Elizabeth Oropesa pwedeng ma-in love kay Alma Moreno, inalala ang halikan
WALANG paliguy-ligoy na ni-reveal ng veteran actress na si Elizabeth Oropesa na posibleng ma-in love siya sa kapwa aktres na si Alma Moreno. Binalikan ni La Oro ang ilang mahahalaga at hindi malilimutang kaganapan sa kanyang showbiz career at personal na buhay, kabilang na ang mga eksena noong nagsisimula pa lamang siyang gumawa ng sariling.....»»
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser relishes 1st time sharing the court with bro Matt at TNT
New TNT Tropang Giga big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser is elated for the chance to play with his brother, Matt, for the first time......»»
BGR traded to TNT
TNT beefed up its frontline ahead of tomorrow’s PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup tipoff by acquiring Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser through a three-team trade that also involved Blackwater and NLEX......»»
Will Lin play against Gilas?
Nine-year NBA veteran Jeremy Lin is eligible to play for Chinese-Taipei against Gilas in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifying window game at the PhilSports Arena on Feb. 25. He could suit up as a naturalized “import,” having acquired a Taiwan passport in August 2020 or as a local if FIBA grants an exception like it did with Indonesian-American Brandon Jawato.....»»
Brandon Royval battles Alex Pantoja for UFC flyweight belt
It’s fireworks even before the celebration for the incoming new year. .....»»
Incubus to hold Manila concert in April 2024
Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, José Pasillas, Chris Kilmore and Ben Kenney are set to rock Manila anew when they will hold their "Incubus Live" tour in the Araneta Coliseum on April 25, 2024. .....»»
Giants outlast Rockies 11-10 despite wild finish
(Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports) Brandon Crawford homered, J.D. Davis had two hits and scored three runs and the San Francisco Giants held off the Colorado Rockies 11-10 on Sunday in Denver. The Giants put up an eight-run sixth inning to take a 9-0 lead, and the Rockies' comeback effort fell short despite four runs in the ninth. Mitch Haniger, Thairo Estrada and Joc Pederson each had two hits for San Francisc.....»»
FACES OF CEBU: Boots Brandon, tattoo artist and entrepreneur
In the bustling streets of Makati, a renowned tattoo artist, business owner, and father of two girls has made his mark. Boots Brandon, a seasoned tattoo artist with over 16 years of experience, has transitioned from a humble beginning in Cebu to owning and operating the popular Redeemed Tattoo shop. His journey is one The post FACES OF CEBU: Boots Brandon, tattoo artist and entrepreneur appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Escape from Maui
Tourists trapped in the burning seaside town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii said they were stuck in hotels without electricity for days, ran low on food and left a warzone when they evacuated. "We were stuck in our rooms for three days. It was very scary because there was no light. We couldn't use our phones. We couldn't call family," Lorraina Peterson, 46, said. "The elevator stopped running and some people were stuck inside the elevator," Peterson, who was honeymooning on the paradise island when the wildfire trapped her and hundreds of others in their hotel, added. Guests were finally evacuated to the airport when the hotel ran out of food, she said. Tourists were taken to the airport in school buses, where they were met by volunteers distributing sandwiches and water. Canadian Brandon Wilson, who had traveled to Hawaii with his wife to celebrate their 25th anniversary, recalled that fires cut the power to their AirBnB two days after they arrived in Maui. By Thursday morning, they were running low on food and had no cash to buy groceries, so they decided to try to leave. "As we drove through Lahaina it looked like a warzone," he told Agence France-Presse. "It really looks like somebody came along just bombed the whole town. It's completely devastated." The death toll from the disaster rose to 53, Maui County officials said Thursday. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii's Maui island — fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane — broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed Lahaina. The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape. Governor Josh Green said 80 percent of the town was gone. WITH AFP The post Escape from Maui appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise
A terrifying wildfire that left a historic Hawaiian town in charred ruins has killed at least 55 people, authorities said Thursday, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state's history. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii's Maui island -- fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane -- broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina. The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape. "It really looks like somebody came along and just bombed the whole town. It's completely devastated," said Canadian Brandon Wilson, who had traveled to Hawaii with his wife to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but was at the airport trying to get them a flight out. "It was really hard to see," he said, teary-eyed. "You feel so bad for people. They lost their homes, their lives, their livelihoods." The fires follow other extreme weather events in North America this summer, with record-breaking wildfires still burning across Canada and a major heat wave baking the US southwest. Europe and parts of Asia have also endured soaring temperatures, with major fires and floods wreaking havoc. "What we've seen today has been catastrophic... likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history," Governor Josh Green said. "In 1960 we had 61 fatalities when a large wave came through Big Island," he said earlier in the day, referring to a tragedy that struck a year after Hawaii became the 50th US state. "This time, it's very likely that our death totals will significantly exceed that." Maui County officials said just after 9:00 pm Thursday (0700 GMT Friday) that fatalities stood at 55, and firefighters were still battling the blaze in the town that served as the Hawaiian kingdom's capital in the early 19th century. Pictures taken by an AFP photographer who flew over Lahaina showed it had been reduced to blackened, smoking ruins. The burned skeletons of trees still stand, rising above the ashes of the buildings to which they once offered shelter. Green said 80 percent of the town was gone. "Buildings that we've all enjoyed and celebrated together for decades, for generations, are completely destroyed," he said. Thousands have been left homeless and Green said a massive operation was swinging into action to find accommodation. "We are going to need to house thousands of people," he told a press conference. "That will mean reaching out to all of our hotels and those in the community to ask people to rent extra rooms at their property." President Joe Biden on Thursday declared the fires a "major disaster" and unblocked federal aid for relief efforts, with rebuilding expected to take years. 'Bodies in the water' US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN around 100 people were believed to have jumped into the water in a desperate effort to flee the fast-moving flames as they tore through Lahaina. Kirksey said helicopter pilots struggled to see because of dense smoke, but that a Coast Guard vessel had been able to rescue more than 50 people from the water. "It was a really rapidly developing scene and pretty harrowing for the victims that had to jump into the water," she added. For resident Kekoa Lansford, the horror was far from over. "We still get dead bodies in the water floating and on the seawall," Lansford told CBS. "We have been pulling people out... We're trying to save people's lives, and I feel like we are not getting the help we need." Green said around 1,700 buildings were believed to have been affected by the blaze. "With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time," Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. "In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a... community," he added, "as we rebuild with resilience and aloha." Evacuations Thousands of people have already been evacuated from Maui, with 1,400 people waiting at the main airport in Kahului overnight, hoping to get out. Maui County has asked visitors to leave "as soon as possible," and organized buses to move evacuees from shelters to the airport. The island hosts around a third of all the visitors who holiday in the state, and their dollars are vital for the local economy. At the airport in Kahului, Lorraina Peterson said she had been stuck for days without food or power, and was now looking at a lengthy wait for a flight. "I don't know if we'll be able to get a hotel room, or we'll have to sleep here on the floor," she said. With a hurricane passing to the south of Hawaii, high winds fueled flames that consumed dry vegetation. Thomas Smith, a professor with the London School of Economics, said that while wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, the blazes this year "are burning a greater area than usual, and the fire behavior is extreme, with fast spread rates and large flames." As global temperatures rise over time, heat waves are projected to become more frequent, with increased dryness due to changing rainfall patterns creating ideal conditions for bush or forest fires. The post Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US actor David Corenswet cast as next Superman
Rising US star David Corenswet will become the latest actor to don Superman's famous red cape, director James Gunn confirmed Tuesday. The 29-year-old, best known as the lead of recent Netflix series "Hollywood," will take on the iconic role for "Superman: Legacy," due in 2025 from Warner Bros. The news was first reported by various Hollywood trade publications, which also revealed that Rachel Brosnahan, star of multiple Emmy-winning comedy "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," is set to play Lois Lane. "Accurate! (They are not only both incredible actors, but also wonderful people)," wrote Gunn, retweeting the Hollywood Reporter's article. Given Superman's status in pop culture, the role is considered one of the most high-profile, and highly scrutinized, going in Hollywood. Superman has previously been played on the big screen by Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh and, most recently, Henry Cavill. British actor Cavill, star of Superman films such as 2013's "Man of Steel," briefly returned to the role for the post-credits scene of last year's "Black Adam." But last year, Warner -- itself under new leadership after merging with Discovery -- placed "Guardians of the Galaxy" director Gunn in charge of all movies tied to DC Comics superheroes, alongside "Aquaman" producer Peter Safran. The duo were charged with revitalizing the DC films, which have lagged at the box office in comparison to the rival, record-grossing Marvel superhero films, and have endured a series of recent duds including "The Flash." They quickly signaled a new direction for the franchise, and have been busy recasting the role of Superman since. Corenswet's other credits include Netflix series The post US actor David Corenswet cast as next Superman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Calvin Klein celebrates sensual self – expression in Pride campaign
Calvin Klein recently launched Let It Out, a campaign celebrating the collective euphoria at the heart of the LGBTQ+ community. Shot by Karim Sadli, the campaign stars actors Amandla Stenberg and Brandon Flynn in the 2023 “This Is Love” collection. The campaign captures the energy of Pride through images that express the joy and freedom of being one’s most authentic self, alongside high-energy videos that capture what it means to Let It Out. Each talent shows off their personality as they release their inhibitions and connect with their sensuality. [caption id="attachment_149093" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Amandla Stenberg[/caption] The collection celebrates freedom of expression through vibrant pieces designed with versatility in mind — fluid pieces that can be styled with anything, by anyone, during Pride festivities and throughout the year. Underwear styles featuring rainbow color palettes and bold color-blocking let one show off pride with the flash of a waistband. New mesh fabrications across the Modern Cotton Underwear line and select apparel integrate a lightweight and sensual approach to the brand’s most iconic styles. In apparel, versatile pieces designed to be mixed and matched are highlighted, with bold graphics displaying “This Is Love.” In line with the brand’s year-round support of the LGBTQ+ community, Calvin Klein have committed over $220,000 to NGOs including PFLAG National, ILGA World, Transgender Law Center and more in 2023 to date; additionally, Calvin Klein Australia and the PVH Foundation donated $55,000 to BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation this year. In addition to financial donations, the brand partners with these organizations to provide the company and associates worldwide with resources and insights that empower to be better advocates and allies. As part of this year’s collection, two limited-edition t-shirts were designed in support of ILGA World and Transgender Law Center. Featuring the phrases “Empower Each Other” and “Show Up for Trans Youth,” the tees reflect proud support of these organizations in their efforts toward LGBTQIA+ advocacy, equity and safety. The collection and campaign are live on calvinklein.com. The post Calvin Klein celebrates sensual self – expression in Pride campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kara-France, Albazi clash in UFC Fight Night
The winner between Kai Kara-France and Amir Albazi in UFC Fight Night main event fight on Sunday at the Apex in Las Vegas will end up challenging champion Brandon Moreno......»»
Gilas Pilipinas’ sweet, vengeful SEA Games win
GILAS Pilipinas’ vengeful win against an import-laden Cambodian basketball team marked its return to the top spot of the Southeast Asian Games or SEAG men’s basketball championships. It was a sweet victory for the Philippines men’s basketball team, as it was glaring how the Cambodians, the 32nd SEAG’s host country, took advantage of the rules by fielding more naturalized players than other competing countries. Though this may be allowed, it does not bode well for the tournament and the sport. Why so? Other countries, including the Philippines, continue to identify and develop players from the grassroots levels. And if tournaments, such as the recent SEAG Men’s Basketball competition, allow host countries to field more naturalized players than others, how does this promote fair play among competing nations? Luckily, after losing to Cambodia in the early group stage, Gilas booked a rematch against the home team for the gold medal. And this time, the Philippine squad came prepared with a sound plan despite unfavorable court conditions and the lopsided lineup of mainly naturalized Cambodian players. Gilas’ offensive and defensive strategy helped them stave off comeback attempts and left the Cambodians to settle for a silver medal. The three-point shooting of naturalized forward Justin Brownlee, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Newsome, and CJ Perez helped Gilas spread the floor, allowing our big men to dominate and score in the shaded area. Gilas shot slightly better with its 47.8 percent field goal percentage versus Cambodia’s 41.9 percent. Gilas also outrebounded the Cambodians by four boards at 40 rebounds versus 36 rebounds. The intense shooting, ability to draw fouls, minimizing turnovers, the solid defensive performance resulting in six steals and three blocked shots helped propel Gilas Pilipinas to win its 19th Southeast Asian Games Gold Medal. ‘This is a reminder to our country and the Southeast Asian Region that upholding the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and the love for country triumphs all’ In his congratulatory message to Coach Chot Reyes, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan said he was happy to be proven wrong with the gold medal victory of Gilas. MVP earlier tweeted his concern over Gilas’ defeat to Cambodia in the group stage. SBP President Alfredo S. Panlilio also commended Gilas, saying, “Gilas showed that the pride of fighting for our country is stronger than any motivation. The team played through substandard conditions in the court under the sweltering heat and overcame bumps and bruises to make us all proud.” He added, “This is a reminder to our country and the Southeast Asian Region that upholding the values of fair play, sportsmanship, and the love for country triumphs all.” Gilas Head Coach Chot Reyes acknowledged that the earlier defeat to Cambodia brought the team together. “They’re united, and they stuck together. I’m just so proud of what we’ve done. We came here for the gold medal, and we’ve done it.” SBP also expressed gratitude to the Philippine Basketball Association and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for allowing players from both leagues to represent the country in the 32nd SEAG. “On behalf of the SBP, I would like to thank UAAP, the PBA, its team owners, and the Board of Governors again for allowing its players to be part of the Gilas Team that won the Gold Medal in a hard-fought match against the host country,” Panlilio said in his letter to the two basketball associations. He added that SBP is aware of the PBA’s contribution to basketball’s growth, development, and success in the country. “The competitiveness in the league allowed Gilas to rise above the challenge it faced in Cambodia,” Panlillio added. The PBA players participating in the SEA Games were Justin Brownlee, CJ Perez, Christian Standhardinger, Chris Ross, Calvin Oftana, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, and Chris Newsome. Among the UAAP collegiate players were Adamson’s Jerome Lastimosa, Ateneo’s Mason Amos, and La Salle’s Michael Philips. As the country prepares to host the most prestigious World Cup FIBA basketball championship in August this year, Panlilio calls on all basketball stakeholders to unite in supporting Gilas Pilipinas as we compete in the international arena. Gilas Pilipinas’ strong performance, fueled by its heart and will to succeed, should inspire every Filipino to give their best in all the challenges they meet in life. The post Gilas Pilipinas’ sweet, vengeful SEA Games win appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gomez takes over from Muller for Far East United
Brandon Hugo Gomez is taking over from Azkals goalkeeper Roland Muller for the Far East United squad that will be taking part in the TST $1 Million Winner Take All tournament......»»
Gilas training intensifies
Gilas Pilipinas shifts its training to high gear in preparation for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Gilas team manager Butch Antonio told Daily Tribune that they will have an intense nine-day training in Manila before leaving for Phnom Penh on 6 May, just in time for the opening of the men’s basketball event on 9 May at the Elephant Hall 2 inside the Morodok Techo Stadium. “We will practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Then, we’ll take a break on Saturday. We will resume on Sunday until before departure on 6 May,” Antonio said. Leading the way for Gilas Pilipinas will be players from TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – the protagonists in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup best-of-seven finals series that wrapped up last week. Tropang Giga stars Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram as well as Kings stars Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger, Jeremiah Gray, Scottie Thompson, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee will be at the helm when the Filipinos reclaim the glory they lost to Indonesia in the previous edition of the Games in Hanoi. For good measure, Gilas coach Chot Reyes invited Filipino-American hotshot Mikey Williams to be part of the pool following the absence of injured Roger Pogoy. Playing for the national team has been a dream of the 31-year-old gunner from Los Angeles. The closest thing he ever got to represent the country was when he played for Mighty Sports in the William Jones Cup and the Dubai International Tournament. Pogoy was supposed to join the aspirants but was sidelined by a fractured pinky he suffered in the middle of their championship series. He was reduced into a mere cheerleader starting Game 4 and was ruled out for the biennial meet. Also sitting out will be June Mar Fajardo, who suffered a torn medial collateral ligament during his stint with San Miguel Beer in the East Asia Super League last March. Although the six-time PBA Most Valuable Player is already doing strengthening procedures, he has yet to do some on-court workouts and scrimmages. A member of the national team program for a decade now, Fajardo confirmed to Daily Tribune that he will not be able to see action in the biennial meet. “I haven’t had hard court activities yet because I’m still doing some strengthening exercises,” said Fajardo, who appeared fit when he showed up as one of the local ambassadors of FIBA World Cup during the partnership launching of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, San Miguel Beer and Cignal/TV5. “I haven’t even touched a basketball as I’m more focused on my rehab.” While Pogoy and Fajardo won’t be able to see action, returning Ginebra veteran forward Japeth Aguilar is determined to rejoin the team, according to Kings coach Tim Cone, who serves as one of the assistant coaches of Reyes at Gilas along with the younger Reyes and Jong Uichico. “He certainly wants to join and play,” wrote Cone in a Viber message. “But only if he’s 100 percent fit and that is to be determined by the SBP medical team.” Aguilar is also coming off a knee injury and he only returned to action midway the championship series. Other PBA players included in the Gilas pool are CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross of San Miguel Beer, Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser of NLEX, Chris Newsome, Aaron Black and Raymond Almazan of Meralco, collegiate stars Michael and Ben Phillips and Kevin Quiambao of La Salle, incoming Ateneo forward Mason Amos and Adamson’s Jerom Lastimosa. The post Gilas training intensifies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Redeem Team?’
Whether the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas admits it or not, the preparation of Gilas Pilipinas for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games is very problematic. Dubbed the “Redeem Team” for its ultimate goal of reclaiming the gold medal in the biennial meet, Gilas Pilipinas struggled to launch its training program as most of its players were still playing in the finals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. Gilas kicked off their training program on a promising note. Although cornerstones Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo were not around, the majority of the pool members showed up led by naturalized players Justin Brownlee, Jamie Malonzo, Christian Standhardinger, and Jeremiah Gray as well as Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Aaron Black, Marcio Lassiter and Kevin Alas. There were also some new faces in Mike and Ben Phillips, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser as well as returning pool members Mason Amos and Schonny Winston. For good measure, Gilas coach Chot Reyes invited defensive lynchpin Sean Anthony to provide an additional warm body that would give him a chance to study the combinations that he will use in the tourney that is set in Phnom Penh from 5 to 17 May. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a good start. Everybody was in high spirits. But not for long. When Reyes called another training session, only seven players confirmed, prompting him to call off the supposedly once-a-week workout. Reyes called another training last Monday and only 11 players from the 28-man pool attended. The following day, Gilas convened anew and the same faces — except for Lassiter who had to fly to the United States — were in attendance, giving Reyes and his coaching staff the “luxury” of holding scrimmages and running through the plays. “That’s a luxury,” Reyes said in a report. “We get every opportunity that we have to form a team of at least 10 players then we go out and hold a practice session.” Reyes also branded the development of having at least 10 players as “real progress.” “But at least we were able to put in some offensive things, defensive concepts, and there’s some real progress that is being made.” Luxury? Progress? If your national team is preparing for a major international event that will open two weeks from now with only 10, or 11 players, then you have a big problem. For a country that eats, drinks, and sleeps basketball, losing the SEA Games gold medal is a crime. Failing to win it the following year, however, is a mortal sin. The Filipinos have been ruling the men’s basketball event of the SEA Games with an iron hand. In fact, before losing the gold medal in the Hanoi edition of the Games in 2022, the only times that they didn’t win the SEA Games title since the event was held in 1977 were in 1979 and 1985. And their wins were not just simple victories. It was a massacre, total devastation made by a team usually composed of college kids, journeymen, and amateur stars. The Philippines was so dominant that universities and clubs in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia were lining up just to “import” Filipino coaches who could teach them the basics of the game. But those days are gone. Since the emergence of the Asean Basketball League in 2009 and the explosion of social media and other online platforms, other Southeast Asian countries have discovered the formula for how to beat the Filipinos. They opened their eyes and started hiring international coaches and technical instructors while naturalizing foreign-born players to reinforce them in major events. Believe it or not, when Indonesia shocked the Philippines in the SEA Games final last year, it wasn’t represented by some skinny kids from Sulawesi or Sumatra. They were reinforced by United States-trained Marques Bolden, Derrick Michael Xzavierro, and Brandon Jawato with Serbian head coach Rajko Toroman manning the bench. The war in Phnom Penh is just two weeks away. While reigning champion Indonesia is deep in its training in Australia, Gilas Pilipinas is still figuring out how to put at least half of its 28-man pool on the floor. That’s a real problem. When the team for the SEA Games was formed, fans and media were quick to baptize it with a neat moniker of “Redeem Team” as it was armed with a mission of reclaiming the lost jewel in the country’s crown — the men’s basketball title. But with the way things are going, Gilas Pilipinas will be fortunate to make it to the semifinals. The post ‘Redeem Team?’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TNT bags title
Mikey Williams saved his best for last and carried TNT to a historic first-ever championship in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup as the Tropang Giga finished the best-of-seven championship Friday night with a 97-93 win over Barangay Ginebra. Williams put on a shooting clinic, hitting nine treys and finishing the game with 38 points as the Tropang Giga completed their date with the destiny of finally winning the season-ending tournament in front of 13,558 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. While TNT captured its first Governors' Cup, head coach Jojo Lastimosa and Calvin Oftana also cherished the moment of winning the first championships of their respective careers. Winning a title right in his first conference as a mentor, Lastimosa joined the elite cast of coaches to win just in their maiden conference. His feat enabled him to join Narciso Bernardo (1984 First All-Filipino Conference, Crispa), Chot Reyes (1993 All-Filipino, Coney Island), Eric Altamirano (1997 All-Filipino, Purefoods), Ryan Gregorio (2002 Governors' Cup, Purefoods) and Joel Banal (2003 All-Filipino, TNT) as debuting tacticians who struck paydirt right away. Oftana, on the other hand, won his first championship as a PBA player. Plucked from NLEX in the mid-season in a trade involving top overall rookie pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and veteran forward Troy Rosario, Oftana immediately became an impact player for the Tropang Giga. In Game 6, the Tropang Giga battled foul trouble in the early goings with Poy Erram and Calvin Oftana each nursing three fouls in the first half as Barangay Ginebra played with much sense of urgency and dictated the tempo, leading by as many as 11 points, 44-33, on Scottie Thompson's two free throws with 4:17 left before the half time break. But the first half was practically a one-man show for Mikey Williams, who torched the nets for 26 points and hit seven-of-12 shots from beyond the arc to keep the Tropang Giga in the thick of the fight. Williams' 26 points in the first half were the most by a local player in the first half since Game 2 of the best-of-seven championship series between TNT and Rain or Shine in the 2015 Commissioner's Cup when Jayson Castro pumped in 27 points. Castro, a seven-time PBA champion, is still playing for the Tropang Giga, but his role has diminished as the franchise's sixth man. A scoring champion two years ago, Williams, a Finals Most Valuable Player when TNT last won the title in the 2021 Philippine Cup, also had 26 points in the second half of TNT's 98-106 loss to Magnolia in Game 3 of their 2021 Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship series. Willaims had taken over in the first half as import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson acted more like a facilitator, giving the local players good looks to the basket. Hollis-Jefferson, the newly-minted Best Import, scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but could only make three of his 10 shots from the field in the first 24 minutes of play. The post TNT bags title appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Indonesia fires warning shot
Indonesia clobbered Australian club Districts Spartans, 113-98, to send a warning that is serious in defending its men’s basketball title in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. United States-born Anthony Beane was at his best, firing 23 points, four rebounds and two assists for the Indonesians, who are looking forward to a strong fightback from Gilas Pilipinas in the biennial meet that is set from 5 to 17 May in Phnom Penh. With the win, the Indonesians were able to avenge their 90-104 setback to Logan Thunder in their first friendly match in Australia at the Rowland Cowan Stadium in Carina Australia. In a message to Daily Tribune, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes admitted that he wasn’t surprised with the Indonesians’ performance, knowing that they have what it takes to reign supreme in the region. The Indonesians had started their training camp in Australia as early as 4 April, but they had also put up their regular workouts at the GBK Arena Senayan a month earlier. Naturalized player and former Philippine Basketball Association import Lester Prosper only rejoined the Indonesian squad last 8 April while Beane, who previously trained at the GBK Arena, was only able to join the team in Australia a week later. In the SEA Games, Indonesia is expected to be led by Marques Bolden, the 6-foot-10, naturalized player who became the biggest thorn on the side of the Filipinos during the previous edition in Hanoi. While Indonesia is about to wrap up its buildup for the coming SEA Games, the Philippines had just restarted its weekly training session. Gilas held their second workout last Tuesday with only 10 players in attendance at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City. CJ Perez, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter of San Miguel Beer were in attendance as well as Chris Newsome and Aaron Black of Meralco, Arvin Tolentino of Northport and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser of NLEX. Amateur stars like Ben and Mike Phillips of La Salle and Mason Amos of Ateneo also showed up to lend their support to the team that is still missing the services of players from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga, who are still clashing in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup best-of-seven finals series. The post Indonesia fires warning shot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Victim of injustice
MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons called it a joke and said the judging in the Mark Magsayo-Brandon Figueroa 12-round fight for the interim WBC featherweight title was ridiculous at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, last weekend......»»