B.LEAGUE revels in Utsunomiya title celebration

Utsunomiya Brex, your B.LEAGUE champions

The Japan Professional Basketball League capped off a banner 2024-25 season with the Utsunomiya Brex claiming the Resona Group B.LEAGUE Finals championship in a three-game battle against Ryukyu Golden Kings.

League chairman Shinji Shimada shares, "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous support and cooperation from fans, partners, and stakeholders, including local governments, throughout this season. The Resona Group B.LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP 2024-25 showcased thrilling and intense matches truly befitting the grand finale of B.LEAGUE. Congratulations to Utsunomiya Brex for capturing the championship after a fierce battle. Their performance, while carrying the legacy of the late Coach Kevin Braswell, demonstrated overwhelming strength, securing the top spot in the championship and etching a new chapter in B.LEAGUE history, inspiring many people."

He adds, "Although they fell short of the championship, Ryukyu Golden Kings also achieved the remarkable feat of advancing to the finals for four consecutive years, showcasing their unwavering strength. The high-level offensive and defensive plays of both teams provided us with immense excitement and inspiration."

In addition, the league was ecstatic to share its attendance figures, with the numbers showing its highest total since its establishment in 2016-17 at 4,845,109 (including postseason). This is up from last season's total of 4,515,851.

As the B.LEAGUE marks its tenth anniversary in the coming season, they are committed to provide what it calls as "Kokoro, tagiru." (heart-pumping) games, as well as live sports entertainment through game operations, broadcasts, and streams. 

Shimada also remarks about the league's upcoming anniversary, "The 2025-26 season will mark the 10th anniversary of B.LEAGUE’s founding, and it will be the final season before our next stage of innovation. We will continue striving to become a league that is more accessible, inspiring, and proud to be recognized worldwide. We look forward to your continued support of B.LEAGUE."

Promoted sides A Chiba and Toyama enter the top flight B1 in its final such season, with the former joining the champions Brex and these teams in the Eastern Region: Hokkaido, Sendai, Akita, Ibaraki, Gunma, Koshigaya, Chiba J, A Tokyo, SR Shibuya, Kawasaki, and Yokohama BC.

The latter is bracketed in the Western Region, alongside the Golden Kings and these teams: San-en, Mikawa, FE Nagoya, Nagoya D, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Shimane, Hiroshima, Saga, and Nagasaki.

As for B2, they are split into two seven-team divisions, with the promotion of Iwate and Yokohama EX.

The two are slotted into the Eastern Region with Aomori, Yamagata, Fukushima, Fukui, and Shinshu, with the rest (Shizuoka, Kobe, Nara, Ehime, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima) comprising the Western Region.

Fourth edition of the Vermosa Green Run to champion fitness, sustainability, youth sports, and animal welfare

The Green Run

The Green Run at Vermosa is back for the fourth consecutive time this June, with this year's edition highlighting a renewed commitment towards fitness, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and youth sports development.

Called the Vermosa Green Run 2025: A Force of Four in Year 4, it will be off and running on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Vermosa Estate in Imus, Cavite. This year, Ayala Land’s flagship multi-level running event launches a Plastic Donation and Collection Drive alongside its 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K road races.

All participants are encouraged to bring used plastics that will be recycled and repurposed by Ayala Land Estates Inc. and Makati Development Corporation (MDC). The plastic waste will be transformed into sustainable construction materials, concrete aggregates and other tools to build sidewalks and fences that will contribute to Ayala Land’s green development initiatives. Those who donate get a discounted rate on their Green Run registration. 

Coming back for the third time is the popular 1K Dog Run that promotes Ayala Land’s advocacy for animal welfare. This special feature of the Green Run was introduced in 2023 to provide people a fun and meaningful way to engage in physical activity while bonding with their furry companions and to raise awareness on animal welfare.

The young athletes of Takbo Kabitenyo, a 200-member-strong group that runs for health reasons and competes in marathons around the country, will join the Green Run. The young runners from this group receive training, mentorship and the use of Vermosa’s sports facilities as part of Ayala Land’s championing of young athletes.

Event proceeds will benefit key advocacy partners, including Pawssion Project, which champions animal welfare, Haribon Foundation, a leader in reforestation efforts, and Takbo Kabitenyo, a local program supporting young athletes through training and mentorship opportunities.

"Each step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause; combining fitness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event," said Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land Estates’ Marketing and Communications group head.

Now an established benchmark for purpose-driven lifestyle events, the Vermosa Green Run reinforces Ayala Land’s long-term vision for sustainability, proving that fitness can be a powerful catalyst for environmental and social impact.

For registration, more information and updates on Vermosa Green Run 2025, visit https://ayalaland.myruntime.com.

Dwight Ramos graces B.LEAGUE Finals watch party

Quantum Skyview x B.LEAGUE

As part of the Japan B.LEAGUE's Final Week in Manila 2025 activation, Filipino basketball fans got a taste of the Japanese top-flight in basketball with a watch party at the Quantum Skyview area of Gateway Mall 2, with no less than Dwight Ramos in attendance.

Just fresh from re-signing with Levanga Hokkaido, the Gilas Pilipinas standout analyzed and shared his thoughts about his experience facing off against the two teams tangling for the crown in Utsunomiya Brex and the Ryukyu Golden Kings.

In addition, Ramos also held a meet-and-greet for the event, and graced the different sub-activations taking place. 

The opening game of the best-of-three series saw the Brex defeat the Golden Kings, 81-68, anchored by their sixteen three-pointers en route to the victory at the Yokohama Arena.

Game 2 is slated to take place later today. A watch party is also slated to take place, this time featuring Kiefer Ravena as the guest.

The B.LEAGUE Final Week in Manila 2025 is made possible with the enthusiastic support of Cignal, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). 

B.League launches Manila activation for Finals matchup

B.League Final Week

The first day of four for the 2025 edition of the Japan B.League Final Week in Manila kicked off with its activation at the Quantum Skyview inside Gateway Mall 2 last May 22.

Kicking off the myriad of activities is a B.Hope Asia Jr. Basketball Clinic, with around fifty kids getting basketball knowledge from Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (Osaka Evessa), and supervisor Shinji Tomiyama.

Aside from working on their skills, the clinic also highlighted the importance of proper hydration in partnership with Pocari Sweat.

On the second day of the event, a mini 3x3 tournament will take place, called the B.Hope Asia 3x3 Challenge, with Matthew Wright (Kawasaki Brave Thunders) gracing the event.

During the weekend, a live screening of the first two games of the B.League Finals will happen in the afternoon, with Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido, Saturday) and Kiefer Ravena (Yokohama, Sunday) set to hold meet-and-greet sessions.

Aside from this, fans are also encouraged to bring used basketball jerseys on either day, to contribute to a meaningful cause that would benefit underprivileged kids and further spread the joy of basketball, as part of its Pass It Forward program.

The Japan B.League Final Week in Manila 2025 is supported by Cignal, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

UST, NU complete MLBB group stage sweeps

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 MLBB Standings

Group A
UST 3-0 (9pts)
FEU 2-1 (6pts)
AdU 1-2 (3pts)
Ateneo 0-3 (0)

Group B
NU 3-0 (8pts)
DLSU 2-1 (7pts)
UE 1-2 (3pts)
UP 0-3 (0)

*Final Four

Games on Friday at the Quantum Skyview Deck, Gateway 2
11 a.m. - NU vs FEU
1:30 p.m. - UST vs DLSU
4:30 p.m. - Finals

University of Santo Tomas and National University secured the top seeds in their respective groups with dominant performances on the final day of the UAAP Season 87 Esports tournament group stages, Thursday at the Quantum Skyview Deck of Gateway 2 Mall in Araneta City.

The Teletigers completed a perfect sweep in Group A, capping their run with a hard-fought 2-0 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

“Of course I told the team na maganda nga na nag 6-0 kami, we are the top of our group pero hindi pa tapos yung laban eh. As of now, we don’t know who we’re up against pero we just have to stay extra focused, stay determined, stay humble,” said Teletigers head coach Miggy Arayata.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs overpowered the UP Fighting Maroons with a clean 2-0 sweep to finish with eight points atop Group B heading into the semifinals.

“Hindi muna siguro namin iniisip yung finals kasi dadaanan pa namin yung semis eh, parang one step at a time lang kami. Then also yung momentum na nakuha namin from the group stage, dadalhin namin for tomorrow," said Bulldogs head coach Carlo Balanquit.

The semifinals kick off on Friday at 11 a.m. with NU taking on the FEU Tamaraws Esports, followed by the clash between UST and the DLSU Green Aces at 1:30 p.m. The Finals will take place at 4:30 p.m.

All matches will be broadcast live on the Pilipinas Live app and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

Calvin Ortega, UST’s breakout rookie, showcased his mechanical prowess in the opening game, with his signature Fanny pick tallying 10 kills and three assists in 16 minutes and 32 seconds of action.

Ateneo attempted to break UST’s rhythm in the second game, debuting Estes and Masha in the tournament to force a potential decider.

Early on, the strategy seemed to pay off, as Aaron Sze’s Masha led the charge with four kills and two assists. However, UST’s experience and composure turned the tide with a pivotal four-man takedown following an attempted base siege by Ateneo at the 17:50 mark.

Benjamin Lukban sealed the win and earned MVP honors for the game, with his Irithel posting six kills and 11 assists to complete the sweep.

Despite facing a winless opponent, NU maintained its high level of play and dismantled the Fighting Maroons in both games.

“I’m very pleased naman sa performance namin today. Props to UP, pinakita parin nila yung best nila in spite na eliminated na sila. Hindi naman kami nakampante. Sa totoo nga, nag-review kami ng mga games nila, tyaka may mga dineny kaming mga picks para sa kanila na ginamit namin ngayong araw,” Balanquit shared.

NU snowballed early in the opening game, capitalizing on two quick deaths from David Sañejo within the first two minutes. The Bulldogs built a massive 13,000 gold lead in just 10 minutes. James Blas was named MVP after a standout performance on Luo Yi, finishing with 13 assists and six kills.

NU carried the momentum into the second game, where an unconventional Freya jungle pick led them to a swift 10-minute and 25-second win.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University clinched the second seed in Group A after a gritty sweep of Adamson University.

Justine Wage powered the Tamaraws to victory in Game 1 with his Harith delivering nine kills and eight assists in 23 minutes and four seconds. He followed it up with another MVP-worthy outing in Game 2, recording nine takedowns and seven assists to send FEU to the semifinals against NU.

Completing the Final Four cast, De La Salle University knocked out defending champions University of the East with a convincing 2-0 sweep.

Gabriel Sanchez led the charge for the Green Aces, registering eight kills and eight assists without a single death in the 21-minute and 59-second opener. La Salle then closed out the series with the fastest game of the tournament so far—just 9 minutes and 59 seconds—behind Joshua Tating’s Suyou, who tallied seven kills and one assist.

SM Mall of Asia Arena unveils The Cube: the country's biggest centerhung

The Cube

Wednesday saw not just a doubleheader of the best of the best in collegiate volleyball, but also the reveal of what is the country's biggest and most sophisticated centerhung, The Cube.

Worth over $2.1 million, this new element was installed earlier this month, as part of the SM Mall of Asia Arena's 13th anniversary celebrations, and also a move to keep the venue in line with international standards through technological upgrades.

From the original 138 square meters, The Cube now occupies a total active area of 176 square meters. Supplied and manufactured by Daktronics, which is one of the world leaders in engineering LED display technology and audio systems that has been seen in arenas like the Intuit Dome, Madison Square Garden, and Crypto.com Arena, its main display utilizes a 672x1344 resolution, producing crystal-clear images and utilizing lively colors that reflects a marked improvement of 117%.

In addition, The Cube also has an upper ring covering 30 square meters at 168x5548 resolution, as well as a lower ring measuring 18 square meters at 168x3024.

With The Cube now in harness, it now provides a great opportunity for promoters, partners, and fans to provide a massive boost to one's in-venue experience, whether through game statistics displays, video replays, split-screen functionalities, and even fan cams.

The Cube, at the same time, allows the MOA Arena to engage the current tech-savvy generation while also ensuring it has been future-proofed for what lies in years to come. reflecting the venue's commitment to be one of the most preferred event locations in the country.

In revealing their latest baby, SM MOA Arena General Manager Arnel Gonzales shares, "This magnitude of investment and facility upgrade serves as SM MOA Arena’s testament to bring exemplary live entertainment to the country. Through continuous development and innovation with the latest technology, SM MOA Arena aims to not only change the game and elevate entertainment, but to be recognized amongst the most sophisticated venue in the world."

NBA Philippines launches NBA Rising Stars Invitational Qualifiers for the Philippines

c/o NBA, NBA Philippines

The NBA launched a new initiative on Wednesday, with the start of the Philippines Qualifiers for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

In collaboration with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, seven teams made history as its inaugural participants. Four teams comprise the boys' division, while the remaining three teams are in the distaff side.

Teams will be going through a round robin for the next three days, before the two best teams tangle in the finals on Saturday, May 10, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. The best teams on that day will get to represent the country for the competition proper of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational next month in Singapore.

Opening up action on that day is National University-Nazareth School's 70-30 demolition of St. Paul College-Pasig.

The Lady Bullpups opened the game by scoring the first 22 points, before Stephie Contreras converted a triple at the 3:36 mark of the opening period for the Paulinians.

NUNS would cruise on towards finish, relying on their dynamic duo of Aubrey Lapasaran and Zaydhen Rosano to secure the victory. The latter finished with a double-double of twelve points and fourteen rebounds, while also dishing five assists. The former also scored twelve points, while also grabbing seven rebounds and a couple of assists.

Head Coach Camille Escoto shared afterwards, "We’re trying to prepare din kasi yung mga kalaban namin, nag-prepare din. Actually, may practice pa kami later kasi ayaw namin ma-take for granted yung ganitong opportunity."

SPC-P head coach Edsel del Rosario highlighted the experience having his players are having, "Na-excite yung mga bata nung nag-invite yung NBA Philippines. Actually, first time nila ma-experience yung mag-huddle in sa hotel, sama-sama sila as a team, kakain sabay-sabay, yung parang nasa Olympics. Ganun experience nila."

SPC-P will have a final chance of making the finals if they can defeat the third team in the division, La Salle College-Antipolo.

Meanwhile on the boys' side, UAAP sides UST and NUNS took care of things against their provincial opposition.

The Tiger Cubs rode on the hot shooting of John Canapi and Joaquin Ludovice to secure a 93-64 victory over Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.

Both guards made more three pointers by themselves compared to the Magis Eagles as a team, as Canapi went 7/16 from deep to finish with a game-high 24 points. Ludovice made four triples on his way to fourteen markers.

Lawrence Cinco complemented the two with a near double-double shift, scoring 23 and grabbing nine rebounds.

Canapi says about the importance of being invited to this competition, "Mahalaga po itong liga sa mga batang gustong mangarap na maka-laro sa malaking liga."

Even with the defeat, Magis Eagles head coach Rommel Rasmo remains unfazed. He says, "We really prepared for this, going back to Cebu. We really do our best to compete. We just have to keep going. Now, we still have other games, so we hope that we can survive that. At least, I’m confident that after this first game, I’m sure that we’re settled down now."

Capping off the tripleheader is the Bullpups emerging as 67-52 winners over Ateneo de Davao.

In a tightly contest affair, it took a strong fourth quarter for the UAAP squad to dispatch their Mindanao counterparts.

Ahead by just six heading into the start of the final period, NUNS would break the game open by scoring the first six points of the period to double their lead to twelve, 54-42.

A Jhon Pellegrino triple would somehow stem the bleeding for the Blue Knights, but the Bullpups responded with buckets from Shawn Lucido and Andre Mann to make it 59-45 midway in the fourth as it cruised into the finish with the victory.

Lucido credited their coaching staff for their strong performance, saying, "Every day kami nag-eensayo and syempre, sumunod lang kami sa sistema ng NU at kay coach Kevin."

Ateneo de Davao head coach Jess Evangelio says about their experience, "We will use this as our preparation for us to blend more, have more chemistry, and improve our individual skills and as a team."

Gatorade, in its capacity as the presenting partner of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, ensures that both the participating players and coaches are very much hydrated. Also supporting the competition as official partners are Energen Champion and vivo, while in its capacity as the official broadcaster, Cignal will be showing the finals of both divisions this weekend on One Sports, NBA TV Philippines, and Pilipinas Live.

UST keeps men's volleyball season alive, forces playoff

c/o UAAP Media Team

Gboy de Vega stepped up when it mattered most, helping University of Santo Tomas extend its season and deny National University its entry to the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Finals.

The third-seeded Golden Spikers shocked the top-ranked Bulldogs, 27-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-18, on Saturday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, forcing a rubber match in their Final Four showdown.

With their backs against the wall, UST leaned on the clutch play of Josh Ybañez and the timely resurgence of De Vega, who tallied 14 points in his first start in 66 days. His last start came during a first-round win over De La Salle University on February 26.

The win not only kept UST’s title hopes alive but also snapped a four-game losing streak to NU, which dated back to the Season 86 Finals.

It was the first time the Golden Spikers defeated the Bulldogs this season. UST previously fell in four sets in both elimination round meetings—dropping their first-round encounter, 25-16, 20-25, 21-25, 27-29, and their second-round match last Sunday, 22-25, 25-20, 22-25, 22-25.

The two teams will face off one last time for a coveted Finals berth on Wednesday at the same Cubao venue.

“Thankful ako kasi binigyan ulit ako ng chance ni coach na makabalik at maprove yung mga doubters ko na hindi ako makakatulong sa team. I am very happy lang na nakapagcontribute ako sa maraming ways and I hope na mas mapagtrabahuan ko pa and mas mapagensayuhan ko pa para sa next game, mas okay ipakita ko and ng team namin,” De Vega said. 

(“I’m thankful because coach gave me another chance to come back and prove my doubters wrong—those who thought I couldn’t help the team. I’m just really happy that I was able to contribute in many ways, and I hope to work even harder and train even more so that in the next game, I can show an even better performance, both personally and as a team.”)

After committing eight errors while allowing five blocks to NU in a third set defeat, UST made sure to come out swinging in the fourth frame. 

An off-the-block hit from Ybañez, a Dux Yambao ace, and a combination play from Season 85 Best Opposite Hitter Jayrack de la Noche allowed the Golden Spikers to send the Bulldogs to an early 14-8 fourth set deficit. 

That proved to be all the breathing room that UST needed as an Ybañez block on Jade Disquitado and a crosscourt hit, along with a De la Noche down-the-line attack, allowed the Golden Spikers to earn their first win over the Bulldogs since completing a Season 86 elimination round sweep last March 24, 2024.

“We live [to fight] another day, pero I don’t want to be desperately playing like that. Parang desperate yung volleyball namin kanina, maganda sana if the players followed the game plan. We could have done better, but I am happy we get to play on Wednesday again,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said.

(“We live to fight another day, but I don’t want us to play in such a desperate manner. Our volleyball earlier felt desperate—it would’ve been better if the players had stuck to the game plan. We could have performed better, but I’m still happy that we get another chance to play on Wednesday.”)

Reigning two-time MVP Ybañez powered the Golden Spikers with a dominant 22-point outing built on 19 attacks to go along with 16 excellent receptions.

De la Noche provided ample support with 15 points on 13 attacks with nine excellent digs, while Trevor Valera also served as a bright spot with nine points on four attacks and four blocks with seven excellent receptions.

Yambao orchestrated UST’s offense anew with 20 excellent sets, while starting libero Edriel Alabar finished with 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs. 

On the other hand, the Bulldogs now face a do-or-die scenario in order to keep their ‘five-peat’ bid alive and in the process, extend their Finals streak to 10 seasons dating back to Season 75. 

Team captain Leo Aringo paced NU in the loss with 18 points on 16 attacks with 13 excellent receptions, while Leo Ordiales added 15 points. 

Disquitado tallied 14 points and nine excellent receptions, while Peng Taguibolos contributed 10 points on seven blocks and three attacks.

NU at cusp of successful UAAP baseball repeat

c/o UAAP Media Team

Game on Tuesday at the(Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

8 a.m. - DLSU vs NU (Finals Game 2)
NU leads series 1-0

KEVIN Maulit played the hero once again as National University erupted with a five-run rally in the fifth inning to secure a dominant 16-7 victory over De La Salle University to move on the cusp of back-to-back UAAP baseball titles, Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

Fresh off a stellar offensive outing in the Final Four against Adamson University, the 24-year-old product of NU Nazareth School delivered the game’s most pivotal hit. His clutch three-RBI play in the fifth inning widened the Bulldogs’ lead to 10-5—an advantage they would never surrender.

Facing rookie pitcher Yuan Sumague of Tanauan, Batangas, Maulit launched a hit deep to right field, far out of Barry Oñas' reach. The blast brought home Kent Altarejos, his brother Kenneth Maulit, and Herald Tenorio, igniting the Bulldogs’ biggest scoring surge of the game.

With the victory, NU moved one step closer to a rare back-to-back title, needing just one more win to clinch the crown. Game 2 is set for Tuesday, May 6 at 8 a.m., still at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

"Alam naman naming na may possibility na bumalik 'yung La Salle. So, pinaalala ko lang na 'yung score, hindi importante; kailangan nating mag-reset. Kailangan pa rin naming mag-focus sa hitting kasi hindi pa tapos ang laro. So, 'yun naman ang ginawa, nag-respond naman 'yung mga players kaya nakuha naming 'tong game," said NU head coach Romar Landicho, now in his second year at the helm.

(“We knew there was a possibility that La Salle could come back. So I just reminded the team that the score doesn’t matter—we needed to reset. We still had to focus on our hitting because the game wasn’t over yet. That’s exactly what we did, and the players responded, which is why we were able to win this game.")

NU initially trailed by a run going into the third inning but finally broke through La Salle’s defenses behind pitcher Peter Nonaillada.

Kent Altarejos advanced to second base after a throwing error by La Salle shortstop Agorn De Vera. Moments later, Herald Tenorio brought his catcher Altarejos home with a hit up the middle, tying the game at 1-all.

Then came the fireworks. Nigel Paule, who nearly homered in their semifinals win over Adamson, connected this time with a thunderous grand slam, sending the ball off the left-field wall with Tenorio, Maulit, and Gio Gorpido on base. The four-run bomb gave NU a commanding 5-1 lead.

"I've always believed in Nigel; hindi nawala 'yung tiwala ko sa kanya. Actually, kinausap ko siya nung isang araw, sabi ko sa kanya na ikaw mag-MVP sa Finals, and so far so good, kasi naka-hit siya ng grand slam," said Landicho of Paule’s breakout performance.

(“I've always believed in Nigel; I never lost trust in him. In fact, I talked to him the other day and told him, ‘You’re going to be the MVP of the Finals,’ and so far, so good—he hit a grand slam.")

La Salle, however, was not ready to roll over. The Green Batters responded in the top of the fourth inning, leveling the game at 5-all. Ezy Bautista’s RBI single brought Marco Flores home, before an error on Paule’s failed fielding attempt allowed two more runs. JR Alcontin then capped the comeback by driving in Bautista.

But that proved to be La Salle's last stand.

In the bottom of the fifth, Maulit’s clutch hit sealed the momentum shift, as the Bulldogs piled on five more runs and never looked back.

Paule finished the game with a grand slam and four RBIs, while Maulit continued his hitting masterclass, recording three hits in six at-bats and driving in three runs.

On the mound, reigning Best Pitcher Amiel De Guzman anchored NU’s defense, limiting La Salle to just 11 hits and two earned runs over eight innings. Jherick Timban closed out the game in the ninth, not allowing a single baserunner.

Team captain Agorn De Vera paced the Green Batters with a 3-of-5 hitting clip, but his three errors proved costly. Alcontin added a hit and three RBIs for La Salle, which will now attempt to force a deciding Game 3 on Friday, May 9.

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 -- R H E
DLSU 0 1 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 7 11 3
NU 0 0 5 0 5 0 2 4 x 16 21 3