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Category: Basketball

  • “One of the best quarterbacks”: LeBron James praises Luka Dončić after Lakers win

    “One of the best quarterbacks”: LeBron James praises Luka Dončić after Lakers win

    The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to an impressive start in the 2025–26 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, posting a 22–11 record to sit third in the Western Conference standings.

     

    Despite dealing with a growing list of injuries, the Lakers continue to find ways to win. They showcased that resilience in their most recent outing on Monday, January 5 (Philippine Standard Time), edging the Memphis Grizzlies 120–114 at the Crypto.com Arena.

     

    Once again, the Lakers leaned heavily on the star duo of Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić delivered a near triple-double performance with 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, while James flirted with one himself, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists. The difference this time, however, was the timely support from Jake LaRavia, who chipped in 26 points along with five rebounds and four assists to help steady the shorthanded Lakers.

     

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    Dončić’s impact on the team continues to grow, with the All-NBA guard quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. His ability to control the tempo and create opportunities has not gone unnoticed—especially by James, who once again praised his younger teammate’s vision and playmaking.

    “One of the best quarterbacks and I’m a pretty good receiver, when it comes to that. It’s my job to not allow the defense to break that up or steal the ball. And he put it right on target, and made it a lot easier for me,” LeBron said in a media interaction.

     

    The 41-year-old also drew a comparison from American football, referencing NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss to describe a specific type of on-court connection.

     

    “Yeah, for sure. I watched him a lot growing up and he did that a lot. Actually, when I played football I kind of took that tip from him as well and I guess I brought it to the game of basketball as well when I had that seal,” he added.

     

    James noted that this dynamic is not entirely new for him. During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Love often played a similar “quarterback” role, making outlet passes and initiating offense. That experience has translated well alongside Dončić, whose elite passing ability allows James to thrive off the ball.

     

    With injuries testing their depth, the Lakers’ evolving chemistry—particularly between Dončić and James—has become a crucial factor in their strong early-season run. As long as the duo continues to click, Los Angeles appears well-positioned to remain among the Western Conference’s top contenders.

     

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Historic LeBron James feat highlights Monday action

    NBA Roundup: Historic LeBron James feat highlights Monday action

    A loaded Monday slate kicked off a busy first week of January in the NBA, featuring standout performances, offensive fireworks, and historical achievements. From Giannis Antetokounmpo lighting up the stat sheet to LeBron James climbing even higher in the record books, teams across the league delivered compelling action with playoff-seeding implications.

     

    Pistons Rally Past Cavaliers in Tight Finish

     

    The Detroit Pistons snapped a challenging stretch with a 114–110 road victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, turning a big second-quarter burst into enough separation to withstand a late Cleveland push. Detroit’s 47-point second quarter proved pivotal in a back-and-forth contest.

     

    Cade Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ attack, tallying 27 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, while Donovan Mitchell nearly lifted the Cavs over the finish line with 30 points and strong perimeter shooting. Detroit’s ability to transition offense into stops against a veteran Cleveland roster was key to closing out the win.

     

    Magic Outscore Pacers in Offensive Showcase

     

    In a high-scoring encounter at the Kia Center, the Orlando Magic outlasted the Indiana Pacers 135–127, maintaining offensive consistency throughout all four quarters. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 31 points, six rebounds, and six assists, playing both scorer and facilitator, while Pascal Siakam’s 34 points and seven rebounds paced Indiana in a tough loss.

     

    The matchup reflected Orlando’s aggressive playmaking and ball movement — traits that have helped keep them competitive in a crowded Eastern Conference — while Indiana continues to hunt its first win streak of 2026.

     

    Nets Strike Back Against Nuggets

     

    At Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets used a massive 41-point third quarter to turn a tight game into a comfortable 127–115 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Jamal Murray was instrumental as a facilitator, posting 27 points and 16 assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 27 points and 11 rebounds to anchor Brooklyn’s balanced offensive approach.

     

    The win showcased the Nets’ ability to integrate scoring threats and playmaking around Murray, even as Denver tries to rediscover its chemistry after personnel shifts earlier in the season.

     

     

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    Heat Cruise Past Pelicans Behind Balanced Attack

     

    The Miami Heat continued their strong January form with a 125–106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Norman Powell led all scorers with 34 points, tying an efficient night with correct shot selection and active defense. Trey Murphy III paced the Pelicans with 27 points and eight rebounds, but Miami’s depth and defensive schemes proved decisive.

     

    The Heat’s sustained pressure from beyond the arc and timely rotations helped them open up looks, underscoring their position as a dangerous opponent in both halves of the floor.

     

    Timberwolves Dominate in High-Scoring Win

     

    A resurgent Minnesota Timberwolves rolled to a 141–115 victory over the Washington Wizards, led by Anthony Edwards’ 35 points, six rebounds and four steals. Minnesota’s offensive efficiency, combined with relentless transition scoring, buckled the Wizards early and often. For Washington, CJ McCollum’s 20 points offered scoring, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

     

    Suns Edge Thunder in Close Contest

    In a game that hinged on a Devin Booker clutch three, as the Phoenix Suns held off the Oklahoma City Thunder 108–105. Booker flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds and nine assists, while Jalen Williams contributed 23 points and seven assists for the Thunder. Phoenix’s ability to close possessions in clutch time made the difference in a tight encounter.

     

    Bucks Cruise With Antetokounmpo in Command

     

    The Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Sacramento Kings 115–98, powered by a vintage performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who poured in 37 points and 11 rebounds. Giannis’ interior scoring and relentless drives set the tone early, allowing Milwaukee to control the rhythm and pace.

     

    Supporting roles from Kevin Porter Jr. (who posted a strong near-double figure night) bolstered the Bucks’ offensive balance, while Sacramento’s Russell Westbrook (21 points) and Zach LaVine (20 points) were unable to derail Milwaukee’s multifaceted attack.

     

    Lakers Hold Off Grizzlies and LeBron Rewrites History

     

    Closing out the night at crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers rallied to a 120–114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies behind a dominant showing from Luka Dončić (36 points, nine rebounds and eight assists). Yet the night’s narrative was not just about one game — it was about one player etching his name deeper into NBA history.

     

    LeBron James, once again influential in leading the Lakers’ offense, climbed to second all-time in career assists when combining regular-season and playoff totals, surpassing longtime assist leader Chris Paul. This places LeBron only behind NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton in career dimes — a testament to his longevity and remarkable playmaking over an unprecedented span of seasons. Stockton’s all-time assist mark (15,806) still stands as the pinnacle, but LeBron’s accumulation of over 13,700 career assists across contexts reflects his rare ability to score at the highest level while uplifting his teammates.

     

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  • Tim Cone hails June Mar Fajardo, admits Barangay Ginebra were fortunate in semifinal victory

    Tim Cone hails June Mar Fajardo, admits Barangay Ginebra were fortunate in semifinal victory

    Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew first blood in the Philippine Cup semifinals, overcoming long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen 99-90 in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Gin Kings will be grateful for the win, as San Miguel’s record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo put in a heroic performance. The 36-year-old finished with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks in 40 minutes of play, but his efforts were largely unsupported by his teammates on the night.

     

    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged his team’s fortune in escaping with the victory while praising Fajardo for his dominance on the court.

     

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    “We are just happy we were able to pull off this one despite June Mar having a big game. Credit to June Mar, that’s how good he is, that’s how good he has been,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

    Cone’s game plan involved pairing two of his big men—Japeth Aguilar and Norbert Torres—to contain Fajardo, a strategy that proved physically taxing for both players.

     

    “We obviously played a tag team on him with Japeth and Norbert. They did the best that they could. It’s physically daunting to guard a guy that big and that strong. Both our guys are exhausted just guarding the single guy.

     

    “He is just that kind of player. Wow. He played the fourth quarter too, the whole 12 minutes of the fourth quarter,” Cone added.

     

    Despite Fajardo’s heroics, Barangay Ginebra’s balanced approach and resilience carried them to victory, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series. Cone will be hoping that his team can maintain this form and build on their advantage when the two squads meet again in Game 2 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • Carl Tamayo’s KBL surge puts historic MVP run within reach as Filipino imports light up Korea

    Carl Tamayo’s KBL surge puts historic MVP run within reach as Filipino imports light up Korea

    A halfway glance at the Korean Basketball League season suggests a shift quietly taking place—and at the center of it stands Carl Tamayo.

     

    The Changwon LG Sakers forward has turned consistency into dominance, steering the league leaders to a 20-7 record while placing himself squarely in conversations rarely reserved for Asian imports, much less homegrown Filipinos. If the trajectory holds, Tamayo could carve out a piece of history as the first locally developed Filipino to capture KBL MVP honors.

     

    Tamayo’s impact has gone beyond box scores, though the numbers tell a compelling story on their own: 16.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while anchoring a championship-caliber squad. 

     

    Even on nights when he doesn’t explode offensively, his presence tilts games. That was evident in Changwon’s 80-62 dismantling of Seoul Samsung, where Tamayo calmly orchestrated the flow with nine points, eight boards, and six assists.

     

    An MVP season would add to an already growing résumé that includes a KBL championship with the Sakers last year. It would also place him in rare company, following Fil-Am guard Ethan Alvano, the lone Asian import to win the award back in 2024. 

     

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    Yet Tamayo’s individual rise is unfolding within a broader Filipino wave sweeping through the KBL.

    Rhenz Abando, Kevin Quiambao, Ethan Alvano, SJ Belangel, JD Cagulangan, and Justin Gutang have each carved distinct roles for their teams, from centerpiece scorers to steady stabilizers. 

     

    Abando has reignited Anyang Jung Kwan Jang’s title chase after a year away, while Alvano continues to operate at an elite level for Wonju DB Promy. Quiambao, meanwhile, has embraced the burden of leadership for Goyang Sono despite the team’s struggles.

     

    Even role players and newcomers are finding their footing. Arvin Tolentino has rediscovered his perimeter touch with Seoul SK, William Navarro is gaining momentum in Busan, and the impending arrival of Jake Figueroa adds another layer of intrigue to the season’s second half.

     

    For Tamayo, however, the spotlight burns a little brighter. With Changwon eyeing a repeat and his all-around influence growing by the week, the MVP question no longer feels speculative—it feels imminent.

     

    If the second half mirrors the first, Tamayo won’t just be leading a title defense. He may be redefining how far Filipino talent can go on one of Asia’s toughest professional stages.

     

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  • Luigi Trillo urges balanced whistle as Meralco eyes response after Game 1 collapse vs TNT

    Luigi Trillo urges balanced whistle as Meralco eyes response after Game 1 collapse vs TNT

    For Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo, Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals offered two hard truths—one internal, the other systemic.

     

    The Bolts’ stunning 100-95 loss to TNT on Sunday was first and foremost a missed opportunity. After building a commanding 21-point lead in the first half, Meralco failed to sustain its intensity, allowing the Tropang 5G to claw their way back and steal the series opener.

     

    Still, as Trillo reviewed the game, the conversation quickly shifted beyond execution and into the flow of the officiating.

     

    The numbers told a jarring story. TNT went to the line 47 times, while Meralco managed just 19 free-throw attempts—a 28-shot disparity that Trillo believes had a significant impact on the outcome. The imbalance became even more pronounced down the stretch, with the Bolts taking only two free throws in the fourth quarter compared to TNT’s 10.

     

    “Give credit to their physicality,” said Trillo, referring to TNT. “But again, they were awarded 17 free throws in the third quarter. End of the third, the foul calls were 24-12. At the end of the game, it was 31-17.

     

    “I think our team is not that bad at playing defensively,” Trillo said after the 100-95 loss on Sunday when the Bolts blew a 52-31 advantage in the second quarter.

     

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    “We are at fault. We didn’t match their intensity. But when you give a team 47 free throws, and it magically goes there, the PBA has to also look at the referees and check if they are making the right calls consistently for both teams.”

     

    Beyond the raw numbers, Trillo also pointed to moments he felt swung momentum away from Meralco—particularly drives by Chris Newsome that went unwhistled and a technical foul assessed on active consultant Nenad Vucinic late in the third quarter.

     

    “New (Chris Newsome) is going to the basket, he is getting bumped and they were not making a call. But when these guys (TNT) drive, there is an automatic foul. When you look at the flopping, they called us for flopping, [Rey] Nambatac flopped, [RR] Pogoy flopped.”

     

    “A bad word was said by Oftana… there was no technical foul. Our active consultant says something, and he gets called for a T. All I’m saying is let’s be consistent with the calls. If somebody says a bad word, give a technical.

     

    “If we are being called for those bump fouls, then we have to analyze that. I’m just saying what I saw. I have to check on the video,” said Trillo.

     

    Despite the pointed remarks, Trillo stopped short of placing the blame solely on officiating. He emphasized that Meralco’s biggest task heading into Game 2 is fixing what it can control—execution, composure, and matching TNT’s physical approach for a full 48 minutes.

     

    “Certainly, we need to be better. This is a champion team and they are playing better the last three conferences. Our hands are going to be full,” said Trillo.

     

    As the series shifts deeper into its grind on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, Meralco will be looking not just for a more even whistle—but for a sharper, tougher version of itself to avoid falling into a deeper hole against a battle-tested TNT side.

     

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  • “That’s on Me”: Chot Reyes owns up as TNT escapes Meralco in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

    “That’s on Me”: Chot Reyes owns up as TNT escapes Meralco in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

    TNT Tropang Giga seized the early upper hand in their best-of-seven semifinal series after escaping with a hard-earned 100-95 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The win, however, did not come easily for the Tropang Giga, who had to overcome a disastrous opening half that saw them trailing by as many as 21 points. Meralco dominated the first two quarters behind crisp ball movement and stifling defense, racing to a commanding 52-31 lead at halftime and appearing well in control of the series opener.

     

    TNT head coach Chot Reyes did not shy away from taking responsibility for his team’s sluggish start, admitting that their initial game plan failed to slow down the Bolts.

     

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    “That’s on me. We prepared a game plan that were picked apart. The players were simply following and executing the defensive game plan we prepared, and Meralco picked it apart,” Reyes said after the game.

     

    Facing a steep deficit, Reyes emphasized the importance of regrouping and making timely adjustments during the break.

    “We had to make sure that we made the right adjustments at halftime. I think ‘yon ang nangyari,” he added.

     

    Those adjustments proved decisive. TNT came out of the locker room with renewed energy and urgency, clamping down defensively while finding their rhythm on offense. Roger Pogoy and Rey Nambatac spearheaded the turnaround in the third quarter, combining for 18 points as the Tropang Giga outscored the Bolts 28-13 in the period. The dominant run erased much of Meralco’s lead and swung the momentum firmly in TNT’s favor heading into the final frame.

     

    Calvin Oftana then took over in the closing minutes, delivering a composed and confident performance befitting a star. The versatile forward finished with a game-high 28 points, including two crucial free throws that pushed TNT ahead 98-95 with just 21.1 seconds remaining. Oftana’s steady presence on both ends of the floor helped stabilize the Tropang Giga as Meralco attempted to mount a late comeback.

     

    Nambatac provided valuable support with 17 points, while Pogoy chipped in 16. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser made his presence felt inside, contributing 14 points and key defensive stops that helped limit Meralco’s options down the stretch.

     

    Despite the loss, the Bolts showed why they are a formidable playoff opponent, controlling much of the first half and forcing TNT to dig deep. However, their offensive struggles in the third quarter ultimately proved costly, allowing the Tropang Giga to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the contest.

     

    With the victory, TNT takes a crucial 1-0 lead in the semifinals, but Reyes remains focused on the lessons learned from the near-miss.

     

    After securing the series opener, Reyes will be hoping that his team avoids another slow start and builds on their strong second-half performance when the two squads clash again in Game 2 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • Ginebra outlasts San Miguel, TNT rallies past Meralco to seize early edge in Philippine Cup semifinals

    Ginebra outlasts San Miguel, TNT rallies past Meralco to seize early edge in Philippine Cup semifinals

    Depth and decisiveness defined the opening night of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, as Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang 5G seized early control of their respective best-of-seven series at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Ginebra drew its edge from unlikely sources, leaning heavily on its second unit to blunt San Miguel Beer’s firepower and snap the Beermen’s 10-game winning streak with a 99-90 victory.

     

    What began as a tight, physical contest tilted sharply in the fourth quarter, when Ralph Cu and Norbert Torres flipped the script. The frontcourt duo buried four straight triples to turn a slim deficit into an 84-81 advantage, swinging momentum firmly toward the crowd favorites.

     

    From there, RJ Abarrientos and the regular rotation closed the door, with Ginebra’s bench answering the call of coach Tim Cone in emphatic fashion.

     

    Abarrientos led all Gin Kings with 23 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Cu and Torres combined for 21 points, accounting for half of the team’s 12 three-pointers.Along with Jayson David’s 10 markers, Ginebra’s reserves piled up 54 points—production that ultimately neutralized a monster night from June Mar Fajardo.

     

    The nine-time MVP delivered a dominant 27-point, 23-rebound performance, complete with three assists, a steal, and a block, but it wasn’t enough to keep San Miguel from falling behind 0-1. 

     

    Scottie Thompson added 22 points for Ginebra, with Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, and Stephen Holt chipping in timely contributions. For the Beermen, CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter scored 18 and 12, respectively, as the defending champions struggled from deep, hitting just 5-of-25 from long range.

     

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    Earlier in the evening, TNT authored a comeback of its own, riding Calvin Oftana’s late-game brilliance to escape Meralco, 100-95, and draw first blood in their semifinal duel. 

     

    Down by as many as 21, the Tropang 5G refused to fold, steadily chipping away until the game reached a tense deadlock late in the fourth.

     

    Oftana delivered the turning point—a three-point play with 2:57 remaining that broke a 91-all tie and shifted control to TNT for good. 

     

    Moments later, he found Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser cutting to the basket to stretch the lead, before calmly sealing the win at the free-throw line. 

     

    Oftana finished with 28 points on efficient shooting, along with seven rebounds and two assists, anchoring TNT’s rally.

     

    Rey Nambatac and Roger Pogoy provided secondary scoring with 17 and 16 points, respectively, while Ganuelas-Rosser posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

     

    Meralco stayed within striking distance behind Chris Banchero’s 16 points and CJ Cansino’s 14, but the Bolts’ final push fizzled when a contested three in the closing seconds missed its mark—an ending reminiscent of their earlier-season collapse against the same opponent.

     

    With both series now underway, the semifinals head into Game 2 on Wednesday at the Big Dome, where Ginebra and TNT will look to press their advantage, while San Miguel and Meralco aim to reset the narrative in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested march toward the Finals.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Big performances fuel Friday night wins

    NBA Roundup: Big performances fuel Friday night wins

    A strong slate of performances headlined Friday night’s NBA action as Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, and the LA Clippers all posted convincing victories behind standout individual efforts.

     

    Rockets Pull Away from Nets Behind Balanced Attack


    The Houston Rockets continued their surge on the road with a dominant 120–96 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Amen Thompson led the way with 23 points as Houston seized control in the second half, outscoring Brooklyn 67–54 after halftime. The Rockets’ defense set the tone early, holding the Nets to just 42 points in the first half. Day’Ron Sharpe recorded eight points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for Brooklyn in the loss.

     

    Norman Powell Explodes for 36 as Heat Hold Off Pistons


    Norman Powell delivered one of the night’s most explosive scoring efforts, dropping 36 points to lift the Miami Heat past the Detroit Pistons, 118–112. Cade Cunningham nearly matched the performance with a near triple-double of 31 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, but Miami executed better down the stretch to secure the road victory.

     

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    Tyrese Maxey’s Triple-Double Paces Sixers Over Mavericks

     

    Tyrese Maxey stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists as the Philadelphia 76ers pulled away from the Dallas Mavericks, 123–108. Maxey controlled the game from start to finish, while rookie Cooper Flagg showed flashes of promise for Dallas with 12 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

     

    Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics’ Fourth-Quarter Surge vs Kings

     

    Jaylen Brown powered the Boston Celtics to a 120–106 win over the Sacramento Kings, finishing with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Boston turned the game in the fourth quarter, holding Sacramento to just 18 points in the final frame. DeMar DeRozan paced the Kings with 25 points and six assists.

     

    Kawhi Leonard Drops 45 as Clippers Cruise Past Jazz

     

    Kawhi Leonard delivered a vintage performance at the Intuit Dome, erupting for 45 points and seven rebounds to lead the LA Clippers to a 118–101 win over the Utah Jazz. Leonard took over in the fourth quarter as the Clippers closed the game with a 36–20 run. Kyle Anderson led Utah with 22 points and eight rebounds.

     

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  • ‘I didn’t get the job done’ – Juan Gomez de Liano laments Converge’s quarterfinals exit to Ginebra

    ‘I didn’t get the job done’ – Juan Gomez de Liano laments Converge’s quarterfinals exit to Ginebra

    Converge FiberXers rookie Juan Gomez de Liano candidly acknowledged his frustration after the team’s heartbreaking defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

     

    Converge entered the do‑or‑die clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum holding a twice‑to‑beat advantage but saw that edge slip away after an unpredictable series. 

     

    Despite controlling much of the final game, the seasoned Ginebra side forced overtime and ultimately prevailed on Stephen Holt’s buzzer‑beating triple.

     

    Gomez de Liano, the No. 2 overall pick in the rookie draft, was one of Converge’s most consistent performers throughout the conference.

     

    In the decisive game, he scored 25 points and hauled in five rebounds, asserting himself as a central figure on both ends of the floor. But despite his strong showing, the young guard admitted he wished he could have done more in the clutch.

     

    “Of course, bitin. I didn’t get the job done,” Gomez de Liano said. 

     

    “My main goal was to help the team go past the next round. I feel like ever since Converge joined the PBA, they had a difficult time going past the quarterfinals. Now, we had the best chance especially we had the twice-to-beat. So pretty much sobrang bitin for me,” he said.

     

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    Converge appeared in control late in overtime when Gomez de Liano nailed a critical four‑point play with just over a minute remaining, pushing his team ahead. However, Ginebra clawed back behind timely shots from Troy Rosario and, ultimately, Holt’s deep triple that stunned the crowd and ended Converge’s season.

     

    The loss was especially difficult for Gomez de Liano, given Converge’s franchise history. 

     

    Since joining the league in 2022, the team has repeatedly fallen short in the quarterfinals, and this season’s twice‑to‑beat slip was a bitter twist for fans and players alike. 

     

    Despite the disappointing finish, the overall performance of Gomez de Liano and the youthful Converge squad has drawn praise from analysts, who view his emergence as a cornerstone for the franchise’s long‑term aspirations.

     

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  • PBA Philippine Cup semis set as sister teams collide 

    PBA Philippine Cup semis set as sister teams collide 

    The PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals are officially locked in, and the stage is set for a compelling mix of sister-team showdowns and classic rivalries following a dramatic close to the quarterfinal round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Meralco stamped its return to the semifinals for the first time since its 2024 title run after toppling Rain or Shine, 98–89, despite carrying a lower seed and facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage. 

    The Bolts leaned on poise and late-game execution to overcome years of playoff frustration, snapping a streak of three straight quarterfinal exits. 

     

    Chris Newsome spearheaded the breakthrough with 31 points, delivering timely baskets each time the Elasto Painters threatened. His layup halted a late Rain or Shine surge that trimmed the gap to four, before a dagger jumper with 1:13 remaining sealed the upset.

     

    “Rain or Shine, high character team. Last three conferences making the semifinals. They are doing great things there. You know that they are going to keep on coming. Just proud of the guys for the way they gutted it out,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.

     

    Chris Banchero added 21 points, while CJ Cansino chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds before fouling out. On the other side, Adrian Nocum nearly willed Rain or Shine back from an 11-point deficit, pouring in 29 points, while Gian Mamuyac finished with 20. 

     

    The loss also marked the end of Rain or Shine’s run of four straight semifinal appearances and served as the final PBA game for franchise icon Gabe Norwood.

     

    Awaiting Meralco in the next round is its sister team TNT, setting up an all-MVP Group semifinal that guarantees one of the league’s corporate rivals a spot in the finals.

     

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    On the other side of the bracket, Barangay Ginebra arranged yet another heavyweight duel with San Miguel Beer after surviving one of the most dramatic games of the conference. 

     

    Stephen Holt buried a buzzer-beating three in overtime to lift the Gin Kings past Converge, 99–98, completing a furious comeback from a six-point deficit in the final minutes of extra time. Holt’s shot sparked pandemonium at the Big Dome, remarkable for a player who had struggled all night and was just 1-of-7 before the final play.

     

    Ginebra’s escape was set up earlier when Jeremiah Gray sank three pressure-packed free throws with 3.4 seconds left in regulation, extending the contest after Converge committed a costly foul on a three-point attempt.

     

     RJ Abarrientos led the Gin Kings with 20 points, while Scottie Thompson had 13 points and eight assists before fouling out. Jayson David scored 13 before exiting with a dislocated shoulder, as Ginebra closed the game without both Thompson and Japeth Aguilar.

     

    The win booked a familiar semifinal showdown against defending champion San Miguel Beer, reviving memories of last season’s seven-game classic where LA Tenorio authored a Game 6 buzzer-beater. 

     

    With Ginebra riding momentum and San Miguel carrying championship pedigree, another chapter in one of the PBA’s most storied rivalries is set to unfold starting January 4.

     

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