EASL set to host inaugural Clash of Champions Manila

Clash of Champions Manila

The Philippines will host another special doubleheader for the East Asia Super League.

After holding its kickoff event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the league moves to the PhilSports Arena in Pasig for its "Clash of Champions Manila" on November 13.

Opening things up is the San Miguel Beermen against the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots. The Treveon Graham-led P.LEAGUE+ side is fresh from a shock 91-70 beatdown of the Suwon KT Sonic Boom last October 23. That is the same Korean Basketball League side that kicked off this season with an 87-81 victory over the Beermen.

San Miguel hopes to make it a chaotic Group A with the victory, as it would bunch these three teams together behind the currently undefeated Hiroshima Dragonflies.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Meralco Bolts will tangle against Busan KCC Egis at 810pm.

Led by Deonte Burton, the KBL champions will be fresh from their season debut in Macau against the Black Bears, while the Bolts are hoping to lock in their second victory of the campaign after splitting their first couple of assignments.

Tickets for this doubleheader are already available through TicketMAX, while taking care of the local broadcast rights is Cignal, which is set to show the game through its myriad of channels across mediums.

Tamaraws score six against winless Adamson

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Men’s Football Standings

Ateneo 18 points (+12) 

FEU 13 points (+12) 

UP 13 points (+8) 

UST 12 points (+1) 

DLSU 7 points (-5) 

UE 7 points (-8) 

ADU 0 points (-20)

Men's Football Matches on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium) 

4 p.m. – AdU vs Ateneo

6:30 p.m. – FEU vs UE

FAR EASTERN University subdued struggling Adamson University, 6-0, to open its second round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football tournament on a winning note on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.

The Tamaraws drew level with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 13 points but zoomed to second place with a plus-12 goal difference, five points below league-leading Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles’ unbeaten slate.

The six goals came from different scorers for the league’s best-scoring squad with 19 total – two in the first period from Ace Amita and Marc Alvon Celis and four in the second from Eugene Arriola, Nickos Mamon twice, and Karl Absalon.

“We’re happy to win to start the second leg. UST won, UP won, so before the match we were fourth; so, everybody was pushing for this win. The boys played with a lot of heart and they played smart, so we’re very happy,” said FEU head coach Roman Oliver.

“It is not about one player scoring because you score with the team helping you score. It is all about teamwork. As long as it’s FEU scoring, I don’t care who scores.”

Amita and Celis plucked two early goals for FEU, testing Adamson’s goalkeeper Shane Salarda in quick succession in the 10th and 13th minutes, to head into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The offense did not let up in the second half for the Tamaraws, as even substitutes Arriola and Mamon chipped in with the scoring.

The two came off the bench to head the deliveries from rookie Edgar Aban in the said period. Aban sent the ball inside the box for Arriola in the 51st minute, while Mamon towered high to meet the corner kick in the 66th minute.

Absalon provided the nail in the coffin in the 73rd minute before Mamon added one in additional time for the Tamaraws, who will be going up against the University of the East Red Warriors (7 points, -8 GD) on Thursday at 6: 30 p.m.

“I love how the team is behaving when we lost the ball. This is exactly what we need. I’m happy with the teamwork, with the fight, with the pride. And I think this is the way to continue moving forward,” the first-year mentor, Oliver, said.

Adamson, which remained winless after seven matches, on the other hand, could not manufacture a decent shot that could bother both the defense and FEU keeper Mon Diansuy.

The Soaring Falcons will shoot for a monumental upset when they take on the unscathed Blue Eagles earlier in the day at 4 p.m.

Clarin anchors NU fourth quarter comeback

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 87 Basketball Standings

Men

*DLSU 10-1

*UP 9-2

UE 6-5

UST 5-6

AdU 4-7

FEU 4-7

Ateneo 3-8

NU 3-8

Women

*NU 10-0

*UST 9-1

AdU 8-3

Ateneo 6-5

FEU 3-7

UP 3-8

DLSU 2-8

UE 1-10

JHS

*UE 10-0

FEU-D 6-2

UST 5-4

NUNS 5-5

DLSZ 4-4

Ateneo 4-5

AdU 2-7

UPIS 0-9

*Final Four

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

8 a.m. - FEU-D vs DLSZ (JHS)

10 a.m. - FEU vs DLSU (Women)

12 p.m. - NU vs UST (Women)

3:30 p.m. - FEU vs DLSU (Men)

6:30 p.m. - NU vs UST (Men)

Camille Clarin nailed a clutch three-pointer with 45.2 seconds left, sealing National University's come-from-behind 64-59 victory over University of the Philippines, pushing the Fighting Maroons to the brink of elimination in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.

Clarin, who only had three points entering the fourth quarter, went for 13 points in the payoff period on four three-pointers and a free throw to lead the Lady Bulldogs’ comeback from a 44-48 hole to start the frame. The 5-foot-9 Filipino-Canadian guard who is in her senior year also tallied five assists and four rebounds for an all-around performance. 

“It was a timely hit by CC late in the fourth. Credit to her because  she made four three-point shots in the game so yung first seven attempts niya sablay. Hindi nawala yung concentration niya, hindi nawala yung confidence niya to hoist up a shot when it matters the most,” said NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan. 

Maymay Canuto, Tin Cayabyab, Angel Surada, Clarin, and Jainaba Konateh connived for a 16-2 blitz for a 60-50 NU lead with 5:41 remaining. 

Kaye Pesquera, however, commanded a 9-0 answer for UP to inch within one with 3:10 left before misses from both sides followed. 

Then Clarin, who earlier made three triples in their run, put the Lady Bulldogs on top by four, 63-59, with a conversion from deep.

The Lady Bulldogs hiked their record to 10-0 ahead of their clash with the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

Ann Pingol also came through with 14 points, while Cielo Pagdulagan and Surada had 11 and 10 points, respectively. 

UP sank to 3-8 and is now hoping that Ateneo de Manila University lose all their remaining games while they win theirs to have a chance for at least a playoff for the fourth spot. 

Pesquera was the lone Fighting Maroon in double figures with 16 points, while Louna Ozar had nine points and nine rebounds in the loss. 

UP looks to keep its slim hopes alive next Sunday when it faces De La Salle University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Scores: 

NU 64 - Clarin 16, Pingol 14, Pagdulagan 11, Surada 10, Cayabyab 7, Konateh 4, Canuto 1, Betanio 1, Fabruada 0, Solis 0, Villanueva 0. 

UP 59 - Pesquera 16, Ozar 9, Bariquit 6, Maw 6, Tapawan 4, Sauz 4, Nolasco 4, Vingno 3, Jimenez 3, Solitario 2, Lozada 2, Quinquinio 0, Barba 0. 

Quarterscores: 8-17, 25-29, 44-48, 64-59.

UP pound UE to kickstart second round campaign

c/o UAAP

Women's Football Matches on Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium

4 p.m. – UST vs DLSU

6:30 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP

CAPTAIN Macky Tobias scored twice in the second half to propel University of the Philippines in a rousing second-round campaign opener, completing a season sweep of University of the East, 4-1, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium in Quezon City.

The defending champions momentarily seized solo second following a rise to 13 points and a plus-8 goal difference, just above University of Santo Tomas at 12 points (+1 GD), thanks to goals from the graduating senior Tobias and rookies Joseph Garces and Joses Azur.

“We wanted to get a good start to gain momentum. We ended the last round with a win, so this second round, we want to build consistency and momentum,” said UP head coach Popoy Clarino. 

“We are already in that stage where teams are neck-and-neck and a slip-up can be a setback. We have to move forward, and we have to set higher standards for our team every game.”

Just like in their first-round encounter last October 13, it was rookie Garces who delivered the early go-ahead for UP – his fifth of the season.

CJ Donato attracted the defense on the run to the goal and found Cian Galsim to his right. Galsim then sent the ball into the box for Garces for the opener in the 9th minute past UE keeper Chrisjan Tambilawan.

Joses Azur could have doubled the lead with two chances, including an empty-goal attempt, but Mark Maghinay denied him in the 51st minute.

Tobias, though, would not be stopped in the dying minutes of the match, sealing UP’s fourth win with back-to-back goals in the 87th and the 89th minutes.

The Fighting Maroons will seek its third straight win when it faces the so-far unbeaten Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday at 2 p.m., still at the same Diliman venue.

“Of course, it’s going to be a great match. Ateneo is a great team; we are looking forward to going up against them. We'll try to improve, try to learn what we can from this last game, and, hopefully, we can succeed in what we plan on doing,” added the second-year mentor, Clarino, on that crucial battle against the Blue Eagles.

UE got one back in the second-half added time with John Magallon, but birthday boy Azur plucked a late reply for UP to nail the final tally.

The Red Warriors were forced to play with 10 men after Daniel Cabacungan was sent off in the 66th minute.

UE remained at 7 points and a minus-8 GD and will look to snap this skid against the De La Salle Green Booters later that day at 7 p.m.

Ballespin strike stuns La Salle late for UST

c/o UAAP

Matches on Thursday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium

4 p.m. — ADU vs Ateneo

6:30 p.m. — FEU vs UE

RENAN Ballespin fired the go-ahead goal to hand University of Santo Tomas a 2-1 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Ballespin, a striker out of Valencia City High School in Bukidnon, latched on Andrew Gregg Ramos’ assist to score in the 87th minute past La Salle goalkeeper and captain Enrico Mangaoang and secure full points for UST.

“Nakikinig lang po ako sa mga sinasabi ng mga coaches ko,” said Ballespin. “Binabasa ko lang  yung takbo ng laro. Nakita ko yung bola na medyo pabalik sa akin kaya nag-take ako ng chance (para maka-score).”

The Golden Booters had to dig deep after facing an early setback in the match as Gabe Suarez gave the Green Booters a dream start with a 21st-minute goal off Lucas Andan’s cross.

Regrouping during the halftime break, UST got back in the contest when defender Jarred Regis scored the leveler just two minutes after the restart. Kyler Escobar could have given the Golden Booters an earlier lead, only for his header to hit the post, while Chris Valderama had free kicks that missed the target.

Ultimately, Ballespin’s late goal ensured that UST would not regret those missed chances.

“Nag-click yung game plan ni Coach Marjo (Allado),” said deputy Arman Esteban. “Yung players gustong manalo kaya at least even if we came from behind, naka-secure kami ng three points ngayong araw.”

The result was a reversal of both schools’ first-round clash, which De La Salle won 1-0 off Lucas Aguilar’s goal last October 6.

The Golden Booters rose to second place in the standings with 12 points and a plus-1 goal difference. UST will return to action this Sunday against Adamson University at 4:30 p.m. on the same pitch.

On the other hand, the Green Booters remained in fifth place with seven points and a minus-5 GD.

De La Salle will try to end a two-game skid when it faces University of the East this Sunday at 7 p.m. at the same venue.

FEU extends UE offensive struggles

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

8 a.m. - FEU-D vs DLSZ (JHS)

10 a.m. - FEU vs DLSU (Women)

12 p.m. - NU vs UST (Women)

3:30 p.m. - FEU vs DLSU (Men)

6:30 p.m. - NU vs UST (Men)

FAR EASTERN University set the tone with a strong first quarter to down University of the East, 59-51, and boost its Final Four chances in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.

This victory improved the Tamaraws’ record to 4-7 for joint-fifth with the Adamson Soaring Falcons. They are 3-1 in the second round with their lone loss coming against University of Santo Tomas, where Veejay Pre dropped a career-high 31 points.

“Pagkatapos nga ng first round sabi ni coach Sean mag-iiba kami sa second round, na mas magiging hungry kami sa wins. Proud na proud ako sa team namin kasi sa practice pa lang work hard na talaga kami and disciplined,” said Pre, who delivered 20 points and eight rebounds.

FEU, which has already matched last season's win total, has been solid in the second round.

“This is what I felt we’re going to be in the second round. This is the team I expect from us. We’ve been practicing so amazingly the past two weeks,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers. “Unfortunately, and I don’t want to make an excuse but this is an excuse, we all came down with an illness the game for UST.”

FEU raced to a 23-9 lead in the opening period after shooting a hot 10-of-13 from the field with Veejay Pre scoring eight points, Cholo Anonuevo making five, and Jorick Bautista contributing four.

The Tamaraws’ defense was also in full display as they held the Red Warriors to a dismal 4-of-21 mark from the field as Precious Momowei, Rainer Maga, Jack Cruz-Dumont, and Nico Mulingtapang accounted for those with one made each.

UE’s struggle in offense was a continuation from its last game against Adamson, where it only managed to score 37 points on 26.3 percent shooting.

Momowei’s back-to-back conversions pulled UE within seven with 3:08 left in the game, 47-54, but that would be the closest they could get as the Tamaraws exacted vengeance on its 56-51 first loss against the Red Warriors.

Bautista produced 12 points and four assists, while Royce Alforque got nine points and eight rebounds. Janrey Pasaol also came through with seven points, four rebounds, and four assists.

FEU looks to further boost its case for a post-season slot on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena when it battles La Salle.

The Red Warriors dropped their second straight game, falling to 6-5 but still at third. UE’s loss also gave De La Salle University (10-1) the first twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

Momowei played the entire game and dropped 18 points and 21 rebounds despite the loss. Maga also had 12 points and 11 rebounds.

John Abate was held to seven points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field while Wello Lingolingo only made two of his 10 attempts for just five points.

UE aims to rediscover its winning ways on Saturday when it faces University of Santo Tomas at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

FEU 59 – Pre 20, Bautista 12, Alforque 9, Pasaol 7, Añonuevo 5, Daa 3, Konateh 3, Montemayor 0, Ona 0, Nakai 0.

UE 51 – Momowei 18, Maga 12, Abate 7, Lingolingo 5, J. Cruz-Dumont 4, Fikes 3, Mulingtapang 2, Wilson 0, Galang 0, H. Cruz-Dumont 0.

Quarterscores: 23-9, 34-20, 47-34, 59-51

Filipino tandems set to make an impact at Asian Beach Volleyball Championships

coming in November

Local representation matters, and Alas Pilipinas seeks to make that count in the upcoming Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships this week in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Ramon "Tats" Suzara, who is concurrently president of both the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, shares, "Again, the Philippines and Nuvali become the epicenter of beach volleyball with some of the continent’s, if not the world’s best showcasing their elite skills before Filipino fans."

Leading the cast of locals showcasing their talents at the Nuvali Sand Courts is the duo of Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago. The bronze medalists of last year's Southeast Asian Games have reunited in a quest to fend off top regional spikers in this event backed by Nuvali, Ayala Land, Rebisco, Smart, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, City of Santa Rosa, Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, Akari, Sip, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports Plus, Pilipinas Live, AVC and the PNVF.

The Persian duo of Abbas Pourasgari and Alireza Aghajanighasab make a return after topping the AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open back in April, with pairs from Australia and New Zealand also posing as potential foreign threats in the 24-team field.

Two-time UAAP Beach Volleyball Most Valuable Player Rancel Varga will have a new partner to take on the opposition in the form of Lerry John Francisco of the Philippine Coast Guard. Fresh from being partners with both Buytrago and Abdilla in the Futures action in the last few months, Varga will hope that experience will prove helpful with his new spiker in tow.

A third tandem will also be involved, but the duo of Ronniel Rosales and Edwin Tolentino will have to go through qualifying to earn their spot in the main draw.

On the women's side, Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara lead the charge, with the tandem making it to the quarterfinals of the Qingdao leg of the Beach Pro Tour Futures.

En route to the knockout rounds, they managed to dispatch the duo of Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda, who are also part of the upcoming field.

A third local tandem is also present in the form of Alexa Polidario and Jenny Gaviola, but like the Rosales-Tolentino duo, they will earn their way through qualification.

Asami Shiba managed to beat Progella and Pagara on her way to the bronze medal of the competition, but for this coming tournament in Nuvali, she will have a different partner, as Saki Maruyama steps in for Chika Nakagawa.

Along with the Nuvali Open champions in the Aussie tandem of Stefanie Fejes and Jana Milutinovic, they lead the foreign cast on the distaff side.