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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL, and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (April 20 – 26)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA, PBA, PVL, and UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball (April 20 – 26)

    A packed week of action awaits sports fans as multiple leagues take center stage, highlighted by championship clashes in the Premier Volleyball League, crucial matchups in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball, intense battles in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and a thrilling slate of First Round games in the NBA playoffs. With titles, rankings, and playoff momentum on the line, it’s a must-watch stretch across volleyball and basketball.

     

    PVL All-Filipino Conference (Finals)

     

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Tuesday, April 21


     3:00 PM — Farm Fresh vs PLDT (Battle for Bronze)
     5:30 PM — Cignal vs Creamline (Battle for Gold)


    Thursday, April 23
     3:00 PM — Farm Fresh vs PLDT (Battle for Bronze)
     5:30 PM — Cignal vs Creamline (Battle for Gold)

     

    UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball

     

    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Wednesday, April 22


     1:00 PM — FEU Lady Tamaraws vs Ateneo Blue Eagles
     3:00 PM — NU Lady Bulldogs vs UST Golden Tigresses

     

    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

     

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Tuesday, April 21
     5:15 PM — Macau vs Titan
     7:30 PM — Rain or Shine vs Phoenix


    Wednesday, April 22
     5:15 PM — San Miguel vs Blackwater
     7:30 PM — Converge vs TNT


    Friday, April 24
     5:15 PM — TNT vs Macau
     7:30 PM — Ginebra vs Blackwater


    Saturday, April 25
     5:15 PM — Terrafirma vs NLEX
     7:30 PM — Magnolia vs Rain or Shine


    📍 Smart Araneta Coliseum

    Sunday, April 26
     5:15 PM — Converge vs Phoenix
     7:30 PM — Ginebra vs Titan

     

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    NBA 2025–26 Season (First Round Playoffs)


    Tuesday
     7:00 AM — Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 2: CLE leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks (Game 2: NYK leads 1-0)
     10:30 AM — Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets (Game 2: DEN leads 1-0)


    Wednesday
     7:00 AM — Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics (Game 2: BOS leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Portland Trail Blazers vs San Antonio Spurs (Game 2: SAS leads 1-0)
     10:30 AM — Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 2: LAL leads 1-0)


    Thursday
     7:00 AM — Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons (Game 2: ORL leads 1-0)
     9:30 AM — Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder


    Friday
     7:00 AM — New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks (Game 3: NYK leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Cleveland Cavaliers vs Toronto Raptors (Game 3: CLE leads 1-0)
     9:30 AM — Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves


    Saturday
     7:00 AM — Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers (Game 3: BOS leads 1-0)
     8:00 AM — Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets (Game 3: LAL leads 1-0)
     10:30 AM — San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers


    Sunday
     1:00 AM — Detroit Pistons vs Orlando Magic (Game 3: ORL leads 1-0)
     3:30 AM — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns (Game 3: OKC leads 1-0)
     6:00 AM — New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks (Game 4: NYK leads 1-0)
     8:30 AM — Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves (Game 4: DEN leads 1-0)

     

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  • “Calvin is just being Calvin”: LA Tenorio says exchange with Calvin Abueva was simply brotherly advice

    “Calvin is just being Calvin”: LA Tenorio says exchange with Calvin Abueva was simply brotherly advice

    What was supposed to be a straightforward 106-94 victory for the Magnolia Hotshots over the Converge FiberXers instead turned into another chapter of intensity surrounding Calvin Abueva, whose presence once again defined the emotional tone of the game.


    The Hotshots moved into a joint seventh spot in the standings alongside San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, but the final scoreline was only part of the story as physical play, trash talk, and multiple confrontations unfolded throughout the contest at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio found himself briefly drawn into the emotional exchanges with Abueva, who once played under him during earlier professional stops.

     

    “Calvin is just being Calvin. Even when we were playing against each other, he has been like that. He’s the type of player that if you’re irritated by him, talo ka.” said Tenorio.

     

    The tension began escalating late in the third quarter, when Abueva was pulled down while posting up against Alfaro, immediately triggering frustration from the veteran forward. Moments later, in transition, he attempted to disrupt a drive by Magnolia’s Paul Lee but ended up making contact with Lee’s wrist in a contested play, further fueling the rivalry on the floor.

     

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    Tenorio later described his interaction with Abueva as more mentorship than confrontation.

    “So it’s just me talking to Calvin and being his kuya also, reminding him to just keep playing,” the former veteran player and now head coach of Magnolia said.

     

    The fourth quarter saw the situation peak. Abueva was first slapped with a technical foul after exchanging words with officials, then just seconds later was involved in another controversial sequence when he caught Zavier Lucero with an elbow in mid-air, resulting in a flagrant foul. Fortunately, Lucero avoided injury and still delivered a strong all-around performance.

     

    “I’m alright, I’m alright,” said the former UP Fighting Maroons.

     

    After the game, Abueva declined to speak to reporters, having already been sanctioned earlier in the conference for comments deemed detrimental to the league.

     

    Tenorio, meanwhile, downplayed the sideline exchange after the final buzzer.

     

    “Wala siya. Nag-walkout din siya. Again, it’s just Calvin being Calvin,” he said.

     

    Despite the emotional undercurrent, Magnolia walked away with the crucial win as they prepare for a tougher stretch ahead, including a matchup against the unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on April 25. Converge, on the other hand, looks to regroup quickly as it faces TNT on April 22 at the same venue.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana disheartened by first PBA ejection as TNT rallies behind Bol Bol’s 50-point explosion 

    Calvin Oftana disheartened by first PBA ejection as TNT rallies behind Bol Bol’s 50-point explosion 

    A stunning individual performance and a rare setback for Calvin Oftana defined TNT’s gritty 97-92 escape over Titan Ultra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.


    While TNT extended its streak to three wins and improved to 5-2, the night took an unexpected turn just minutes into the contest when Oftana was ejected for the first time in his professional career. 

     

    The 30-year-old forward logged only two points and one rebound before being assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 at the 4:53 mark of the opening quarter, with TNT trailing 13-15.

     

    The incident occurred during a contested attempt, when Oftana, caught in a double team, inadvertently struck rookie Mark Denver Omega in the face on the follow-through. 

     

    Officials reviewed the play and upgraded the contact, resulting in an automatic ejection—marking the first such infraction of his PBA career.

     

    “It wasn’t intentional. Hindi naman nakasara yung kamay ko kapag tumitira ako. It just so happened, pag land ng kamay ko, naka-closed fist siya and natamaan siya sa mukha,” said the former San Beda MVP.

     

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    “Kahit nga F1 wala naman ako, e. Napa-isip na rin ako nung hindi pa tinatawag kasi nga closed fist daw. Pero siyempre hoping pa rin ako na sana technical or F1 lang kasi wala naman akong previous record e,” the Cebuano forward stated.

     

    Clearly shaken, he apologized to his teammates at halftime. “I really felt bad and I said sorry to the team,” he shared.

     

    With Oftana sidelined, TNT found its answer in a monster outing from import Bol Bol, who erupted for 50 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists to carry the Tropang 5G through a physical and tightly contested finish. 

     

    Oftana, meanwhile, could only watch from the dugout, following the game on his phone as TNT clawed its way to victory—an ending that brought him visible relief after his abrupt exit.

     

    Looking ahead, TNT braces for its next assignment against the Converge FiberXers on April 22 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, aiming to sustain momentum in the standings.

     

    Amid lingering buzz about potential opportunities overseas, including reported interest from the Korean Basketball League, Oftana remains grounded. The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay reiterated his commitment to TNT, honoring a contract that runs through 2027 while keeping his focus firmly on the ongoing conference.

     

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  • Delta Pineda pins Converge’s PBA struggles on import Kylor Kelley 

    Delta Pineda pins Converge’s PBA struggles on import Kylor Kelley 

    The Converge FiberXers continue to search for answers in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as their struggles deepened following another disappointing outing on Sunday, April 20, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. With a 94-106 loss to the Magnolia Hotshots, Converge slipped further down the standings, now holding a 2-6 record and languishing in 11th place.

     

    It was a game that once again exposed the team’s ongoing issues, particularly on the import front. Much of the spotlight fell on Kylor Kelley, whose underwhelming performance raised further questions about his role moving forward. In 26 minutes of action, Kelley finished with just seven points, six rebounds, and a steal, posting a -4 plus-minus despite a flawless 3-of-3 shooting clip from the field. While efficient in limited attempts, his lack of overall impact was evident, especially when matched up against Magnolia’s dominant import, Clint Chapman.

     

    Chapman delivered a commanding performance, leading all scorers with 22 points while anchoring the paint with 14 rebounds. He also contributed three assists and two blocks, proving to be a two-way force that Converge simply could not contain. His presence underscored the stark contrast between the two imports and played a pivotal role in Magnolia’s convincing victory.

     

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    Following the game, Converge head coach Delta Pineda did not mince words when addressing Kelley’s performance, pointing to it as a key factor in the team’s defeat.

     

    “Ito yung pinakamababang production niya,” Pineda said after the game.

    While Kelley has posted respectable averages of 13.2 points, 16.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game throughout the conference, his inconsistency has become a growing concern for the coaching staff. Pineda acknowledged that the team is already weighing its options, including the possibility of bringing in a replacement import as they attempt to salvage their campaign.

     

    “We are planning, pero sunud-sunod yung araw kasi. I don’t know kung aabot pa. But for now, ang adjustment namin for the next game either we have an import or not, I would like na ma-maximize namin yung mga locals,” he added.

     

    The compressed schedule presents an additional challenge, leaving little room for major roster changes. Still, the urgency is clear, as Converge risks falling further behind in the standings with each loss. Pineda emphasized that regardless of the import situation, the team must find ways to elevate the contributions of its local core moving forward.

     

    Despite the mounting pressure, Kelley is expected to get at least one more opportunity to prove his worth. Converge is set to face TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—a crucial matchup that could determine the team’s next course of action.

     

    “If he will not perform in the next game, labas. Susugalan na namin yung locals namin,” he concluded.

     

    With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the FiberXers find themselves at a crossroads. Whether through a change in personnel or a renewed collective effort, Converge must respond quickly—or risk seeing their Commissioner’s Cup campaign slip further out of reach.

     

     

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  • “I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

    “I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

    Calvin Oftana continues to solidify his status as one of the most versatile forwards in Philippine basketball, with the TNT Tropang Giga and Philippine Basketball Association standout drawing increasing attention from overseas clubs amid his rising profile for both club and country.

     

    The 30-year-old has emerged as a key figure for both Gilas Pilipinas and TNT, thanks to his two-way impact, perimeter shooting, and ability to guard multiple positions. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed internationally, with his agent PJ Pilares recently confirming that teams from South Korea have expressed interest and are actively pursuing a potential signing.

     

    Despite the growing buzz around a possible overseas move, Oftana has made it clear that his immediate focus remains with TNT, emphasizing professionalism and commitment to his current contract.

     

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    “I respect my contract. I respect my team. Kailangan ko i-honor yun as a professional player. Happy lang ako na may mga ganung pangyayari sa buhay ko. As of now, focused ako sa conference na ito at sa all throughout ng contract ko,” Oftana said in a media interaction.

     

    While he acknowledged the attention coming from abroad as a positive sign of his development, Oftana stressed that he is not rushing into any decisions and remains fully locked in with his current campaign.

    “Hindi natin alam, di ba? Kasi hindi natin alam yung panahon. As of now, focus ako sa Talk ‘N Text kasi napamahal na ako dito. Sabi ko nga kay boss PJ, siya na bahala sa kung anong meron sa labas. Pero internally, dito ako sa Talk ‘N Text,” he added.

     

    Oftana’s rise has been steady and well-earned. A standout during his collegiate years with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA, he was selected third overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA Draft. After a brief stint with NLEX, he was traded to TNT, where his career has since flourished.

     

    Since joining the Tropang Giga, Oftana has become one of the franchise’s most reliable two-way wings, contributing to multiple championship runs and establishing himself as a core piece of their long-term plans. His achievements include three PBA championships, the 2025 PBA Order of Merit, the 2024 PBA 3-Point Shootout (Guards division) title, and multiple All-Star selections, underscoring his rapid ascent in the professional ranks.

     

    Beyond the numbers, TNT values Oftana’s versatility and maturity on both ends of the floor—traits that have also made him a valuable asset for Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions. His ability to stretch defenses, defend bigger wings, and provide consistent scoring has made him one of the most trusted options in the national pool.

     

    While interest from South Korea signals growing recognition of his talent on the Asian stage, Oftana remains measured about what comes next, prioritizing stability and growth within TNT’s system for now. Still, the possibility of an overseas stint remains open-ended, depending on future opportunities and timing.

     

    As the current PBA season continues, Oftana’s focus will be on helping TNT chase more championships, while his long-term trajectory—both in the Philippines and potentially abroad—will be one of the more closely watched storylines among Filipino basketball talents in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    After a brief setback, Juan Gomez de Liano is steadily finding his footing again—and just in time for Converge’s push in the standings.


    Coming off a right knee contusion that sidelined him for three games, the young guard has begun to reestablish his presence for the FiberXers. 

     

    His return was highlighted in their dominant 103-82 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where he contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in a balanced team effort.

     

    The injury traced back to their loss against Terrafirma last March, forcing Gomez de Liano to undergo an MRI evaluation and a period of recovery before being cleared to return. While not yet at full strength, his recent outings suggest a player gradually regaining rhythm.

     

    Prior to the Titan win, Gomez de Liano also showed flashes of form despite a 120-111 loss to league leader Rain or Shine, tallying 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

     

    “I’m getting there. As long as it’s not getting any worse, (I’m fine), there’s always progress every day. Always trying to get one-percent better. I’m about 70-percent still, but slowly getting back to game shape,” de Liano said.

     

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    For a Converge squad trying to stay alive in the playoff race, his return couldn’t have come at a better time. The team improved to 2-5, snapping a five-game skid with the emphatic win over Titan and showing signs of cohesion after weeks of inconsistency.

     

    Head coach Delta Pineda emphasized that the team’s steady improvement isn’t accidental, pointing to their tightening chemistry and closer statistical outputs in recent games.

     

    “Talagang wala nang tigil ang dasal para makuha po ‘yung pangalawang panalo. ’Yung stats namin hindi na nalalayo the last four games. Unti-unti, ‘yung chemistry ng mga bata, na-bi-build na po,” Converge’s head coach Delta Pineda said.

     

    The timing is crucial, with Converge currently sitting at 10th place and facing a tough stretch ahead, including matchups against Magnolia and TNT.

     

    Gomez de Liano’s return also coincides with the availability of Calvin Abueva, giving the FiberXers a much-needed boost in experience and versatility. With the roster nearing full strength, expectations are rising for the team to finally convert competitive performances into consistent wins.

     

    Beyond this current conference, Gomez de Liano has already proven to be a cornerstone for the franchise. The former No. 2 overall pick made an immediate impact in his rookie season, delivering triple-doubles and even erupting for a 32-point performance in a win over Barangay Ginebra, showcasing his ability to take over games.

     

    Now, as he works his way back to full health, Converge is banking on Gomez de Liano to once again orchestrate their offense and help steer the team back into playoff contention—one steady step at a time.

     

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  • Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    Beau Belga praises rookie Shawn Umali, offers guidance after on-court duel 

    The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have stormed out of the gates in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, extending their unbeaten run to seven games with a 124–117 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, April 15, at the Ynares Center.

     

    Rain or Shine showcased its depth once again, with four players finishing in double figures. Adrian Asistio and Jhonard Johnson led the way with 18 points apiece, anchoring a balanced offensive attack that continues to fuel the team’s early dominance in the conference.

     

    Beyond the numbers, one of the game’s most engaging moments came from the spirited matchup between veteran Beau Belga and rookie Shawn Umali. The two big men traded highlights in the second quarter, with the 6-foot-3 Umali muscling his way to a one-handed scoop over the 39-year-old Belga. The veteran quickly answered back on the other end, knocking down a three-pointer in the next possession to the delight of the crowd.

     

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    Belga finished with six points on an efficient 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, along with two rebounds and two assists in limited minutes. Umali, for his part, contributed five points on a perfect 2-of-2 clip in 11 minutes of action.

     

    Despite the competitive exchange, Belga was all praise for the young Terrafirma big man after the game.

     

    “I just wish the guy a better career. Bata pa naman yun. E, ako halos pa-retiro na,” Belga said in a media interaction.

    The veteran admitted he sees similarities between himself and Umali, while noting the rookie’s physical edge.

     

    “Mas mataba pa ako dun. But the good thing with us ni JR, nadadala namin yung katawan namin. Kaya naming i-manage, hindi kami nai-injury kahit mabigat kami. Yun siguro yung naging advantage namin.

     

    “Kasi maraming nagsasabi sa iyo kapag ganun ang katawan mo hindi ka magtatagal sa liga. Sa tingin ko naman napatunayan ko naman yun. I have been in the league for 17 years with this type of body and nag-survive naman,” he added.

     

    Belga also highlighted Umali’s potential, pointing out the unique combination of size and mobility.

     

    “Ang advantage niya mabigat na siya, hefty siya, plus mabilis siya. He just has to manage kung anuman ang meron ka and make it an advantage and not a disadvantage. Hindi ko lang ulam kung paano niya i-manage yung katawan niya, how he works out, kung paano mo dalhin yung sarili mo sa professional league kasi yun ang puhunan namin, yung katawan,” Belga continued.

    True to his role as one of the league’s most respected veterans, Belga extended an open hand to the rookie.

     

    “Anything that will be good for his career. I will be happy to help, kasi hindi ko naman puwedeng sarilinin lang yung alam ko. I want to share it to anybody, I want kung sino man yung gustong matuto,” he concluded.

     

    Rain or Shine’s perfect start reflects not only its firepower but also its chemistry and depth, qualities that make the Elasto Painters early contenders in the Commissioner’s Cup. Meanwhile, the Belga–Umali exchange offered a compelling glimpse of the league’s generational transition—where seasoned veterans continue to set the standard while guiding the next wave of talent.

     

     

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  • Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    Rain or Shine clinches another PBA record for seventh straight win over Terrafirma 

    There are nights when offense simply clicks—and then there are nights when it overwhelms everything.

     

    Rain or Shine delivered the latter. The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters turned the game into a long-range exhibition, burying Terrafirma under a barrage of three-pointers en route to a 124-117 victory Wednesday night at the Ynares Center. But this wasn’t just about scoring—it was about how quickly the game slipped away.

     

    A single quarter changed everything. After a competitive start, Rain or Shine detonated for 41 points in the second period, stretching a manageable contest into a 67-45 halftime cushion. From there, control never wavered. The Elasto Painters weren’t just making shots—they were dictating the terms of the game, forcing Terrafirma to chase at a pace it couldn’t sustain.

     

    By the final buzzer, the damage had reached historic proportions. Rain or Shine knocked down 23 three-pointers, tying the PBA record for most in a single game. The milestone shot fittingly came late, with rookie Deo Cuajao drilling the equalizer with 25 seconds left—his basket both a footnote in history and the final dagger in Terrafirma’s late push.

     

    It was the kind of night where everything aligned offensively. Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the performance with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, orchestrating the attack with patience and precision. His final assist set up Cuajao’s record-tying three, capping off a performance that blended control with creativity.

     

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    Around him, the support came in waves. Anton Asistio sparked the decisive second-quarter run, pouring in 15 of his 18 points in that stretch alone while shooting efficiently from deep. Jun Roque added 15, while Adrian Nocum and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 13 and 11, respectively, as five players finished in double figures.

     

    At one point, the lead ballooned to 26. And yet, even in dominance, there were reminders of unfinished work.

     

    “Happy with the win, but we can’t relax on defense,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “We gave up 117 points. That’s not our standard. But when we’re making 23 from outside, we’re tough to beat.”

     

    That balance—between firepower and discipline—may ultimately define how far this team goes.

     

    On the other side, the Terrafirma Dyip showed flashes of resistance, particularly in the fourth quarter as the game slowed and the Elasto Painters dipped into their bench. But the deficit proved too steep to overcome.

     

    Mubashar Ali led the Dyip with a heavy 32-point, 19-rebound outing, though it came on high volume. Jerrick Ahanmisi added 21 points and seven assists, while Brent Paraiso and Joseph Eriobu provided support with solid all-around efforts.

     

    Still, the bigger picture remains concerning. After a promising 3-0 start, Terrafirma has now dropped four straight, slipping below .500 and searching for answers amid key absences.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine continues to surge. Seven games, seven wins—and now, a record matched.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva downplays emotions in his first matchup against Titan Ultra

    Calvin Abueva downplays emotions in his first matchup against Titan Ultra

    There was no dramatic stare-down, no chest-thumping declaration of payback—just quiet efficiency and a renewed sense of purpose. When Calvin Abueva stepped onto the floor at Ynares Center, the narrative could have easily been about redemption against a former team.


    Fresh off a much-needed reset, the Converge FiberXers showed signs of life, snapping their slump with a convincing 103–82 victory over Titan Ultra. The win pushed them to a 2–5 record.

     

    Abueva’s stat line didn’t scream dominance, but it told a story of control. In just 16 minutes off the bench, he poured in 14 points on efficient shooting, grabbed five rebounds, and picked off a steal, all without committing a single turnover.

     

    What made the night more intriguing was the opponent. Titan Ultra wasn’t just another team—it was familiar territory. The split between Abueva and the franchise months earlier had its share of public tension, culminating in a February move that brought him to Converge. Yet, if there were lingering emotions, they didn’t surface under the bright lights.

     

    “Oo, close naman talaga kahit one (conference) lang ‘yung napagsamahan. Siyempre, ‘di naman iba rin ‘yung mga tropa roon,” Abueva said.

     

    Rather than revisiting old conflicts, Abueva leaned into familiarity, greeting former teammates like old friends rather than rivals. The edge many expected never materialized. Instead, what stood out was mutual respect—something that seemed to resonate on both benches.

     

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    The performance also marked a sharp turnaround from his quiet Converge debut against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, where he managed just five points. The difference, he explained, came from deliberate effort in the days leading up to the game.

     

    “Tinrabaho ko ‘yung three days na ‘yun, bago ‘tong game na ‘to. And ang resulta, mas um-OK, mas gumaan, at mas naging agresibo ako,” he said.

     

    But even as his individual form improved, Abueva was quick to deflect attention. The win, he emphasized, wasn’t about one player finding his groove—it was about a team beginning to understand itself.

     

    “Hindi lang naman kami, ang team talaga ang pagbabasehan ng lahat ng mga pinaghirapan naming panalo,” Abueva added. 

     

    That sentiment echoes the broader reality for Converge. With a roster still trying to piece together its identity, victories are less about statement games and more about small steps forward. Chemistry, not star power, remains the work in progress.

     

    As Abueva put it, quoting his coach’s advice, “Sabi nga ni Coach, baguhan pa ‘yung team, hindi pa naaayos ‘yung gusot. Hindi pa nalalabhan, at hindi pa napaplantsa.”

     

     

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  • PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    PBA: Player of the Week Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine aim for seventh win against Terrafirma 

    Momentum can be a dangerous thing—especially when it’s on your side. Right now, no team is riding it better than the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, and no player embodies that surge more than Adrian Nocum.

     

    Fresh off earning his second Player of the Week citation this conference, Nocum now finds himself at the forefront of Rain or Shine’s bid for a seventh straight win when they take on the Terrafirma Dyip Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    But this isn’t just about extending a streak—it’s about sustaining a standard.

     

    At 6-0, the Elasto Painters have turned consistency into identity, stacking wins through depth, pace, and a system that thrives regardless of who takes the spotlight. Nocum just happens to be the one shining brightest at the moment.

     

    During the past week, the high-flying guard delivered when it mattered most—dropping a conference-high 21 points against San Miguel Beer, including 10 in the fourth quarter punctuated by two clutch triples that sealed the win. He followed that up with a timely performance during Gabe Norwood’s jersey retirement night, helping Rain or Shine maintain control en route to another victory.

     

    His overall numbers—16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game—underscore his growing role as the team’s local anchor, blending energy plays with timely scoring.

     

    Still, for coach Yeng Guiao, the focus remains far from individual accolades. “Subukan namin kung hanggang saan umabot ang swerte namin,” said Guiao, downplaying the streak that has seen his squad take down powerhouse teams and even notch a 56-point demolition of Blackwater.

     

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    That mindset will be tested against a Terrafirma side eager to reset its campaign.

     

    The Dyip opened the conference with promise, racing to a 3-0 start before stumbling into a three-game skid that has exposed gaps in both execution and consistency.

     

     Losses to Phoenix, Magnolia, and TNT have cooled what was once a red-hot run, leaving them searching for answers midway through the eliminations. And yet, Guiao isn’t buying into the narrative of a struggling opponent.

     

    “We don’t want to underestimate them. They’re very dangerous. We want to come in mentally prepared,” he said.

     

    The matchup presents a contrast in rhythm.Rain or Shine thrives on waves—rotating fresh bodies, pushing tempo, and wearing opponents down over 48 minutes. Terrafirma, on the other hand, is still trying to rediscover the cohesion that fueled its early success.

     

    The import battle adds another layer. Jaylen Johnson continues to sync seamlessly with the Elasto Painters’ system, while Terrafirma’s Mubashar Ali has delivered solid numbers but is still searching for consistent support from the locals.

     

    In many ways, Wednesday’s game is a test of staying power. Can Rain or Shine keep its foot on the gas and move closer to a twice-to-beat incentive? Or will Terrafirma find enough resolve to disrupt the league’s hottest team?

     

    For now, the edge belongs to momentum—and to a Player of the Week who’s helping turn it into something bigger.

     

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