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Category: Basketball

  • Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball named NBA Players of the Week for Week 22 of the 2025-26 season

    Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball named NBA Players of the Week for Week 22 of the 2025-26 season

    Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball have been named the National Basketball Association (NBA) Players of the Week for the Week 22 of the 2025-26 season.

     

     

    Luka Doncic (Western Conference Player of Week)

     

    The Los Angeles Lakers are enjoying one of their most impressive stretches of the 2025–26 NBA season, posting a 46–26 record to claim third place in a loaded Western Conference. Driving that success is superstar guard Luka Dončić, who continues to cement his status as one of the league’s elite.

     

    Dončić delivered a sensational Week 22 performance, leading the Lakers to a perfect 4–0 record. He opened the week with back-to-back scoring outbursts of 36 and 40 points against the Houston Rockets, then exploded for 60 points on 18-of-30 shooting in a dominant showing versus the Miami Heat. He capped the run with 33 points in a win over the Orlando Magic.

     

    The Slovenian star’s 60-point performance places him among just seven players in Lakers franchise history to reach that mark, while he also became only the ninth to record multiple 50-point games. Dončić has further etched his name in team lore by setting the franchise single-season record for three-pointers made. Through 59 appearances, he is averaging a league-best 33.4 points, along with 7.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.6 steals in 35.8 minutes per game.

     

    This marks Dončić’s second consecutive Player of the Week honor, his fourth this season, and the 19th of his career—another testament to his sustained brilliance.

     

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    LaMelo Ball (Eastern Conference Player of Week)

     

    In the Eastern Conference, LaMelo Ball continues his ascent as one of the NBA’s premier young guards, guiding the Charlotte Hornets to a 3–0 record in Week 22.

     

    Ball averaged 26.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 steals during the week. In a standout performance against the Miami Heat, he made franchise history by becoming the first Hornets player—and just the 11th in NBA history—to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 20 minutes or fewer.

     

    For the season, the 24-year-old is posting 19.7 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. His efforts earned him the first Player of the Week award of his career, making him the 32nd player in Hornets history to receive the honor—and the first since Brandon Miller was recognized on February 2.

     

     

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  • Kevin Quiambao on track to extend Filipinos’ KBL Rookie of the Year streak

    Kevin Quiambao on track to extend Filipinos’ KBL Rookie of the Year streak

    The Korean Basketball League has become fertile ground for Filipino talent, and Kevin Quiambao has quickly emerged as the latest standout in a growing tradition of Philippine players succeeding in Korea. After a decorated collegiate career with De La Salle University—where he captured two UAAP Most Valuable Player awards, a Finals MVP, and a championship—Quiambao has made an immediate impact at the professional level, proving himself one of the most exciting rookies in the KBL.

     

    His transition to the professional ranks hasn’t just been smooth—it’s been impactful. This season, Quiambao has been a key contributor for his team, posting strong all‑around numbers that have made him one of the league’s most productive first‑year players. 

     

    Through the bulk of the campaign, he has averaged approximately 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score, rebound, create for teammates, and stretch the floor.

     

    Beyond the stats, what stands out is his composure against tough competition and his adaptability to the faster, more physical style of play in Korea—traits that have helped elevate his team’s performance. 

     

    Quiambao’s club, the Goyang Sono Skygunners, has battled its way to a middling position in the standings in the current Korean Basketball League season with a 26-23 win-loss record, occupying roughly an above .500 record as it chases a coveted playoff spot in the tight 10‑team KBL field.

     

    His influence has been felt in more ways than one. In a display of elite playmaking rare for import and local players alike, Quiambao set a KBL single‑game mark this season with a stunning 18 assists in a win for the Skygunners—an assist total that’s the highest in the league this year and the most in Korea in five seasons.

     

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    Off the court, his value to the organization was rewarded with a three‑year contract extension that secures his future with Goyang through his peak development years, a testament to the team’s belief in his growth and long‑term impact.

     

    Quiambao’s squad has been competitive throughout the season, positioning itself firmly in the playoff hunt as one of the upper‑tier teams in the standings. Their solid record has bolstered his case not only as a contender for individual honors but also as a player whose contributions have real team implications.

     

    All signs point to further recognition. Should his team secure a spot in the KBL playoffs—which appears increasingly likely—Quiambao will enter the postseason not just as a rising star but as a frontrunner for the KBL Rookie of the Year award. His consistency and influence on both ends of the court have caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, making him a natural successor to a growing line of Filipino players who have excelled in Korea.

     

    Quiambao isn’t the first Filipino to make such an impact in the KBL. The award has become something of a home for talent from the Philippines, with RJ Abarrientos and JD Cagulangan capturing Rookie of the Year honors in recent seasons. Both guards arrived in Korea and immediately adjusted to the professional game, setting a high benchmark for any Filipino rookie who followed.

     

    Now, Quiambao is on track to extend that legacy. While the race for Rookie of the Year will ultimately be decided when the regular season closes and the playoffs begin, his current trajectory suggests he isn’t just in the conversation—he’s the one to beat.

     

    If his team qualifies for the postseason and he continues producing the way he has all season, a third straight Filipino winning KBL Rookie of the Year could soon become reality. And for a player who thrived in pressure situations in college, it would be fitting confirmation that his game has grown yet again on one of Asia’s biggest stages.

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino keeps PBA return in play while staying locked in on KBL run

    Arvin Tolentino keeps PBA return in play while staying locked in on KBL run

    Even as his career continues to unfold overseas, the pull of home remains a constant for Arvin Tolentino.

     

    Now suiting up for the Seoul SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), the former PBA standout isn’t shutting the door on a return to the Philippines—but he’s in no rush to make that decision.

     

    “Of course, still home for me ang Philippines. Iba pa rin kapag nasa sariling bayan ka,” said Tolentino before heading back to Korea following his team’s exit in the East Asia Super League finals.

     

    “But right now, wala pa yan sa isip ko dahil I’m still focused on my team (Seoul SK Knights).”

    Tolentino’s situation is unique. Unlike several players affected by the PBA’s three-year ban on those who bypass contract offers to play elsewhere, the 30-year-old wingman left for Korea before the rule was enforced. That timing leaves the door open for a potential return whenever he chooses.

     

    Still, any talk of a comeback remains distant. Tolentino is currently in the first year of a two-year deal with the Knights, with a possible option to decide his next move afterward.

     

    “Two years and then I have an option to come back on the third (year),” he shared.

     

    “Yung two years na yun baka puwede pag-isipan (PBA comeback). But right now, I can’t answer anything regarding that.”

     

    For now, his focus is firmly on carving out a role in a league that has tested him in new ways. The transition from the PBA to the KBL has been far from seamless, particularly with the pace and style of play in Korea.

     

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    “Doon ako nag-struggle. Ang bibilis ng mga ito (Koreans). Pero inunti-unti ko sa practice. Habol lang ng habol sa mga guwardiya hanggang nasanay na,” he admitted.

     

    “Of course, yung strength ko pa rin is spacing the floor, doon talaga ako nag-focus. Yun ang hindi puwedeng mawala.”

     

    Nearly a year into his stint abroad, Tolentino says the adjustment is still ongoing.

     

    “I can’t say na 100 percent adjusted na ako. Until now marami pa rin (adjustments), kasi super different e. Iba yung PBA and KBL,” he said.

     

    His path also differs from most Filipino imports in Korea, many of whom transitioned directly from the collegiate ranks.

     

    “Kasi yung iba doon galing college. Ako lang yung may experience from the PBA to KBL,” he explained. “So I have to adjust on my own and really be smart.”

     

    Despite the learning curve, Tolentino has quietly put together a steady campaign for Seoul. In the 2025–26 KBL season, he is averaging around 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in roughly 21 minutes of action, while shooting an efficient clip from the field and beyond the arc. 

     

    In the Seoul Knights campaign in the East Asia Super League (EASL) however, the former FEU Tamaraw has averaged 18 points per game leading the Knights to an EASL quarterfinals appearance. 

     

    Those numbers reflect a player still finding his full rhythm in a new system, but already contributing to a team that remains firmly in the upper half of the standings.

     

    And while the future remains open-ended, one thing is clear: whether in Korea or back home, Tolentino is determined to keep evolving his game—one adjustment at a time.

     

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  • PBA rejects Rain or Shine request to overturn Jaylen Johnson’s suspension

    PBA rejects Rain or Shine request to overturn Jaylen Johnson’s suspension

    The PBA Commissioner’s Office has upheld disciplinary sanctions against Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and TNT’s Glenn Khobutin, denying the Elasto Painters’ appeal on Monday regarding Johnson’s one‑game suspension stemming from a heated altercation last Friday. 


    The decision arrives as Rain or Shine prepares for a crucial matchup against the Meralco Bolts, where they’ll be without Johnson, a key contributor in their bid for a third straight win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao had argued that the disciplinary committee should reconsider Johnson’s suspension on the basis that his actions were retaliatory.

     

    It is a response, he contended, to Khobutin’s initial attack during the fracas that erupted six minutes into the fourth quarter. 

     

    Guiao’s appeal highlighted what he saw as an imbalance in how the situation was handled, especially considering that both players were involved.

     

    Despite Guiao’s efforts, the Commissioner’s Office swiftly rejected the appeal within hours.

     

    “We filed [an appeal] this afternoon. It was denied after three hours. Si kume [Willie Marcial] mismo tinanong ko, ‘Kung ikaw sapakin ko, hindi ka gaganti? Gaganti daw sya … sabi ko bakit si Jaylen hindi pwede gumanti?” Guiao said, questioning the consistency in how retaliation was judged.

     

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    Under league sanctions, Khobutin, 34, received a two‑game suspension and a ₱70,000 fine, while the 6‑foot‑9 Johnson was slapped with a one‑game ban and a ₱50,000 fine. 

     

    Both players were summoned to the PBA office on Saturday to present their accounts of the incident to Commissioner Willie Marcial, as part of standard protocol after on‑court altercations.

     

    Marcial described both players as remorseful during their meeting, particularly Khobutin, who reportedly expressed regret over his actions as he detailed his perspective. 

     

    Johnson, meanwhile, had already apologized in postgame interviews and reiterated his apologies in subsequent statements, emphasizing that emotions ran high in the thick of competition.

     

    The ruling not only impacts Rain or Shine’s rotation but also underscores the league’s strict stance on player conduct. With stakes rising as the PBA season unfolds, how teams adapt to disciplinary setbacks like this could prove pivotal in the race toward the playoffs.

     

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  • Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    Chot Reyes admits Bol Bol is still adapting to the PBA after a monstrous performance vs. NLEX

    The TNT Tropang Giga wasted no time bouncing back from their opening setback in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, grinding out a hard-fought 103–97 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    At the heart of TNT’s resurgence was their high-profile import Bol Bol, who delivered another eye-popping performance with 40 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. The former NBA big man continues to make an immediate impact in his early PBA stint, following up his explosive debut outing where he tallied 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks in a narrow 112–109 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Despite those gaudy numbers in his first game, TNT head coach Chot Reyes made it clear that statistics alone were not enough. The veteran tactician had openly expressed disappointment after the opening loss, pointing to a lack of effort rather than execution. That narrative, however, shifted after TNT’s response against NLEX.

     

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    “My entire pregame was very simple actually. It can boil down to one word and I just said it boiled down to effort. The reason why I was upset when we lost the last game was because I felt Rain or Shine just simply outworked us. For us, effort is a sacred value and we can accept teams outplaying us, being better than us, but we cannot accept the fact of losing the effort battle,” Reyes said in the postmatch press conference.

    The difference was evident on Sunday, as TNT showed more urgency on both ends of the floor, matching NLEX’s physicality while maintaining composure in crucial stretches. Bol’s dominance inside, coupled with improved team energy, allowed Tropang Giga to control the tempo and secure their first win of the conference.

     

    “That’s why today, that was my only message. I said I don’t care what you do, how many shots you miss, as long as we outwork the other team. And I thought Bol put in great effort on the floor,” he added.

     

    While Bol’s production has been nothing short of spectacular, Reyes emphasized that the 24-year-old is still in the process of adjusting to the unique style and intensity of PBA competition. Known for its physicality and relentless pace, the league presents a different challenge compared to the NBA.

     

    “But I think we still need to get a lot more work, some more work before he figures out really how to play here in the PBA. We told him. At least now, he is experiencing it first hand that this is a tough league. Hopefully, he keeps on improving,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With momentum now on their side, TNT will look to build consistency as they prepare for a marquee matchup against the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, March 28, at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The brief break gives Reyes and his squad an opportunity to further refine their chemistry and reinforce the effort-driven identity their coach continues to demand.

     

     

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  • LeBron James breaks NBA games record with 1,612th appearance

    LeBron James breaks NBA games record with 1,612th appearance

    LeBron James continues to defy time and expectations, adding yet another historic milestone to his illustrious career. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar etched his name deeper into the NBA record books during a nail-biting 105–104 victory over the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on Sunday, March 22 (Philippine Standard Time).

     

    While James’ stat line for the night—12 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 34 minutes—might not have captured headlines in a typical box score, the occasion was historic. LeBron played in his 1,612th regular-season game, surpassing the legendary Robert Parish, who previously held the record with 1,611 appearances dating back to 1997. At 41 years old, James now stands alone as the NBA’s all-time leader in games played, a testament to his durability, consistency, and longevity.

     

    “It just kind of happened. It was not on the list of things that I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to be the best player in this league at some point. I wanted to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play this game. I wanted to be an NBA champion,” James said of the achievement.

     

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    “I wanted to possibly win rookie of the year, make All-Star appearances, win a gold medal, win some MVPs—those were some of my goals. But some of the stuff that’s just been happening over the course of the last few years has been super-duper cool,” he added, reflecting on a career that has consistently rewritten the record books.

    Beyond longevity, James continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and remains the only player in league history to participate in 23 consecutive seasons. His sustained excellence is built not just on talent but also on a rigorous commitment to conditioning, recovery, and mental preparation.

     

    “Availability, I have always wanted to be available to my teammates. It’s a mental toll, trying to play a lot and being out there. I just give a lot of praise to the man above and it’s about just loving the game and appreciating the game,” James said, underlining the mindset that has allowed him to remain a dominant force well into his 40s.

     

    James’ impact is felt across every facet of the game. Alongside leading in career points, he also tops the charts in field goals made, All-Star appearances, All-NBA selections, seasons played, playoff games, and even turnovers—a reflection of his vast involvement in nearly every play on the court. Additionally, he ranks fourth in career assists, sixth in steals, and fifth in triple-doubles, showcasing his versatility and all-around brilliance.

     

    Beyond the numbers, LeBron’s legacy extends to his influence on teammates, his leadership on and off the court, and his role in shaping the modern NBA era. From mentoring young stars to competing at an elite level against rising talent, he has managed to stay relevant in a league that constantly evolves.

     

    As the season continues, the basketball world will continue to watch in awe as LeBron James adds to an already unparalleled resume. His combination of longevity, consistency, and skill ensures that he will be remembered not only as one of the greatest players of his generation but as a historic figure in the game itself—a standard of excellence that will inspire future generations for decades to come.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao questions PBA ban on Jaylen Johnson, warns of precedent in heated Rain or Shine-TNT clash

    Yeng Guiao questions PBA ban on Jaylen Johnson, warns of precedent in heated Rain or Shine-TNT clash

    The fiery encounter between Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and TNT Tropang Giga last Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum did more than ignite the crowd—it sparked debate over discipline in the league. 

     

    It erupted late in the fourth quarter when Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin came to blows under the basket, leading to swift league sanctions.

     

    PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial handed Johnson a one-game suspension and a P50,000 fine, while Khobuntin, identified as the instigator, received a two-game ban and a P70,000 fine. 

     

    The ruling immediately drew criticism from Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who questioned the fairness and logic behind punishing his import for what he describes as self-defense.

     

    “I question the fairness and the wisdom of the commissioner with this decision,” Guiao said a day after the sanctions were announced. 

     

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    “Jaylen was punched first and he reacted in self defense, which is a totally rational human reaction. It was the officials’ incompetence and Khobuntin’s lost of temper that precipitated the incident. Jaylen was just reacting as a normal human being would, protect himself,” the 67-year-old veteran coach said.

     

    The altercation unfolded in the final six minutes of the game as the two players wrestled for position. 

     

    Khobuntin reportedly landed an uppercut to Johnson’s jaw, prompting the import to retaliate with a straight right before officials intervened. 

     

    “It’s just too bad that it happened. Jaylen’s a good guy, but napikon siya dahil pinikon siya,” Guiao added, reflecting on the unfortunate chain of events.

     

    Beyond defending his player, Guiao warned that suspending an import could set a troubling precedent in the league. 

     

    “In a conference of unlimited height, suspending an import is practically gifting the other team a victory. This means we could’ve lost two games just by an inconsequential player throwing a punch on our import. This is a precedent we should avoid as a league,” he said. 

     

    The coach added that Johnson’s absence could seriously impact the team’s chances, “The commissioner can suspend Khobuntin for two games or two years and it would not make a lot of difference for TNT.”

     

    Despite the looming suspension, Johnson showcased his value on the court, putting up 33 points with nine rebounds and three assists, leading Rain or Shine to a narrow 112-109 victory over the Tropang 5G. 

     

    However, Rain or Shine faces a critical challenge as they prepare to confront the Meralco Bolts on March 27 at the same venue, now without the presence of their fiery import.

     

    Guiao’s public questioning of the PBA’s disciplinary measures adds a new layer of tension to the league, highlighting the debate over how on-court retaliation and self-defense should be addressed in professional basketball.

     

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  • Gilas Women surge nine spots to World No. 30 after breakthrough FIBA run

    Gilas Women surge nine spots to World No. 30 after breakthrough FIBA run

    Momentum rarely shows up instantly in the rankings—but for the Gilas Pilipinas Women, it finally did.

     

    Days after securing a long-awaited breakthrough on the global stage, the Filipinas were rewarded with a significant leap in the latest FIBA women’s world rankings, climbing nine places to No. 30. It marks a clear shift from where they stood just months ago, when they were ranked 39th heading into the latter half of 2025.

     

    The jump was anchored on a single, defining moment—one that resonated beyond the final buzzer.

     

    Their 74-59 victory over the Colombia Women’s National Basketball Team not only secured a win in their debut appearance at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, but also signaled that the Philippines could compete—and win—against teams outside its traditional sphere.

     

    That result stood out even more considering the level of competition the team faced throughout the tournament. Competing in the France qualifiers, Gilas battled seasoned programs and ultimately finished fifth, a placement that underscored both the difficulty of the field and the significance of their lone victory.

     

    While the climb to No. 30 reflects recent gains, it also places the Philippines in a stronger regional and continental context. The team now stands as the top-ranked squad in Southeast Asia and sixth overall in Asia, trailing only established powers such as Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

     

    At the very top of the global ladder, the United States Women’s National Basketball Team continues to hold firm at No. 1, followed by France, Australia, China, and Belgium, with Spain, Canada, Nigeria, Brazil, and Japan completing the top 10.

     

    For Gilas Women, however, the latest rankings are less about comparison and more about confirmation. Their rise didn’t come out of nowhere. Just months earlier, the Filipinas swept through the Southeast Asian Games, reaffirming their dominance in the region. This time, though, the progress extended beyond Southeast Asia—into a global setting where every possession is harder earned.

     

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    And there is little time to celebrate, the calendar ahead ensures that the Filipinas cannot afford to slow down, with the 2026 Asian Games set to begin on September 19. 

     

    Reinforcements are expected to boost the squad for that campaign, with key mainstays Jackie Animam and Naomi Panganiban who were the Filipinas’ leading scorers in their FIBA Asia Cup campaign are projected to be available during the tournament window. 

     

    Their return could provide much-needed experience and stability as the team looks to translate its growing confidence into results on another major stage.

     

    Beyond that, an even bigger responsibility looms. Gilas Women is set to defend home court when it hosts the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in Manila next year—a rare opportunity to showcase its progress in front of a home crowd while competing against the continent’s elite.

     

    With a rising ranking, a breakthrough win, and a packed international schedule ahead, the Filipinas are no longer just chasing progress. They are now expected to sustain it.

     

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  • “Have some pride”: Rensy Bajar sparks Titan Ultra stunner over champs San Miguel

    “Have some pride”: Rensy Bajar sparks Titan Ultra stunner over champs San Miguel

    For Titan Ultra, the turnaround didn’t begin with tactics—it began with a message. New head coach Rensy Bajar challenged his players to look inward, to rediscover something deeper than schemes and adjustments. Against the defending champions San Miguel Beermen, that challenge finally translated into something tangible—a stunning 119-112 victory in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.

     

    Coming off two demoralizing losses by an average of 30.5 points, the Giant Risers entered the game with little external expectation. Internally, however, the tone had already been set.

     

    “Challenge lang namin siguro, especially sa akin challenge ko sa mga players, have some pride. Number one on their jobs, on this team, because this Titan team can beat anybody,” related Bajar, still an assistant when SMB gave Titan a 41-point beatdown in the last Philippine Cup.

     

    That belief showed from the opening stretch, as Titan Ultra dictated pace and attacked with confidence. Joshua Munzon led the charge with 29 points, while import Michael Gilmore battled through foul trouble to deliver 28 points and 13 rebounds. More than the numbers, though, it was the team’s collective poise that stood out, especially when momentum began to shift.

     

    After falling behind by as much as 21, San Miguel clawed its way back into the contest, trimming the deficit to just four points twice in the fourth quarter. Each time the Beermen threatened, Titan responded with timely execution. Munzon delivered seven of his 11 fourth-quarter points in the final 5:54, steadying the team and keeping control within reach.

     

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    Bajar believed the opportunity had always been there—his team simply needed to recognize and seize it.

     

    “So ang gameplan lang namin, since San Miguel is coming off a championship last conference siguro medyo nasa cloud nine pa sila tsaka at the same time medyo kumbaga baka hindi pa nila kami sineryoso,” added Bajar. “So iyun nga, tinake advantage lang namin ‘yung opportunity that San Miguel gave us.”

     

    For Munzon, the result was not just about pulling off an upset, but about proving a point.

     

    “We just wanted to show that we could compete,” said Munzon. “Tonight we showed that we could compete in this league and we could compete against anybody.”

     

    On the other side, San Miguel looked far from the dominant squad that ruled the previous conference. Turnovers disrupted their rhythm, committing 21 overall, while cold shooting in the first half left them chasing the game early. Import Marcus Lee struggled throughout, finishing with just four points on 1-of-4 shooting, forcing the Beermen to rely on an all-Filipino lineup down the stretch.

     

    CJ Perez tried to spark a comeback with 27 points after a quiet start, while Don Trollano added 21. Mo Tautuaa and June Mar Fajardo contributed 18 and 15 points, respectively, with Fajardo also hauling down 17 rebounds. Still, the damage had already been done, particularly during Titan’s explosive 41-point third quarter that created the cushion they would ultimately protect.

     

    For Titan Ultra, the victory carried meaning beyond the final score. It was a response to their early struggles, a rejection of the narrative built around their lopsided losses, and, most importantly, an answer to their coach’s challenge. On this night, pride wasn’t just emphasized—it was embodied.

     

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  • PBA hands suspensions, hefty fines after Glenn Khobuntin–Jaylen Johnson altercation

    PBA hands suspensions, hefty fines after Glenn Khobuntin–Jaylen Johnson altercation

    The Philippine Basketball Association wasted little time drawing the line.

     

    Less than 24 hours after tensions boiled over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the league handed down sanctions to Glenn Khobuntin and Jaylen Johnson, whose physical altercation disrupted an otherwise tightly contested Commissioner’s Cup matchup.

     

    Khobuntin of the TNT Tropang 5G was met with a heavier penalty—a two-game suspension along with a P70,000 fine—while Rain or Shine Elasto Painters import Johnson received a one-game ban and a P50,000 fine.

     

    The penalties stemmed from a heated sequence late in the fourth quarter of Rain or Shine’s 112-109 victory, when what began as routine physical play quickly escalated. With just over six minutes remaining, the two players got tangled while battling for position—seconds later, they were on the floor exchanging punches in a moment that stunned both teams and the crowd.

     

    League commissioner Willie Marcial called both players in the following day, where they reportedly expressed regret over the incident. Still, the league made it clear that such actions would not be taken lightly.

     

    “That’s like firing a gun. After that, you’ll end up regretting it,” Marcial said on Khobuntin’s case, as quoted in the PBA website which announced the sanctions.

     

    The consequences are immediate. Khobuntin will miss TNT’s upcoming games, including their clash against NLEX Road Warriors and a marquee showdown with San Miguel Beermen. Johnson, meanwhile, will sit out Rain or Shine’s next assignment against the Meralco Bolts.

     

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    What made the incident more jarring was its suddenness. There had been no prior signs of animosity between the two, making the eruption all the more unexpected in a game that had otherwise been defined by execution and intensity.

     

    Even observers from abroad took notice. A South Korean reporter familiar with Johnson’s stint in the Korean Basketball League weighed in on social media, expressing surprise at the turn of events.

     

    “Jaylen Johnson was a quiet player in the KBL, but he met with a rather dirty Filipino player to show UFC scenes,” said baekpd1983 on X. “In all sports, I think consideration for the opponent is important.”

     

    In a league known for its physicality, this moment served as a reminder of the fine line between competitiveness and control. The PBA’s swift action signals its intent to keep that balance intact—no matter the stakes.

     

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