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Category: Basketball

  • “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    From the opening tip, San Miguel Beer signaled that they were in full control on Sunday night, turning what could have been a tense Finals series into a showcase of dominance. By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen had once again cemented their status atop the PBA, defeating TNT, 92–77, to close out the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals in six games.

     

    At the heart of this triumph was June Mar Fajardo, the nine-time PBA MVP who has become synonymous with championship pedigree. Fajardo produced a performance for the ages, pouring in 29 points while pulling down 23 rebounds, demonstrating the kind of impact that only a generational talent can consistently deliver. His commanding presence on both ends of the floor lifted the Beermen when it mattered most, and it earned him the league’s first-ever Finals MVP trophy, named in honor of PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez, who watched the milestone moment from courtside.

     

    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, true to form, deflected praise from himself, instead attributing the team’s success to his players. But Fajardo was quick to highlight the coach’s influence, insisting that Austria doesn’t get nearly enough credit for shaping the Beermen’s winning culture.

     

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    “He is one of the great coaches of the PBA. He hasn’t been given too much credit, but he is such a humble person and he is the reason why we have won many championships,” Fajardo said during the postmatch press conference.

    “He lets us play our game, and I guess that’s why the players were able to show what they can bring on the court. He is so composed, and it starts with practice because he really instills a lot of discipline,” he added.

     

    The path to this title almost seemed preordained. San Miguel dominated the elimination round with a 9-2 record, showcasing the depth and experience that would carry them deep into the playoffs. The Beermen dismantled NLEX in the quarterfinals and survived a tough semifinal battle against Barangay Ginebra, riding a 10-game winning streak that stretched from the eliminations into the playoffs. Even after a surprising loss in Game 1 of the Finals, the team never wavered, leaning on their veteran leadership, strategic depth, and Fajardo’s unparalleled ability to rise in high-stakes moments.

     

    This victory marks San Miguel’s second consecutive Philippine Cup crown, their eighth in the last 11 seasons, and the 31st championship in franchise history. Beyond the numbers, it’s a reaffirmation of an era—the Beermen are not just winning titles; they are defining a dynasty in Philippine basketball.

     

    With Fajardo anchoring the lineup, Austria guiding from the bench, and a roster stacked with both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, San Miguel Beer continues to set the standard in the PBA. As the confetti settled and the Finals MVP trophy was hoisted, one thing became clear: this is a team that doesn’t merely chase championships—they reinvent excellence every season.

     

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  • NLEX moves early, taps Cady Lalanne to power Commissioner’s Cup push

    NLEX moves early, taps Cady Lalanne to power Commissioner’s Cup push

    NLEX isn’t waiting around for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup to unfold before making its intentions clear.

     

    Fresh off an early playoff exit in the Philippine Cup, the Road Warriors struck quickly, securing Haitian import Cady Lalanne to anchor their bid in the mid-season conference. 

     

    The 6-foot-10 center arrived in Manila on Sunday, giving the team a head start as it looks to recalibrate and contend.

     

    Lalanne brings with him a résumé shaped more by global grind than NBA spotlight. A University of Massachusetts standout, he was selected in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft by San Antonio but carved his professional path overseas instead, becoming a familiar presence across multiple international leagues.

     

    At 33, Lalanne arrives as a polished, battle-tested reinforcement. His recent body of work includes stints in FIBA club competitions, where he consistently delivered, averaging 17.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game across his appearances. 

     

     

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    He has also competed on the FIBA WASL stage, reaching the Final 8 three times—twice with Kuwait Club and most recently with C.S. Sagesse—underscoring his experience against elite regional competition.

     

    His most recent stop came in Taiwan, where he suited up for Kaohsiung in the TPBL before being released earlier this month. 

     

    Now, he steps into a new challenge, tasked with providing interior presence and stability for an NLEX side eager to climb higher after finishing eighth last conference and bowing out to eventual champion San Miguel in the quarterfinals.

     

    NLEX becomes the second team to lock in an import for the Commissioner’s Cup, following Phoenix’s signing of James Dickey II. With Lalanne in place early, the Road Warriors are signaling urgency—and belief—that a stronger, deeper run is within reach this time around.

     

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  • “He deserves this”: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Jamal Murray’s first NBA All-Star selection

    “He deserves this”: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Jamal Murray’s first NBA All-Star selection

    For the first time in franchise history, the Denver Nuggets will be represented by two National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Stars in the upcoming All-Star Game, as three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokic is joined by teammate Jamal Murray.

     

    While Jokic has long been the face of the Nuggets, Murray’s selection marks a significant milestone in his career. Despite playing a critical role in Denver’s 2023 NBA championship run, this is the first time Murray has earned All-Star honors—a recognition many believe is long overdue. The versatile point guard has carried the team in Jokic’s absence, stepping up during a stretch where the reigning MVP missed over a month due to a hyperextended knee.

     

    Murray has been in phenomenal form this season, averaging 25.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds on 48.7 percent shooting per game. His impact has been felt on both ends of the floor, and his fellow Canadian and reigning NBA MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, expressed his excitement over Murray’s selection.

     

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    “Well deserving. He is playing amazing this year, first and foremost. Really good player. He’s earned it for sure. Might be a little late, to be honest with you. Just take what they give you. He deserves this,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in a media interaction.

    The Nuggets’ pair of All-Stars also share a strong connection off the court as teammates for Team Canada, having starred together at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Both players represent a new generation of Canadian basketball talent, building on a foundation laid by NBA legend Steve Nash, who for years stood as Canada’s most prominent player on the global stage.

     

    “For Canada basketball, it’s cool. Growing up, never in a million years. Steve Nash was the only one. He was an anomaly. It didn’t make sense. He was short and athletic. It was flukey and shows how good Steve was. It’s amazing. It shows the growth of the game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

     

    He continued, highlighting the contributions of Canadian players who paved the way for the current generation:

     

    “Hats off to those guys like Steve, Andrew Wiggins, Cory Joseph, Tristan Thompson. The guys that were in the NBA that paved the way for guys like myself and Jamal. They laid the foundation and we have been able to run with it. It’s our job to carry it on and think we have been able to do a pretty good job,” he concluded.

     

    Murray’s All-Star nod is not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of Canada’s growing influence in the NBA. With Jokic anchoring the Nuggets and Murray rising as a consistent All-Star-caliber performer, the team now boasts one of the most formidable duos in the Western Conference. Their selection underscores Denver’s continued prominence in the league and highlights the emergence of Canadian talent on the global basketball stage.

     

    As the Nuggets head toward the All-Star break, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Jokic and Murray continue to elevate their game, both for their franchise and for their national team. With their combined talent, leadership, and international experience, the duo represents a new era of Canadian basketball poised to leave a lasting mark on the NBA.

     

     

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  • Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier wins arbitration ruling in salary dispute with NBA

    Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier wins arbitration ruling in salary dispute with NBA

    Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier found himself at the center of a major off-court controversy last October after being linked to a federal investigation involving alleged mafia-connected sports betting and rigged poker games.

     

    Federal prosecutors accused Rozier of participating in a scheme designed to influence game outcomes, allegations that immediately sent shockwaves through the NBA. Following his indictment, the league placed the veteran guard on leave, holding his salary in escrow pending the resolution of the charges. It was widely understood that Rozier was not paid during the suspension, a move that quickly became a point of contention between the league and the NBA Players Association (NBPA).

     

    On Monday, February 2, however, Rozier received a significant legal victory. ESPN reported that an arbitrator ruled in his favor in a salary dispute with the NBA, determining that the league had violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by placing him on unpaid leave. The ruling clears the way for the release of Rozier’s withheld salary, which totals approximately $26.6 million.

     

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    According to the arbitrator, the CBA permits unpaid suspensions only in cases involving domestic abuse or child abuse, neither of which applied in Rozier’s situation. As a result, the league’s decision to withhold his pay was deemed improper.

    “Terry won today under the principles of contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the players, but the bigger principle at issue is the presumption of innocence. Today’s arbitration ruling reminds the NBA that they can’t ignore that important concept just because it’s a high-profile case,” Rozier’s attorney Jim Trusty said in a statement.

     

    The NBPA had formally challenged the league’s actions, arguing that suspending a player without pay prior to any adjudication of guilt undermines both due process and the foundational labor agreement between the league and its players.

     

    “We are pleased with the arbitrator’s ruling and remain committed to ensuring Terry’s due process rights are protected and that he is afforded the presumption of innocence throughout this process,” a spokesperson for the NBPA added.

     

    Details surrounding the investigation have continued to draw scrutiny. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that Rozier’s alleged involvement dates back to March 2024, when he was still a member of the Charlotte Hornets. Investigators claim Rozier informed associates that he planned to exit a game early due to injury, information that allegedly prompted members of the group to place more than $200,000 in wagers on his “under” performance statistics.

     

    Rozier ultimately left that game after just nine minutes of action, a development that resulted in substantial payouts for those wagers and raised red flags among betting monitors and law enforcement officials.

     

    Despite the ongoing legal process, Rozier remains on the Miami Heat’s roster for the 2025–26 season. However, he has yet to make an appearance on the court, leaving his basketball future uncertain as the investigation continues. For now, the arbitration ruling represents a crucial win for both Rozier and the players’ union, reinforcing contractual protections even as serious allegations remain unresolved.

     

     

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  • LeBron James named 2026 NBA All-Star reserve, extends historic 22-year streak

    LeBron James named 2026 NBA All-Star reserve, extends historic 22-year streak

    The basketball world was taken by surprise when the National Basketball Association (NBA) officially announced its starters for the 2026 All-Star Game, set to be held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Among the biggest talking points was the notable absence of LeBron James from the list of starters—marking the first time in 22 years that the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player was not voted in as an All-Star starter.

     

    The development initially led many fans and analysts to speculate that James’ remarkable streak of consecutive All-Star appearances had finally come to an end. However, those fears were quickly put to rest after the 41-year-old superstar was named to the Western Conference reserve pool, ensuring that his unprecedented All-Star run remains intact.

     

    With the selection, James extends his record streak to 22 consecutive All-Star appearances, further cementing his status as one of the most enduring and accomplished players in league history. He also becomes just the second player ever to earn multiple All-Star selections after turning 40, joining NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in an exclusive club that underscores his longevity and sustained excellence.

     

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    James’ continued presence on the All-Star stage is even more impressive given the challenges he faced earlier in the season. The four-time NBA champion missed the first 14 games of the 2025–26 campaign due to a sciatica issue in his back, forcing him to slowly work his way back into peak condition. While the early absence affected his overall counting stats, James has steadily regained form and rhythm as the season progressed.

     

    Over his last 24 games, the Los Angeles Lakers icon has averaged 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per contest, while shooting an efficient 52 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. Those numbers reflect not only his scoring ability but also his continued impact as a playmaker and floor leader, even in his 21st NBA season.

     

    James’ All-Star résumé remains unmatched. He is the NBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer with 434 points and has earned All-Star Game Most Valuable Player honors three times. Across 20 All-Star appearances, he owns career averages of 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He has also served as an All-Star captain on eight occasions and leads all players in All-Star history in total points (434), field goals made (182), and minutes played (537).

     

    As the league celebrates another showcase of its brightest stars, James’ inclusion—starter or not—serves as a reminder that his influence on the game remains as strong as ever. Even as younger superstars continue to rise, the Lakers forward continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his place among the NBA’s elite is far from symbolic.

     

    Below is the full list of players selected for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game:

    2026 NBA All-Star Game Starters

     

    Eastern Conference

    • Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
    • Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
    • Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics)
    • Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)
    • Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)

    Western Conference

    • Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)
    • Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
    • Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
    • Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
    • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

    2026 NBA All-Star Game Reserves

    Eastern Conference

    • Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
    • Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
    • Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks)
    • Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
    • Norman Powell (Miami Heat)
    • Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
    • Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)

    Western Conference

    • Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)
    • Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
    • Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
    • Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
    • Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
    • Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers)
    • LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

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  • NBA Monday Roundup: Celtics Dominate, Thunder take down Nuggets, Pistons Record Historic Blowout

    NBA Monday Roundup: Celtics Dominate, Thunder take down Nuggets, Pistons Record Historic Blowout

    Monday night across the NBA was a showcase of dominance, drama, and star power, as contenders tightened their grip and rising teams sent loud messages around the league. From Boston’s emphatic home win and Detroit’s eye-opening blowout to Oklahoma City’s statement victory in Denver, February 2 delivered a full slate of results shaped by big performances, decisive runs, and playoff-level intensity.

     

    Celtics Dominate Bucks Behind Brown, Bench Sparks

     

    Boston Celtics 107, Milwaukee Bucks 79

    The Celtics put together a convincing home win as Jaylen Brown posted 30 points and 13 rebounds to lead Boston past the Bucks at TD Garden. Boston built control early and never relinquished it, taking advantage as Milwaukee struggled — particularly with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined with a calf strain and no clear return timetable. 

     

    Anfernee Simons added 27 points off the bench and Derrick White contributed 17 in a balanced effort that pushed Boston’s lead comfortably throughout the second half. The Celtics’ win marked their second straight and highlighted their depth while Milwaukee reeled from its fifth straight loss.

     

    Historic Pistons Blowout Puts Nets in Rough Spot

     

    Detroit Pistons 130, Brooklyn Nets 77
     In a historic performance, the Pistons recorded a franchise-record 53-point win over the Nets at Little Caesars Arena. All-Star Jalen Duren delivered 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Cade Cunningham orchestrated Detroit’s offense with 18 points, 12 assists and four steals in a dominant display. 

     

    Detroit controlled from the opening quarter on, outscoring Brooklyn in every period and building a lead as large as 55 points. Missing key scorer Michael Porter Jr., the Nets shot poorly and committed 25 turnovers, exacerbating their offensive woes in a rough season.

     

    Heat Pound Bulls in Rare Regular‑Season Sweep

     

    Miami Heat 134, Chicago Bulls 91
     The Heat overwhelmed the Bulls with a potent offense and stifling defense, notching a resounding 134-91 victory and completing a rare regular‑season 3‑game series sweep. Miami opened the game with a 34-13 first quarter and never looked back, building a lead that stretched past 50 points thanks to balanced scoring and physical paint play. 

     

    Bam Adebayo and Pelle Larsson each scored 20 points, while Miami’s efficient team play underscored their depth. The Bulls, hampered by injuries and inefficient shooting (32.2% from the floor), struggled to stay competitive.

     

    Raptors Hold Off Jazz for Close Road Win

     

    Toronto Raptors 107, Utah Jazz 100
     In a competitive matchup in Ontario, the Raptors edged out the Jazz, paced by RJ Barrett’s 21 points and 6 rebounds. Utah’s Lauri Markkanen posted a double‑double with 27 points and 11 boards, but Toronto’s late execution and key buckets down the stretch helped seal the victory. 

     

    The win was an important one for the Raptors in a season where consistency has been elusive. 

     

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    Wizards Outlast Kings in Tight Eastern Battle

     

    Washington Wizards 116, Sacramento Kings 112
     The Wizards eked out a close home victory over the Kings in a matchup of struggling teams. Rookie Will Riley scored a season‑high 18 points and hit a go‑ahead three with just over two minutes to play, lifting Washington in a back‑and‑forth contest. 

     

    Sacramento’s Zach LaVine poured in 35 points, but the Wizards’ timely execution in crunch time proved decisive. 

    Knicks Handle Lakers Behind Balanced Attack

     

    New York Knicks 112, Los Angeles Lakers 100
     At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks used efficient scoring and stout defense to down the Lakers. The Lakers’ Luka Dončić recorded a stat‑line of 30 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists, yet New York’s collective effort and clutch baskets down the stretch gave them the edge in front of a raucous home crowd. 

     

    Clippers Roll Past Suns with Glass Dominance

     

    LA Clippers 117, Phoenix Suns 93

    The Clippers took control of this matchup through rebounding and interior play, with Ivica Zubac dominating the boards (20 rebounds) and contributing 14 points. Phoenix’s offensive struggles allowed the Clippers to pull away, as LA’s balanced scoring kept the Suns at bay throughout. 

     

    Spurs Top Magic in Competitive Western Clash

     

    San Antonio Spurs 112, Orlando Magic 103
     San Antonio’s young core helped secure a home win in a back‑and‑forth affair. Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama recorded 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals, while Orlando’s Dennis Bane led the Magic with 25 points. San Antonio’s defensive energy and clutch scoring down the stretch tipped the balance. 

     

    Cavaliers Cruise Past Trail Blazers

     

    Cleveland Cavaliers 130, Portland Trail Blazers 111
     Cleveland showcased its offensive firepower in a decisive win over Portland. Jarrett Allen erupted for 40 points and 17 rebounds, anchoring a performance that saw the Cavaliers control tempo and pace against a reeling Trail Blazers squad. 

    Thunder beat Nuggets Behind Gilgeous‑Alexander Showcase

     

    Oklahoma City Thunder 121, Denver Nuggets 111
     Oklahoma City pulled off a key road win against one of the West’s top teams. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander led the charge with 34 points and 13 assists, while Cason Wallace contributed a career‑best 27 points. The Thunder used timely shooting and balanced scoring to edge out Denver, underscoring their status near the top of the Western standings. 

     

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen took control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a matter of “if” and more a matter of “when.” By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing atop the Philippine Basketball Association, cementing its legacy as one of the league’s most dominant franchises.

     

    Central to the Beermen’s victory was June Mar Fajardo, whose towering presence in the paint and consistent all-around brilliance lifted San Miguel to a 92-77 triumph over TNT Tropang Giga, completing a 4-2 series victory in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. Fajardo’s stat line—29 points and 23 rebounds in Game 6 alone—was a testament to his enduring dominance, and he repeatedly showcased why he is considered the face of Philippine basketball.

     

    Adding to the historic weight of the night, PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez watched from courtside as Fajardo delivered a performance befitting history. The league’s nine-time Most Valuable Player was awarded the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor, a fitting tribute to both the past and the present. Across the six-game series, Fajardo averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning his fifth PBA Finals MVP award—breaking the tie with Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, and making him the player with the most Finals MVP trophies in league history.

     

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    Mar Fajardo expressed his deep honor at being the inaugural recipient of a trophy named after his idol.

    “Isang karangalan. Nakakatuwa isipin na ako yung kauna-unahang makakuha ng trophy na ‘to, na nakapangalan kay Don Ramon Fernandez. Siya mismo ang nag-abot sa akin ng trophy, kaya isang karangalan,” Fajardo said.

     

    The 36-year-old big man, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in PBA history, remains humble despite comparisons to Fernandez. While some circles even place him above the league legend, Fajardo insists that championships, not individual accolades, remain his primary focus.

     

    “For sure isa ‘to sa mga highlights ng championship na ‘to. Nasa taas ‘to ng trophy case ko. Isa siya sa mga nilu-look up ko. Hindi naman sa hinahabol ko, pero yung habol ko lang, championships. Gusto ko pang manalo habang nandito pa ako. Bago pa ako dumating sa San Miguel, may willing culture na. Tumulong lang talaga kami,” he added, reflecting on the team-first mentality that has defined San Miguel over the years.

     

    The Philippine Cup victory marked Fajardo’s 12th PBA championship, further solidifying his status among the league’s all-time greats. Despite this milestone, he still trails Fernandez, who captured a record 19 PBA titles over his illustrious career, the most in league history.

     

    Fajardo’s dominance, consistency, and humility exemplify why he is widely seen as a generational talent capable of redefining the PBA landscape. With the Finals MVP honor now permanently linked to his name in history alongside Fernandez, Fajardo’s legacy continues to grow, proving that even in his 30s, he remains the cornerstone of a franchise—and a standard-bearer for Philippine basketball excellence.

     

     

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  • Kai Sotto posts back-to-back double-doubles in B.League return

    Kai Sotto posts back-to-back double-doubles in B.League return

    A week can make all the difference in the life of an athlete. For Kai Sotto, the journey back from ACL surgery has been a painstaking mix of doubt, sweat, and incremental progress—but this past weekend offered a glimpse of what determination can achieve.

     

    The 7-foot-3 Gilas Pilipinas center posted consecutive double-doubles for the Koshigaya Alphas, with his Sunday performance standing out: 20 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and a block, helping Koshigaya edge Levanga Hokkaido 81-80. 

     

    The victory was more than a narrow win—it ended Hokkaido’s 13-game home winning streak and came against the top team in the Eastern Conference.

     

    Just a day earlier, Sotto had already hinted at a resurgence, tallying 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in an 88-81 loss to Hokkaido. “Right now I feel like I’m rock-bottom and but the only way is up. I can’t stop,” he admitted candidly after the game. 

     

    “I just need more reps, more games and once I get in game shape, I think I’ll be good again. But it’s a difficult task and I’m taking it day by day.”

     

    The difference between Saturday and Sunday wasn’t just in the numbers—it was in the aura of confidence Sotto carried onto the court. 

     

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    Whereas Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos had torched the Alphas in the first game, Sotto anchored both ends of the floor in the rematch, neutralizing Ramos entirely and guiding Koshigaya to a morale-boosting triumph. 

     

    The win nudged the Alphas’ season record to 13-22, while Hokkaido suffered its ninth defeat in 35 outings.

     

    Beyond the stat sheet, the weekend signaled a psychological turning point for Sotto. After months of rehab, training, and self-doubt, the 20-year-old showed that momentum is built not in one grand leap but in consistent, determined steps forward.

     

    For Sotto, the climb isn’t over, and the FIBA window later this month looms as another test. But the weekend offered something concrete: proof that even when confidence hits rock bottom, persistence, patience, and opportunity can quickly transform struggle into impact.

     

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  • “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a question of if and more a matter of when. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing on top of the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming its status as one of the league’s enduring dynasties.

     

    Behind another masterful performance from June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals, completing a 4-2 series victory and adding yet another championship banner to their storied history.

     

    Fajardo once again proved why he remains the gold standard in the league, delivering a dominant all-around effort with 29 points and 23 rebounds. The eight-time Most Valuable Player controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, dictating the tempo and anchoring San Miguel’s composure as the Beermen gradually pulled away in the second half.

     

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    While Fajardo’s brilliance set the tone, San Miguel also drew vital contributions from its supporting cast—none more timely than that of veteran power forward Rodney Brondial. Coming off the bench, Brondial provided a crucial spark, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds to give the Beermen added muscle and energy when the game hung in the balance.

    Brondial’s performance was made even more remarkable by the physical challenge he carried into Game 6. The 35-year-old revealed after the game that he had been playing through a sprained left ankle, an injury he sustained in Game 2 of the Finals on January 23.

     

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to. Akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik kasi sobrang sakit talaga ng paa ko. Nung Games 3 and 4, medyo mababa yung contributions ko, kaya nung Game 5 bumawi talaga ako,” Brondial said.

     

    Despite the lingering pain and limited mobility, Brondial never considered sitting out the series finale. Fully aware of what was at stake, he pushed through the discomfort, determined to help San Miguel defend its Philippine Cup crown and finish the job against a resilient TNT squad.

     

    “May extra pressure kasi dine-defend namin yung korona, at mahirap talaga yun. Kaya sobrang special nito. Kaya ito, buhos na. Tiyaka ko na iindahin yung injury, yung sakit. Kaya thanks God, ipinagkaloob sa amin,” he added.

     

    Brondial’s grit and sacrifice embodied the Beermen’s championship mentality—a team built not only on star power, but on resilience, depth, and a shared commitment to winning. With veterans stepping up and leaders delivering when it mattered most, San Miguel once again showed why it continues to thrive on the league’s biggest stage.

     

    As confetti rained down at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen celebrated another hard-earned triumph—one forged through dominance in the paint, timely contributions from role players, and a refusal to yield despite adversity. In the league’s milestone season, San Miguel’s latest title served as a familiar reminder: when the stakes are highest, the Beermen still set the standard.

     

     

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  • Calvin Oftana reflects on TNT’s Philippine Cup heartbreak, praises San Miguel’s dominance

    Calvin Oftana reflects on TNT’s Philippine Cup heartbreak, praises San Miguel’s dominance

    For Calvin Oftana, Sunday night was a reminder of both the agony and grace that comes with competing at the highest level. Despite TNT Tropang 5G’s 92-77 loss to San Miguel Beermen in Game Six of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, Oftana’s focus remained on respect, reflection, and resilience.

     

    “Hats off to San Miguel. They did well this conference, talagang trinabaho nila ito,” he said after the game at the Mall of Asia Arena, where 14,201 fans witnessed the Beermen close out the best-of-seven series for the second straight all-Filipino Cup finals.

     

    The Tropang 5G forward, who finished with a team-high 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, recalled moments when TNT almost turned the tide.

     

     After falling behind 26-5 late in the first period, Oftana spearheaded a 14-0 run, scoring 15 points in the second quarter to bring TNT within striking distance at 34-33. 

     

    TNT even seized a brief 68-66 lead in the third before San Miguel reclaimed control, led by Finals MVP June Mar Fajardo and sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter. 

     

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    Yet the final quarter told a different story. Oftana went scoreless while San Miguel pulled away, underscoring the Beermen’s championship pedigree. Still, he remained composed in defeat, emphasizing acceptance and faith.

     

    “Ganun talaga ang buhay. May panalo, may talo,” he said. “Sabi ko nga sa sarili ko, pini-pray ko Lord kung para sa amin ito, Thy will be done palagi. Kung ano ang gusto Niya. This is the outcome and we have to accept it. Move forward na.”

     

    Looking ahead, Oftana plans to recharge with family before joining Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming FIBA window. “Pahinga muna ngayon with my wife, with my family back home. Marami ding oras na wala ako sa kanila dahil sa training and games,” he shared, showing that even in disappointment, priorities remain clear.

     

    Oftana’s words reflect a maturity beyond the stat sheet—a lesson in resilience, faith, and perspective for athletes and fans alike.

     

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