UAAP hands one-game suspension to Haydee Ong

via UAAP

The UAAP released a statement in issuing a one-game suspension to University of Santo Tomas women's basketball team head coach Haydee Ong on Saturday.

Statement reads as follows:

Haydee Ong, head coach of the University of Santo Tomas, has been handed a one-game suspension following the accumulation of three infractions in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Ong will serve her suspension on Sunday, November 8, when the Growling Tigresses face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Ong’s third infraction occurred during UST’s game against De La Salle University.

At the 3:30 mark of the third quarter, the UST bench was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior after members of the coaching staff and players vocally and demonstratively disagreed with an official’s call.

The incident occurred despite the team having received an official warning in the second quarter, as members of the bench continued to openly challenge officiating decisions.

Her first two infractions occurred on October 17, during UST’s game against Ateneo de Manila University.

A one-game suspension is imposed upon the accumulation of three infractions under the UAAP House Rules, an increase from last year’s limit of two.

Please be guided accordingly.

As a result, she will miss out on Sunday's matchup against Far Eastern University, and will return on Wednesday, November 11, against the University of the East.

Ajido, Polo set to kick off Team Philippines campaign in Dakar

Ajido (via POC Media)

Jamesray Mishael Ajido plunges into action in swimming and Angel Polo brings her young act in wushu as competitions kick off on Sunday, a day after Africa welcomed close to 3,000 athletes to the fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) that’s being played for the first time in the African continent.

Ajido swims in the third of four heats for the men’s 100 meters butterfly at 10:54 a.m. (6:54 p.m. in Manila) at the Complexe Tour de l’Ceuf pool, while Polo vies for a final 8 seat against 10 opponents in the preliminary round of women’s Taijishian at the Diamniadio Expo Centre starting at 10:12 a.m. (6:12 p.m. in Manila).

“I hope to do my best here, because these are the YOG and it’s already a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be here,” said Ajido, 17, and an 11th grader at Homeschool Global. “I trained very hard for months for this.”

It would be a swim against the tide for Ajido—silver medalist at the 2024 Southeast Asian age-group championships and a Palarong Pambansa record holder—in the event where 31 swimmers will be targeting the eight berths in the final scheduled 3:32 p.m. (Dakar time) also on Sunday.

Polo, who’ll turn 16 this December 21, brings with her a bronze accomplishment at the 10th World  junior championships in Tanjin, China, last March—on the YOG mat where she’ll be facing 11 opponents in the traditional Chinese martial art.

Shy and unassuming, the 10th grader at Pasay North City High School said she’s happier than ever competing on the most prestigious sporting stage for junior athletes.

“Very very happy,” she said, adding that her school allowed her to take a leave from her academics to train for Dakar.

“I trained twice a day under coach Li [Chinese Li Jianfang] from 9 to 11 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the afternoon and evening,” she said.

On Monday, Polo will again compete in the women’s Taijiquann preliminaries and it will be Riannah Chantelle Coleman’s turn in the pool in the women’s 200 meters breaststroke heats.

The wushu finals are scheduled Monday.

“We know that our young athletes have prepared themselves for these YOG and we’re hoping for the best results,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, who’s been monitoring the team here along with secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan and chef de mission Rocky Samson.

Dakar and Senegal opened the YOG on Saturday night with hundreds of dancers celebrating Senegalese and African culture unde the games’ motto “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates.”

IOC president Kirsty Coventry and Senegal  President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared the games open at 6 at the 55,000-seat Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, a rising city 30 kms from the capital.

Philippines set for Dakar YOG Opening Ceremony

First batch of Team Philippines (via POC Media)

The curtain rises on the 4th Youth Olympic Games on Saturday night under a “Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates” theme with the handful nine-member Team Philippines hoping for the best result in a field that features athletes aged 15 to 17 years old who are bigger, looking stronger and all ready to rumble.

It will be tough, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who has done the rounds with his secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan, since arriving in this West African country last Wednesday.

“They’re big and they look strong,” said Tolentino of the American and European athletes who’re already in town ahead of Saturday’s two-hour Opening Ceremony set at the 55,000-seat Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, a new city about 30 kms from Dakar.

“It will be very difficult,” added Tolentino who welcomed on Thursday night here the first batch of Filipinos exhausted from their 30-hour flight from Manila via Istanbul at the Blaise Diagne International Airport also located in Diamniadio.

“So it’s good luck to our athletes, although I’m sure they prepared hard for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Tolentino added.

Unlike in the Summer Games where the Filipino athletes’ stock now belong to the world’s elite, the YOG has yet to produce the country’s best and brightest potentials who would someday become another Hidiyln Diaz-Naranjo or a Carlos Yulo.

Already checked in at the Athletes’ Village were swimmers Riannah Chantelle Coleman and Jamesray Michael Ajido and wushu’s Angel Polo and their coaches Ramil Ilustre and Jensen Halili (swimming) and Chinese Li Jianfang (wushu).

Colemann and Ajido will bear the Philippine flag in the parade of nations during the opening ceremony and they will be joined by Polo, Chef de Mission Rocky Samson, Illustre and Li.

Flying to Dakar also via Istanbul on Saturday are gymnastics athletes Hillarion Palles III and Tchelcy Mei Maayo and coaches Reyland Capellan and Kazutaka Hakamada, and on November 4, it will be the turn of cycling’s Maritanya Krog and coaches Mark John Lexer Galedo and Marita Lucas and athletics’ Pi Wangkay and Naomi Cesar and coach Jasper Tanhueco.

Celebrations are already taking over Senegal’s capital, according to local reports, as the city prepares to welcome the rest of the world—primarily the more than 2,700 athletes—to the first Olympic event on African soil.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the first Olympic sporting event on African “soil offers the continent a chance to challenge low expectations and show the world what it can achieve.”

“It feels like a long time coming,” Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion, told a press conference at the Main Press Center on Thursday. “The excitement of having the first-ever Olympic event here is a little bit surreal.”

A visit to the Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio also caught the IOC chief’s enthusiasm.

“It felt like you were walking in the village in Paris or in Milan,” she said. “And I think that is something to be incredibly proud of.”

Senegal was awarded in 2018 to host the YOG originally scheduled in 2022, but was canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic and moved to 2026.

Dakar YOG Ceremonies Director Khady Niang said the Opening Ceremony will allow Africa to “tell the world who we are, where we come from and where we want to go”.

The production aims to showcase Senegalese identity and Africa’s cultural diversity, featuring around 11,000 performers, including 700 dancers.

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will join Coventry in the ceremony.

Tolentino meets first batch of Philippine contingent at YOG

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino (center) and secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan (third from left) and chef de mission Rocky Samson (right) welcomes the first batch of athletes and coaches—(from left) wushu coach Li Jianfang and athlete Angel Polo and swimming athletes Riannah Chantelle Coleman and Jamesray Michael Ajido and coaches Ramil Ilustre and Jensen Halili upon their arrival at the Blaise Diagne International Airport Senegal, on Thursday night. (Via POC Media)

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino tempered down the nine-athlete Team Philippines’ chances for a podium finish at the 4th Youth OIympic Games (YOG) that start in a day’s time in Senegal.

“They’re big and they look strong,” said Tolentino of the early bird participants from the Americas and Europe as he did the rounds of the fields of play and the Athletes Village in Diamniadio town, some 40 kms from the capital, upon his arrival here with POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan on Wednesday.

“It will be very difficult,” added Tolentino who welcomed on Thursday night here the first batch of Filipinos exhausted from a 30-hour flight from Manila via Istanbul at the Blaise Diagne International Airport also located in Diamniadio.

Already checked in at the Athletes’ Village where athletes are provided with electric fans and not air-conditioning units in each room, are swimmers Riannah Chantelle Coleman and Jamesray Michael Ajido and wushu’s Angel Polo and their coaches Ramil Ilustre and Jensen Halili (swimming) and Chinese Li Jianfang (wushu).

“So it’s good luck to our athletes, although I’m sure they prepared hard for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Tolentino added.

Flying to Dakar also via Istanbul on Saturday are gymnastics athletes Hillarion Palles III and Tchelcy Mei Maayo and coaches Reyland Capellan and Kazutaka Hakamada, and on November 4, it will be the turn of cycling’s Maritanya Krog and coaches Mark John Lexer Galedo and Marita Lucas and athletics’ Pi Wangkay and Naomi Cesar and coach Jasper Tanhueco.

First batch of Filipino athletes set forth to Dakar for YOG

Jamesray Michael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman and wushu
athlete Angel Polo (second to fourth from left) and coaches Jensen Halili, Ramil Ilustre
and Li Jianfang at the Istanbul Airport. POC Media Pool

The first batch of athletes of a lean Team Philippines to the Dakar 4th Youth Olympic Games touched down at dawn Thursday in the Turkish capital after a 13-hour flight from Manila.

Swimmers Jamesray Michael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman and coaches Jensen Halili and Ramil Ilustre and wushu artist Angel Polo and Chinese coach Li Jianfang were on to an eight-hour layover before boarding a flight to Dakar that will take close to nine hours.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino and secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan and chef de mission Rocky Samsom will be at the YOG Athletes Village to welcome the athletes and coaches.

Ajido and Coleman will be the flag-bearers for Team Philippines in Saturday’s Opening Ceremony, but the duo won’t be completing the ceremony to hit the sack early and be ready for the heats Sunday.

Fortunately, the Opening Ceremony venue, the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, is just adjacent to the Athletes Village in Diamniadio town, a good 41 kms from Dakar.

Flying to Dakar also via Istanbul on Saturday are gymnastics athletes Hillarion Palles III and Tchelcy Mei Maayo and coaches Reyland Capellan and Kazutaka Hakamada, and on November 4, it will be the turn of cycling’s Maritanya Krog and coaches Mark John Lexer Galedo and Marita Lucas and athletics’ Pi Wangkay and Naomi Cesar and coach Jasper Tanhueco.

Coleman also named as Philippines flag-bearer at YOG

As shared by the POC/PSC

THE Philippines will have not just one, but two flag-bearers—Jamesray Mishael Ajido and fellow swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman—during the parade of athletes in the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on October 31 in Dakar.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been advocating on a male and female athlete to bear their countries’ colors during the ceremony.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has earlier named Ajido as the lone flag-bearer and added Coleman because both athletes will be in Senegal in time for the opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.

Joining Ajido and Coleman on an arduous 29-hour flight from Manila via Istanbul to Dakar on Wednesday night is wushu athlete Angel Polo and their coaches.

The other athletes—artistic gymnastics’ Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III, cycling’s Maritanya Krog, athletics’ Pi Durden Wangkay and Naomi Marjorie Caesar and windsurfing’s Jade Justine Justiniane will be flying to Dakar on November 4.

Macalalag, McAlary named as Press Corps UAAP Players of the Week

c/o UAAP Media Team

De La Salle University played mostly without star guard Jacob Cortez in its two assignments this week in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament. Fortunately for the Green Archers, JC Macalalag was more than ready to pick up the slack.

La Salle opened the second round with back-to-back victories, thanks largely to Macalalag, who was named the latest Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week for the period of October 21 to 25.

Against a resurgent University of the East on Wednesday, Macalalag steered the Taft squad to a gritty 97-88 overtime victory, pouring in 14 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting clip.

He also chipped in two rebounds and a steal as the defending champions snapped a two-game losing streak.

On Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym, the dependable forward came through with the best scoring night of his career, putting up 28 points to steer La Salle to a 92-80 win over University of Santo Tomas.

“We’re happy with the win, and we’re thankful that we all stepped up and followed the game plan. I’m thankful for my teammates and coaches for trusting me,” Macalalag said in Filipino after adding three rebounds and three assists to his career-best scoring performance.

The breakout performances earned Macalalag the weekly citation as La Salle improved to 5-4. He edged fellow Green Archers Joaquin Tovera and Doy Dungo, UP’s Veejay Pre, NU’s Tebol Garcia and Ateneo’s Kieffer Alas in the voting among print and online journalists covering the UAAP beat.

Over in the women’s division, UST’s Erinn McAlary took the weekly honors after playing a key role in the Growling Tigresses’ first-round sweep.

The second-year Filipino-Australian showcased her all-around game against the Lady Archers on Wednesday, tallying nine points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.

McAlary sustained her strong play in a tight matchup against the University of the Philippines, recording a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, along with three steals, two assists and a block.

“I think that we all just really did a good job of staying together and staying focused in the game. We were down by halftime, but I feel like we all just had each other’s backs and everyone was stepping up,” McAlary said.

“I feel like we just came together more throughout the game, so it was really a team effort,” she added.

McAlary prevailed over fellow Growling Tigresses Brigette Santos and Karylle Sierba, FEU’s Victoria Pasilang and UP’s Camille Nolasco for the women’s weekly citation.

UST is set for a quick rematch with UP on Wednesday, October 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the second round of the women’s preliminaries gets underway.

Meanwhile, Macalalag and the Green Archers return to the Big Dome on October 31 for another chapter of their rivalry with Ateneo.

Ajido named as Philippines YOG flag-bearer

As shared by the POC/PSC

YOUNG swimming standout Jamesray Mishael Ajido will be the flag-bearer for a small Philippine contingent in the parade of athletes during the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on October 31 in Dakar.

Ajido, 16, and eight other Filipino athletes aged no older that 17 are competing in six of the 25 sports in Dakar 2026, the first time that an Olympic competition is being staged on African soil.

“The YOG are as tough as the Summer Olympics,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who will fly to the Dakar this week ahead of the Opening Ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio that will feature the culture and music of the host country under the theme “Africa Welcomes, Dakar Celebrates.”

An advanced party for Team Philippines headed by chef de mission Rocky Samson—secretary-general of the Philippine Taekwondo Association—took an arduous 29-hour flight over the weekend to Senegal that will be hosting for 14 days close to 3,000 athletes from 203 nations.

Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman are the country’s representatives in swimming and they will plunge into the swimming competitions that start on November 1, the same day wushu’s Angel Polo (Women's Taijiquan combined) also starts her campaign.

Artistic gymnastics start running on November 7 with Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III campaigning, followed the next day by cycling with Maritanya Krog seeing action in women's road and individual time trial.

Athletics action also starts on November 8 with Team Philippines pinning its hopes on Pi Durden Wangkay (Men’s 200m) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (Women’s 800m).

The country’s ninth athlete, Jade Justine Justiniane, also takes his turn beginning November 8 in windsurfing of sailing.

The Philippines has so far two medals in the YOG—Luis Gabriel Moreno won a gold medal in mixed international team event of archery with China’s Li Jiaman in Nanjing and Christian Tio silver in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding.

UST completes first round sweep

c/o UAAP Media

UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Standings
Team W-L
UST 7-0
NU 5-2
FEU 4-3
AdU 4-3
UP 4-3
Ateneo 3-4
DLSU 1-6
UE 0-6

Games on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum
8 a.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women)
10 a.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
12 noon – NU vs Ateneo (Women)
2:30 p.m. – NU vs Ateneo (Men)
5 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Men)
7:30 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Women)

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas overcame its toughest challenge of the season, defeating University of the Philippines, 75-66, to complete a first-round sweep of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Growling Tigresses capped off the first round of eliminations with a spotless 7-0 record, strengthening their bid for a third consecutive title.

“Sabi ko nga, the six wins will not be meaningful if we didn’t show up today. So the girls showed up today. Kudos to them, they didn’t give up even when we were down at halftime,” said head coach Haydee Ong.

For the first time this season, the Growling Tigresses found themselves trailing at halftime after the Fighting Maroons built an early nine-point advantage in the first quarter. UP fended off UST’s comeback attempts behind Kennan Ka’s 18-point first-half explosion to carry a 36-34 lead into the break.

However, UST rediscovered its rhythm in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead three minutes into the second half on a Karylle Sierba layup.

The Growling Tigresses outscored the Fighting Maroons, 23-12, in the third period to seize control of the contest.

UST continued to withstand UP’s spirited runs in the fourth quarter, with Brig Santos scoring seven consecutive points to help the defending champions maintain a 73-61 advantage with 2:37 remaining.

The Fighting Maroons made one last push, scoring five straight points, but UST remained composed, with Erinn McAlary’s layup ultimately putting the game out of reach.

The Growling Tigresses drew balanced contributions from across the roster, led by McAlary, who posted a double-double with a career-high 16 points and 10 rebounds.

“I think that we all just really did a good job of staying together and staying focused in the game. We were down by halftime, but I feel like we all just had each other’s backs and everyone was stepping up,” McAlary said.

“I feel like we just came together more throughout the game, so it was really a team effort,” she added.

Sierba paced UST in scoring with 18 points, while Brig Santos contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.

Nigerian foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.

The Growling Tigresses also tightened their defensive coverage on Ka, limiting her to just four points in the second half.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons fell to 4-3, joining the FEU Lady Tamaraws and Adamson Lady Falcons in a three-way tie for third place.

Ka finished with 22 points and five rebounds, while Louna Ozar tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Camille Nolasco added 12 points and three assists in the losing effort.

The two teams will meet again for an immediate rematch to open the second round on Wednesday, October 28, at 10 a.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

UST 75 – Sierba 18, McAlary 16, Santos 14, Onianwa 11, Danganan 4, Maglupay 4, Bron 3, Relliquette 3, Dajao 2, Pescador 0, Tate 0, Boteros 0.

UP 66 – Ka 22, Ozar 13, Nolasco 12, Francis 8, Maw 4, Cunanan 3, Vingno 2, Tapawan 2, Pesquera 0, Abrams 0, Loon 0, Mejasco 0.

Quarterscores: 18-18, 34-36, 57-48, 75-66.

Zobel maintains third place hold in UAAP U16 Basketball

Via UAAP Media

UAAP Season 89 Boys’ 16U Basketball Standings
NUNS 9-0
FEU-D 7-2
DLSZ 7-3
UE 5-5
UST 5-5
UPIS 2-7
AdU 2-7
Ateneo 1-9

Games on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum
8 a.m. – DLSU vs UE (Women)
10 a.m. – UST vs UP (Women)
12 noon – NU vs Ateneo (Women)
2:30 p.m. – NU vs Ateneo (Men)
5 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Men)
7:30 p.m. – AdU vs FEU (Women)

De La Salle Zobel stormed back in the second half to overcome University of the East, 89-80, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ 16-and-under Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

With the win, the Junior Archers improved to 7-3, keeping their hold on third place in the standings and strengthening their bid for a Final Four berth.

DLSZ once again proved its mastery of UE, having also defeated the Junior Warriors, 77-69, in the first round.

“We adjusted to the zone defense ng UE. So they were playing 3-2, and I told the guys just to stick with it, be more aggressive attacking the gaps and locating the shooters,” said head coach Hyram Bagatsing.

“Definitely a big win for us. But we try not to focus too much on the standings. We wanna make sure that we keep our standard of play and we believe that everything else will take care of the rest,” he added.

Despite trailing by as many as 13 points before halftime, the Junior Archers mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, outscoring UE, 23-10, to seize a 60-57 lead heading into the final period.

After Mikko Noel extended DLSZ’s advantage to seven with five straight points, the Junior Warriors responded with an 8-3 run to cut the deficit to two.

However, the Junior Archers stayed composed and rebuilt their lead, stretching it to double digits at 83-73 as UE continued to struggle offensively.

“I think that I wasn’t nervous because I know that I put in the work. I know that as long as we stick to the system and we play our best, the results will show,” said Rye Villaruz, who led DLSZ with 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, along with eight rebounds and three steals.

Enzo Purugganan added 14 points, while Noel chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.

The Junior Archers will look to extend their winning streak when they face the Adamson Baby Falcons on Thursday, October 29, at 3 p.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, UE suffered a setback in its Final Four bid, dropping to 5-5 and falling into a tie for fourth place with the University of Santo Tomas.

Zion Aguilar led the Junior Warriors with 16 points, while Kurt Mercado and Odrie Mallabo contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Austin Delos Santos recorded eight points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in the losing effort.

The Junior Warriors will look to bounce back when they take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Thursday, October 29, at 11 a.m. at the same venue.

The Scores:

DLSZ 89 – Villaruz 29, E. Purugganan 14, Noel 12, Enriquez 9, I. Purugganan 9, Santiago 8, Mercado 5, Paceno 4, Dizon 2, Quillo 0, Francisco 0.

UE 80 – Aguilar 16, K. Mercado 15, Mallabo 13, Delos Santos 8, Roxas 8, Sena 7, Redulfa 6, Dizon 4, J. Mercado 2, Ancheta 1, Velayo 0.

Quarterscores: 22-21, 37-47, 60-57, 89-80.

Torculas named as Collegiate Press Corps' NCAA Player of the Week

c/o NCAA Philippines

Aldous Torculas continued to lead the charge for San Beda University, powering the Red Lions to a share of the Group A lead as the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament enters its crucial stretch.

The versatile forward delivered in back-to-back close wins over Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, earning him the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Player of the Week nod for October 19 to 23.

Torculas stuffed the stat sheet against JRU on Friday with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and a steal as San Beda held off a late Heavy Bombers rally, 75-71, to improve to 7-3.

He also came through in another tight contest on Monday, leading the Red Lions past EAC, 89-86, with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

While his shots were not consistently falling, Torculas continued to shoulder the scoring load for San Beda, shooting 4-of-12 from the field against EAC and 6-of-14 against JRU.

His impact also went beyond scoring as he averaged 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks across the two games, helping the Red Lions secure consecutive wins and strengthen their bid for a top-two finish.

Torculas downplayed his individual contributions, instead emphasizing the importance of teamwork as San Beda pressed on with its title-retention bid.

“Our goal is to finish number one,” Torculas said, with San Beda seeking a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with only three games left in the group stage. “I’m really happy because we worked hard for this.”

“We showed that we can make the winning plays. In important games like these, we have to stick together despite the challenges,” said Torculas, who edged Letran’s Aaron Buensalida, Mapúa’s Cyrus Cuenco, and Lyceum's Matt Rubico for the weekly honor.

Watch Party to celebrate NBA on Disney+

 

The NBA. On Disney+

NBA mania reached fever pitch in the Philippines on Thursday morning as Disney+ officially kicked off the 2026-27 NBA season with an exclusive watch party featuring one of the most awaited clashes of the year: the Golden State Warriors taking on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bringing NBA fans closer to the hardcourt action than ever before, the marquee showdown streamed live as part of Disney+ Philippines’ Super Sports Week from October 19-25, officially launching ESPN on Disney+ in the country and delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming. 

With its new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, ESPN on Disney+ welcomes sports fans in the Philippines to a new home ground for the games, stories and moments they follow every day. Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+. 

Aside from the NBA opening games on Disney+, subscribers can also stream all Christmas Day games, including a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James facing his former team. The excitement continues into the postseason, with Playoff games from the First Round through the Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals. The Western Conference Finals will stream live on Disney+, while the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals will be available on demand.  

Beyond live games, fans can enjoy ESPN NBA studio shows and NBA-produced programming, including NBA Tip-Off, Inside the NBA, NBA Countdown, NBA Today, and NBA Action.

Experience ESPN on Disney+ in one click through the ESPN hub, accessible via the ESPN navigation tab by downloading the new Disney+ app now.

Ateneo, NU formalize UAAP Women's Badminton postseason berths

UAAP Season 89 Women's Badminton Standings
*Ateneo 3–0
*NU 3–0
UP 2–1
AdU 1–2
UST 0–3
DLSU 0–3
* – Final Four

Ties Wednesday at Gameville Central Park
8 a.m. – Ateneo vs NU (Men's)
8 a.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men's)
8 a.m. – UST vs AdU (Men's)
1 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP (Women's)
1 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women's)
1 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women's)

Last season’s finalists Ateneo de Manila University and National University secured the first two spots in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Badminton Team Event Final Four following victories over the University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University, respectively, on Tuesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Both squads showed that familial connections matter, with sisters Althea and Andrea Hernandez leading the Blue Eagles to a 5–0 sweep of the Lady Shuttlers, while cousins Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany helped the Lady Bulldogs advance with a 4-1 decision over the Lady Falcons.

Andrea and Althea Hernandez continued their winning run with a 21–11, 21–18 victory, complementing the singles wins of Angel Valle and Jochelle Alvarez to secure Ateneo’s semifinal ticket.

Valle continued to build on her renewed confidence, taking the opener, 21–10, 21–10, over Angelica Racca before Alvarez made it 2–0 with a dominant 21–8, 21–12 win over Hanie De Jesus.

"So far, it's good na napakita namin 'yung napag-trainingan namin. Going into the Final Four, it will be challenging kasi nga mga top universities na rin ang andoon. I think I'm excited to show what we have trained for ng isang buong taon siguro. Excited and at the same time kinakabahan," said former co-captain Alvarez.

The defending champions will still face fellow contenders University of the Philippines and NU in the coming days, but the senior stalwart hopes the team will approach those battles the Ateneo way.

"Like what Coach Kennie (Asuncion-Robles) always says, huwag namin tignan yung result, but instead tignan muna namin kung sino yung katapat namin. Focusing kami in each rally at a time and to show who we are and what we can do," the UAAP Season 86 co-MVP shared.

With the tie already decided, the Blue Eagles completed the sweep as Daena Castro and Arkeexa Ojera rallied past Christine Dorega and Harlene Herbabuena, 9–21, 21–10, 21–14, to give Ateneo a 4–0 advantage. Captain Althea Ocampo then completed the rout with a 21–10, 21–9 victory over Angel Vitangcol.

For their part, Diaz and Gulpany shook off the pressure to deliver another victory for NU, defeating Jennifer Ondol and Rheylyn Pedron, 21–15, 21–15, to clinch the Lady Bulldogs’ place in the knockout stage.

Sab Amora won the second singles match for NU, beating Abby Barcelona, 21–12, 21–15, to put the Lady Bulldogs within one win of the semifinal spot with a 2–0 lead.

"After do'n sa win against UP, masaya kami sa naging result, pero hindi lang naman 'yun ang kaya namin. Mas gusto pa po naming i-push, kagaya po ngayon," said the graduating captain.

"Aminado po ako na hindi lang 'yon tiyamba, kung may nagsasabi man ng ganoon. Ipo-prove namin na mas kaya namin ngayon kasi alam namin na ginawa namin 'yung best namin sa training," Amora, the 2024 Philippine National Badminton Open runner-up, said of the team’s first-ever Finals appearance last season.

Gweneth Chiva set the tone for NU with a 21–18, 21–5 victory over Jiezel Del Rosario, but Mary Destiny Untal and Jasmine Reformina pulled one back for Adamson by defeating Lee-Ann Jade De Leon and Tia Bualat, 21–8, 21–15, in the first doubles match.

That proved to be Adamson’s only win, as cousins Diaz and Gulpany restored NU’s advantage. Karyll Rio then defeated Rosheila Quierez, 22–24, 21–19, 21–15, to seal the tie for the Lady Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines bounced back with a dominant 5–0 sweep of De La Salle University to move closer to the Final Four with a 2–1 record.

Rookie Cindee Marchan made an impressive UAAP debut, teaming up with Season 87 MVP Anthea Gonzalez for a 21–11, 21–14 victory over Alphecca Espe and Venice Salapong in 32 minutes.

Susmita Ramos and Pat De Leon had earlier given the Fighting Maroons a 2–0 lead. Ramos needed 33 minutes to secure a 21–8, 21–11 win over Erin Vitangcol, while De Leon made quick work of Lady Tuario, 21–11, 21–14.

Krissa De Leon and Kimberly Lao extended UP’s lead to 4–0 with a 21–12, 21–11 victory over Ghiselle Bautista and Athena Villanueva.

Last season’s Rookie of the Year, Brys Fuggan, then returned to the court with a swift 21–6, 21–18 win over Kim Lagare to complete the sweep.

UP will try to join Ateneo and NU in securing a Final Four berth on Wednesday when it takes on the defending champions at 1 p.m.

Eala homecoming tennis event draws 20k tickets

More than 20,000 tickets have been sold for Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate, marking a major milestone for Alex Eala’s homecoming and building momentum towards what is set to be the largest one-day tennis event in Philippine history.

The response reflects the growing excitement surrounding Eala’s return to the Philippines, with fans coming together at the Philippine Arena on 8 December to welcome one of the country’s leading young sporting talents home. Eala will face Indonesia’s Janice Tjen in a headline match bringing two of Asia’s most exciting young tennis players together for a landmark occasion.

“It’s amazing to know that so many fans have already bought tickets to come and watch us play. Thank you to everyone back home for the incredible support. I can’t wait to walk out at the Philippine Arena, hear the roar of the crowd and take on Janice on December 8,” said Alex Eala.

Demand for the event has already surpassed the capacity of any traditional tennis arena in the Philippines, creating an opportunity for thousands more Filipinos to experience one of the country’s most exciting sporting occasions.

“We are delighted with the response from fans and want to thank them for their support. The speed and strength of ticket sales show just how much appetite there is to see Alex play at home. This is not simply about bringing two exceptional young tennis players to the Philippine Arena. It is about giving Filipino families, young players and a new generation of fans the opportunity to experience world-class tennis up close, and to see what is possible when one of our own competes at the highest level,” said Irene Francisco, Managing Director of Tatler Philippines.

The ambition for the event has always been clear, to bring elite tennis to a Filipino audience, inspire the next generation and create a positive and lasting impact on tennis in the Philippines. With 20,000 tickets already sold, that ambition is becoming a reality well before the first ball is struck.

“The response so far has been hugely encouraging,” said Michel Lamunière, Chairman and CEO of Tatler Group.

“We always believed there was an appetite to see Alex play at home, but seeing more than 20,000 people already secure their place tells us that this event means something to Filipino tennis fans. Fifty thousand is still the ambition. It would be an extraordinary moment for tennis, but the number itself is not the point. The real opportunity is to bring as many Filipinos as possible into the arena, celebrate the power of tennis together and give young players something to aspire to.”

A full day built around the future of Philippine tennis

Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate has been designed as a complete day of tennis, entertainment and celebration, with Alex Eala vs Janice Tjen as the main feature.

The day begins with Hot Stars, bringing together Philippine Tennis Association national juniors and rising professionals. The segment puts the next generation center stage, giving young Filipino players the opportunity to compete on the same arena court and in front of the same audience that will later welcome Alex Eala and Janice Tjen.

Hot Stars will be followed by a Celebrity Match as part of the event's entertainment and wider celebration, separate from the headline Alex Eala vs Janice Tjen match.

The headline match, Alex Eala vs Janice Tjen will be a three-set match created specifically for the occasion. All three sets are guaranteed, with the winner determined by the cumulative number of games won across the match. Event-specific rules, including the Overtime and Super Shootout procedures, will be made available to accredited media and ticket holders before the event.

Tickets

Tickets start from PHP600. Gold tickets are sold out, Platinum and Diamond tickets have limited availability. Silver, Bronze and accessible seating remain available.

Sprite taps Jokic, Edwards to lead its platform for upcoming NBA season

Joker. Ant. Sprite.

In a country where 62% of Filipinos consider themselves NBA fans  and represent the 3rd largest viewing audience globally , Sprite officially unveils its new global platform, “Never Stop Refreshing the Game,” with the addition of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to its global basketball athlete roster alongside superstar Anthony Edwards.

Sprite is doubling down on its basketball legacy on a global stage. Earlier this year, Sprite announced its return as the NBA's Official Global Soft Drink.

For decades, Sprite has sat at the intersection of sport, fashion, music, and culture. Since first partnering with the NBA in 1986, Sprite has remained a constant presence in basketball culture, connecting with generations of players and fans through iconic campaigns, unforgettable moments, and partnerships that reflect the sport's evolution. From neighborhood courts to the game's biggest stages, Sprite has continued to show up wherever basketball culture moves next.

"Sprite has a long history of championing the athletes, creators, and communities that define basketball culture. In the Philippines, basketball isn't just a sport—it’s woven into our everyday lives, from neighborhood street courts to national watch parties," said Mikey Rosales, Senior Director for Sparkling Flavors, Coca-Cola Philippines. "'Never Stop Refreshing the Game' is our tribute to that pure passion. We’re bringing Filipino fans closer to the action than ever before, delivering the unmistakable refreshment of Sprite on and off the court alongside exclusive NBA rewards, digital experiences, community court refurbishments, and unmissable moments. Partnering with game-changers like Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards allows us to keep pushing the culture forward and refresh how fans experience the sport they love every single day."

Two Icons with the Drive to Keep Refreshing the Game

To ignite its next era in basketball, Sprite is bringing together two of the game's most dynamic forces. While Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards represent distinct paths to greatness, they share a singular instinct: a refusal to settle and a relentless drive to evolve the sport.

• Nikola Jokić, freshly named the #1 player for the 2026–27 NBA season in ESPN’s NBA Rank for the third consecutive year*, brings masterclass precision, an unselfish high-IQ playstyle, and massive international reach that bridges fans from North America to Europe and beyond.
• Anthony Edwards, Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All Star, brings explosive athleticism, clutch shot-making, and an electric charisma that has made him the undeniable face of basketball’s next generation.

“Basketball brings people around the world together,” said three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. "Sprite has been part of the story for decades and I’m excited to partner with them to continue bringing the game to the next generation.”
 
Anthony Edwards adds: "From Anta Claus to Obey Your Thirst, Sprite’s been cooking up some of the best campaigns that will live on forever. ‘Never Stop Refreshing the Game’ is no different, reminding every player out there to give it their all and stay true to who they are every time they step on the court.”
 
Growing Wherever the Game Goes

By expanding its footprint across the NBA Global Games, Sprite is meeting fans where the sport is being redefined. Through immersive experiences and exclusive promotions, the brand will bring fans closer to the game, including at the NBA Mexico City Game 2026, when Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers, as well as the NBA Manchester and Paris Games in early 2027.

The game is changing, and Sprite is leading the play.

Disney+ set to be the new homecourt of Filipino sports fans

Sports on Disney+

Disney+ is bringing even more excitement to sports fans with ESPN on Disney+ now available in the Philippines with blockbuster matchups, unmissable moments and a wide line-up of live sports action for subscribers. Available through the new Disney+ app and included as part of existing subscriptions, ESPN on Disney+ gives fans access to a dedicated ESPN hub via the ESPN navigation tab.

Launching alongside the new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, ESPN on Disney+ welcomes sports fans in the Philippines to a new home ground for the games, stories and moments they follow every day. Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

“The Philippines is an incredibly important sports market in Asia Pacific, with a deep-rooted passion for basketball and combat sports and a fan base that brings tremendous energy to the region's sports culture,” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Head of ESPN, Asia Pacific. “As we continue to expand ESPN's presence across Asia Pacific, the Philippines plays a key role in that growth. Bringing ESPN to Disney+ allows us to build on that passion, connecting Filipino fans with more of the sports, athletes and stories they love, while strengthening ESPN's position as a leading sports destination across the region.”

National Basketball Association (NBA) 
Following last season’s success, the NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ for fans in the Philippines, with marquee matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week. On October 22, the Minnesota Timberwolves are scheduled to take on the Miami Heat, followed by the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers. The action continues on October 23 as the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder meet the Denver Nuggets. Across the season, fans can follow live games featuring favourite teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.

Subscribers can also stream all Christmas Day games, including a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers, with LeBron James facing his former team. The excitement continues into the postseason, with Playoff games from the First Round through the Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals. The Western Conference Finals will stream live on Disney+, while the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals will be available on demand.

Beyond live games, fans can enjoy ESPN NBA studio shows and NBA-produced programming, including NBA Tip-Off, Inside the NBA, NBA Countdown, NBA Today, and NBA Action.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC®) 
As mixed martial arts continues to surge in popularity across the Philippines, UFC and ESPN are teaming up to bring fans in the Philippines closer to the UFC through ESPN on Disney+. The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content, as well as original and behind-the-scenes programming including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC, the breakout tournament offering Asia-Pacific's top professional MMA prospects a direct pathway to UFC. Together, the line-up brings elite MMA athletes, compelling matchups and stories behind the fights to one dedicated destination.

A New Home Ground for Sports
Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities; NCAA events, including March Madness; and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series. ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on Disney+. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

“We’re thrilled ESPN on Disney+ is now streaming for subscribers in the Philippines, bringing live sports, studio shows, documentaries, original programming and more to fans in one dedicated destination,” said Vineet Puri, Vice President and General Manager, Emerging Southeast Asia, The Walt Disney Company. “ESPN on Disney+ gives fans a new home ground for sports entertainment, with adrenaline-pumping action that is the perfect match-up with Disney+ must-stream shows and movies. With our new brand campaign, Ito ang Homecourt Mo!, we are celebrating the passion fans in the Philippines bring to every game, screen and shared conversation — all on one platform together like only Disney+ can do.”

Fans can also follow highlights, news and key moments from ESPN on Disney+ across Disney+ Philippines’ social channels throughout the season

In addition to ESPN on Disney+, subscribers in the Philippines can look forward to a strong line-up of premium Asian original content, including highly anticipated Korean Originals The Remarried Empress and Portraits of Delusion as well as more must-stream entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu — all in one place on Disney+.

Experience ESPN on Disney+ in one click through the ESPN hub, accessible via the ESPN navigation tab by downloading the new Disney+ app now.

UP moves atop UAAP Men's Basketball leaderboard

c/o UAAP Media

Games Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym
8 a.m. – UPIS VS Ateneo (16U)
10 a.m. – NU vs FEU (Women's)
12 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women's)
2:30 p.m. – NU vs FEU (Men's)
6 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men's)

University of the Philippines avoided an upset against a hot-shooting University of the East, pulling away for a 91-81 victory to close out the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament with three straight wins on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Fighting Maroons’ victory gave them the provisional lead with a 5-2 record, ahead of the idle FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs, both at 4-2.

The result also extended the Red Warriors’ (0-7) losing streak to 27 games dating back to Season 87, pushing them further into the record books for futility. UE’s skid now matches the second-longest in league history, tying the 27-game losing streak of the UP Fighting Maroons from Seasons 75 to 77.

The Adamson University Falcons from Seasons 62 to 65 still hold the record for the longest losing streak, with 35 consecutive defeats from 1999 to 2002.

Despite the come-from-behind victory that extended UP’s season-best winning streak, head coach Goldwin Monteverde emphasized the need for his team to get off to better starts.

“Actually naunahan kami ng UE in a way. That’s one test for the team, coming from behind, playing tough defense para makabalik sa game. Along the way siyempre kailangan namin matuto to start strong. I guess as we go along sa season, we’ll learn to do those,” said Monteverde.

UP’s winning streak began after back-to-back losses to Far Eastern University and National University.

Trailing 61-65 late in the third quarter, graduating marksman Chicco Briones and Elliot Dimaculangan combined for 12 unanswered points to put the Fighting Maroons ahead, 73-65, heading into the final period.

The Red Warriors refused to back down, however, as Toper Lagat knocked down two triples in the payoff period to keep UE within five points, 81-86, with 2:55 remaining. Those would prove to be the Red Warriors’ final points as they remained winless this season.

UE, which shot 38 percent from the field and sank 12 three-pointers, led by as many as 10 points late in the second quarter, 43-33. UP, however, trimmed the deficit to just three at halftime, 45-48.

Transferee wingman James Payosing led seven Fighting Maroons in double figures with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Briones added 13 points, shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, while Gani Stevens contributed 12 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.

Veejay Pre also turned in an all-around performance with 11 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Dimaculangan matched his scoring output with 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Noy Remogat and Dikachi Ududo, who have helped keep the Fighting Maroons unbeaten since taking over the spot from fellow Nigerian Francis Nnoruka, chipped in 10 points apiece.

UP dominated inside, outscoring UE 40-16 in the paint, while also capitalizing on its trips to the free-throw line, converting 30 of 46 attempts. The Red Warriors, meanwhile, went 13-of-21 from the stripe.

Lagat continued to be the bright spot for UE, finishing with 26 points and five assists, while Mo Tañedo chipped in 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

Cole Cruz-Dumont added 10 points in the losing effort.

Backup big man Dexter Santos was ejected with 34.3 seconds remaining after striking Ududo on the back of the head during a box-out play.

The Scores:

UP (91) – Payosing 16, Briones 13, Stevens 12, Pre 11, Dimaculangan 11, Remogat 10, Ududo 10, Yñiguez 4, Bayla 2, Alter 2, Franco 0, Palanca 0.

UE (81) – Lagat 26, Tañedo 14, Cruz-Dumont 10, Sabroso 9, Carillo 9, Vazquez 7, Jimenez 4, Robles 2, Edoukou 0, Mascariñas 0, Santos 0, Dungca 0, Apostol 0, Perez 0, Javier 0.

Quarterscores: 21-25, 45-48, 73-65, 91-81.

Tigresses pummel Lady Tamaraws to retain unblemished record

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
8 a.m. – UST vs AdU (16U)
10 a.m. – UP vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)
2:30 p.m. – UP vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)

University of Santo Tomas continued its unbeaten run in dominant fashion, dismantling Far Eastern University, 88-42, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Coming off a victory over modern-day rival National University, the defending champions improved to 4-0 to remain atop the standings. The 46-point rout also raised UST’s average winning margin to 33.25 points through four games.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws absorbed their second consecutive loss to slip to 2-2.

“‘Yung gameplan is to stop sina Amyah [Espanol], sina [Victoria] Pasilang, and I think ‘yung individual defense and the team defense tells a lot kasi they scored 42 points lang,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.

“We started slow nung halftime break after ng third quarter, we scored only 14 points and then we’re not doing out pace na run-and-gun. Sinabi ko lang sa girls ‘Go back to what we are comfortable doing,'" the decorated tactician added.

No FEU player scored in double figures, with Espanol leading the Lady Tamaraws with nine points. Pasilang, meanwhile, was held scoreless after missing all nine of her field-goal attempts in 23 minutes of action.

Nigerian standout Oma Onianwa led UST with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, along with two blocks, while Karylle Sierba contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

The Growling Tigresses imposed their will from the opening tip, racing to a 25-10 lead in the first quarter behind back-to-back layups from Onianwa.

UST showed no signs of slowing down in the second period, holding FEU scoreless for nearly five minutes before Sierba converted a layup to stretch the lead to 33-10.

Onianwa continued to lead the charge as the Growling Tigresses limited the Lady Tamaraws to just 12 points in the second quarter, taking a commanding 43-22 advantage into halftime.

UST sustained its dominance after the break, continuing to widen the gap before outscoring FEU, 31-9, in the final quarter to complete the rout and preserve its perfect start to the season.

CJ Maglupay also delivered her best performance of the season for the Growling Tigresses, finishing with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals.

UST will look to extend its winning streak to five games when it hosts Ateneo de Manila University at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, October 17, at 12 p.m.

Meanwhile, FEU will aim to bounce back against National University at the Blue Eagle Gym on Sunday, October 18, at 10 a.m.

The Scores:

UST 88 – Onianwa 20, Sierba 18, Maglupay 12, McAlary 8, Bron 7, Santos 4, Relliquette 4, Boteros 4, Pescador 3, Ambos 3, Dajao 2, Tate 2, Wenceslao 1, C. Danganan 0, K. Danganan 0.

FEU 42 – Espanol 9, Gavaran 6, Salvani 5, Dela Torre 5, Ellorimo 5, Lopez 3, Manguiat 3, Patio 2, Kant 2, Agcambot 1, Escares 1, Pasilang 0, Melvida 0, Quinte 0.

Quarterscores: 25-10, 43-22, 57-33, 88-42.

Nine Filipinos set for YOG participation

As shared by the POC Media

IT’S on to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar for nine young athletes aged no older than 17 seeing action in the games’ fourth edition set October 31 to November 13.

“They are the future Olympians, future world champions and the Dakar YOG will provide them the platform to follow the footsteps of the Diazes and Yulos,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, referring to the country’s Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and Carlos Yulo.

Carrying the country’s colors in Dakar are Pi Durden Wangkay (men’s 200m) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (women’s 800m) in athletics, Jamesray Mishael Ajido (men’s 100m butterfly) and Riannah Chantelle Coleman (women’s 100m breaststroke) in aquatics, Maritanya Krog (women's road and individual time trial) in cycling, Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III in artistic gymnastics, Angel Polo (women's Taijiquan combined) in wushu and Jade Justiniane in windsurfing of sailing.

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary-general Rocky Samson is the Chef de Mission to the YOG that are also staged every four years (Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014 and Buenos Aires 2018) line the Summer Olympics—the Dakar edition is the first time that an Olympics event is being held on African soil.

The YOG come off the heels of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games where the country posted an improved performance with four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals, and before the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh from December 13 to 21.

The Philippines has so far two medals in the YOG—Luis Gabriel Moreno won a gold medal in mixed international team event of archery with China’s Li Jiaman in Nanjing and Christian Tio silver in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding.

Some 2,700 athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees, including a Youth Refugee Olympic Team, are seeing action in 25 competition and 10 engagement sports.

UAAP issues suspension on Paul Du

c/o UAAP Media Team

The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office has suspended National University assistant coach Paul Du from all basketball-related activities (5-on-5 and 3x3 for all divisions) for the remainder of Season 89 following an incident involving University of Santo Tomas assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco.

The suspension stems from an incident during the post-game handshake line after NU’s game against UST on Saturday, October 10, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Du delivered a forceful elbow to Dysangco, causing the UST coach to fall to the floor and require medical attention.

The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place until the official end of the season. 

The Commissioner's Office also acknowledges that there may be additional sanctions imposed by the UAAP Board.

National University can appeal the decision.

UE Men's Basketball losing streak now at 26 games

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)
12 p.m. – NU vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
5:30 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Men)

Adamson University bucked a horrid third quarter to hold off University of the East, 71-64, and extend the Red Warriors’ winless run in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Soaring Falcons, who averaged just 68.75 points in their first four outings, exploded for 54 points in the first half, with Matt Erolon, Ray Allen Torres, and Mathew Montebon all reaching double figures.

However, Adamson went cold in the third period, scoring just three points as UE trimmed what was once a 22-point deficit to eight heading into the fourth quarter, 57-49.

Fortunately for the Soaring Falcons, their offense came alive again in the final frame. They immediately scored six points in the first minute and eight seconds to restore a comfortable 63-49 cushion.

“We weren’t really surprised with how UE played in the second half because I always remind my players that UE is also due for a win. They’ve been playing a lot better the last three games… So I’m really challenging our players to do a lot better,” said Adamson head coach Nash Racela.

“I think we played really really soft in the third… Wala umatras na lang ako. I didn’t coach them in the fourth quarter. Alam naman nila ‘yung dapat gawin and they responded positively,” he added.

The Red Warriors could only get within seven points the rest of the way as they suffered their 26th consecutive defeat dating back to Season 87 in 2024.

Another loss would match the league’s second-longest losing streak of 27 games, set by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons from Seasons 75 to 77 (2012 to 2014).

Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons returned to the win column to improve to a 3-2 record.

Torres led Adamson with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Nigerian big man Precious Jonah added 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block.

Erolon finished with 12 points, all in the first half, while Earl Medina contributed 11 points on a perfect three-of-three shooting clip from beyond the arc.

The Soaring Falcons face a tough schedule to close out the first round, taking on the finalists from the past three seasons. They will face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum before battling the De La Salle Green Archers next Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Despite UE’s continued struggles, sophomore Tope Lagat remained impressive, posting 22 points, four rebounds, two steals, and one block in the loss.

The Red Warriors will close out the first round against UP on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Scores:

AdU 71 — Torres 17, Jonah 14, Erolon 12, Medina 11, Montebon 10, Anabo 6, Cañete 1, Edding 0, Mangaron 0, Pacquiao 0, Tumaneng 0, Demisana 0, Perez 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.

UE 64 — Lagat 22, Robles 12, Jimenez 6, Edoukou 5, Tañedo 4, Vasquez, Cruz-Dumont 4, Dungca 4, Sabroso 2, Javier 2, Carillo 0, Santos 0.

Quarterscores: 24-14, 54-32, 57-49, 71-64.

Back-to-back wins for the Lady Falcons in UAAP Women's Basketball

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
10 a.m. – UST vs FEU (Women)
12 p.m. – NU vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)
5:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)

Adamson University cruised past the University of the East, 67-50, to notch its second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After opening their campaign with losses to Season 88 finalists University of Santo Tomas and National University, the Lady Falcons bounced back with consecutive victories to improve to 2-2. Meanwhile, the Lady Red Warriors remained winless at 0-3.

“Nakukuha na namin ‘yung flow ng offense namin and we are seeing glimpses on how we want to play already, especially ‘nung last game namin,” Adamson second-year head coach Jed Colonia said. “We just wanted to play with our identity, which is the running game and not too much of a half-court game. I think more of a call for consistency for the team kasi it wasn’t the smoothest game for us kaya, we have to do better.”

Holding a slim 13-10 lead, Adamson closed the opening quarter with a 7-2 run, capped by Trix Burgos’ layup to extend its advantage to eight, 20-12.

The Lady Falcons maintained a double-digit lead for much of the second quarter before UE mounted a 10-2 run, punctuated by Sy Oñate’s triple to cut the deficit to five, 35-30. However, Elaine Etang and Kim Limbago responded with timely baskets to restore Adamson’s eight-point cushion at halftime, 38-30.

Adamson tightened its defense in the third quarter, limiting UE to just 11 points to carry a 12-point advantage into the final frame, 53-41.

The Lady Falcons put the game further out of reach in the fourth quarter, unleashing a 10-2 run capped by Etang’s fastbreak layup to stretch the lead to 16, 65-49, with just over two minutes remaining.

Nadine Muñoz then put the finishing touches on the victory, converting a layup off Limbago’s inbound pass to seal Adamson’s second consecutive win.

Adamson dominated the boards, outrebounding UE, 54-35. The Lady Falcons also made the most of their transition offense, scoring 16 fastbreak points compared to just two for the Lady Red Warriors.

“We just took good shots, even if we weren’t making them kaya we got second chance opportunities off from those. We were also making stops from the defensive end, kaya nakukuha namin ‘yung bola,” Colonia said. “‘Yun naman talaga ang bread and butter namin.”

Etang led the Lady Falcons with a game-high 15 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Muñoz contributed 12 points and three rebounds.

Nigerian big Kemi Adeshima bounced back from a subpar outing in Adamson's previous game against UP with a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds.

For UE, Rachel Lacayanga was the lone double-digit scorer with 12 points and five rebounds, while Moana Vacalares added nine points.

The Lady Falcons will look to extend their winning streak against De La Salle University on Sunday, October 18, at noon at the Blue Eagle Gym. Meanwhile, UE will aim to snap its winless run against National University on Wednesday, October 14, at noon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

Adamson 67 – Etang 15, Muñoz 12, Adeshima 11, Burgos 8, Apag 6, Limbago 5, Meniano 5, Mazo 3, Medina 2, Bajo 0, Cortez 0, Villaester 0, Carcallas 0, Tano 0.

UE 50 – Lacayanga 12, Vacalares 9, Ronquillo 8, Oñate 6, Dublar 5, Guillim 4, Buscar 3, Lumibao 3, Cruz 0, Sajol 0, Dalguntas 0.

Quarterscores: 20-12, 38-30, 53-41, 67-50.

Ateneo dominates FEU to return to .500 in UAAP Women's Basketball

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Standings
UST 3-0
NU 2-1
FEU 2-1
Ateneo 2-2
DLSU 1-2
UP 1-2
AdU 1-2
UE 0-2

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – NUNS vs UE (16U)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)

Ateneo de Manila University handed Far Eastern University its first loss of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, scoring an 88-66 victory on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After opening the season with back-to-back defeats, the Blue Eagles have bounced back with two consecutive wins to climb to solo fourth in the standings. The Lady Tamaraws, meanwhile, dropped to a tie for second with National University at 2-1.

“Well, ‘yung main priority ko after ‘yung 0-2 start namin was their confidence. I kept reminding them na start pa lang ng season and we had top teams in front of us in our first two games,” said Ateneo head coach PJ Navarro. “Kailangan na ‘yung mindset namin next couple of games is mas focused kami.”

Ateneo seized control early, outscoring FEU, 25-16, in the opening quarter to establish a nine-point lead.

The Blue Eagles continued to dictate the pace in the second period, stretching their advantage to as many as 12 points as the Lady Tamaraws struggled to find their shooting touch. FEU converted just one of its 15 attempts from beyond the arc in the first half.

Ateneo maintained its momentum after the break, extending its lead to 19 points heading into the final quarter.

FEU's struggles continued in the fourth, with Victoria Pasilang fouling out with less than four minutes remaining as the Blue Eagles built a commanding 85-60 advantage.

“Nagagawa ni Kacey [Dela Rosa] ‘yung part niya. Para mas lumakas kami, siguro gagawin rin namin ‘yung role namin as players para mas lumakas ‘yung team,” said Seng Calago, who recorded a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Dela Rosa led all scorers with 25 points and 16 rebounds, adding six steals and two blocks for another dominant all-around performance. Alyssa Rodriguez chipped in 10 points.

The Blue Eagles held FEU to just one three-pointer on 29 attempts. Despite committing 31 turnovers, Ateneo also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Lady Tamaraws, 54-33.

Ateneo will next face defending champion University of Santo Tomas at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, October 17.

Meanwhile, Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang, Dela Rosa's teammates in the 3x3 tournament of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where Gilas Pilipinas captured the silver medal, led FEU with 19 and 14 points, respectively. Shane Salvani added 11.

The Lady Tamaraws will look to bounce back against the undefeated Growling Tigresses at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, October 14.

The Scores:

Ateneo 88 - Dela Rosa 25, Calago 11, Rodriguez 10, De Luna 9, Oani 9, Makanjuola 8, Cancio 7, H. Lopez 6, Cruza 3, Subejano 0, L. Lopez 0, Udal 0, Hagedorn 0.

FEU 66 - Espanol 19, Pasilang 14, Salvani 11, Patio 6, Lopez 4, Manguiat 4, Dela Torre 2, Kant 2, Melvida 2, Gavaran 2, Agcambot 0.

Quarterscores: 25-16, 45-38, 71-52, 88-66.

UST remains undefeated after blowout of women's basketball rival NU

c/o UAAP Media Team

 

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – NUNS vs UE (16U Boys)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas made quick work of National University, 90-66, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigresses continued where they left off in the Season 88 Finals, when they reclaimed the crown from the Lady Bulldogs in a three-game series.

UST and NU have faced each other in each of the last three finals series of the women’s basketball tournament.

The reigning champions improved to 3-0 in the standings, handing the Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season.

“I think in this first test, na-prove naman nila,” said UST assistant coach Jude Anthony Paulite.

“If it’s to speak of the effort of the girls, their effort started five days ago when we started preparing for this game. Today, they gave their almost perfect effort and I think it showed on the scoreboard,” he added.

The Growling Tigresses closed the first half with a 15-4 run to build a 17-point lead, with Oma Onianwa already recording a double-double before the break.

UST maintained its double-digit advantage entering the final period, as its towering frontline limited the Lady Bulldogs’ production in the paint.

The Growling Tigresses continued to pull away in the fourth quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 27 points to seal the victory.

“I’m grateful to my coaches and my teammates because I didn’t do this alone. Past games, I didn’t perform well, and then they reminded me of who I am and what I’m supposed to do,” said Onianwa, who finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.

Five Growling Tigresses scored in double figures, with Karylle Sierba matching Onianwa’s 17-point output while adding four rebounds and two steals.

Agatha Bron chipped in 14 points, while Coi Danganan and Erinn McAlary contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.

UST will look to preserve its unbeaten record when it takes on Far Eastern University on Wednesday, October 14, at the same venue.

Ann Pingol led the Lady Bulldogs with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Marga Villanueva paced the team in scoring with 12 points.

Cielo Pagdulagan added 11 points, while Aloha Betanio contributed 10.

NU, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back when it faces the University of the East next Wednesday.

The Scores:

UST 90 – Onianwa 17, Sierba 17, Bron 14, C. Danganan 13, McAlary 11, Santos 6, Ambos 5, Relliquette 3, Maglupay 2, Dajao 2, Boteros 0, Pescador 0, K. Danganan 0, Wenceslao 0, Tate 0.

NU 66 – Villanueva 12, Pingol 11, Pagdulagan 11, Betanio 10, Cayabyab 6, Lapasaran 5, Rosano 4, Solis 4, Garcia 2, Alba 1, Alterado 0.

Quarterscores: 21-14, 47-30, 69-50, 90-66

FEU-DIliman kickstarts UAAP U16 second round with nail-biter over La Salle-Zobel

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 89 Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Standings
NUNS 7-0
FEU-D 6-2
UE 5-2
DLSZ 5-3
UST 3-4
UPIS 2-5
AdU 1-6
Ateneo 0-7

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
8 a.m. – NUNS vs UE (16U)
10 a.m. – AdU vs UE (Women)
12 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)
2:30 p.m. – AdU vs UE (Men)
6 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)

Far Eastern University-Diliman asserted its dominance over De La Salle Zobel, 82-76, to claim its third straight win in the UAAP Season 89 16-and-under boys' basketball tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, the Baby Tamaraws moved to solo second in the standings with a 6-2 record to open the second round, extending their winning streak to three games — the second-longest active streak in the tournament.

FEU-D had previously defeated DLSZ, 86-76, in the first round.

“Actually, very happy we’re in the number two spot right now. But we need to be better, and we need to increase our defensive stamina kasi mediyo nagco-collapse kami kapag nalalamangan kami,” said FEU-D head coach Muriel Garcia.

“Sabi ko sa mga player ko, keep your composure. Masyado kasing mainit yung Rye Villaruz at Enzo Purugganan. Gradually, na-adjust namin ‘yung defensive scheme namin, pero ready naman kami doon,” he added.

Nicus Calma spearheaded the Baby Tamaraws' early surge, putting the Junior Archers in a 20-15 hole before DLSZ mounted a late second-quarter comeback.

With two minutes left in the first half, Enzo Purugganan took charge of a 12-2 run that erased a 10-point deficit and sent the Junior Archers into the break tied with the Baby Tamaraws.

Both teams continued to trade baskets in a tightly contested third quarter, with FEU-D holding a two-point lead in the closing seconds. Purugganan then drained a triple to swing the lead in La Salle's favor, 61-60, heading into the final frame.

FEU-D refused to back down, however, as Andres Cruz's layup with 1:46 remaining put the Baby Tamaraws back on top, 74-73.

The Baby Tams then closed the game with a decisive 10-0 run, holding the Junior Archers scoreless until Fonzie Mercado knocked down a triple with one second left as FEU-D sealed the 82-76 victory.

“Para sakin, pinractice naman namin ‘yun. Palagi naman sa isip ko. Lagi ko po yun ineensayo para sa laro, pagdating sa shooting, parang basic na lang,” said Calma, who shot 50 percent from the field in the win.

Calma led the Baby Tamaraws with 16 points, while Griffin Barlan posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Bernard Alsola added 11 points, including the dagger three-pointer that put the game away with 42 seconds remaining.

Cruz chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

FEU-Diliman will look to extend its winning streak when it faces Ateneo de Manila University next Thursday, October 15, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Junior Archers, who had previously won three straight games, dropped to fourth place with a 5-3 record.

Villaruz paced La Salle Zobel with a game-high 22 points and six rebounds, while Purugganan contributed 13 points and Mercado added 11.

The Junior Archers will seek their first win of the second round when they face the University of the Philippines Integrated School, also next Thursday.

The Scores:

FEU–D 82 - Calma 16, Barlan 13, Alsola 11, Cruz 10, Ira 8, Mampao 7, Samonte 6, Maghinay 5, Isip 3, Garcia 2, Madrigal 1.

DLSZ 76 - Villaruz 22, E. Purugganan 13, Mercado 11, Dizon 6, Quillo 6, Santiago 6, I. Purugganan 4, Enriquez 4, Paceno 2, Noel 2, Francisco 0.

Quarterscores: 20-15, 41-41, 60-61, 82-76.