Laurenaria ensure JRU stunner over San Beda

c/o NCAA

Allen Laurenaria provided the winning dramatics for Jose Rizal University, scoring the game-winner against San Beda at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Friday afternoon.

The guard drove through a wide-open lane to net his sixth point, giving the Heavy Bombers a 67-66 lead with four seconds left.

The Red Lions would have a chance to snatch the win on the final possession, but Bryan Sajonia missed his baseline jumper. The FEU transfer led the Mendiola-based squad with sixteen points. 

Head coach Nani Epondulan highlights the importance of the win, says "Malaking panalo ‘to para bigyan ng kumpyansa ‘yong team." He adds, "Lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila every practice na mas malaki man at mas athletic ‘yong ibang team, maliit lang kami pero ‘yong puso namin malaki."

Sean Salvador and Justin Lozano led JRU with fifteen and thirteen points, respectively, while Janti Miller added thirteen points for San Beda.

The Heavy Bombers seek their third win of the campaign against CSB on Sunday, while the Red Lions will seek to match that when they tangle against EAC on Tuesday, with both matches taking place in San Juan.

The scores:

JRU 67 – Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1, Benitez 0, Peñaverde 0, Duque 0

SAN BEDA 66 – Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Vailoces 0, Songcuya 0

UAAP set for first men's basketball action inside Ateneo for over two decades

c/o UAAP

Standings W L

Men
NU 4 1
Ateneo 4 1
UST 3 1
UP 3 2
DLSU 2 2
FEU 1 3
AdU 1 4
UE 0 4

Women
Ateneo 4 0
UST 3 0
NU 3 1
UP 2 2
FEU 1 2
AdU 1 3
DLSU 0 3
UE 0 3

JHS Boys'
NUNS 5-0
FEU-D 3-1
UE 3-1
AdU 3-2
UST 2-2
Ateneo 2-3
DLSZ 0-4
UPIS 0-5

Games Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym
7:30 a.m. – AdU vs UE (16U)
9:30 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (16U)
11:30 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
1:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
7 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)

ATENEO de Manila University sets its sights on getting back on the winning track as it faces University of Santo Tomas today (Saturday) in the first UAAP Collegiate Men’s Basketball doubleheader in 20 years at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Blue Eagles are at home, but for coach Tab Baldwin, that doesn’t guarantee a favorable result, especially against a Growling Tigers squad aiming to build another winning streak at 4:30 p.m.

"Well, since we've had zero trainings in that, I'm not even sure it's a home court yet. It's home in the sense that it's the campus that we go to every day. But I think if there's any chance that it will be a home court, it's if the crowd really turns out, if the student body really comes and, you know, turns that place into, you know, a special event for the day for the team," said Baldwin, who in his nine years at Ateneo will have the opportunity to steer the team at the historic Katipunan venue for the first time.

"But again, you know, is it going to be a distraction? We don't want that. So, I mean, I spent 35 years coaching in leagues where every game was a home or away game. So I don't really believe in that so much unless you've got a rabid, like you know, Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke, unless they're intimidating, which I don't really think is the case here. I don't really put too much stock in the home court thing. I mean, we were undefeated at UST, so, you know, maybe that's our home court," he added.

The last time both teams met was a second-round game on Oct. 29 last year at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena, where the Blue Eagles narrowly defeated the Growling Tigers, 67-64.

Earlier in the day, struggling teams Adamson University and University of the East clash at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for Saturday’s men’s doubleheader at the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym are sold separately.

The last time the league hosted a men’s twinbill at the Katipunan venue was on Sept. 8, 2005, when Norman Black-coached Ateneo defeated National University, 70-65, and Arwind Santos-led Far Eastern University edged UST, 64-63, in the second round.

The Blue Eagles are currently tied with the Bulldogs for the league’s best record at 4-1, while the Growling Tigers sit in third place at 3-1.

While Ateneo is coming off a 69-83 loss to defending champion University of the Philippines that ended an undefeated four-game winning streak, UST hopes to build momentum after a 111-99 victory over UE, erasing the sting of its first defeat of the season to NU.

"We always take it one game at a time. I think ang difference ay ine-empower talaga kami ni Coach Pido (Jarencio), kaming mga coaches pati mga players, and the level of preparation we do, we take pride in that effort," said Growling Tigers assistant coach Juben Ledesma.

("We always take it one game at a time. I think what sets us apart is that Coach Pido (Jarencio) really empowers all of us—coaches and players alike—and we take pride in the way we prepare for each game.")

After facing the Fighting Maroons’ foreign student-athlete Francis Nnoruka, who dropped 28 points in the Katipunan derby, the Blue Eagles will now have to contend with UST’s FSA Collins Akowe, who has been impressive in his first season with averages of 22.3 points and 17.6 rebounds in the España-based side’s three wins.

"Yung sa offense, we're talking about offense palagi kasi we're a very fluid team na last year pa lang, and with the addition of Collins, mas nakakaangat lang talaga ng confidence. It really helps us big time and yung kumpiyansa ni coach Pido sa mga boys lang talaga," Ledesma said.

("When it comes to offense, we’re always focused on that because we’ve been a very fluid team since last year. With Collins joining us, it really boosts everyone’s confidence. It helps us a lot, and you can really feel Coach Pido’s trust in the boys.")

The Soaring Falcons have only a single victory to show—a 62-59 escape via Ray Allen Torres’ game-winning triple in five games—while the Red Warriors are 0-4 since coach Chris Gavina took over.

As the first round nears its end, Adamson and UE must now make a move if they still want to keep their hopes alive for a deeper run this season.

On the women’s side, it will be a battle of undefeated teams as Ateneo (4-0) and UST (3-0) take the floor at 7 p.m. The Blue Eagles are on a tough two-game winning stretch, and coach LA Mumar relishes the chance to challenge the mighty Tigresses, who boast a winning margin of 40 points per game.

"UST and NU are our big games for us. But we get to play in the Blue Eagle Gym, we're very excited about that. We just want to challenge these two powerhouses who've dominated our division the past couple of years, actually decade na nga 'yata si NU, and we just want to join the party. I think ang mindset ng girls is kaya namin, and right now, pinapatunayan namin na meron kami ibubuga this season," said Mumar.

UST’s FSA Oma Onianwa will be tested by the Blue Eagles’ frontline of reigning MVP Kacey dela Rosa and Sarah Makanjoula, but the Tigresses have plenty of weapons at their disposal, led by Kent Pastrana.

"Of course, very important si Oma. At least ngayon, hindi na kami undersized kila Kacey or kay Makanjoula. With the help of Oma, at least we can do 1-on-1 defense against Kacey or meron pa rin kami iti-tweak sa opensa. But Oma will be a big help against Kacey sa Saturday," said UST mentor Haydee Ong.

("Of course, Oma is very important. At least now, we’re not undersized against Kacey or Makanjoula. With Oma’s help, we can go 1-on-1 against Kacey, and we can still make some tweaks on offense. But Oma will be a big help against Kacey on Saturday.")

In Junior High School Boys’ action, UST and Ateneo square off at 9:30 a.m., following the titleholder UE and struggling Adamson matchup at 7:30 a.m.

Games air on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

San Sebastian keeps Lyceum winless in double OT thriller

c/o NCAA

San Sebastian barges into the win column of the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament on Friday, needing two overtime periods to fend off Lyceum, 100-94, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

After an Ato Barba bucket to cut the deficit to a single point at 95-94 with 41 seconds left, Ian Cuajao converts a triple to restore a two-possession lead with twenty seconds left.

Barba, who finished with a game-high 32 points, would have a chance to answer, but he missed a layup with twelve seconds on the clock.

Jhuniel dela Rama then grabbed the rebound off said miss, his 23rd of the game, get fouled, and convert the two subsequent free throws for the final points of the game.

Golden Stags head coach Rob Labagala shares afterwards, "Before we were able to get this win, ang hirap ng pinagdaanan namin." He also adds, "Pero, it’s a good win for us kasi it’s not just a positive thing to win, nakakuha din kami ng ganitong klaseng experience as early as now."

Cuajao would finish with 25 points, while dela Rama secured a double-double with his fifteen markers. Also finishing with 25 is Christian Ricio, who shot 10/19 from the field.

San Sebastian looks to build on this as they face defending champions Mapua on Sunday in San Juan, while the Pirates, who were led with nineteen points from Joshua Moralejo and fifteen from Renz Villegas, will seek to end their skid against Arellano on Tuesday at the same venue.

The scores:

SAN SEBASTIAN 100 – Cuajao 25, Ricio 25, Dela Rama 15, Castor 12, Felebrico 8, Lumanag 6, Gabat 6, Nepacena 3, Velasco 0, Cabilla 0, Dimaunahan 0, Are 0

LYCEUM 94 – Barba 32, Moralejo 19, Villegas 15, Versoza 6, Daileg 6, Peñafiel 6, Abregana 6, Montaño 2, Casiño 2, Aurige 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Dural 0, Gordon 0

Anito stars in FEU triumph over UE

c/o UAAP

Women's Matches on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium
4 p.m. - DLSU vs UP
6:30 p.m. - UST vs Ateneo

Rookie Jerby Anito stepped up for defending champion Far Eastern University in a 2-0 victory over the University of the East in the ongoing UAAP Season 88 Men’s Football Tournament on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.

The homegrown midfielder broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, slotting in his second goal of the season after Czam Acuesta’s initial attempt failed to reach the back of the net.

Anito continued his stellar performance just seven minutes later, setting up the Tamaraws’ second goal with a perfect ball inside the box that Theo Libarnes headed past UE keeper Chrisjohn Tambilawan.

With the win, FEU forced a triple tie on top of the table with the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University, all holding seven points and a goal difference of +3. The Fighting Maroons were scheduled to play later in the evening.

“I think we dominated and controlled the game today,” said FEU head coach Jake Murallo. "From the first half medyo nahirapan kami, pero sa second half nakuha namin 'yung play namin at nakapag-adjust naman kami.

"Ang daming player na wala—our two red cards—and some players like Mon Diansuy nagkasakit, so very proud ako kay Jet Fabrigas sa unang clean sheet niya."

("I think we dominated and controlled the game today from the first half despite our struggles. In the second half, we got to execute our plays and we were able to adjust. We're shorthanded due to suspensions, and some players like Mon Diansuy were not feeling well. So, I'm proud of Jetrick Fabrigas on his clean sheet.")

Both teams struggled to break the deadlock in the first half, with neither side managing to convert chances into a goal.

FEU had a promising sequence in the 21st minute, but the attack fizzled out before UE could clear the ball.

The Tamaraws, however, found their rhythm in the second half, converting their relentless pressure into two decisive goals to seal the win.

On the other hand, UE had its share of opportunities through Bernard Magallon and Francis Maturan, but FEU goalkeeper Jet Fabrigas stood tall—most notably stopping Maturan’s rocket attempt in the 63rd minute.

The Red Warriors remain rooted at the bottom of the standings with zero points and a -6 goal difference.

FEU will next face Ateneo on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the same venue, while UE will wrap up its first-round campaign against the University of Santo Tomas (5 pts, 0 GD) on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Sisi Rondina named as Volleyball Ambassador for World Balance

World Balance ambassador Sisi Rondina

World Balance has officially welcomed Sisi Rondina, one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest and most beloved stars, as its newest volleyball ambassador.

Known for her explosive energy, sharp instincts, and fearless style of play, Sisi embodies the spirit of determination both on and off the court. Her journey, from humble beginnings on local courts to shining on national and international stages, perfectly reflects the values that World Balance champions through its call to “Believe We Can”.

This belief is what connects Sisi and World Balance: the conviction that greatness begins with trusting yourself, your teammates, and the process no matter the odds.

Even off the court, Sisi Rondina’s grassroots story continues to inspire fans. She once shared how she used her hard-earned savings from volleyball to buy her parents a home in Compostela, Cebu, cementing her role not only as a daughter but also as a breadwinner. In 2019, the UST community and supporters helped bring her family to Manila so they could watch her play in the UAAP Finals, a gesture that showed just how much she meant to her school and its fans. To many, she is more than an MVP; she embodies the pride of being a probinsyana: grounded, resilient, and capable of rising to the top while carrying the hopes
of those who believe in her journey.

Over the years, Sisi has inspired countless fans with her spikes, gritty defense, and never-back-down attitude. From winning multiple UAAP Beach Volleyball MVP titles to winning the UAAP Season 81 Indoor Volleyball MVP, she has proven that success is built on preparation, determination, and heart. Beyond the collegiate stage, she has proudly represented the Philippines in international tournaments and, more recently, excelled in the professional league with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, where she earned the 2023 PVL Second All-Filipino Conference MVP. Her story continues to resonate with athletes who
dream big, work hard, and rise above expectations.

Barny Chong, President of World Balance emphasized, “Sisi embodies the grit of Filipino athletes... and with World Balance, she’s proof that belief and hard work can take you to the top.”

Through this partnership, World Balance seeks to bring Sisi’s competitive spirit and passion for the sport closer to the volleyball community. The brand’s performance footwear and apparel are built for athletes who want to move freely, play with confidence, and chase every point with purpose. With Sisi as its ambassador, World Balance reinforces the message that the right gear not only fuels performance but also strengthens belief in one’s limitless potential.

Now wearing the World Balance colors, Sisi Rondina is set to inspire athletes everywhere to step on the court ready to push their limits, face every challenge, and prove that with belief and hard work, victory is always within reach.

CSB keeps Letran winless in NCAA seniors

c/o NCAA

The College of Saint Benilde extended the woes of Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday afternoon, after the Blazers defeated the Knights in San Juan, 95-80, securing back-to-back wins in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament.

After their opening day loss to San Beda, CSB would then dispatch EAC this past weekend, before adding Letran's scalp to rise to a 2-1 record in Group B.

Justine Sanchez led the team with 23 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. He shared afterwards, "Di naman lalabas ‘yong best ko kung hindi ko pinaghihirapan."

The San Beda transfer adds, "Blessed lang ako at thankful dahil at the end of the day, lumalabas ‘yong mga pinagppracticean ko."

Matthew Oli added twenty markers to provide offensive support, while Jhomel Ancheta chipped in sixteen of his own.

Jonathan Manalili led Letran with 23 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in the defeat, their third straight to start the season. The Knights came into the game sporting fresh buzz cuts in hopes of getting the same kind of luck CSB had when they pulled off something similar coming into their match against EAC.

The Generals also happen to be Letran's next opponent, slated to take place Saturday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

As for CSB, they will have a chance to win their third straight game against Jose Rizal University the next day when action returns to San Juan after their Pasay pit-stop. 

The scores:

ST. BENILDE 95 - Sanchez 23, Oli 20, Ancheta 16, Umali 13, Moore 8, Celis 6, Gaspay 4, Torres 4, Ynot 1, Morales 0, Galas 0, Eusebio 0

LETRAN 80 - Manalili 23, Gammad 18, Cuajao 15, Santos 7, Buensalida 7, Omega 5, Gazzingan 4, Tapenio 1, Rosilio 0, Yusi 0, Silorio 0

Quarter scores: 31-18, 44-45, 65-62, 95-80

Perpetual Help stuns Mapua to enter historic 3-0 start

c/o NCAA

In a matchup featuring undefeated teams in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta escaped as 75-65 winners against the Mapua Cardinals on Wednesday.

The Altas stymied the defending champions in the final period, allowing just a single point in the final six and a half minutes of the game, while scoring the last ten points of the match in the last four and a half minutes.

Four players scored in double digits for the Altas with JP Boral’s 15-point game headlining the pack. LA Casinillo, Patrick Sleat and Mark Gojo Cruz turned in 13, 12 and 12 points, respectively en route to the win. 

Head coach Olsen Racela says about the team's efforts so far this season, "This is a culmination of so many hours in practice and the preseason." He adds, "I can’t take credit for the skills my players have. It was a total team effort."

In the process, Perpetual secured their first 3-0 start to a season since a decade ago, when current team manager and Gilas cog Scottie Thompson was still playing for the Altas.

The Las Pinas-based squad will have the chance to extend this streak to four on Saturday when they face Arellano at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Mapua drops to 2-1, with JC Recto contributing sixteen points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Cyril Gonzales also added fifteen markers for the Cardinals, who will have the chance to bounce back on Sunday against San Sebastian.

The Intramuros-based institution did have some good news with the Red Robins earning a 65-57 victory over the Altalettes in juniors action.

The scores:

PERPETUAL HELP 75 – Boral 15, Casinilio 13, Sleat 12, Gojo Cruz 12, Orgo 9, Abis 4, Alcantara 4, Maglupay 3, Nuñez 3, Gelsano 0, Pagulayan 0

MAPÚA 65 – Recto 16, Gonzales 15, Cuenco 8, Lazarte 7, Escamis 6, Gulapa 3, Concepcion 2, Nitura 2, Sapasap 2, Delos Reyes 2, Reyes 2, Callangan 0, Ryan 0

Quarter scores: 19-21, 39-40, 57-53, 75-65