Basketball

The Year That Was: The SEA Games medals that matter

December 31, 2025
The year 2025 was expected to be a transitional one for Philippine sports, marked by a change in leadership at the top government agency responsible for athletic development — the Philippine Sports Commission — midway through the year. Yet under the capable guidance of both then-Chairman Richard Bachmann and current head Pato Gregorio, the transition […]
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The Year That Was: A year of what could have been without Kai Sotto

December 31, 2025
What first appeared to be the dawn of a new era for Gilas Pilipinas ultimately became a year defined by a critical absence. The promise of 2025 was evident months earlier, when Kai Sotto delivered a breakout performance against New Zealand, leading the Philippines to its first-ever FIBA victory over the Tall Blacks. Sotto posted […]
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Chris Newsome seeks to carry forward Gabe Norwood’s example

December 30, 2025
Chris Newsome could not help but feel mixed emotions on Monday evening. On one hand, he was pleased to have led Meralco to a 98-89 victory over Rain or Shine, sending the Bolts into the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The win completed a series upset that required Meralco to take two games against the […]
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The Year That Was: Kacey dela Rosa lifts Gilas Women to new heights

December 30, 2025
Kacey Dela Rosa must have had an out-of-body experience in 2025. What she accomplished in just one year is something that could take others an entire career to achieve. The two-time UAAP MVP averaged 18.36 points, 14.64 rebounds, 2.36 assists, and 2.57 blocks in the elimination round, leading Ateneo de Manila University to a finish […]
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Stephen Holt authors Ginebra’s latest NSD miracle

December 29, 2025
Stephen Holt is no stranger to authoring clutch moments, but what he had just written on Sunday night should go down as one of his most memorable. The former No. 1 overall pick penned an ending so sweet to yet another NSD comeback as his buzzer-beating trey enabled Ginebra to complete its ouster of the […]
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Bitin and Brutal: Juan Gomez de Liano’s maiden conference ends in heartbreak

December 29, 2025
Only one word was enough for Juan Gomez de Liano to describe how he felt after his maiden PBA conference came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday night. Even as he tried to remain composed in front of the press, the lefty guard couldn’t hide how heartbroken he was after the twice-to-beat Converge bowed to […]
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Stephen Holt saves the day, sends Ginebra to PBA PH Cup semis

December 28, 2025
Stephen Holt pulled off arguably the biggest play of his career as Ginebra escaped Converge in overtime, 99-98, to move on to the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night. The seasoned playmaker knocked down a booming trifecta a la Justin Brownlee at the final buzzer, saving the […]
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Outcoached and Out Early: LA Tenorio reflects on first conference as Magnolia head coach

December 28, 2025
LA Tenorio could hardly remember the last time he exited a conference early after Magnolia witnessed the bitter end of its PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup campaign at the hands of TNT in the quarterfinals, Saturday night. The 41-year-old was left disappointed with the result as the former player turned bench strategist isn’t that used […]
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TNT repels Magnolia comeback, secures spot in PBA PH Cup semis

December 27, 2025
TNT advanced to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals by keeping its mastery of Magnolia, 118-109, on Saturday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The Tropang 5G raced to a 16-6 start before building a 43-19 lead early in the second chapter to stay ahead, but needed to repel their foes’ rally on the way to […]
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Yeng Guiao keeps calm, defiant despite Game 1 loss

December 27, 2025
They were only delayed but not denied just yet, and that’s exactly why Coach Yeng Guiao is hardly bothered, even as Rain or Shine failed to maximize its win-once incentive against Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals. The Elasto Painters on Saturday suffered a 96-79 romp to the Bolts, which foiled their bid to […]
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Paul Lee ruled out of PBA PH Cup playoffs due to hamstring tear

December 27, 2025
Magnolia will miss its main gunner in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals with Paul Lee ruled out due to injury. Though activated prior to the playoffs, the star guard won’t see action in their series versus TNT after imaging scans revealed a tear on his left hamstring. Lee said he’d be out for […]
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Meralco blitzes Rain or Shine early to force do-or-die in PBA PH Cup quarters

December 27, 2025
Meralco needed only a little time to get into rhythm, and there would be no denying the crew on its way to crushing Rain or Shine, 96-79, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Saturday night. The Bolts actually trailed by a field goal barely two minutes into the […]
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Robert Bolick gives all to repay NLEX for letting him join Gilas’ SEAG run

December 26, 2025
The last six days had been a roller-coaster for Robert Bolick. Just a week ago, the 30-year-old guard from Ormoc City had led Gilas Pilipinas Men past host Thailand, overcoming a hostile crowd and one-sided calls to give the country its 20th men’s basketball crown at the Southeast Asian Games. But upon returning to NLEX, […]
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Just like Jerom Lastimosa, SEAG hero Ced Manzano leaves Adamson legacy worthy of jersey retirement

December 26, 2025
During the past two Southeast Asian Games, Gilas Pilipinas Men have had to overcome major hurdles to assemble a complete roster. In the 2023 edition in Cambodia, the tournament coincided with professional league schedules, while this year’s Games were affected by eligibility issues, including the barring of naturalized Filipinos and players who failed to secure […]
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A more mature Juan Gomez de Liano returns to Gilas Pilipinas

November 17, 2025
After three years, Juan Gomez de Liano is back in the Gilas Pilipinas pool. According to reports, Tim Cone has added the crafty 6-foot-1 guard to the roster for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. Gomez de Liano confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times, sharing that Cone personally called him last Saturday — a […]
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New Zealand Bluefire sweeps way to inaugural WMPBL crown

November 16, 2025
Afril Bernardino carried the fight, while Snow Peñaranda delivered the decisive blows as New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas outlasted Discovery-Perlas, 79-77, to claim the first professional championship in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Sunday night at the Enderun Gym. With the Valkyries leading by six points, 76-70, Allana Lim and Raiza Palmera-Dy refused to go […]
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Abarrientos, Rosario power Ginebra fightback, thwart Phoenix to bounce back in PBA

November 16, 2025
Ginebra denied Phoenix from pulling off an upset with a resilient 102-93 victory to get back on track in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup before a good crowd at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, Sunday night. RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and Stephen Holt put together the decisive 12-0 run to flip a three-point deficit to […]
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Adamson survives UP’s rally to share fourth in UAAP Women’s Basketball

November 16, 2025
Adamson University avoided a late-game collapse to escape the University of the Philippines, 69-65, claiming a share of fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Fueled by clutch efforts from Kat Agojo and Brianna Bajo, as well as the early-game brilliance of […]
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Nash Racela urges fair play as Adamson fights for survival

November 16, 2025
While his tone may have been lighthearted, Adamson University coach Nash Racela expressed his disappointment over the closing moments of his team’s 70-65 loss to University of the Philippines. With the Soaring Falcons trailing 69-65 and only five seconds remaining, Racela instructed his players not to foul. Yet AJ Fransman was called for a foul, […]
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Reyland Torres, Gerry Abadino yearn for perfect send-off with ‘Maroon 5’

November 16, 2025
One last hurrah for the ‘Maroon 5,’ and they are now one step closer to their dream destination. University of the Philippines secured a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday night, surviving Adamson University, 70-65, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Graduating seniors Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, […]
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NLEX rides Bolick’s hot hand tu turn back Titan Ultra, edges closer to PBA QF

November 16, 2025
Robert Bolick sizzled for 34 big points as NLEX sneaked past the struggling Titan Ultra, 92-83, to virtually clinch a quarterfinal spot in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, Sunday evening at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The star guard manufactured half of his output in the fourth quarter alone, none more important than the three-pointer […]
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UP survives Adamson, secures spot in UAAP Men’s Basketball Final Four

November 16, 2025
University of the Philippines secured its spot in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Final Four after escaping Adamson University, 70-65, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With their fifth straight victory — and avenging their narrow first-round loss to the Falcons — the Fighting Maroons improved their record to 9-3. They have also […]
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Discovery-Rizal eyes fifth straight win as Pumaren demands sharper play

September 9, 2025
Red-hot Discovery-Rizal aims to ride its sizzling form to a fifth straight win and stake a claim for the top spot when action resumes on Wednesday in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari at the Ynares Sports Arena. Perlas have been firing on all cylinders since dropping their first […]
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Joshua Munzon keeps focus amid NorthPort’s ownership shift

September 8, 2025
Everything remains status quo as far as Joshua Munzon is concerned regarding NorthPort and the cloud of uncertainty floating above the team. Unless the concerned parties formally address whatever needs addressing, the two-way specialist and the other remaining Batang Pier are simply focusing on what they can control — to prepare for the upcoming PBA […]
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NorthPort looks to move Jio Jalalon to Blackwater in pending deal for Justin Chua

September 8, 2025
Northport and Blackwater are finalizing a swap that would send Jio Jalalon to the Bossing in exchange for Justin Chua. Trade papers have already been submitted to the PBA office and are now awaiting approval, according to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation. Jalalon’s contract is set to expire on September 30, after which he […]
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Tim Cone hopes Sonny Estil’s fairytale blossoms at Ginebra

September 8, 2025
Sonny Estil flew under the radar of Ginebra, but everything changed because of the PBA Season 50 Draft Combine — much to his delight, of course. Head coach Tim Cone himself admitted as much after the Kings picked the relatively unknown cager during the first round of the selection proceedings on Sunday in a move […]
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Yeng Guiao hopes to find next Clarito or Nocum in 8-man rookie class

September 8, 2025
Rain or Shine made the most out of its opportunities, so why the team got quite a haul during the recent PBA Season 50 Draft. Coach Yeng Guiao offered his comments after the Elasto Painters picked a total of eight players in the selection proceedings, including five in the first two rounds. “We just wanted […]
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UP lands Fil-Canadian guard Elliot Dimaculangan for UAAP 89

September 8, 2025
With the impending departures of top University of the Philippines guards Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, and Janjan Felicilda, the Fighting Maroons are already preparing for life after the so-called “Maroon 5.” Less than two weeks before the start of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament, defending champion UP secured the commitment of […]
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Gilas Boys suffer first loss to Chinese Taipei in 12 years at U16 Asia Cup

August 31, 2025
A slow start and a lack of perimeter offense doomed Gilas Pilipinas Boys, who absorbed a 106-82 defeat at the hands of Chinese Taipei to open the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday evening at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Despite parading the same core that delivered the Philippines its sixth […]
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Tim Cone: Gilas to welcome QMB if FIBA clearance is confirmed

August 15, 2025
Tim Cone and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas were preparing for their flight back home when news emerged early Friday morning (Manila time) that could affect the program in the long term. Quentin Millora-Brown’s legal team successfully proved to FIBA that the 6-foot-10 Filipino-American had obtained his Philippine passport before turning 16. The development was […]
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Win over San Juan proves Pangasinan-Solar Home’s depth, says Gabi Bade

August 14, 2025
Pangasinan-Solar Home star Gabi Bade didn’t have her usual scoring touch, but that didn’t stop the Suns from making a statement. With her teammates rising to the challenge, the Suns handed powerhouse San Juan-DN Steel their first loss of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari, pulling off a thrilling […]
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Canuto takes charge vs NZ-Bluefire as San Juan stays perfect in WMPBL

July 27, 2025
ROSARIO, Batangas — San Juan remained unbeaten after handing New Zealand Bluefire-Batangas its first loss of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari, eking out a 74-71 victory on Sunday evening at the Rosario Cultural and Sports Center here. With main scorer Janine Pontejos hampered by foul trouble and eventually […]
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Leo Austria credits FIBA World Cup learnings in redemption run with San Miguel

July 27, 2025
Leo Austria credited his time away from coaching after steering San Miguel back to the Promised Land by conquering the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. The four-time Coach of the Year made use of the time away from the sidelines when he was appointed as an active consultant for Jorge Gallent back in 2023 by […]
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Lim, Palmera-Dy power Discovery-Rizal to breakout WMPBL win over RK Hoops-QC

July 27, 2025
ROSARIO, Batangas – Discovery-Rizal bounced back in dominant fashion, crushing RK Hoops-Quezon City, 82–39, to earn their first win of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League regular season presented by Akari, Sunday night at the Rosario Cultural and Sports Center here. Coming off back-to-back losses to start the season, Perlas — semifinalists in the […]
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UP completes first-ever Filoil three-peat, routs NU

July 27, 2025
For the first time ever, the ECJ Perpetual Trophy is leaving the Playtime Filoil Centre — and it’s headed to Diliman. University of the Philippines cemented its dynasty in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup by completing a historic three-peat, routing National University, 79-65, in the winner-takes-all finale of the 18th edition of the tournament presented […]
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