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Category: Basketball

  • Don Trollano delivers dagger as San Miguel stuns Ginebra in late thriller

    Don Trollano delivers dagger as San Miguel stuns Ginebra in late thriller

    Don Trollano buried the go-ahead triple with 8.3 seconds left as San Miguel erased a 15-point deficit to beat Barangay Ginebra, 85-82, in a dramatic PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash.

     

    San Miguel Beer found its finishing kick just in time.What looked like another tough night for the Beermen quickly turned into a statement win on Sunday after Don Trollano buried the biggest shot of the game to lift SMB past Barangay Ginebra, 85-82, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    For most of the night, it was Ginebra dictating the pace and controlling the rhythm. But when the game tightened in the fourth quarter, San Miguel leaned on poise, timely execution, and its ability to come up with the plays that mattered most.

     

    That final sequence perfectly captured it.With the score tied at 82, June Mar Fajardo misfired from deep, but the Beermen refused to let the possession die. CJ Perez kept the play alive with a crucial offensive rebound before finding Trollano open in the corner. The veteran wing calmly knocked down the marginal three-pointer with 8.3 seconds remaining, swinging the game and the momentum completely in San Miguel’s favor.

     

    From there, the Beermen did the rest on the defensive end. San Miguel shut down Ginebra’s final push, denying both Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson any clean look from beyond the arc to preserve the hard-earned win and complete a comeback from as much as 15 points down.

     

    Perez, quiet in the first half after being slowed by foul trouble, came alive when SMB needed him most. The explosive guard finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, with 15 of those markers coming in the fourth quarter alone. He was at the center of San Miguel’s late surge, attacking the defense, creating pressure, and eventually setting up the game-winner.

     

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    Justin Patton also imposed his presence all night long, tallying 19 points and 17 rebounds in a dominant interior performance. In a much-anticipated matchup between imports, the San Miguel big man held his own and then some against Brownlee, making life difficult for Ginebra’s resident star on both ends.

     

    Trollano ended up with 12 points, but none were bigger than the last three that gave the Beermen their first winning streak of the conference. The victory pushed San Miguel to 3-2 in the standings and gave the team another much-needed confidence boost heading into a tougher stretch of its campaign.

     

    That test comes immediately. The Beermen are set to face unbeaten Rain or Shine on Wednesday, April 8, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in what shapes up to be one of the early measuring-stick games of the tournament.

     

    On the other side, Ginebra was left to rue a missed opportunity after controlling large stretches of the contest but failing to close.

     

    Brownlee still finished with a game-high 31 points, though he needed 32 shots to get there as Patton’s length and activity consistently made him work for every basket. RJ Abarrientos added 16 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Stephen Holt chipped in 11.

     

    The trio carried most of the offensive load for the Kings, who were missing Japeth Aguilar due to injury and Ralph Cu, who was unavailable because of Gilas 3×3 duties.

     

    Now at 2-2, Ginebra will try to regroup quickly as it heads into another high-stakes showdown against Magnolia in a Manila Clasico clash on Friday, April 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi proves locals still matter in import-driven PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Jerrick Ahanmisi proves locals still matter in import-driven PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    In a PBA conference packed with towering imports and big-name reinforcements, Jerrick Ahanmisi refuses to be overshadowed.

     

    The Terrafirma guard has emerged as a beacon of local talent, averaging 23.7 points per game to top all Filipino scorers and sit 11th overall in the Commissioner’s Cup—a remarkable feat in a field dominated by imported giants. With his trademark long-range shooting connecting at 36 percent and reliable free-throw shooting at 71 percent, Ahanmisi has anchored Terrafirma’s 3-1 start in the mid-season tournament.

     

    Even as Bol Bol and Justin Brownlee lead the overall scoring charts with jaw-dropping outputs, Ahanmisi’s consistency underscores a bigger story: that homegrown stars can still command the spotlight in the shadow of imports. 

     

    His scoring, leadership, and versatility provide Terrafirma with a steady backbone in games where the big men often dominate headlines.

     

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    Ahanmisi’s excellence extends beyond the PBA. Currently in Singapore representing Gilas Pilipinas at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, he continues to showcase Filipino skill on the international stage while maintaining his form back home.

     

    Trailing him among locals are Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos (23.6 ppg), last season’s scoring champion Robert Bolick (22.7), Ricci Rivero (22.5), and San Miguel’s CJ Perez (22.2), a reminder that the league’s Filipino core remains highly competitive despite import-heavy matchups.

     

    For Terrafirma, Ahanmisi is more than just a scorer. He’s proof that when talent, timing, and determination converge, a local player can not only survive but thrive, even when the league is filled with the tallest, most dominant imports.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao on Rain or Shines’ record rout: “Parang All-Star game”

    Yeng Guiao on Rain or Shines’ record rout: “Parang All-Star game”

    There are dominant wins, and then there are nights when the scoreboard starts to look unreal.

     

    Rain or Shine delivered one of those on Wednesday, turning what was supposed to be another elimination-round assignment into a record-breaking demolition job after dismantling Blackwater, 151-95, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    By the time the final seconds ticked away, even Yeng Guiao had to take a second look at the giant screen overhead.

     

    “Tinignan ko nga yung score, sabi ko parang All-Star game,” said Guiao after watching his team pile up points at a pace that felt more like an exhibition than a conference game.

     

    “Pero there will come nights like this.”

     

    This was not just another comfortable win for the Elasto Painters. It was a night that officially carved their name into league history.

     

    The 56-point beating established a new PBA record for the biggest winning margin ever, surpassing the previous mark of 55 points set by U-Tex in a 154-99 rout of Great Taste during the 1980 Open Conference semifinals.

     

    It also became the most lopsided win in franchise history for Rain or Shine, whose previous scoring high-water mark had been its 139-95 rout of Meralco during the 2021 Philippine Cup eliminations.

     

    In one game, the Elasto Painters did not just extend their unbeaten run. They shattered old standards while doing it.

     

    The win pushed Rain or Shine to a fourth straight victory and kept the team alone at the top of the Commissioner’s Cup standings as the conference’s only undefeated squad.

     

    What made the performance even more striking was how quickly the game was taken away from Blackwater.

     

    Rain or Shine exploded for a 42-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, immediately putting the Bossing on the ropes and setting the tone for the kind of avalanche that rarely happens in the PBA.

     

    That 27-point cushion after just one quarter was the biggest opening-period lead seen in seven years.

     

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    At the center of that opening blitz was Andrei Caracut, who torched Blackwater early and finished with 22 points, including 18 in the first period alone.

     

    But the game was hardly about one player.

     

    Rain or Shine came at Blackwater in waves, with eight Elasto Painters finishing in double figures as the team’s depth, pace, and shooting turned the game into a runaway long before halftime. Out of the 16 players fielded by Guiao, only Beau Belga and Caelan Tiongson were held scoreless.

     

    The 151 points also became Rain or Shine’s new franchise scoring record, while standing as the team’s highest total of the conference and the second-highest single-game output in PBA Season 50, behind only San Miguel’s 158-point explosion against Titan Ultra in the Philippine Cup.

     

    Still, for all the numbers and history, Guiao refused to frame the result as a true reflection of the gap between the two teams.

     

    “Coach Jeff [Cariaso] had a bad night with his team, and that’s not their real game,” the Rain or Shine coach said.

     

    “They (Bossing) beat Magnolia the last time, so we approached this game very cautiously. Sabi ko sa team in the dugout, if by the fourth quarter Blackwater is close to us in the scores, we will have a problem, we will have to grind this game out.

     

    “Mabuti na lang, nakalayo kami nang maaga.”

     

    That early separation ended up becoming a historic one.

     

    What began as a test of whether Rain or Shine could preserve its unbeaten start turned into something much bigger — a statement win, a scoring eruption, and now, a permanent place in the record books.

     

    For Guiao and the Elasto Painters, it was one of those rare nights where everything clicked.

     

    And when that happens, even the scoreboard can start to feel unbelievable.

     

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  • Gilas 3×3 flips the script, outlasts Thailand to return to FIBA Asia Cup main draw

    Gilas 3×3 flips the script, outlasts Thailand to return to FIBA Asia Cup main draw

    A year after falling short in the qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 made sure this time would end differently.

     

    The Philippines completed a clean sweep of the qualifying round in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup on Thursday night, holding off a late Thailand rally for a tense 17-15 victory at the OCBC Arena in Singapore and securing a return to the tournament’s pool play stage.

     

    For a team still trying to establish itself in the regional 3×3 scene, the win was more than just a place in the next round. It was a response.

     

    It was proof that this version of Gilas can close.

     

    After cruising for much of the contest, the Filipinos suddenly found themselves under pressure in the final minute as Thailand, the reigning Southeast Asian Games 3×3 champion, turned what looked like a comfortable Philippine lead into a frantic finish.

     

    Jerrick Ahanmisi appeared to deliver the dagger when he knocked down an open two-pointer that pushed Gilas ahead, 17-13, with just under a minute remaining.

     

    But Thailand kept coming. A powerful two-handed dunk by Chanatip Jakrawan cut the lead to two, 17-15, with 11 seconds left, putting the Filipinos in danger of seeing their hard work unravel in the closing stretch.

     

    Then came one final scare. After Gilas committed a shot-clock violation, Thailand was handed one last opportunity to force overtime or steal the game outright. But Frederick Lish’s attempt failed to connect, allowing the Philippines to escape and celebrate a hard-earned win.

     

    That final defensive stand sealed a perfect 2-0 run in Group A for Gilas, which earlier opened its campaign with a 21-16 victory over Maldives.

     

    And if there was one player who helped create the cushion the Filipinos desperately needed, it was Ralph Cu.

     

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    Cu finished with six points, highlighted by a booming corner two-pointer that beat the shot clock and stretched the Philippines’ lead to 14-5 at the midway mark — a momentum-swinging shot that briefly looked like it would put the game out of reach.

     

    Instead, Thailand slowly chipped away.

     

    The Thais entered the matchup with momentum of their own, fresh off a 21-11 win over Maldives and carrying added credibility after stunning Lithuania, 21-15, two weeks ago in the FIBA Red Bull Champions Cup.

     

    So even with Gilas in control for long stretches, the comeback threat always lingered.

     

    Jakrawan led Thailand with a game-high seven points and nearly sparked a dramatic turnaround, but the Filipinos had just enough left to finish the job.

     

    More importantly, they did what last year’s team could not.In the previous edition of the tournament, Gilas Men bowed out in the qualifying phase and failed to reach the main draw. This time, they punched through.

     

    That breakthrough gives the Philippines a much-needed boost as it heads into pool play, where the level of competition only gets tougher.

     

    Meanwhile, the focus now also shifts to the women’s side, with Gilas Women set to open their campaign on Saturday against Tonga at 5:15 p.m. before facing defending champion Australia at 8:05 p.m.

     

    For now, though, the spotlight belongs to the men’s squad — a group that survived pressure, handled the moment, and finally pushed Gilas back where it wanted to be.

     

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  • LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record for most career wins in Lakers victory

    LeBron James breaks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA record for most career wins in Lakers victory

    LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar LeBron James continues to redefine longevity and greatness, adding yet another historic milestone to his already unparalleled career. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar further cemented his legacy in the National Basketball Association record books during a 127-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, April 1 (Philippine Standard Time).

     

    While James finished with a modest stat line of 14 points, five rebounds, and six assists in 31 minutes—numbers that might seem routine by his lofty standards—the significance of the night extended far beyond the box score. The win marked the 1,229th victory of his career, allowing him to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most total wins in NBA history, a remarkable feat that further underscores his longevity and sustained excellence across more than two decades.

     

    At 41 years old, James continues to perform at a high level while competing against a new generation of stars, a testament to his conditioning, adaptability, and basketball IQ. What once seemed like unbreakable records set by legends of the past are now steadily falling to the four-time NBA champion, who shows little sign of slowing down.

     

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    Breaking Abdul-Jabbar’s marks has become a recurring theme in James’ career. During the 2022-23 season, he famously eclipsed Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, a milestone widely regarded as one of the most untouchable achievements in professional sports. More recently, on March 22 (Philippine Standard Time), James also surpassed Robert Parish for the most games played in league history, further solidifying his reputation as the gold standard for durability and consistency.

    Despite this latest accomplishment, James has yet to claim the all-time regular-season wins record, which still belongs to Abdul-Jabbar with 1,074 victories. James remains within striking distance, needing 29 more wins to overtake that mark. While reaching it within the current season may be unlikely, the milestone appears well within reach should he choose to extend his career for another campaign.

     

    James’ greatness, however, cannot be measured by wins alone. His all-around impact on the game is reflected in his dominance across multiple statistical categories. In addition to being the league’s all-time leading scorer, he ranks among the top players in field goals made, All-Star selections, All-NBA Team honors, seasons played, and playoff appearances. His versatility is further highlighted by his placement near the top in assists, steals, and triple-doubles—rare company for a player whose primary role has often been as a scorer.

     

    Beyond the numbers, James’ influence extends far beyond the hardwood. As a leader, he has consistently elevated the play of his teammates while serving as a mentor to younger players entering the league. His presence in the locker room and his ability to adapt his game to complement evolving team dynamics have been key factors in his sustained success. Off the court, his impact on the global popularity of basketball and his role in shaping the modern NBA era are equally significant.

     

    From his early days as a teenage phenom to his current status as a seasoned veteran, James has managed to remain at the forefront of the sport. His ability to compete at an elite level against players nearly half his age continues to captivate fans and analysts alike, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest athletes in sports history.

     

    As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on James as he continues to add to an already historic résumé. Each game presents another opportunity for him to push the boundaries of what is possible in professional basketball. With his unique blend of skill, intelligence, and longevity, LeBron James is not just chasing records—he is redefining them, setting a standard of excellence that future generations may spend decades trying to match.

     

     

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  • Sean Alter, Jerrick Ahanmisi steer Gilas 3×3 past Maldives in Asia Cup qualifier opener

    Sean Alter, Jerrick Ahanmisi steer Gilas 3×3 past Maldives in Asia Cup qualifier opener

    Sean Alter and Jerrick Ahanmisi delivered when it mattered most as Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 opened its FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup qualifying campaign with a 21-16 victory over Maldives on Wednesday.

     

    In a format where momentum can swing in a matter of possessions, the Filipinos had to fend off a stubborn Maldivian side before pulling away late to secure a crucial opening-day win.

     

    With only the top team from Group A advancing to the next stage, the result gave Gilas the start it badly needed in a qualifying pool that also includes 15th-ranked Thailand.

     

    The Philippines, seeded ninth in the qualifying tournament, opened the game with Alter, Ahanmisi, and Ralph Cu on the floor, while Chris Koon came in as the team’s lone substitute.

     

    Alter quickly made his presence felt, as the University of the Philippines big man started hot, scoring Gilas’ first two points to hand the Philippines an early 2-1 lead. He later added another layup to tie the game at 3-all before Koon, coming off the bench, scored inside to put Gilas ahead, 4-3.

     

    Maldives, however, kept answering.

     

    Ahanmisi knocked down a two-pointer to restore a 6-4 edge after another deadlock, but the Filipinos struggled to create separation as Maldives continued to stay within striking distance.

    Cu then chipped in with a layup for a 7-6 lead, while Alter stayed aggressive at the rim to make it 8-6.

     

    Still, the Maldivians refused to fade, stringing together three straight points to grab a 9-8 advantage before a two-point basket pushed them further ahead, 11-9.

     

    That was when Gilas responded, Alter converted a tough basket plus the foul to level the game at 11-all, igniting the rally the Filipinos needed. Koon then came through with a key score to give the Philippines a 13-11 cushion.

     

    From there, Gilas began to settle in, Alter attacked again for a 14-11 lead, Koon added a free throw for 15-11, and Alter continued his relentless pressure inside with another layup to make it 16-12.

     

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    Maldives still had one last push left and trimmed the deficit to 17-15 on a two-pointer, but Gilas showed its composure in the closing stretch.

     

    The Terrafirma guard scored on a layup to make it 18-15 before Alter once again finished at the rim to move the Filipinos to match point, 20-16.

     

    Ahanmisi then closed the door with a jumper to seal the 21-16 triumph.

     

    Alter emerged as the tone-setter for Gilas with his energy and constant rim pressure, while Ahanmisi delivered key buckets and poise in the finishing kick. Koon also provided an important spark off the bench, while Cu contributed timely minutes in the team’s opening push.

     

    The win served as the first real competitive test for the newly assembled Philippine squad, which has been training together for nearly two months under coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola.

     

    Built to be versatile and competitive in the half-court game, the team combines pro-level experience from Ahanmisi, Cu, and Koon with the youthful activity of Alter.

     

    Gilas also entered the tournament with an average height of 6-foot-4.75, giving the squad a solid physical profile for the demanding pace and physicality of 3×3 basketball.

     

    More importantly, the Filipinos got the result they needed, but the bigger test is still ahead as Gilas returns to action later in the day against Thailand at 8:25 p.m., in what could decide who advances out of Group A.

     

    The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup runs from April 1 to 5, with the qualifiers determining the final teams that will complete the tournament proper.

     

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  • Zamboanga Valientes snag Greg Slaughter from Titan Ultra for Melbourne tournament

    Zamboanga Valientes snag Greg Slaughter from Titan Ultra for Melbourne tournament

    The towering 7-foot former Barangay Ginebra slotman, whose PBA future remains in limbo, is set to make waves in Australia as he dons the Zamboanga Valientes jersey for the upcoming Asia Pacific Basketball Tournament in Melbourne.

     

    Slaughter, along with his Valientes teammates, took off for Melbourne on Tuesday morning ahead of the three-day pocket tournament, slated to tip off on April 3 at Waverley Basketball Stadium.

     

    The Valientes are representing the Philippines in the Premiere Division, joining a 12-team field that includes high-level competition from NBL-Australia squads such as the BSBL  Guardians (Brisbane), BTO MBL All Stars, and Black Rhinos. Meanwhile, Division 1 sees another Philippine squad, We Are CSAS Pilipinas, competing in their own bracket.

     

     

    The move comes amid speculation about Slaughter’s PBA prospects. Insider reached out to Slaughter for comment, but the former Ginebra big man remained tight-lipped on both his potential PBA return and his stint with the Valientes.

    Valientes owner Junnie Navarro clarified that signing Slaughter, who is technically a free agent, was a straightforward decision following their Dubai tournament.

     

    “I called him if he already has a contract in the PBA or somewhere else, sabi n’ya wala. So good, we signed him up to reinforce our squad,” said Navarro, who also serves as a Zamboanga City councilor.

     

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    Navarro emphasized that the Valientes had no role in the ongoing discussions between Slaughter and PBA newcomer Titan Ultra.

     

    “Yun ang sinabi n’ya, wala pa sila contract so since free siya I asked him if he can join us. He said yes. Parang continuity lang to ng usapan naming from Dubai,” Navarro added.

     

    Insider sources revealed that Slaughter’s potential move to Titan Ultra has been delayed due to administrative hurdles, including the team needing clearance from the PBA and its board regarding his status. In fact, Titan Ultra management was reportedly summoned to the PBA offices to address the matter.

     

    For now, all eyes will be on Melbourne as the Valientes aim to make a statement with Slaughter anchoring their frontcourt—a story that blends international exposure with the ongoing intrigue surrounding one of Philippine basketball’s most talked-about big men.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos drills career‑high eight triples, lifts Hokkaido in tight B.LEAGUE win

    Dwight Ramos drills career‑high eight triples, lifts Hokkaido in tight B.LEAGUE win

    Dwight Ramos delivered a standout performance on Wednesday, erupting from deep to help Levanga Hokkaido hold off the Ibaraki Robots, 88‑85, in Japan’s B.LEAGUE.

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas guard set a new personal mark for triples in a game with eight made 3‑pointers, finishing with 29 points on 10‑of‑14 shooting as Hokkaido maintained its spot in the playoff race. Ramos’ hot shooting from beyond the arc was the highlight of a performance that kept his team competitive in a close matchup.

     

    Ramos’ eight triples surpassed his previous career best of seven, and while he fell just one point shy of tying his B.LEAGUE career high for points in a game, the long‑range explosion underscored his offensive value.

     

    His contributions this season go beyond Wednesday’s outing. Ramos has been a consistent offensive presence for Hokkaido, averaging around 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the 2025‑26 B.LEAGUE campaign, combining scoring with playmaking and defensive activity.

     

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    Before his eight‑three night, Ramos had several notable outings where he showed his scoring versatility. He has regularly scored in double figures, using a mix of perimeter shooting and off‑ball movement to create offense for Hokkaido. His ability to space the floor and knock down open looks has become a key part of the team’s strategy.

     

    With the win, Hokkaido improved to 31‑16 and remained in the thick of the playoff picture, while the Robots dropped to 14‑33. Hokkaido needed every bit of Ramos’ production as it weathered a late surge from Ibaraki to secure the narrow victory.

     

    Ramos’ importance to the team is reflected in his overall season numbers, where his shooting has provided consistent scoring punch and floor spacing, and he has developed into one of the more reliable Filipino imports in the league.

     

    Hokkaido’s next game will be against the Ryukyu Golden Kings (31‑15), while Ibaraki looks to rebound against the San‑En NeoPhoenix (27‑19).

     

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  • Yeng Guiao “amazed’ after Rain or Shine’s record 56-point win over Blackwater

    Yeng Guiao “amazed’ after Rain or Shine’s record 56-point win over Blackwater

    Rain or Shine continued to stamp its authority on the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, extending its unbeaten run to four games with a historic and emphatic victory that further solidified its status as an early conference favorite.

     

    The Elasto Painters delivered a performance for the record books on Tuesday, March 31, dismantling the Blackwater Bossing, 151–95, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The 56-point blowout not only underscored Rain or Shine’s dominance on both ends of the floor, but also set a new benchmark in league history for the largest winning margin—surpassing the long-standing 55-point record set by Utex against Great Taste in the 1980 Open Conference semifinals.

     

    From the opening tip, Rain or Shine imposed its will. The team exploded for 45 points in the first quarter while holding Blackwater to just 15, immediately creating a gap that proved insurmountable. The offensive onslaught was relentless, with crisp ball movement, efficient shooting, and suffocating defense fueling the runaway victory. By halftime, the outcome was all but decided, allowing the Elasto Painters to maintain their intensity while also showcasing their depth.

     

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    That depth proved to be one of the defining stories of the game. Rain or Shine’s bench poured in a staggering 82 points, a testament to the team’s balanced roster and system-driven approach. Eight different players finished in double figures, highlighting a collective effort that overwhelmed Blackwater at every turn.

    Despite his team’s commanding performance, head coach Yeng Guiao admitted even he was taken aback by the magnitude of the win, especially given his decades of experience in the league.

     

    “I don’t remember. I looked at the score earlier, and it looked like an All-Star Game,” Guiao said.

    Guiao emphasized that the lopsided result did not reflect a lack of preparation or respect for their opponents. In fact, the veteran coach revealed that the team approached the matchup with caution, particularly considering Blackwater’s strong showing in their previous outing.

     

    “There will come nights like this. Coach Jeff Cariaso had a bad night with his team but that’s not the real game. They beat Magnolia in the last game. We approached this game very cautiously. I told the team in the dugout that if by the fourth quarter, Blackwater is close to us in the scores, we will have a problem. We will have to grind this game out. It’s a good thing we were away early,” he added.

     

    The victory not only preserved Rain or Shine’s perfect record but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league. Through four games, the Elasto Painters have displayed consistency, chemistry, and a high-powered offense capable of erupting at any moment, complemented by a defense that can shut down opponents just as effectively.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup progresses, Rain or Shine now sits atop the standings, brimming with confidence and momentum. However, tougher challenges lie ahead. The team will look to sustain its flawless campaign when it returns to action against the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday, April 8, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—a matchup that promises to be a more telling gauge of their championship credentials.

     

     

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  • Gilas 3×3 opens Asia Cup road with familiar hurdle in Thailand 

    Gilas 3×3 opens Asia Cup road with familiar hurdle in Thailand 

    Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3×3 opens its campaign in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup qualifiers on Thursday in Singapore, with two important games standing between the team and a place in the main draw.

     

    The Philippine quartet of Ralph Cu, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter will first face Maldives before taking on Thailand later in the day at the OCBC Arena.

     

    The Filipinos are seeded ninth in the qualifying tournament and are grouped with 22nd-ranked Maldives and 15th-ranked Thailand in Group A. With only the top team in the group advancing, every game will carry major weight for Gilas.

     

    If the Philippines tops the group, it will move on to the main draw and join Mongolia and Chinese Taipei in Pool A.

     

    Among the two opponents, Thailand is expected to be Gilas’ biggest challenge.

     

    The Thais will parade the same roster that captured the gold medal in the 3×3 event of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, made up of Panthawat Techasamran, Freddie Lish, Noppachai Thongpool, and Chanatip Jakrawan.

     

    That same Thailand team also recently turned heads in international play after scoring a 21-15 upset win over Lithuania in the FIBA 3×3 Champions Cup. Lithuania is one of Europe’s top 3×3 teams, making that result a strong indication of how dangerous the Thais can be.

     

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    For Gilas, the tournament will serve as the first real test for a newly assembled team that has been training together for nearly two months.

     

    The squad was put together by coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola, with the goal of building a competitive group capable of making noise in the regional 3×3 scene.

     

    The lineup offers a mix of experience and versatility, with Ahanmisi, Cu, and Koon bringing professional-level exposure, while Alter adds youth and energy coming from the collegiate ranks.

     

    The Philippines will need to quickly find its rhythm in a format where games are shorter, faster, and often decided by small details. In 3×3 basketball, there is little room for slow starts, missed rotations, or wasted possessions.

     

    That makes the opening game against Maldives important not just for the standings, but also for momentum heading into the likely decisive matchup against Thailand.

     

    The FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup runs from April 1 to 5, with the qualifiers determining the last teams that will complete the tournament proper.

     

    For Gilas, the mission is clear: survive the qualifying round, beat a familiar regional rival, and earn a shot at competing against Asia’s top 3×3 teams.

     

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