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Category: Basketball

  • Carl Tamayo, Changwon clinch KBL Regular Season title

    Carl Tamayo, Changwon clinch KBL Regular Season title

    Carl Tamayo and the Changwon LG Sakers are heading into the KBL playoffs exactly where every contender wants to be.

     

    With an 87-60 rout of the Suwon KT Sonicboom on Friday, Changwon officially clinched the 2025-26 KBL regular season championship, adding another major achievement to what has already been a strong title defense for the reigning champions.

     

    It was a dominant performance from the opening tip.

     

    The LG Sakers came out firing and quickly buried Suwon under a huge first-quarter blitz, building a 28-7 lead by the end of the period and never allowing the hosts to recover. That early separation set the tone for the rest of the game as Changwon cruised to the win.

     

    Tamayo did his part once again for the LG Sakers, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in another steady outing.

     

    The Filipino forward has been one of Changwon’s most reliable players all season, providing consistent production on both ends and emerging as one of the team’s top offensive weapons in his KBL campaign.

     

    For the season, Tamayo has been averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, good for second in scoring on the team.

     

    Assem Marei led the way in the clincher with a near triple-double of 21 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists in just 23 minutes, helping power another well-rounded effort from a team that has looked like one of the league’s best for most of the season.

     

    With the win, Changwon improved to 36-16 and officially moved out of reach of second-running Anyang JKJ Red Boosters, who remained at 33-18.

     

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    That gave the LG Sakers the regular season crown even with two games still left on their schedule, underlining just how strong and consistent they have been throughout the year.

    For Changwon, this latest milestone strengthens its case as the team to beat heading into the postseason.

     

    The LG Sakers are not only the defending champions, but now enter the playoffs carrying the confidence of a group that once again finished on top of the standings.

     

    Last season, Changwon captured the KBL title in dramatic fashion, beating the Seoul SK Knights in seven games after nearly letting a 3-0 series lead slip away.

     

    That championship run gave the LG Sakers their crown, and this regular season title now gives them momentum as they prepare for another push.

     

    For Tamayo, it is another important step in what has become an impressive season overseas.

    The former UAAP star has continued to establish himself as one of the top Filipino imports in Asia, and his role in helping Changwon secure the top seed only adds to that growing résumé.

    The LG Sakers will wrap up the regular season against KCC Egis on Sunday, April 5, and Ulsan Mobis Phoebus on Wednesday, April 8, before turning their full attention to the playoffs.

     

    But with the regular season title now secured, Changwon has already made one thing clear.

    Carl Tamayo and the LG Sakers are entering the postseason with momentum, confidence, and another championship firmly in sight.

     

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  • TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

    TNT turns to Kelly Williams as veteran returns to Tropang 5G lineup 

    TNT’s latest roster move says a lot about where the team believes it can gain an edge this conference.

     

    With size becoming an even bigger part of its identity, the Tropang 5G brought back veteran big man Kelly Williams to their active 15-man roster ahead of Tuesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup against Meralco, a move that further reinforces the frontcourt-heavy direction the team has started to lean into.

     

    Williams takes the place of Jio Jalalon, who was moved to the Unrestricted Free Agent list with rights to salary, as TNT continues to fine-tune its rotation while building momentum in the early stretch of the conference.

     

    On paper, it is a simple personnel swap.

     

    But in context, it also reflects how TNT is shaping itself around matchups, physicality, and depth — particularly with the towering presence of 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol already altering the look of its frontline.

     

    By activating the 6-foot-7 Williams, TNT adds another experienced and dependable interior piece to support that structure, giving the Tropang 5G more flexibility in how they manage minutes, size, and defensive cover against bigger opponents.

     

    For Williams, the activation marks his first appearance this conference after last seeing action in Game 6 of TNT’s Philippine Cup Finals series against San Miguel.

     

    The veteran had previously been placed under the UFAWR2S list while he was still in the United States, a procedural move that allowed TNT to create room for the arrival of mid-season recruit Justin Chua.

     

    That arrangement, however, was never expected to signal a real separation.

     

    As has been the case with other TNT players temporarily placed under the same list, Williams and the franchise reportedly maintain a gentleman’s agreement that he would not entertain other offers and would remain aligned with the team once circumstances allowed for his return.

     

    Now back in the country after arriving from the US last week, Williams re-enters a TNT squad that appears to be gradually finding its rhythm after an uneven start.

     

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    The Tropang 5G dropped their conference opener against Rain or Shine, but have since responded with back-to-back wins over San Miguel and NLEX, restoring some early momentum heading into a matchup that could further solidify their footing in the standings.

     

    That recent run has come while TNT continues to re-establish balance in its roster following the return of long-time captain Jayson Castro, who is back in action after missing an entire season due to a patellar tendon tear.

     

    Castro’s return has naturally shifted the backcourt equation, and that likely played a role in Jalalon’s limited involvement this conference.

     

    In the two games he suited up for TNT, the veteran guard averaged just seven minutes per outing, suggesting that consistent playing time may have been harder to come by in a guard rotation that has once again become more crowded.

     

    Williams’ addition, by contrast, gives TNT something it appears more eager to prioritize at this point of the conference: veteran size, defensive stability, and another proven body capable of helping anchor the paint.

     

    That could become particularly useful as the team continues to explore how best to maximize Bol Bol’s presence while maintaining balance across both ends of the floor.

     

    Against Meralco, the move may not immediately dominate the box score.

     

    But it could reveal more about the kind of team TNT wants to become this conference — one that is not just talented, but built to overwhelm with length, experience, and lineup versatility.

    And with Kelly Williams back in uniform, that vision just got a little bigger.

     

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  • Stephen Curry’s comeback ignites Warriors but Rockets steal the final word

    Stephen Curry’s comeback ignites Warriors but Rockets steal the final word

    The loudest cheer inside Chase Center wasn’t for a game-winning shot—it was for a return. After weeks of waiting, Stephen Curry finally stepped back on the floor and for a moment the Golden State Warriors looked whole again.

     

    Coming off the bench for the first time since January 30, Curry wasted no time reminding everyone what they had missed. 

     

    He poured in 29 points, slicing through Houston’s defense and igniting a late-game surge that nearly flipped the script. Every touch felt urgent, every shot carried weight—and for a stretch, it looked like his comeback would end in storybook fashion.

     

    But the night belonged to timing and Alperen Sengun delivered the final chapter. With 11.1 seconds left, the Houston big man muscled in a go-ahead interior basket, capping his 24-point performance and lifting the Houston Rockets to a 117-116 escape over the Golden State Warriors.

     

    Golden State had one last chance, naturally with the ball in Curry’s hands. But under heavy pressure, his deep 30-foot attempt missed. He finished 11-of-21 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, a performance that felt both promising and painfully incomplete.

     

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    “We had the game in control, then they put number 30 in the game,” Kevin Durant said of Curry.

    “It was a tough one,” added Durant, who led the Rockets. “But it’s late in the season and both teams are looking to get ready for the playoffs. So it was a good test for us.”

     

    Houston had appeared firmly in command earlier, stretching a slim halftime edge into a 15-point cushion midway through the third. But Curry’s presence changed the rhythm instantly. Even on a minutes restriction, he spearheaded an 11-0 burst that pulled the Warriors back into contention and reawakened the crowd.

     

    Brandin Podziemski added 18 points for Golden State, which dropped to 36-42 but remains on track for the 10th seed in the Western Conference play-in picture. Without Curry, the team had gone 9-18 during his 27-game absence—a stretch that underscored just how much his return matters.

     

    For the Warriors, the loss stings—but the bigger takeaway is clear. Their season, once drifting, now has a pulse again. And with Curry back, even in defeat, there’s a sense that this story isn’t finished yet.

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao and Goyang Sono: from long shots to Playoff trailblazers in the KBL

    Kevin Quiambao and Goyang Sono: from long shots to Playoff trailblazers in the KBL

    What began as a midseason experiment has turned into one of the most compelling stories in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). When Kevin Quiambao arrived in South Korea, Goyang Sono Skygunners were a struggling squad searching for direction. 


    Months later, they are a playoff team—rewriting their franchise history with Quiambao at the center of that transformation.

     

    The Skygunners’ climb to a 28-25 record and fifth place finish isn’t just a statistical leap—it’s a cultural reset. Quiambao, in just his sophomore pro season, has embodied all three, posting averages of 15.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

     

    “I’m super happy and blessed na makareceive ng ganitong opportunity, especially for me na bago pa lang sa professional basketball. It means a lot to me, pero a lot of work to be done pa,” Quiambao said.

     

    While imports like Nathan Knight and local star Lee Junghyun have delivered consistent scoring, Quiambao’s impact goes beyond numbers. 

     

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    He has become the connective piece—capable of initiating offense, defending multiple positions, and stepping up in crucial moments. His all-around game has helped stabilize a team that once struggled to close out tight contests.

     

    If the standings hold, Goyang Sono could face Ethan Alvano and Wonju DB in the quarterfinals—a matchup that adds another layer of intrigue, especially with Filipino talent shining on both sides. But for Quiambao, the postseason isn’t the destination—it’s just the start.

     

    “My goal, siyempre, is to win the championship, pero alam kong madaming pagdadaanan at pagsubok bago makuha ’yon. I just want to cherish this moment and focus on the present, one game at a time,” the former Green Archer star said.

     

    Quiambao’s journey in the KBL was anything but smooth wherein his debut was cut short by an ankle injury just minutes into his first game, delaying his integration into the team’s system.

     

    Instead of derailing his campaign, the setback became a turning point—forcing him to adjust quickly to the physicality and pace of international play.

     

    When he returned, flashes of brilliance followed as Quiambao erupted for a 36-point, 12-rebound performance early in his stint, signaling his ability to dominate at the pro level. He later showcased his versatility with an 18-assist game.

     

    Now, as Goyang Sono prepares for its first-ever playoff appearance, Quiambao stands not just as a contributor, but as a symbol of the team’s reinvention. 

     

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  • Afril Bernardino earns FIBA 3×3 All-Asia Cup Team honors while guiding Gilas Women to a historic silver finish

    Afril Bernardino earns FIBA 3×3 All-Asia Cup Team honors while guiding Gilas Women to a historic silver finish

    As Gilas Pilipinas celebrated a historic podium finish with a silver medal at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026, all‑star honors went to Afril Bernardino, who has continued to cement her legacy as one of the Philippines’ most decorated basketball talents. 

     

    A three‑time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, two‑time WMPBL MVP, and three‑time UAAP Most Valuable Player, Bernardino tallied 23 points across the tournament, averaging 4.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, with a player valuation of 36.7—fourth highest in the continental competition. 

     

    She earned a spot on the All‑Asia Cup Team alongside China’s Zhang Zhiting and tournament MVP Kristy Wallace of Australia.

     

    Wallace finished with 18 points and 20 rebounds, and Zhang led the tournament in scoring with 38 points and the highest player valuation of 39.4. 

     

    Showing their sportsmanship, Bernardino exchanged jerseys with Wallace, capturing a special moment of camaraderie between top competitors. 

     

    Gilas Women’s silver marked the program’s first‑ever medal at the Asia Cup and the best finish for both men’s and women’s teams in the Philippines’ FIBA 3×3 history.

     

    Beyond her performance in Singapore, Bernardino’s journey reflects a broader impact on Philippine basketball.

     

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    After a storied collegiate career with the National University Lady Bulldogs—where she led the squad to three straight UAAP championships and collected multiple MVP awards. She took her game as a professional, including earning back‑to‑back MVP honors in the WMPBL and helping her team capture the inaugural pro season title.

     

    This blend of domestic dominance and global exposure continues to strengthen her role as a leader and role model for rising Filipino basketball players.

     

    With the silver medal secured, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 now turns its focus to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Singapore from April 11 to 12. The Philippines enters as the top seed in Pool B, ranked 19th in the world, followed by Singapore at 20th and Brazil at 62nd. 

     

    Bernardino will remain a key part of Coach Anton Altamirano’s roster alongside teammates Kacey dela Rosa and Mikka Cacho, while Tantoy Ferrer replaces Cheska Apag, adding fresh energy to the squad. 

     

    The Gilas Women will return home briefly before heading back to Singapore for crucial qualifier matchups against Brazil and Singapore, aiming to secure a berth on the world stage.

     

    Bernardino’s continued evolution—from collegiate star to international standout—serves as an inspiration for the next wave of Filipinas aiming to make their mark in both 3×3 and traditional basketball arenas. 

     

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  • Gilas Women 3×3 turn focus to World Cup Qualifiers after Asia Cup silver 

    Gilas Women 3×3 turn focus to World Cup Qualifiers after Asia Cup silver 

    Fresh off a historic silver-medal finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Women now turn their attention to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers in Singapore.

     

    The silver medal may have been historic, but for Gilas Pilipinas Women, it was never meant to be the finish line.

     

    Just days after delivering the best-ever result by a Philippine team in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Filipinas are already back in pursuit of something even bigger — a return trip to the world stage.

    From April 11 to 12 in Singapore, Gilas Women will take another shot at history in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, where a place in the sport’s biggest global showcase will be up for grabs.

     

    What made their Asia Cup run memorable was not just the silver medal itself, but the way it reset expectations for a program that has steadily climbed in the international 3×3 scene. Instead of simply proving they belong, the Filipinas are now entering the next tournament with genuine pressure and a real opportunity to advance.

     

    This time, they won’t be sneaking up on anyone. The Philippines enters the qualifiers as the highest-ranked team in Pool B at No. 19 in the world, just ahead of host Singapore, which sits at No. 20. Brazil, the third team in the group, is ranked No. 62.

     

    That makes the path to the knockout round clear, but far from comfortable. Only the top two teams from each pool will move on to the crossover phase, where the stakes rise immediately. 

    From there, only the teams that reach the podium will book tickets to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, set for June 1 to 7 in Warsaw, Poland.

     

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    For Gilas Women, the mission is as much about validation as it is qualification.

     

    Their lone previous appearance in the World Cup came back in 2018, when the Philippines hosted the event at the Philippine Arena. That campaign ended with a 17th-place finish, but this version of the national team arrives in a much different place — more seasoned, more battle-tested, and carrying momentum that few Philippine women’s squads have ever had in this format.

     

    The challenge, however, will not end with the group stage. Pool A is expected to be far more punishing, with Hungary ranked No. 13 in the world and Lithuania at No. 22, while Egypt rounds out the bracket. 

     

    Any team that survives the knockout round will likely have to go through one of those two European squads, making every early game in Singapore crucial.

     

    Still, Gilas Women will head back with a core that already knows how to compete under pressure.

    Coach Anton Altamirano is sticking with key holdovers Kacey dela Rosa, Afril Bernardino, and Mikka Cacho — the same battle-tested pieces that helped fuel the team’s breakthrough run in the Asia Cup.

     

    The lone change in the lineup comes in the form of added size and versatility. Replacing 5-foot-5 Cheska Apag is 5-foot-9 Tantoy Ferrer, currently ranked as the sixth-best women’s 3×3 player in the Philippines. The move gives the squad another long, mobile option as it prepares for the physically demanding back-to-back battles that define the 3×3 format.

     

    There will be little time to recover or reset. After wrapping up their Asia Cup campaign, the team is set to return home on Monday before flying back to Singapore on April 9 for one more push.

     

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  • LeBron James ready to carry Lakers to playoffs despite injuries to Doncic and Reaves

    LeBron James ready to carry Lakers to playoffs despite injuries to Doncic and Reaves

    The Los Angeles Lakers have enjoyed a strong 2025-26 NBA season, compiling a 50-28 record that places them third in the competitive Western Conference standings. With their regular-season success, the Lakers appeared on track to secure a playoff spot comfortably, but recent developments have cast uncertainty over their postseason plans.

     

    The team suffered a major setback during their 96-139 loss to reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, April 3 (Philippine Standard Time), as star guard Luka Doncic exited the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Subsequent MRI scans revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, ruling Doncic out for the remainder of the regular season.

     

    Adding to the Lakers’ misfortune, shooting guard Austin Reaves sustained a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury in the same game. Reaves initially felt discomfort in his midsection but returned to finish the first quarter. However, the injury will prevent him from participating in any remaining regular-season games.

     

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    The loss of these two key contributors is a significant blow for the Lakers, considering their statistical impact this season. Doncic had been averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, while Reaves contributed 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Their absence leaves a significant void in both scoring and playmaking for the team as the regular season winds down.

     

    LeBron James, the Lakers’ iconic forward, addressed the challenge of losing such crucial players while emphasizing the need for a “next-man-up” mentality.

    “I mean, it’s a challenge for us. It’s always got to be a next-man-up mentality. But there’s no way you can replace that type of impact. So it’s going to be a collective group. We all have to figure out a way to do a little bit more, but now you got to be even more tightened up on the things that we do,” James said.

     

    On Doncic specifically, James added, “When you lose a special player like that, you can’t have as many mistakes. So we got to figure that out.”

     

    The Lakers’ first outing without their star duo came against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Monday, April 6 (Philippine Standard Time). Despite a valiant effort from James, who recorded 30 points, nine rebounds, and 15 assists, Los Angeles fell 134-128, underscoring the immediate impact of the injuries.

     

    “You got to flip the mindset a little bit when your role changes, whatever the case may be or what’s needed out of you for the team. So the mindset changes a little bit, for sure,” James said, reflecting on the adjustments required from the remaining roster.

     

    With the playoffs looming, the Lakers now face the daunting task of regrouping and compensating for the loss of two of their most productive players. Coach strategies, bench depth, and veteran leadership will be key as the team navigates the remainder of the regular season.

    Analysts note that while Los Angeles still boasts championship-caliber talent, the absence of Doncic and Reaves will test their resilience, team chemistry, and ability to execute under pressure.

     

    As the Lakers prepare for their final games of the season, fans will be closely watching how James and the supporting cast rise to the occasion. Their performance in this critical stretch will not only determine playoff seeding but could also set the tone for the team’s postseason trajectory.

     

    Even without two of their top stars, the Lakers’ path to the playoffs is far from closed, but the challenge ahead will require a collective effort, discipline, and adaptability from the entire squad. With the spotlight on LeBron James and the remaining contributors, the team’s response over the next few games could be decisive in shaping their postseason hopes.

     

     

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  • Justin Patton shines under pressure, carries San Miguel to gritty win over Ginebra

    Justin Patton shines under pressure, carries San Miguel to gritty win over Ginebra

    Easter Sunday clash between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was never just about standings in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup—it became a personal proving ground.

     

    Justin Patton made sure his answer was loud enough. In only his second game since taking over import duties, Patton delivered 19 points and 17 rebounds, anchoring San Miguel to a narrow 85-82 victory.

     

    But his biggest contribution went beyond the stat sheet—he took on the responsibility of guarding one of the league’s most feared players, Justin Brownlee.

     

    “I want to guard him. It’s a challenge. I’m out here, 7,000 miles away from home. I didn’t come here for no reason. I want to challenge myself. I want to be great every single day I wake up,” Patton said.

     

    “They say he is the better Justin so I want to see. I see that he had a good game today but we came with the ‘W.’ That’s all that matters,” the former NBA player added.

     

    Brownlee, as expected, delivered his usual game. He poured in 31 points, including a late surge in the fourth quarter that nearly turned the tide. Yet, the night exposed rare cracks—missed free throws in crunch time and limited presence on the boards, finishing with just three rebounds.

     

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    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria revealed that Patton’s defensive assignment wasn’t originally set in stone.

     

    “Actually, before the game, Justin Patton asked us if he can guard Brownlee but we were hesitant because we know Brownlee is really good whenever his guard is bigger than him. He can shoot from the perimeter, he can outrun him, he can drive, and that’s what happened,” Austria said.

     

    “But that’s not our only game plan. We also have a smaller guy. At the start, it was [Marcio] Lassiter and they took advantage of it. The next was Justin Patton, Mo Tautuaa, and Cahilig especially in the second quarter. We were able to limit his production at that time, but still, Brownlee is Brownlee. He was able to score 31 but the good thing was he wasn’t able to get rebounds. He only got three,’’ he added.

     

    For San Miguel, the victory was as much about identity as it was about execution. Still adjusting after an import switch, the Beermen showed they can win gritty and defensive battles.

     

    Now sitting at 3-2, they continue their climb up the standings, with momentum slowly building.

    “Every game presents a new challenge. You’ve got Justin Brownlee. We are a team that fight and we figure it out and that’s what we did today,” said Patton.

     

    Meanwhile, Ginebra is left to regroup after a loss that felt within reach. Despite Brownlee’s heroics, the big man couldn’t close, highlighting the fine margins that separate contenders in this stage of the conference.

     

    San Miguel looks to carry its surge into its next assignment against Rain or Shine on April 8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Ginebra faces Magnolia on April 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

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  • Cady Lalanne sees Luka Dončić-like impact in Robert Bolick as NLEX finds its rhythm

    Cady Lalanne sees Luka Dončić-like impact in Robert Bolick as NLEX finds its rhythm

    Cady Lalanne praised Robert Bolick’s all-around brilliance after NLEX’s 120-102 win over Phoenix, where both stars powered the Road Warriors with dominant performances.

     

    For Cady Lalanne, Robert Bolick’s influence on NLEX goes well beyond putting points on the board.

     

    On a team still carving out its identity in the conference, Bolick has emerged as the player who can organize everything — whether it is scoring, creating for others, or controlling the tempo when the game starts to open up.

     

    That is why Lalanne did not hesitate when asked to describe what his teammate brings to the floor. “Robert is one of those guys he’s like Luka,” Lalanne said.

     

    “He can get to the basket, hit a jump shot, knock down a three, make plays, get assists, whatever you need.”

     

    Bolick delivered exactly that kind of all-around command in NLEX’s 120-102 win over Phoenix, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, and 14 assists in another masterful outing for the Road Warriors.

     

    He dictated the flow of the game from start to finish, constantly putting pressure on the Fuel Masters’ defense while creating opportunities for teammates and keeping the offense in rhythm.

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    Lalanne was just as instrumental in the victory, imposing his will inside and giving Phoenix problems throughout the contest. The veteran big man finished with 29 points and 10 rebounds, forming a punishing one-two punch with Bolick that proved too much for the Fuel Masters to contain.

     

    Together, the pair gave NLEX the kind of balance that can be difficult to defend — one controlling the perimeter and the other owning the paint.

     

    Rather than leaning on one isolated scoring run, the Road Warriors were able to stretch Phoenix in different ways, with Bolick acting as both the initiator and the stabilizer while Lalanne anchored the attack closer to the basket.

     

    For Lalanne, though, the win reflected more than just what he and Bolick were able to do.

     

    “Kevin Alas played great… Everybody contributed. It was a great team game,” he said.

     

    That may be what makes the Road Warriors more dangerous as the conference progresses.

    Bolick remains the engine, but NLEX is beginning to show that it has enough pieces around him to sustain strong performances. Lalanne gives the team a reliable interior force, Alas continues to provide steady support, and the rest of the roster is starting to settle into roles that make the group more complete.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, found its brightest spark in Ricci Rivero, who led the Fuel Masters with 20 points and five rebounds in the loss.

     

    Still, NLEX’s collective rhythm and firepower proved too much to overcome. If that kind of balance continues, the Road Warriors may be building more than just momentum.

     

    They may be shaping into one of the more dangerous teams in the conference — especially with Bolick continuing to prove he can impact the game in virtually every area, and Lalanne providing the dominant presence to match.

     

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  • Tim Cone stays upbeat despite Barangay Ginebra’s loss to San Miguel on Easter Sunday

    Tim Cone stays upbeat despite Barangay Ginebra’s loss to San Miguel on Easter Sunday

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup continues to test the early-season form of powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, as the Gin Kings stumbled to another tough loss—this time against their long-time rivals, the San Miguel Beermen—on Easter Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In a tightly contested battle that lived up to the rivalry’s billing, Ginebra absorbed an 82-85 defeat, continuing what has been an uncharacteristically slow and inconsistent start to their Commissioner’s Cup campaign. Despite flashes of strong execution and control for much of the game, the Gin Kings ultimately faltered in the closing moments, allowing the Beermen to snatch the win late.

     

    Leading the charge for Ginebra was resident import Justin Brownlee, who once again delivered a standout performance. The veteran forward poured in a game-high 31 points while adding three rebounds and three assists, logging heavy minutes and serving as the focal point of the team’s offense throughout the contest.

     

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    However, Brownlee’s impressive stat line could not fully mask Ginebra’s late-game struggles. In a cruel twist, the prolific scorer missed three crucial free throws down the stretch—misses that proved costly in a game ultimately decided by just three points.

     

    What made the loss even more frustrating for Ginebra was the fact that they had been in firm control earlier in the game. The Gin Kings built a commanding 15-point lead at one stage and, statistically, even outperformed San Miguel in several key areas. Ginebra shot 38 percent from the field compared to the Beermen’s 35.2 percent clip, and consistently found quality looks within their offensive sets.

     

    The difference, however, came from the charity stripe. Ginebra struggled mightily with their free-throw shooting, converting just 60 percent of their attempts, while San Miguel capitalized on their opportunities with a highly efficient 90 percent conversion rate. In a game of such fine margins, those missed points loomed large.

    Despite the disappointing result, head coach Tim Cone chose to focus on the positives rather than dwell on the defeat. Speaking in the postgame press conference, the veteran tactician emphasized that the team executed much of their game plan effectively.

     

    “I thought we did a good job in many areas of the game, we did what we wanted to do, and sometimes you do everything you’re supposed to do, and you’ll come out short against a team like this,” Cone said.

     

    Cone also acknowledged San Miguel’s defensive effort while pointing out that Ginebra generated good scoring opportunities despite not shooting at an elite level.

     

    “I thought we had a good game, I thought we played well. I didn’t think we shot the ball particularly well, but we were also getting good shots. Credit to the Beermen for their defensive side,” he added.

     

    For Cone, the narrow loss serves more as a learning experience than a cause for alarm. The multi-time champion coach remains confident that if Ginebra continues to perform at this level, results will eventually follow.

     

    “We came up with one big shot, missed some free throws down the stretch, and they hit the big shot down the stretch. But overall, I’m pleased with the way we played, and if we keep playing like this we’re going to compete for the championship.

     

    “We’re not going to hang our heads too low right now. I thought we played well, just not well enough. But we can play better,” Cone concluded.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup progresses, consistency will be key for Ginebra as they look to regain their footing and reassert themselves as title contenders. With the talent and experience on their roster, the Gin Kings remain a dangerous squad—but they will need to clean up late-game execution and capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to turn close losses into victories.

    All eyes will now be on their next assignment, as Barangay Ginebra looks to bounce back against the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, April 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

     

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