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  • Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    In a game decided by the smallest of margins, Rain or Shine walked away not just with a loss—but with lingering questions.

     

    The Elasto Painters absorbed a painful 92-90 defeat to NLEX on Wednesday night in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, a result shaped as much by execution as it was by a pivotal decision in the closing minutes that left head coach Yeng Guiao visibly frustrated.

     

    With under two minutes to play and Rain or Shine clinging to an 87-86 lead, what looked like a momentum-shifting defensive play turned into a turning point of a different kind. Gian Mamuyac stripped Robert Bolick clean, igniting what could have been a transition opportunity. Instead, a whistle halted the play, calling a foul that Rain or Shine immediately contested.

     

    After a lengthy review, the challenge proved successful—Mamuyac’s foul was overturned. But the reversal didn’t restore what Rain or Shine felt it had already earned.

     

    Rather than awarding possession to the Elasto Painters, officials ruled a jump ball, wiping away what could have been a clear fastbreak situation. The sequence flipped the energy of the game, especially when NLEX secured the tip and Bolick drained a clutch four-pointer to seize a 90-87 advantage.

     

    For Guiao, the issue wasn’t just the call—it was the interpretation.

     

    “Ang alam ko, sa rules, pagka-successful ang challenge mo, kung ano yung pinakahuling incident or action, dapat doon mo pagbabasehan yung possesion,” Guiao said.

     

    “Ang consequence nun, naging loose ball, nakuha namin yung bola, tapos pina-jump ball nila. Tingin ko maling-mali yung interpretation na yun. It should have been our ball kasi kami ang maagrabyado. Actually, it could have been a fastbreak eh. Puwede naming i-fastbreak yun kasi turnover eh. Tinanggalan pa kami ng fastbreak,” said Guiao.

     

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    “I don’t know if they will review that pero tingin ko mali,” said Guiao.

     

    Still, the game didn’t end there—and Rain or Shine had chances to recover, Luis Villegas responded with a clutch basket to tie the game after Bolick’s four-pointer, keeping the Elasto Painters within striking distance. But in the final moments, missed opportunities proved costly.

     

    Jhonard Clarito came up empty on two crucial free throws, opening the door for NLEX’s JB Bahio to deliver the game-winner—a cold-blooded jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining.

     

    It was the kind of finish that leaves little room for what-ifs, yet Guiao couldn’t help but circle back to the possession that slipped away.

     

    “Sa ganitong laro, one possession is very important especially that possession can turn into a transition point para sa amin. Pero ganun lang talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    In the end, the box score will show a two-point loss. But for Rain or Shine, the night will be remembered for a single sequence—one that turned a potential advantage into a turning tide.

     

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  • Jhonard Clarito’s split-second decision looms large as Rain or Shine falls to NLEX

    Jhonard Clarito’s split-second decision looms large as Rain or Shine falls to NLEX

    Jhonard Clarito found himself at the center of that moment Wednesday night, as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters absorbed a 92-90 defeat to NLEX Road Warriors at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    A result that not only snapped their grip on the conference lead but also pulled both teams into a tie at 8-2 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings.

     

    Clarito isn’t hiding from it. With the game hanging in the balance, the bruising winger earned a trip to the line after a hard foul from Tony Semerad sent him crashing into the backstop. 

     

    The fall looked nasty, his back absorbing the impact before he slowly gathered himself. But instead of taking a moment longer to recover, Clarito stepped up.

     

    “Ang sabi nga ni Kuya Beau (Belga) sa akin kanina, dapat umupo ako roon sa ilalim ng ring, nagpahinga muna ako nang medyo matagal-tagal,” he said.

     

    It was a small decision—seconds, but one that would echo loudly. Both free throws missed.

    “Naging excited akong mag-free throw. ‘Yun nga, sa sobrang excited ang kinalabasan naman, nagmintis,” the 30-year-old Forward said. 

     

    That miss opened the door. And Robert Bolick made sure NLEX walked through it, threading a pass to JB Bahio, who calmly delivered the game-winning basket with 0.3 seconds left.

     

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    Just like that, the Elasto Painters went from control to collapse. Clarito, visibly shaken after the final buzzer, carried more than just the physical pain from his fall. Still, he refused to use it as an excuse.

     

    “Hindi naman. Focus lang talaga ako sa game kanina. Hindi talaga sumang-ayon sa amin yung pagkakataon, nung sumablay yung free throw ko,” he said.

     

    If anything, the moment revealed a player caught between instinct and patience—choosing to push forward rather than pause, even when his body suggested otherwise.

     

    Now, recovery becomes the immediate priority. Clarito admitted his back has been bothering him even before this game, dating back to their matchup against Magnolia.

     

    “Tumama doon sa gilid ng poste ng ring. Buti nga may foam, pero bumaon pa rin. Medyo masakit,” Clarito said.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss is both a setback and a reminder of how quickly control can slip away in tight contests. 

     

    Their next challenge comes soon, as they look to regroup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on May 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    And for Clarito, the path forward is just as clear—learn from the moment, live with the result, and be ready when the next one comes.

     

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  • “I love my job”: Joshua Munzon embraces challenge amid Titan Ultra struggles in the PBA

    “I love my job”: Joshua Munzon embraces challenge amid Titan Ultra struggles in the PBA

    The Titan Ultra Giant Risers are enduring a brutal stretch in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, and the numbers paint a grim picture. With just two wins in 10 outings, the Giant Risers sit firmly at the bottom of the standings, a position that reflects both their growing pains and the instability that has defined their campaign.

     

    Their struggles were laid bare once again on Wednesday, April 29, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where they suffered a lopsided 135–98 defeat at the hands of the Magnolia Hotshots. The loss was not just another mark in the standings—it was a stark reminder of the defensive lapses and inconsistency that have plagued the team throughout the conference.

     

    Despite the team’s continued slide, Joshua Munzon has remained a rare bright spot. The 31-year-old guard once again led from the front, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds, and four assists. On a night where little went right for Titan Ultra, Munzon’s performance stood out as a testament to his professionalism and steady approach amid adversity.

     

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    After the game, however, even Munzon struggled to fully explain the team’s shortcomings, pointing primarily to their defensive breakdowns.

     

    “135 points, there’s no defense. The defense wasn’t there. We also didn’t make shots tonight, that’s how the game went. Not much we can do about that but I feel like we got decent shots, we just didn’t convert,” Munzon said in the postmatch press conference.

    The frustrations are understandable. Munzon has seen significant changes around him in recent seasons. Former teammate Arvin Tolentino has taken his talents overseas to South Korea, while Calvin Abueva now suits up for the Converge FiberXers. Add to that a revolving door in the coaching staff—two head coaches in a relatively short span—and it becomes clear that continuity has been hard to come by for the franchise.

     

    Yet, rather than dwell on the instability, Munzon has chosen to embrace the challenge.

     

    “It’s my job. At the end of the day. I love my job. I love to play basketball. You have to adapt, in all jobs. No job is gonna be perfect, it’s about adapting to whatever is asked of me. Just trying to do that, trying to contribute on offense and defense and at the same time be a good teammate. Fight through everything with my teammates,” he added.

     

    His mindset reflects that of a veteran trying to guide a team still finding its identity. Titan Ultra’s roster is largely composed of young, inexperienced players, many of whom are navigating only their second conference in the league. The learning curve has been steep, and the results have followed suit.

     

    “This is just a young team. A lot of inexperienced guys that are only gaining experience as we go. Second conference, new head coach this conference. We are just figuring it out on the go, taking it game by game. We are just trying to go every game,” Munzon concluded.

     

    With their playoff hopes already extinguished, the Giant Risers now shift their focus to salvaging pride and building momentum for the future. Each remaining game offers an opportunity to develop chemistry, refine their system, and gain valuable experience against more established squads.

     

    Their next test comes against the NLEX Road Warriors on Tuesday, May 5, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While the stakes may no longer involve postseason implications, the matchup still carries significance for a team eager to end a difficult campaign on a more positive note—and perhaps lay the groundwork for a more competitive showing in the conferences ahead.

     

     

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  • Converge’s Justin Arana named PBA Player of the Week for the period of April 21 to 26

    Converge’s Justin Arana named PBA Player of the Week for the period of April 21 to 26

    The Converge FiberXers continue to battle inconsistency in the ongoing 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, sitting in ninth place with a 4–6 record after ten games. While their position on the standings remains precarious, the team is still mathematically alive in the race for a playoff berth, keeping their campaign from slipping into full collapse.

     

    A major reason for Converge’s continued postseason hopes has been the emergence of Justin Arana, whose recent surge has helped stabilize the FiberXers at a critical stretch of the conference. The 27-year-old center has stepped into a leadership role on both ends of the floor, providing interior scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence when the team needed it most.

     

    That impact was on full display as Converge secured back-to-back victories over the TNT Tropang Giga and the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Against TNT, Arana delivered a strong all-around performance with 21 points and 10 rebounds in a hard-fought 97–92 win, where he also drew praise for his physical battle against 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol.

     

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    He followed that up with another composed outing against Phoenix, tallying 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists as Converge dominated in a 130–103 victory. His consistency across both games proved pivotal in snapping the FiberXers out of their uneven form and injecting renewed confidence into their playoff push.

    Over the two-game stretch, Arana averaged 17.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, numbers that underscored his growing influence within the squad. His standout performances did not go unnoticed, as he was named the PBA Player of the Week for the period of April 21 to 26.

     

    Arana edged out strong competition from Troy Rosario of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Gian Mamuyac of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for the weekly recognition, which is determined by members of the sports media covering the league across various platforms.

     

    Speaking after his strong showing, Arana emphasized both urgency and mentality as Converge continues to fight for survival in the standings.

     

    “Tinatagan ko na lang sarili ko, kasi para sa amin do-or-die. Hindi ako puwedeng matakot kay Bol, kasi super kailangan namin itong laro na ‘to,” Arana said in a media interaction.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup enters its final stretch, Converge now faces a defining moment in their season. The FiberXers are set for a crucial matchup against the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday, May 2, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, a game widely viewed as a must-win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

     

    With momentum slowly building and Arana hitting form at the right time, Converge will be hoping their star big man can once again anchor a late-season push as they attempt to claw their way into postseason contention.

     

     

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  • Don Trollano sparks San Miguel bench lift in comeback win over Meralco

    Don Trollano sparks San Miguel bench lift in comeback win over Meralco

    A return at just the right time gave the San Miguel Beermen a needed jolt. In a season where consistency has been elusive, Don Trollano re-emerged as a difference-maker.


    Powering San Miguel’s second-half surge in a 103-92 comeback win over the Meralco Bolts during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Coming off a two-game absence due to injury, Trollano wasted no time shaking off the rust. He unloaded 14 of his 16 points after halftime, turning a tight rotation piece into the Beermen’s unexpected ignition point. He also added three rebounds, one assist, and a steal in a performance that earned him Player of the Game honors.

     

    “There’s still some pain there, but it’s manageable now. I had to really find my rhythm earlier because I was gone for two games so it was hard. I also only returned to practice three days ago, so it was a bit hard,” he said.

     

    Even with limited preparation, Trollano’s timing proved crucial. He and Mo Tautuaa combined for 26 points off the bench, giving San Miguel the depth boost it had been missing in recent outings.


    “We just have to stay focused. I know we started out flat tonight but we just knew we had to play our game and to do that, we had to stay composed,” the 34-year-old Trollano said.

     

    With their victory Trollano and the San Miguel squad climbed to a 5-5 record, good for seventh place.

     

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    The Beermen’s stars also delivered across the board. June Mar Fajardo anchored the paint with 19 points and 17 rebounds, while import Bennie Boatwright added 14 points and 11 rebounds. 

    CJ Perez chipped in 14 points despite needing 15 attempts, and Tautuaa narrowly missed a double-double with 12 points and eight boards.

     

    For San Miguel, the win offered more than just a split record—it was a reminder that depth still matters in a crowded playoff race. The Beermen now shift their focus to a matchup with Terrafirma on May 6 at the same venue.

     

    Meralco, meanwhile, leaned on Marvin Jones’ 26 points and 13 rebounds, with Chris Newsome contributing 18 and CJ Cansino adding 12.

     

    But the loss dropped the Bolts to fifth place at 5-3, slipping just outside the Top Four.

     

    They now face a crucial bounce-back test against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on May 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where every result continues to reshape the playoff picture in a tightly packed standings race.

     

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  • Leo Austria confirms Bennie Boatwright is still adjusting to the humid conditions in Manila

    Leo Austria confirms Bennie Boatwright is still adjusting to the humid conditions in Manila

    The San Miguel Beermen are still searching for consistency in the ongoing 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, with the perennial contenders finding themselves in an uncharacteristic seventh place at the midway point of the eliminations. The Beermen carry a 5–5 win-loss record, a standing that falls short of their traditionally high championship expectations.

     

    Despite the uneven start, San Miguel appears to be trending upward at a crucial stage of the conference. That momentum was on full display on Wednesday, April 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where the Beermen delivered a convincing 103–92 victory over the Meralco Bolts. The win showcased a balanced offensive effort, with multiple players stepping up in key moments to secure a much-needed result.

     

    The Beermen’s production was spread across the roster, led by veteran anchor June Mar Fajardo, alongside import Bennie Boatwright, guard CJ Perez, forward Chris Trollano, and big man Mo Tautuaa—all finishing in double figures as San Miguel controlled the game from the middle quarters onward.

     

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    A key development in the Beermen’s recent resurgence has been the arrival of Boatwright, who replaced Justin Patton as the team’s import. His presence has helped stabilize the offense and provide additional spacing, though his latest outing highlighted both his impact and ongoing adjustment period in the league.

     

    Against Meralco, Boatwright struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-of-20 from the field and missing all seven attempts from beyond the arc. However, he still managed to contribute 16 points and 11 rebounds, underscoring his ability to affect the game even when his shot is not falling. His performance reflected a mix of rust and adaptation as he continues to find rhythm within San Miguel’s system.

    Head coach Leo Austria addressed the import’s uneven start postgame, pointing to the challenging conditions and adjustment period as key factors in Boatwright’s sluggish opening stretch.

     

    “I noticed from him, very sluggish siya eh, especially during practice. Maybe he is still adjusting to our weather. Bennie, after this game, I think he will realize na he needs to perform well especially in the next two games namin, which is a must-win for us to get into the next round,” Austria said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Austria’s remarks raised some eyebrows among observers, particularly given Boatwright’s previous stint with the franchise during the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Beermen to a championship title. His familiarity with the team and league had led many to expect a quicker transition back into peak form.

     

    For his part, Boatwright acknowledged that his rhythm is still a work in progress, especially as he adjusts to heavy playing minutes in a demanding conference schedule. He has been logging approximately 40 minutes per game, a workload that has tested his conditioning and timing early in the tournament.

     

    “Just part of the game. Just getting back used to playing all these minutes and just getting adjusted. Simply just get back in the gym, and I will be ready for the next game,” Boatwright said after the win.

     

    As the Commissioner’s Cup standings tighten, the Beermen now face a critical stretch that could define their campaign. With limited room for error, San Miguel will look to build on their recent win as they prepare for a must-win clash against the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, May 6, still at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    With playoff positioning on the line, the Beermen’s mix of veteran leadership, returning chemistry, and import adjustment will be tested further as they attempt to steer their season back toward championship contention.

     

     

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  • Macau Black Knights’ trio ignites late-game grit, crushes Blackwater’s playoff hopes 

    Macau Black Knights’ trio ignites late-game grit, crushes Blackwater’s playoff hopes 

    Macau’s campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup may be nearing its end, but its core trio made sure it wouldn’t go quietly.

     

    In a game that felt more like a battle for pride than position, the Black Knights leaned heavily on Jenning Leung, Damian Chongqui, and Ramon Cao to escape with a tense 123-119 victory over Blackwater on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    Leung and Chongqui fired 30 points each, while Cao poured in 29, accounting for 89 of the team’s total output. More importantly, their scoring came exactly when needed, steadying Macau through every Blackwater rally.

     

    “Damian had a big night, Jenning had a big night and Ramon. I’m really happy for Ramon and Jenning because they didn’t really play to their caliber in the last game against TNT,” head coach Marcus Elliott said.

     

    Macau looked in control early, stretching the lead to 13, but the game gradually shifted into a test of composure. Blackwater, despite missing import Robert Upshaw III for most of the contest due to a calf injury, refused to fold.

     

    Instead, the Bossing turned to their local unit, with Paul Zamar and Christian David stepping up with 21 points apiece. Their persistence nearly paid off when BJ Andrade trimmed the deficit to a single point, 120-119, in the final moments.

     

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    But in a game defined by its stars, it was Leung who delivered the final blow—two clutch free throws with 19 seconds left that ultimately sealed the win.

     

    Interestingly, Upshaw’s absence may have disrupted more than just Blackwater’s rotation.

     

    “I think that backfired on us, actually. I think it took the life out of Tony, it looked like his motivation went down a little bit, so I think that helped them with Upshaw not playing,” Elliot said.

     

    Tony Mitchell still produced a gritty double-double of 11 points and 22 rebounds, but Macau’s rhythm appeared briefly unsettled by the unexpected change in matchup dynamics.

     

    With the result, both teams now sit at 2-8, tied with the worst records in the eliminations. Yet the implications diverge sharply.

     

    For Macau, the win offers a chance to close its inaugural PBA stint on a high note, with upcoming games against Terrafirma on May 2 and Phoenix on May 9.

     

    Blackwater, on the other hand, faces a more complicated path. Despite the loss, the Bossing remain mathematically alive in the playoff race, thanks to earlier wins over Magnolia and San Miguel. However, their fate is no longer entirely within their control.

     

    They must now sweep their remaining assignments against Meralco on May 3 and Converge on May 9—and hope other results fall their way.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL All-Star Showcase, and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (April 27 – May 3)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL All-Star Showcase, and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (April 27 – May 3)

    A busy stretch of action is lined up across volleyball and basketball as the PVL All-Star Showcase, UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball stepladder, PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, and NBA Playoffs First Round all converge this week. From exhibition flair to elimination battles and postseason pressure, teams across levels are set for a packed schedule filled with rivalry matchups, playoff pushes, and championship implications.


    PVL All-Star Showcase 2026

     

    📍 Candon City Arena

    Friday, May 1
    5:00 PM — Team Heart vs Team Hustle

     

    UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (Stepladder)

     

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Wednesday, April 29
    3:00 PM — Adamson University vs University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses

     

    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

     

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Tuesday, April 28
    5:15 PM — Macau Black Knights vs Blackwater Bossing
    7:30 PM — Meralco Bolts vs San Miguel Beermen

     

    Wednesday, April 29

    5:15 PM — Magnolia vs Titan Ultra Giant Risers
    7:30 PM — Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs NLEX Road Warriors

     

    Saturday, May 2
    5:15 PM — Terrafirma Dyip vs Macau Black Knights
    7:30 PM — Converge FiberXers vs NLEX Road Warriors

     

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

     

    Friday, May 1
    5:15 PM — TNT Tropang Giga vs Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters
    7:30 PM — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs Meralco Bolts

     

    Sunday, May 3
    5:15 PM — Meralco Bolts vs Blackwater Bossing
    7:30 PM — Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

     

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    NBA Playoffs 2025–26 First Round

     

    Tuesday, April 28

    7:00 AM — Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic (Game 4: ORL leads 2-1)
    8:00 AM — Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks (Game 4: NYK leads 2-1)
    9:30 AM — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns (Game 4: OKC leads 3-0)
    10:30 AM — Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets (Game 5: MIN leads 3-1)

     

    Wednesday, April 29

    7:00 AM — Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics (Game 5: BOS leads 3-1)
    8:00 AM — Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks (Game 5: Series tied 2-2)
    9:30 AM — Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs (Game 5: SAS leads 3-1)

     

    Thursday, April 30

    7:00 AM — Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons (Game 5: ORL leads 2-1)
    7:30 AM — Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 5: Series tied 2-2)
    9:30 AM — Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5: If necessary)
    10:00 AM — Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 5: LAL leads 3-1)

     

    Friday, May 1

    TBD — Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers (Game 6: If necessary)
    TBD — New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks (Game 6: Series tied 2-2)
    TBD — San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers (Game 6: If necessary)
    TBD — Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves (Game 6: If necessary)

     

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  • Phoenix stumble without James Dickey in costly loss to Converge FiberXers

    Phoenix stumble without James Dickey in costly loss to Converge FiberXers

    What started as a manageable injury concern has quickly turned into a turning point in the campaign of Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.


    In a crucial PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup clash on Sunday, Phoenix absorbed a damaging 130-103 loss to the Converge FiberXers, falling to 5-4 and slipping to sixth place—just as momentum for a quarterfinal berth was within reach.

     

    The bigger issue, however, was not just the defeat but the absence of James Dickey, whose decision to sit out due to an ankle sprain sustained in their previous 87-83 upset of Rain or Shine left a noticeable void in both effort and execution.

     

    Phoenix had initially believed the injury was something he could play through, making his absence feel like an even heavier blow in a game that carried playoff implications.

     

    “Naibaba na nga ng mga PT namin ‘yung swelling niya, pero very unfortunate na he wasn’t able to give it a try today. We could’ve used him,” said head coach Charles Tiu.

     

    Without Dickey’s presence in the paint, Phoenix struggled to match up physically with Converge, particularly against returning import Donovan Smith, who imposed his will with 32 points on 12-of-20 shooting and 12 rebounds. 

     

    The FiberXers capitalized on the interior mismatch throughout the game, controlling key stretches on their way to another statement win after previously stunning Rain or Shine, the first team to defeat them after a 7-0 start.

     

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    For Tiu, the frustration came not just from the result but from the missed opportunity.

    “Of all the games, this was the one game we had to win. Kasi, if we beat Converge, we would’ve been in the playoffs already,” he said.

     

    The absence of their defensive anchor highlighted how dependent Phoenix has become on Dickey’s two-way production this conference. 

     

    Before sitting out, he had been one of the most productive imports in the league, averaging 19.6 points, 19.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.75 blocks.

     

    Now, with Phoenix’s record slipping and their margin for error shrinking, the focus has shifted to availability and recovery. 

     

    Tiu acknowledged that while he believed Dickey could have potentially played through the injury, the final call was made with long-term health in mind.

     

    “I don’t know, man. I really can’t say. We’ll have to see. Pero, I thought it was something he could’ve probably played through. Pero I get naman, ayaw rin niyang mag-risk ng injury niya. It’s okay,” the 37-year-old coach said. 

     

    Whether the setback will force Phoenix to consider reinforcements remains unclear, but what is certain is that the timing could not be worse. With a matchup against TNT looming on Friday, the Fuel Masters now find themselves not only fighting for playoff positioning but also waiting on the condition of the player who had been central to their early success.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos powers Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a quarterfinal berth after a dominant win over Titan Ultra 

    RJ Abarrientos powers Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a quarterfinal berth after a dominant win over Titan Ultra 

    For a team built on star power, it was the rising influence of RJ Abarrientos that defined Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s latest breakthrough.


    Abarrientos came through with 25 points as the Gin Kings dismantled the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119-107, on Sunday, April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—stretching their winning streak to five and officially punching their ticket to the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    While Justin Brownlee once again delivered the headlines with 35 points—his sixth 30-point performance of the conference, the game underscored how Ginebra’s success is increasingly tied to the contributions around him. Abarrientos provided the spark that kept the offense fluid and the pressure constant.

     

    “Yung chemistry namin, down the line ‘yung pinakaimportante. Sa practice pa lang, nag-dig in kami kung ano ‘yung pwede namin ma contribute sa team,” Abarrientos said.

     

    That chemistry has become the backbone of Ginebra’s surge. Scottie Thompson nearly tallied a triple-double with 12 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, orchestrating the attack while doing the little things that kept the Gin Kings in control from start to finish.

     

    The win lifted Ginebra to 7-2, tying them for second place and making them the latest squad to secure a spot in the last eight alongside NLEX and Rain or Shine. More importantly, it reinforced their status as one of the hottest teams in the tournament heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

     

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    “We needed this win. We needed to take care of business talaga,” Abarrientos added.

     

    For Ginebra, the job is far from over. The Gin Kings are set to face a challenging stretch against Meralco, Rain or Shine, and defending champion TNT—matchups that will test whether their current form can translate into sustained success against top-tier competition.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone is well aware of what lies ahead, emphasizing discipline and consistency as the team prepares for tougher battles.

     

    “We’re just trying to keep our habits going. We’re going to a stretch of three really tough games with Meralco, Rain or Shine, and Talk N’ Text but this is what we want to get to. If you don’t have proper habits against quality teams, you will not be successful. We’ve tried to keep our habits up,” the veteran coach said.

     

    On the other side, the loss deepened the struggles of Titan Ultra, which dropped to 2-7 and absorbed its fourth straight defeat. Despite a late push, the Giant Risers could not overcome their earlier miscues and Ginebra’s sustained offensive rhythm.

     

    Joshua Munzon led Titan Ultra with a 20-point, 10-assist double-double, adding six rebounds and five steals in an all-around effort. Import Michael Gilmore chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds but committed six turnovers, a costly factor in the team’s total of 11.

     

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