–Umali exchange offered a compelling glimpse of the league’s generational transition—where seasoned veterans continue to set the standard while guiding the next wave of talent.

     

     

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  • NBA Play-In Roundup: 76ers advance, Warriors stay alive

    NBA Play-In Roundup: 76ers advance, Warriors stay alive

    The margins are thin in the play-in. One team moves forward, the other starts packing.

     

    On a night where everything was on the line, the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors found different ways to survive—and keep their seasons alive.

     

    Philadelphia, playing with the urgency of a team determined to return to the postseason, leaned on Tyrese Maxey when it mattered most.

     

    The explosive guard took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 31 points to push the 76ers past the Orlando Magic, 109-97, and secure the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

     

    It wasn’t a blowout. It was a slow pull-away. Orlando kept inching back—cutting the deficit to a possession multiple times midway through the fourth—but each push was met with a response. 

     

    Maxey’s burst, combined with timely baskets from VJ Edgecombe and Paul George, finally created the separation Philadelphia needed.

     

    From there, control never slipped. The win sets up a first-round clash with the Boston Celtics, marking a return to the playoffs for a franchise that missed out last season after a long run of appearances.

     

    For Orlando, the path gets tougher. Despite a 34-point explosion from Desmond Bane, the Magic now face a do-or-die matchup against the Charlotte Hornets for the final playoff spot.

     

    Out West, survival came with a different script. The Golden State Warriors looked headed for elimination for most of the night, trailing the Los Angeles Clippers deep into the fourth quarter. But when the game tightened, experience—and shot-making—took over.

     

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    A 27-13 closing run flipped everything. 

     

    Stephen Curry delivered his usual brilliance with 35 points, but it was 39-year-old Al Horford who changed the game’s direction. After scoring just two points through three quarters, the veteran caught fire late, knocking down four three-pointers in the final minutes to swing momentum completely.

     

    His sudden burst turned a deficit into control—and stunned a Clippers team that had led for most of the contest.

     

    Golden State’s supporting cast followed suit. Gui Santos provided all-around production, while Kristaps Porzingis chipped in key baskets that kept the comeback within reach.

     

    For the Clippers, it was a collapse they couldn’t recover from.

     

    Strong early performances from Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard built a double-digit lead, but the offense stalled late, and the turnovers mounted just as Golden State surged.

     

    By the final minute, the outcome had already shifted. The win sends the Warriors into another elimination game against the Phoenix Suns, with the final Western Conference playoff spot still up for grabs—and the Oklahoma City Thunder waiting on the other side.

     

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  • Jimmy Alapag moves on from Sacramento Kings after six years as part of coaching staff 

    Jimmy Alapag moves on from Sacramento Kings after six years as part of coaching staff 

    For Jimmy Alapag, the end of a chapter doesn’t feel like an ending—it feels like a pause before the next move.

     

    After six years climbing the coaching ladder within the Sacramento Kings organization, the Filipino basketball icon has officially stepped away, closing a journey that quietly turned a long-held dream into reality.

     

    “Thank you SacTown… My time here is up,” Alapag shared. “What was once a dream to coach in the NBA became a reality in Sacramento.”

     

    It wasn’t a sudden leap. It was a gradual build.

     

    Alapag entered the system in 2019 with the Stockton Kings, grinding through the G League before earning a promotion to the NBA staff in 2023 as a player development coach under Mike Brown. He would remain part of the bench even through a transition in leadership when Doug Christie took over.

     

    In many ways, his rise mirrored his playing career—steady, earned, and rooted in preparation.

     

    Behind the scenes, Alapag worked closely with players, sharpening skills and absorbing the demands of the highest level of basketball. It was a learning ground, one that expanded his perspective far beyond X’s and O’s.

     

    “Thankful for all the amazing experiences, the lessons, the growth,” he said.

     

    But even as he developed within the NBA system, part of his focus remained tied to a bigger picture—what his journey could mean for Filipino basketball.

     

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    In a previous conversation on Noli Eala’s Power & Play, Alapag spoke candidly about the possibility of a homegrown Filipino making it to the NBA—a breakthrough still waiting to happen.

     

    “I do think we’re close,” he said. “But these are the best players in the world, and they’re the best for a reason.”

     

    For Alapag, the path isn’t just about talent—it’s about the demands that come with it.

     

    “Whoever that special talent will be, his focus and work ethic will have to be at its highest level,” he added.

     

    “There will be so much responsibility to not only handle the pressure of being the first local or first pure Filipino to be in the NBA, but [there will also be] pressure to go out there and still perform.”

     

    That perspective carries extra weight coming from someone who has seen the NBA up close—not just as a spectator, but as part of the system.

     

    His departure also comes at a time of transition for Sacramento. The Kings are coming off a difficult 22-60 campaign, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference, a season that could signal broader changes within the franchise.

     

    Where Alapag goes next remains uncertain.

     

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  • NBA hands down fine to LaMelo Ball, no suspension for Bam Adebayo incident

    NBA hands down fine to LaMelo Ball, no suspension for Bam Adebayo incident

    The NBA has drawn a firm line on LaMelo Ball’s controversial play that overshadowed an otherwise thrilling play-in showdown.


    Following league review, Ball was fined $35,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 for tripping Bam Adebayo during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament clash between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat. The decision came with no suspension—an outcome that quickly became as much a talking point as the incident itself.

     

    According to league executive James Jones, the act “created a significant injury risk,” a conclusion reached after reviewing the sequence that occurred with 11:13 left in the second quarter of Charlotte’s narrow 127–126 overtime win on April 14.

     

    Adebayo, Miami’s anchor on both ends, was forced out of the game with a back injury after the play. Though he managed to walk off under his own power, he never returned—leaving a noticeable void as the Heat’s season slipped away.

     

    On the other sideline, frustration lingered long after the final buzzer.

     

    Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t hold back when addressing the incident, believing the punishment during the game should have been immediate and decisive.

     

    “He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There is no place in the game for that,” Spoelstra said.

     

    The veteran coach doubled down on his stance, emphasizing both the danger and the impact of the play.

     

    “I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play and obviously our best player was out. I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and made those plays down the stretch. We had opportunities to win. That’s a shame. He should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, you know, tripping guys, shenanigans.”

     

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    While the league opted against a suspension, it did hand Ball an additional $25,000 fine for using inappropriate language during a live television interview after the game—capping off a costly 24 hours for the 24-year-old guard.

     

    Ball, for his part, struck a more apologetic tone when asked about the incident.

     

    “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was. But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything,” Ball said.

     

    When pressed further on whether the action was intentional, he maintained uncertainty.

    “Like I said, I got hit in the head and didn’t know where I was and was just playing basketball. But like I said, sorry, and I’m going to check on him.”

     

    Lost in the controversy was Ball’s on-court brilliance. He finished with 30 points, including the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime—a shot that ultimately sent Charlotte forward.

     

    For Adebayo, the night ended far too early. Before exiting, the three-time All-Star had just six points and three rebounds, a stark contrast to his usual production after averaging a double-double in the regular season.

     

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  • Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    There are nights when offense simply clicks—and then there are nights when it overwhelms everything.

     

    Rain or Shine delivered the latter. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters turned the game into a long-range exhibition, burying Terrafirma under a barrage of three-pointers en route to a 124-117 victory Wednesday night at the Ynares Center. But this wasn’t just about scoring—it was about how quickly the game slipped away.

     

    A single quarter changed everything. After a competitive start, Rain or Shine detonated for 41 points in the second period, stretching a manageable contest into a 67-45 halftime cushion. From there, control never wavered. The Elasto Painters weren’t just making shots—they were dictating the terms of the game, forcing Terrafirma to chase at a pace it couldn’t sustain.

     

    By the final buzzer, the damage had reached historic proportions. Rain or Shine knocked down 23 three-pointers, tying the PBA record for most in a single game. The milestone shot fittingly came late, with rookie Deo Cuajao drilling the equalizer with 25 seconds left—his basket both a footnote in history and the final dagger in Terrafirma’s late push.

     

    It was the kind of night where everything aligned offensively. Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the performance with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, orchestrating the attack with patience and precision. His final assist set up Cuajao’s record-tying three, capping off a performance that blended control with creativity.

     

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    Around him, the support came in waves. Anton Asistio sparked the decisive second-quarter run, pouring in 15 of his 18 points in that stretch alone while shooting efficiently from deep. Jun Roque added 15, while Adrian Nocum and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 13 and 11, respectively, as five players finished in double figures.

     

    At one point, the lead ballooned to 26. And yet, even in dominance, there were reminders of unfinished work.

     

    “Happy with the win, but we can’t relax on defense,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “We gave up 117 points. That’s not our standard. But when we’re making 23 from outside, we’re tough to beat.”

     

    That balance—between firepower and discipline—may ultimately define how far this team goes.

     

    On the other side, the Terrafirma Dyip showed flashes of resistance, particularly in the fourth quarter as the game slowed and the Elasto Painters dipped into their bench. But the deficit proved too steep to overcome.

     

    Mubashar Ali led the Dyip with a heavy 32-point, 19-rebound outing, though it came on high volume. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 21 points and seven assists, while Brent Paraiso and Joseph Eriobu provided support with solid all-around efforts.

     

    Still, the bigger picture remains concerning. After a promising 3-0 start, Terrafirma has now dropped four straight, slipping below .500 and searching for answers amid key absences.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine continues to surge. Seven games, seven wins—and now, a record matched.

     

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  • SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    Long before the bright lights of international competition, the foundation was already being built in packed collegiate gyms and campus courts. 


    The recent breakthrough of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team isn’t just a story of a single tournament run—it’s the result of years of development rooted deeply in the UAAP system.

     

    Fresh off a historic podium finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 last April 5, the Philippines carried that momentum into the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers, where they punched their ticket to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 which marks the country’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2018.

     

    At the heart of this rise is a group of players whose journeys are tightly intertwined with the UAAP.

    Afril Bernardino, long considered a pillar of the program, once dominated for National University, collecting multiple MVP awards and recently earning a spot on the All-Asia Cup Team. Alongside her is Mikka Cacho, another product of the NU system, whose years with the Lady Bulldogs helped shape her into an international competitor.

     

    Kacey Dela Rosa who is a decorated name in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 formats—continues to evolve as a centerpiece talent from Ateneo. Meanwhile, UST’s Tantoy Ferrer and Adamson Universities’ Cheska Apag represent the pipeline still in motion, transitioning from standout collegiate and junior careers into the demands of international play.

     

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    For Erika Dy of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the connection is clear, a sustained success at the national level begins with consistent development at the collegiate level. 

     

    The UAAP has quietly become one of the federation’s most reliable talent sources, proving that structured competition can translate into global readiness.

     

    That sentiment is echoed by Ryan Gregorio, who highlighted how crucial that partnership has been.

     

    “We are proud to have the UAAP as a strong partner and stakeholder of the federation,” said Gregorio. “They have always been willing to help in national team-building and in developing the next generation of players who can compete at the international level,” Gregorio said.

     

    But the influence of the UAAP doesn’t stop at the collegiate ranks. Its investment in grassroots programs, particularly in women’s basketball—has created a steady pipeline, ensuring that the next wave of talent is already in development.

     

    UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag underscored that broader vision, “the UAAP is committed to invest in and grow women’s sports across all levels. From grassroots to the collegiate stage, we recognize equal importance as we create equal opportunities to sustain this momentum that our student-athletes are now showcasing on the world stage.

     

    What the recent World Cup qualification ultimately reveals is this: Gilas Women’s success is no longer built on isolated bursts of brilliance. It’s becoming a product of continuity—from high school leagues to college rivalries, and now, to international arenas.

     

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