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  • PBA Commissioner’s Cup: Rain or Shine, San Miguel look to build momentum before Holy Week break

    PBA Commissioner’s Cup: Rain or Shine, San Miguel look to build momentum before Holy Week break

    Tuesday’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium offers two very different kinds of pressure, but both games carry meaningful implications before the league heads into the Holy Week break. In the opener at 5:15 p.m., unbeaten Rain or Shine tries to protect its early hold on the top spot against a Blackwater side looking to build on a confidence-boosting win. 

     

    In the main game at 7:30 p.m., San Miguel begins a new chapter with fresh import Justin Patton as it faces the still-winless Macau Black Knights in a matchup that suddenly feels more urgent than expected.

     

    Rain or Shine has been the conference’s early tone-setter, and what has made its 3-0 start more impressive is the way it has won. 

     

    The Elasto Painters have looked relentless on both ends, playing with pace, pressure, and a collective edge that has made them one of the toughest teams to deal with through the opening stretch. That identity was reinforced even more when they knocked off Meralco despite playing without import Jaylen Johnson, proving they can still compete at a high level even when short-handed.

     

    Now Johnson returns, and that only makes Rain or Shine more dangerous heading into its meeting with Blackwater. The versatile import has already shown what kind of impact he can bring, including a monster outing of 29 points, 24 rebounds, and six assists earlier in the conference. 

     

    His presence should further stabilize a squad that has also drawn strong contributions from its locals, particularly Adrian Nocum, who has emerged as one of the early breakout performers. Nocum has provided scoring, energy, and late-game confidence, while Jhonard Clarito has quietly given Rain or Shine another active body capable of producing on both ends.

     

    Blackwater, though, enters the matchup with more belief than it had a week ago. The Bossing finally got into the win column by taking down Magnolia, and the manner in which they did it gave them something to build on. 

     

    Sedrick Barefield took over in the fourth quarter of that victory and finished with 26 points, once again showing he is the player most capable of changing the game offensively for Blackwater when things tighten up. Alongside him, new import Rob Upshaw adds size and interior presence, and the Bossing will also need support from Abu Tratter, Christian David, BJ Andrade, RK Ilagan, and James Una if they hope to keep pace with Rain or Shine’s depth and energy.

     

    Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso already understands what kind of challenge his team is walking into. Rain or Shine’s style is built on activity and discipline, and teams that do not match that level of urgency tend to get overwhelmed quickly. For the Bossing, this game becomes less about simply executing sets and more about surviving the kind of sustained pressure the Elasto Painters bring from opening tip to final buzzer.

     

    The standings stakes in that first game are already significant despite the conference still being young. A Rain or Shine win would send the Elasto Painters into the break at 4-0, further strengthening their grip on the top spot and giving them a valuable cushion in a single-round-robin format where every early win matters. 

     

    A Blackwater victory, on the other hand, would pull the Bossing to 2-2 and give them a much-needed push in the middle of the playoff race heading into the pause.

     

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    If the opener is about maintaining momentum, the nightcap is about restoring order. San Miguel comes into Tuesday already under pressure after a 1-2 start, and the Beermen have responded by making the conference’s first major shake-up.

     

     After just three games, the Philippine Cup champions have decided to move on from Marcus Lee and bring in former NBA first-round pick Justin Patton, a bold decision that reflects both urgency and the high standards that come with wearing a San Miguel jersey.

     

    Patton, a 7-foot-1 center selected 16th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, is expected to make his debut immediately against Macau. 

     

    His arrival comes after a rough opening stretch for the Beermen, who dropped games to Titan Ultra and TNT and looked especially vulnerable in their 118-92 loss to a Bol Bol-led Tropang 5G side. Those defeats exposed issues on both ends of the floor, particularly inside, and forced San Miguel to look for a different kind of anchor in the middle.

     

    Even with the struggles, June Mar Fajardo continued to put up his usual numbers. In the loss to TNT, the six-foot-10 cornerstone still produced 15 points and 20 rebounds, but San Miguel needed more resistance and more balance around him. 

     

    That is where Patton now enters the picture. His size and mobility should, at least in theory, give the Beermen a stronger defensive backbone while also easing some of the burden on Fajardo. San Miguel will also need more from CJ Perez, whose ability to create offense and inject pace remains crucial if the Beermen are to regain rhythm quickly.

     

    For Macau, the matchup presents a different kind of opportunity. The Black Knights are still searching for their first win of the conference, but they have shown enough flashes to suggest they are capable of making life difficult for teams that are still trying to figure themselves out. San Miguel, with a new import and rising expectations, fits that description. If the Beermen need time to adjust, Macau has enough weapons to make the game uncomfortable.

     

    Tony Mitchell remains Macau’s main offensive threat and the player most likely to test San Miguel’s defense if the Beermen are slow getting back or loose in their rotations. Sam Deguara also gives the Black Knights a legitimate size presence inside, which could make the battle in the paint more interesting than expected, especially with San Miguel still trying to integrate Patton into its system.

     

    The implications of the second game are hard to ignore. A San Miguel win would allow the Beermen to head into the break at 2-2, calming some of the early noise and giving Patton a more manageable runway as he settles in. 

     

    A loss, however, would drop them to 1-3 and turn what initially looked like a slow start into a real early concern for one of the conference favorites. For Macau, a win would not only break through in the standings but also stand as one of the conference’s biggest surprises so far.

     

    Taken together, Tuesday’s doubleheader feels like a hinge point before the league pauses. Rain or Shine has the chance to strengthen its case as the team to beat, while Blackwater hopes to prove its recent breakthrough was not a one-off. 

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, is trying to reset before its campaign slips further off track, and Macau is still searching for the kind of result that can change the mood of an entire conference.

     

    By the end of the night, one team could tighten its grip on first place, another could pull itself back into the race, and one of the league’s biggest contenders could either find relief—or head into the break with even more questions.

     

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  • “Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

    “Always part of the game”: Chris Ross clears the air after on-court words with Bol Bol

    The TNT Tropang Giga continued to assert their early dominance in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, delivering a commanding 118–92 victory over the San Miguel Beermen at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 28.

     

    With the win, TNT maintained its strong start to the conference, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline against one of the league’s perennial powerhouse franchises. The team set the tone early and never looked back, building a sizable lead that ultimately proved insurmountable for San Miguel.

     

    At the center of TNT’s surge is their high-profile import, Bol Bol, who continues to make a significant impact in his first stint in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league. The former National Basketball Association big man delivered another standout performance, finishing with 34 points and 18 rebounds in approximately 34 minutes of action. His ability to stretch the floor, protect the rim, and dominate the glass has quickly made him one of the most talked-about reinforcements in the conference.

     

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    Beyond the stat sheet, however, Bol found himself involved in a heated moment during the third quarter. The 7-foot-2 forward exchanged words with San Miguel veteran Chris Ross during a coach’s challenge on a foul call, briefly adding tension to an otherwise lopsided contest. While the situation appeared intense on the floor, it did not escalate further.

     

    Ross, who is currently sidelined due to injury, downplayed the incident in his postgame remarks, emphasizing that such exchanges are part of the competitive nature of basketball.

    “He said we were down 20. I said I don’t care. That was it, it was just a little fun. It’s a long talk, it wasn’t much. That was it. It’s always part of the game. We shook hands after the game, he smiled. It is what it is. It’s talk. I’m not gonna fight. I don’t hate him, he doesn’t hate me. It’s just playing basketball and having conversation,” Ross said.

     

    Despite being limited to a spectator role, Ross remained actively engaged from the sidelines, providing leadership and vocal support to his teammates. The veteran guard also took a moment to praise Bol, recognizing the value of having a player of his caliber competing in the PBA.

     

    “I just told him to stay healthy and keep enjoying himself, having fun. He’s good for our league. Having someone of his stature and his profile, it’s really good for the league. He’s a player. He’s tall, he can do everything on the court. He seems like a good guy. So it’s hard to tell when you’re not playing, I can only say what I can see on the sidelines. He just makes the game a lot more fun,” he added.

     

    Ross has yet to suit up in the Commissioner’s Cup as he continues his recovery from an Achilles injury sustained during the All-Filipino Conference. The experienced playmaker recently reached a small but significant milestone in his rehabilitation journey.

     

    “I just got the boot off yesterday so I’m gonna start my treatments and getting my wind back. In the next couple weeks we will know more. We will see how it reacts to working and how I’m playing. We will see in the next week or two. Whenever I feel healthy, I will be back,” Ross concluded.

     

    While his return timeline remains uncertain, Ross’s presence continues to be felt within the San Miguel camp. Known for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and championship experience, he remains a key figure in guiding the Beermen through the early stages of the conference, even from the bench.

     

    As for TNT, the victory further solidifies their status as early contenders, with Bol Bol leading a balanced and confident squad. If their current form holds, the Tropang Giga could prove to be one of the most formidable teams in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.

     

     

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  • Kieffer Alas ends high school chapter with gratitude and gears up for collegiate journey

    Kieffer Alas ends high school chapter with gratitude and gears up for collegiate journey

    Kieffer Alas is turning the page on an unforgettable chapter of his basketball journey, and he’s doing it with gratitude. 


    In a heartfelt social media post, the former UAAP Boys’ MVP expressed his appreciation for the opportunities, heartbreaks, and lessons that shaped him both on and off the court during his high school career.

     

    Reflecting on this new chapter, Alas said on his social media post, “Bittersweet, but I’m beyond thankful. This is just the beginning.”

     

    Since 2023, Alas has been a fixture in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) All-Star games, showcasing his talent as one of the Philippines’ brightest young players. Now, at 18, he takes the next step in his career by committing to the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, starting Season 89.

     

    This move marks another milestone in a trailblazing journey. Alas became the first and only four-time NBTC All-Star, surpassing Kai Sotto’s three-time recognition, cementing his status as one of the most decorated young players in the country.

     

    Alas’ recent performances highlight his growth. In the National Finals with Phenom NZ Blue Fire, he dropped 30 points in their 87-78 victory over Urbana Studios x San Beda, further proving his ability to shine under pressure. 

     

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    Before returning to the Philippines, Alas explored opportunities in the United States. He initially joined Layton Christian Academy in Utah, aiming for a Division I spot in the NCAA, before transferring to Utah Prep Academy under the guidance of former TNT Tropang Giga mentor Mark Dickel. 

     

    He made an instant impression, scoring 34 points with 10 three-pointers in his first game, and continued to excel through graduation. Despite his success, a high-profile college offer in the US remained elusive.

     

    Choosing to return home was deliberate, not a fallback. 

     

    “I contemplated the decision with my family. My main dream is to play pro,” Alas shared during a media gathering organized by VP Global Management. 

     

    “In Ateneo, there’s more opportunity, more playing time for my growth as a player and as a person,” the soon to be Blue Eagles player said. 

     

    The decision also provides a familiar environment. With his father, former PBA coach Louie Alas, on Tab Baldwin’s staff and the chance to reunite with high school teammates like Wakee Espina and Jared Bahay, a transition promises continuity both on and off the court.

     

    For Kieffer Alas, the journey from Utah back to Manila isn’t a step backward — it’s a move toward growth, opportunity, and a promising future in Philippine basketball.

     

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  • Converge backs Alec Stockton, Delta Pineda emphasizes team growth

    Converge backs Alec Stockton, Delta Pineda emphasizes team growth

    Converge may be nursing a three-game slide in the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, but inside the locker room, the tone is far from fractured. Instead of dwelling on another painful finish, head coach Delta Pineda is choosing patience and perspective.


    The FiberXers’ 103-99 loss to San Miguel had all the markings of a familiar heartbreak, a tight contest that slipped just beyond reach in the closing seconds. But rather than point fingers, Pineda made it clear that development remains the bigger picture.

     

    “Let’s give Alec a chance,” the incumbent Pampanga vice governor said shortly after the match at the Ynares Center.

     

    The turning point came with 27.2 seconds remaining. Alec Stockton was called for a foul on Don Trollano, sending the veteran to the line for two free throws that broke a 99-all deadlock and handed San Miguel a 101-99 lead.

     

    The moment also echoed Stockton’s late-game miscue against Ginebra in the previous Philippine Cup quarterfinals, where a similar foul led to a heartbreaking exit. But Pineda refused to draw comparisons that would place undue weight on his young guard.

     

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    “Yung mga ganoong situation, hindi natin puwedeng isisi sa kanya. It’s part of the game, talagang sumabit eh. Pero ‘yung mga important score din, nag-deliver naman si Alec. Huwag nating i-blame doon sa bata ‘yun.” he said.

     

    Just seconds before the foul, Stockton had delivered under pressure, draining a clutch four-pointer to tie the game at 99. He finished with 17 points, eight assists, and no turnovers — a performance that highlighted his impact despite the late miscue.

     

    Beyond the result, Pineda found positives in how the team functioned as a unit. Converge tallied 25 assists, a sign that its offensive rhythm is beginning to take shape after an up-and-down stretch.

     

    “For us, this is maybe the best game for the team, at least ‘yung chemistry nandoon na especially on our assists. We had 25 assists,” he said.

     

    “We fought hard, breaks of the game lang sa huli. Even other players contributed, especially Mikey [Williams]. Unti-unti, naaanuhan natin.”

     

    That “unti-unti” progress — gradual, imperfect, but forward-moving — is what the FiberXers are choosing to hold onto. The losses may be piling up, but so are the signs of cohesion and growth.

     

    Still, the outside noise has grown louder. For the past two games, Stockton has absorbed heavy criticism on social media following late-game mistakes that proved costly for Converge.

     

    Inside the team, however, the message is clear, he has their full backing.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño, who has mostly been on the sidelines this season, acknowledged that slumps are a normal part of the game and expressed confidence that Stockton, who works hard in every practice, will recover.

     

    “It’s just about finding ways to recover, being mentally strong and bouncing back. We’re a hundred percent sure he will do those,” De Liaño added.

     

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  • San Miguel mid-season change, taps Justin Patton to revive Commissioner’s Cup bid

    San Miguel mid-season change, taps Justin Patton to revive Commissioner’s Cup bid

    Three games into its Commissioner’s Cup campaign, San Miguel Beer has already decided it cannot afford to wait.

     

    After an uneven start to the PBA Season 50 conference, the Beermen have pulled the trigger on an early import change, bringing in former NBA big man Justin Patton to replace Marcus Lee in a move that signals both urgency and expectation from one of the league’s perennial title contenders.

     

    Patton, a 7-foot-1 center and former first-round NBA Draft pick, is expected to make his debut on Tuesday when San Miguel takes on the Macau Black Knights at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, just before the league pauses for the Holy Week break. For a team that entered the tournament carrying the confidence of being the reigning Philippine Cup champion, the switch reflects how quickly pressure can build when results do not match pedigree.

     

    San Miguel opened the conference with just one win in three games, a start that included disappointing losses to Titan Ultra and TNT, the latter an emphatic 118-92 defeat against a Tropang 5G side reinforced by Bol Bol. Those setbacks exposed issues on both ends of the floor and ultimately forced the Beermen to look for a different kind of presence in the middle.

     

    Patton arrives with a résumé that immediately stands out. He was selected 16th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, and although much of his professional career was spent in the NBA G League, he also had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Oklahoma City Thunder organizations. His most recent stop came with Cangrejeros de Santurce in Puerto Rico, giving him recent experience as an import and a chance to now reintroduce himself on the PBA stage.

     

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    The timing of the move is particularly notable because it comes right after Marcus Lee’s best game in a San Miguel uniform. In the Beermen’s loss to TNT, Lee posted 30 points and 14 rebounds, easily his most productive outing in the conference. But for San Miguel, one strong performance was not enough to outweigh a shaky overall start.

     

    Across his three games with the Beermen, Lee averaged 14.67 points, 10.33 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. While those numbers are respectable on paper, they likely fell short of what the team expected from its reinforcement, especially considering how badly San Miguel struggled in certain stretches. His debut, in particular, set a difficult tone, as he was limited to just four points and five rebounds in the Beermen’s stunning loss to Titan Ultra on March 21.

     

    That inconsistency may have ultimately cost him his spot. For San Miguel, Patton is not just a replacement—he is a reset button. His size, mobility, and experience at higher levels of basketball could give the Beermen a different dimension inside, particularly against teams that have punished them with length, athleticism, and pace early in the conference.

     

    More than anything, though, this move reflects the standard San Miguel continues to hold itself to. A 1-2 start may not bury most teams, but for a franchise built on championships, it is enough to demand immediate action.

     

    Now, the question is whether Patton can provide the spark San Miguel believes it needs—or whether this early shake-up is just the beginning of a longer search for answers.

     

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  • Chicago Bulls waive guard Jaden Ivey for “conduct detrimental to the team”

    Chicago Bulls waive guard Jaden Ivey for “conduct detrimental to the team”

    The Chicago Bulls made a decisive roster move early Tuesday (Philippine Standard Time), waiving guard Jaden Ivey for “conduct detrimental to the team” following a series of controversial social media posts that drew widespread backlash.

     

    The decision came after Ivey, 24, went live on Instagram on three separate occasions in recent days, using the platform to voice strong opinions on religion and other personal beliefs. During those sessions, he engaged directly with fans in the comments, at one point referring to Catholicism as a “false religion.” However, the situation escalated significantly during a 45-minute livestream in which Ivey made remarks targeting the LGBTQ community, criticizing the NBA’s celebration of Pride Month and calling it an endorsement of “unrighteousness.”

     

    Sources within the organization indicated that these comments ultimately prompted swift internal discussions, culminating in the Bulls’ decision to part ways with the young guard despite his recent arrival to the team.

     

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    Head coach Billy Donovan addressed the situation in a media availability, emphasizing the franchise’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity, professionalism, and mutual respect within the organization. While Donovan made it clear he had not personally followed the livestreams in real time, he acknowledged being briefed on the situation by team personnel.

    “I had not followed or seen that myself, but they had shared with me some of the stuff that was going on. We have been on this road trip. I would say this, at least since I have been with the boys, we have got people in there from all different backgrounds inside the organization. So I think the first thing is how well organized, and this goes for players, coaches, everybody in that building. It’s always been, I think, from the top, we are all going to work well together, we are all going to take care of each other, we are going to accept each other, and we are going to be hardworking, accountable, respectful, and professional – that’s what it’s been,” Donovan said in a media interaction.

     

    Donovan also expressed concern for Ivey on a personal level, while reiterating that organizational standards must be upheld regardless of circumstance.

     

    “I know some of the things that were put out there. I think it’s a situation for him where it’s on his own personal Instagram. I don’t want into what he put out there, but I hope he is okay. I have had conversations with Jaden, and he’s been about having his knee and trying to work to play. Organizationally, there are certain standards we want to have and try and adapt to each and every day,” he added.

     

    Ivey’s tenure in Chicago was brief and largely uneventful on the court. Acquired on February 3, 2026, in a three-team deal, the former lottery pick appeared in just four games for the Bulls before being sidelined for the remainder of the season due to left patellofemoral pain syndrome. His limited availability, combined with the off-court controversy, ultimately made his position with the team untenable.

     

    Originally selected fifth overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2022 NBA Draft, Ivey entered the league with high expectations as a dynamic scoring guard. However, his 2025–26 campaign proved challenging, as he posted career-low averages of 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 37 games prior to the trade.

     

    With his rookie contract nearing its end, Ivey is set to become a restricted free agent this summer. His next steps in the league remain uncertain, as teams weigh both his on-court potential and the ramifications of his recent off-court actions.

     

     

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  • Calvin Abueva faces PBA fine for comments on PBA referees amid Converge loss

    Calvin Abueva faces PBA fine for comments on PBA referees amid Converge loss

    Controversy and Calvin Abueva have long gone hand in hand, and Sunday night was no different.

    The PBA Commissioner’s Office summoned the Converge forward after his remarks about officiating during their loss to Barangay Ginebra.


    Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that Abueva was called in the following day, with the player even sharing a glimpse of his visit to the league office in Libis on social media. 

     

    Abueva avoided a suspension but was fined P20,000 for statements deemed detrimental to the league.

     

    “Paldo referee” and “Apat ang paldo,” Abueva said as he was caught on video by various media outlets covering the beat, while on his way to the team’s dugout after his squad loss to the Gin Kings 99-93 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    “Such a malicious and unfounded accusation against our referees cannot go unpunished,” PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial stated in a letter sent to Abueva.

     

    He appeared remorseful and visibly emotional during his meeting with Commissioner Willie Marcial on Monday, expressing regret over the incident.

     

    Despite being traded to the FiberXers, where he reunited with longtime patron Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Abueva has yet to fully settle in with the team struggling near the bottom of the standings at 1-4.

     

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    Yet beyond the latest fine, Abueva’s history suggests that moments like this are not isolated. Wherein 2019, the PBA handed him one of the harshest penalties in recent league history—a suspension along with a P70,000 fine after multiple incidents, including a clothesline hit on an opponent and inappropriate gestures toward a fan. 

     

    The league described the acts as serious violations of professional conduct, emphasizing the need for discipline among players.

     

    Even after returning from that suspension in 2020 under strict conditions that included counseling and behavioral guidelines, Abueva’s on-court demeanor has continued to draw scrutiny. 

     

    The league made it clear at the time that any repeat offenses could lead to further sanctions, reinforcing that his reinstatement came with expectations of change.

     

    More recently, in 2024, Abueva was again penalized—this time with a one-game suspension and a P20,000 fine for flashing a middle finger at a fan during a game. The incident showed that despite periods of resurgence in his career, his fiery personality still occasionally crosses the line set by the league.

     

    Now with Converge, Abueva finds himself at yet another crossroads. The opportunity for a fresh start is there, but so is the weight of his past.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee eyes Philippine citizenship for son as young basketball star charts his own path

    Justin Brownlee eyes Philippine citizenship for son as young basketball star charts his own path

    Justin Brownlee, current Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player and Barangay Ginebra star player revealed that he is considering the possibility of his 14-year-old son, Justin Jr., becoming a naturalized Filipino citizen. 


    If successful, the teenager could play as a local for the Philippines once he obtains his passport before turning 18.

     

    “I think we are trying to work on it (Philippine passport), hopefully this year or maybe sometime soon,” Brownlee said on Friday, signaling the family’s intent to open doors for the young athlete.

     

    Justin Jr. is already making waves in his own right. Recently, he played a pivotal role for Fil-Am Nation LA, scoring 15 points to help secure a 101-81 victory over Blue Steel Basketball in the Manila Live 14-under invitationals final at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

     

    Though just starting his basketball career, the teen is showing signs of the competitive drive that has defined his father’s professional journey.

     

    While naturalization could allow Brownlee Jr. to follow in his father’s footsteps with Gilas Pilipinas, Justin Sr. emphasizes that his son’s path should remain uniquely his own. 

     

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    The elder Brownlee, who completed his naturalization in 2023 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 11937, has always been a fixture in the Philippines’ national team, but he encourages individuality in his son.

     

    “He’s got his own game. He’s trying to create his own identity and personality,” Brownlee said.

    The young Brownlee also harbors ambitions beyond the Philippines. Like many aspiring basketball players, his first dream is to make it to the NBA. 

     

    “His first dream is the NBA, like most kids,” Brownlee Sr. noted. Justin Jr. has already set his sights on the Golden State Warriors and cites Kobe Bryant as his all-time favorite player.

     

    Recent changes in FIBA regulations have made the timing for potential naturalization more favorable. 

     

    The age cut-off for non-restricted players was raised to 18 from 16 last December, giving Justin Jr. a window to secure his Philippine passport while still young enough to play as a local.

     

    Even as comparisons to his father are inevitable, the Brownlees are focused on letting the younger player forge his own path, blending heritage and ambition with personal growth.

     

    Justin Jr.’s journey is shaping up to be a unique fusion of Filipino pride and global aspiration—a story that could one day mirror, but never replicate, the legacy of his father.

     

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  • Kiefer Ravena’s nine threes lead Yokohama past Kai Sotto’s monster double-double, Koshigaya in double OT win

    Kiefer Ravena’s nine threes lead Yokohama past Kai Sotto’s monster double-double, Koshigaya in double OT win

    In a weekend showdown that highlighted the growing influence of Filipino stars in Japan’s B.LEAGUE, Kiefer Ravena delivered a career-defining performance to propel the Yokohama B-Corsairs past Kai Sotto and the Koshigaya Alphas, 96-93, in a double-overtime thriller on Sunday, March 29. 

     

    The victory completed a weekend sweep for Yokohama, following a narrow 78-70 win over the same opponent on Saturday.

     

    Ravena was simply unstoppable, erupting for 32 points while draining nine three-pointers—both career highs in Japan.

     

    His nine triples placed him among an elite group of players, becoming only the 12th in B.LEAGUE history to reach that mark in a single game. The B1 record of 11 three-pointers, shared by former MVPs Yuki Togashi and Kosuke Kanamaru, is now tantalizingly close for the explosive guard.

     

    Ravena’s sharpshooting kept Yokohama in control in clutch moments, including both overtime periods, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest.

     

    For the Alphas, the spotlight belonged to Kai Sotto, who showcased his dominant presence inside the paint. Sotto recorded a career-high 19 rebounds, eclipsing his previous best of 18 boards set in December 2024 during a victory against the Kawasaki Brave Thunders. 

     

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    He also added 21 points and four assists, displaying a well-rounded game that combined scoring and playmaking with his trademark rebounding prowess. Despite his monumental effort, Koshigaya was unable to overcome Ravena’s offensive onslaught and fell to 16-30, marking their fourth consecutive loss.

     

    The game itself was a rollercoaster of tension and momentum swings. Yokohama seemed in control early, but the Alphas repeatedly clawed back, forcing both teams into overtime. 

     

    Ravena’s clutch triples and calm decision-making in the final minutes proved decisive, while Sotto’s determination on the boards kept Koshigaya alive in the contest until the final buzzer. 

     

    The double-overtime showdown was a testament to the resilience and competitive fire of both Filipino stars.

     

    With the win, Yokohama now boasts four victories in their last five games, improving to 19-27 for the season. Their confidence will be put to the test next against defending champion Utsunomiya Brex (34-12), a matchup that could shape their playoff aspirations. 

     

    Meanwhile, Koshigaya seeks to halt their skid in their upcoming game against Kawasaki Brave Thunders (12-34).

     

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  • New-look Gilas 3×3 begin preparations for Asia Cup in Singapore 

    New-look Gilas 3×3 begin preparations for Asia Cup in Singapore 

    The Gilas Pilipinas men’s 3×3 team is shaping up for a fresh run at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, leaning on a mix of youth, talent, and experience as they fine-tune their game ahead of the April 1-5 tournament at Singapore’s OCBC Arena.

     

     Practices over the past two months have been intense, with a special emphasis on integrating the current national team core with seasoned 3×3 veterans.

     

    Helping mold the new-look squad are well-known 3×3 campaigners Juan Gomez de Liaño, Joseph Eriobu, and Dominick Fajardo, who, along with Robbie Herndon, spent weeks scrimmaging with the Gilas quartet of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Ralph Cu, Chris Koon, and Sean Alter. 

     

    Their presence provided the younger players with valuable exposure to high-level 3×3 play, bridging the gap between domestic league experience and international competition.

     

    Eriobu, a two-time Southeast Asian Games 3×3 representative and a mainstay of Purefoods in the PBA 3×3, shared the floor with Fajardo, who has suited up for NLEX in the same league. GDL, meanwhile, brings international experience from the 2018 FIBA 3×3 World Cup. 

     

    The trio was specifically tapped by coaches Kirk Collier, Patrick Fran, and JJ Espanola to accelerate the team’s preparation and bring a competitive edge to the upcoming Asia Cup.

     

    Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy expressed gratitude to both the PBA and UAAP for loaning their players, noting that the collaboration is crucial for building a strong national 3×3 program. 

     

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    “We thank the leadership of the PBA and UAAP for allowing their players to represent the country in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup,” Dy said. “We know it really takes a community to build a strong program, and we’re very happy to get the commitment of many individuals who showed up for our team’s practices to share their knowledge and experience.”

     

    NLEX and MPTC governor Ronald Dulatre also highlighted the team effort behind the preparations, particularly for Fajardo and Herndon’s participation. 

     

    “We at MPTC and NLEX have always envisioned helping the national team. And when the SBP presented the possibility of us being involved in the men’s 3×3 program, we did not hesitate,” he said. 

     

    “We heeded the call from SBP President and PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas to renew the commitment to 3×3 in terms of hopes of making it to the Olympics.”

     

    With the mix of youth and veteran leadership, the new-look Gilas 3×3 squad aims to make a strong impression in Singapore while laying the groundwork for the team’s long-term vision, including potential Olympic qualification.

     

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