by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | basketball, sports
MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas demonstrated unyielding determination and commitment to clinch the top spot in the UAAP high school boys’ basketball tournament.
After 24 years, the Tiger Cubs have reclaimed their gold title as they won the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ Basketball Championship with an exciting 83-77 victory over the National University Nazareth School Bullpups in overtime, held last Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
UST’s most recent celebration of a UAAP boys’ basketball championship occurred during Season 64 way back in 2001, with the team guided by season MVP and long-time UST player Jun Cortez.
The championship completed the Tiger Cubs’ redemption story following two back-to-back fourth-place showings in Seasons 85 and 86. This victory also secured their 12th total title, cementing their position as the second most successful program in UAAP boys’ basketball history.
After the Junior Growling Tigresses clinched the title last Thursday, the Tiger Cubs’ victory enabled UST to secure the inaugural ‘golden double’ in UAAP high school basketball history since girls’ basketball was introduced in Season 82 back in 2020.
“My aim as a mentor is to assist as many young athletes as possible in reaching the next stage of their careers. What really counts is linking this legacy with the players we’ve nurtured,” stated Manu Inigo, the head coach of the Tiger Cubs, who became part of an elite group as just the fifth coach to claim titles in both the NCAA and UAAP during the contemporary period, after Turo Valenzona, Joel Banal, Koy Banal, and Aldin Ayo.
Seventeen points ahead mean nothing when facing NUNS. Our aim was to secure each quarter one at a time, hence we weren’t concerned with whoever was in the lead—just as long as we gave our all till the very last moment. We caught a break during the extra period, which led us to victory.
The series was intensely competitive, with an average winning difference of only 5.6 points per match. NUNS took the lead by securing a 77-70 triumph in Game 1, but UST equalized it with an 89-85 win in Game 2, setting up a decisive Game 3.
Even though they were behind by up to 17 points, the Bullpups made their move at the perfect moment during the final quarter, pushing the game into overtime when Jid Locsin divided his free throws and Migs Palanza scored a putback following Mac Alfanta’s missed layup.
Nevertheless, this final surge proved costly for NUNS since Season 87 Best Foreign Student-Athlete Collins Akowe—who scored 23 points, grabbed 24 rebounds, blocked four shots, and dished three assists—was forced to leave the game due to fouls with only five seconds left in regular time.
This turned out to be the pivotal moment during overtime. UST took an early lead of 80-74 thanks to a fadeaway bank shot by co-captain Kirk Cañete and consecutive layups from Senegalese forward Racine Kane.
As Mot Matias stepped onto the court after Locsin was sidelined due to cramps with just under two minutes left, she sparked a last-ditch effort for The Bullpups. Her three-pointer narrowed down their gap to 80-77. Nevertheless, Kane’s successful free throw along with critical missed shots during the waning moments of the game ensured UST emerged victorious.
Matias got an opportunity to increase their lead but squandered crucial free throw chances, whereas frantic three-point tries from both Matias and Iver Napa fell short, thus determining NUNS’s outcome.
Kane concluded his initial UAAP campaign impressively, securing Finals MVP accolades by maintaining averages of 19.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 2.0 steals, and 1.6 assists throughout the three-game series.
“Following Game 2, Coach Manu spoke with me, emphasizing that we must wrap things up in Game 3. Given this is our final year together, we left nothing on the table today; we played for UST and for Coach Manu,” Kane stated.
Kane led UST to their title-winning victory by scoring 28 points along with grabbing 17 rebounds, blocking two shots, stealing twice, and contributing one assist. Despite having some trouble offensively, team leader Koji Buenaflor still managed to score 12 points from 5 successful attempts out of 16 tries, complementing his performance with 15 rebounds and dishing out six assists.
Charles Esteban contributed 11 points, along with four rebounds, one assist, and a steal. Wacky Ludovice and Carl Manding also stepped up, scoring 10 points apiece. On the other hand, Cañete nearly achieved a triple-double, ending the game with eight points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Kevin De Castro’s NUNS program experienced more heartbreak, securing their second successive silver medal after losing to Adamson University in another exhausting three-game series during Season 86 (2024).
Palanca topped the scoring for the Bullpups with 21 points, along with grabbing 13 rebounds, blocking three shots, adding one assist, and stealing the ball once. Meanwhile, Alfanta had difficulty finding his shot, managing only 10 points off of 4 successful attempts out of 15 tries, though he did secure 11 rebounds, provide two assists, and make one theft. In contrast, Locsin scored nine points, dished out three assists, pulled down two boards, made one steal, and blocked another attempt despite their team’s loss.
The NUNS will say goodbye to several important members as Akowe, Palanca, Alfanta, Locsin, Jedric Solomon, Iver Napa, Gab Nepacena, Tom Pillado, Allan Timbang, and Alnhumaeri Usop all move forward after completing their studies.
The Scores:
UST (83) – Kane 28, Buenaflor 12, Esteban 11, Ludovice 10, Manding 10, Cañete 8, Bucsit 4, Solon 0, Acido 0, Cidanes 0.
NUNS (77) – Akowe 23, Palanca 21, Alfanta 10, Locsin 9, Cartel 4, Matias 3, Solomon 2, Nepacena 2, Usop 0, Pillado 0, Natinga 0, Figueroa 0, Lucido 0.
Quarter scores: 24-18, 46-33, 60-49, 74-74, 83-77
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | european football, football clubs, liverpool f.c., news, sports
-
Newcastle is considering a £30 million bid for one of Liverpool’s standout players this summer.
-
In 2024, The Magpies’ strategy was turned down because Liverpool rates their player more highly.
-
LISTEN NOW: The Debate Begins! Can England’s Team Claim Victory at the World Cup?
Newcastle still remain interested in a
Liverpool
They have shown interest and plan to make a £30 million offer for him this summer, as per a recent report.
In 2024, the Magpies saw their offer declined for the Reds’ defender, yet they remain undeterred. They aim to continue building on their success following their recent victory.
EFL Cup
against Liverpool this month.
Newcastle is well-placed to compete for
Champions League
qualifications, presently ranked sixth in the
Premier League
table, two points off
Chelsea
in fourth – but
Eddie Howe
His team will require additional star power if they aim to rival Europe’s top sides.
This is why Newcastle’s delegates intend to return to Merseyside to inquire about Jarell Quansah once again in less than 12 months.
The team is eager to identify a suitable right-sided center back as a long-term successor to the seasoned Fabian Schar, who will turn 34 by the end of this year.
Newcastle are hopeful that a £30m bid plus add-ons may tempt Liverpool into playing ball, but the Reds are believed to have a higher valuation of Quansah, according to
The Times
.
Quansah still has four years remaining on his deal with Liverpool after putting up an impressive performance in his first full season, where he made 33 appearances for the main squad following his debut in early September.
Even though the 22-year-old made it into Thomas Tuchel’s first English national team roster for the World Cup qualifying matches against Albania and Latvia, he hasn’t managed to get much playing time under Arne Slot during his initial campaign with Liverpool.
After impressing during the pre-season and beginning the season with the first league match against Ipswich Town away, Quansah appeared to be progressing steadily.
However, he became engrossed by halftime at Portman Road and has found it difficult to secure significant playing time in the league since then, managing only two starts and accumulating 286 minutes of play.
Quansah’s difficulties playing under Slot this season might have marginally lowered his market price, providing further encouragement for Newcastle to believe they can sign him for £30 million.
In 2008, Quansah entered Liverpool’s youth system, and he has played 55 times for the team since his first appearance as part of the main squad in August 2023.
At 22 years old, he matches Newcastle’s profile for transfers set by Howe; every major signing since the manager took over has been aged 25 or younger.
Newcastle plans to operate with a more adaptable transfer budget this summer after barely escaping PSR violations in June 2024.
The Premier League Profit and Sustainability regulations cap clubs’ allowable losses at £105 million over a continuous three-year span.
Last season, Newcastle was forced to sell young players Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson; otherwise, they would have incurred a Premier League penalty for violating financial regulations, as Howe disclosed in January.
Between 2021 and 2024, Newcastle’s net transfer expenditure amounted to approximately minus £390m after investing £430m in new players and recovering just £40m from player disposals.
However, they might have additional flexibility with PSR this summer, potentially aiding their efforts to secure Quansah’s signature.
Read more
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | basketball, sports, tournaments
ADORE him or despise him, you must acknowledge that
Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes
Is one of the most insightful coaching talents in the nation.
He boasts numerous championships and awards as proof: 10
PBA
titles with Purefoods, Coca-Cola, and TNT; a record six Coach of the Year accolades from the PBA Press Corps, along with remarkable achievements as the Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
However, if there’s one achievement conspicuously absent from
Reyes
Based on his resume, it’s a grand slam—a achievement only five teams and four coaches have pulled off, specifically the late Baby Dalupan, Tommy Manotoc, Norman Black, and Tim Cone (on two occasions).
READ
These teams were incredibly close to achieving a grand slam.
Reyes
is on the wrong side of history based on the same criteria; despite leading his TNT squad to become one of just 10 teams in the 49-year history of the professional league to clinch the titles of the initial two conferences within a single season, they fell short of achieving a three-peat in the concluding conference.
This occurred during the 2010-2011 season when the Texters clinched the Philippine Cup by defeating San Miguel in the finals with a score of 4-2, and later triumphed over Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals with the same scoreline of 4-2, before
lose to a Petron
In Game 7 of the Governors’ Cup championship series, side (currently known as SMB), guided by coach Ato Agustin and spearheaded by Arwind Santos, competed for the title.
PHOTO: PBA Images
Fourteen years later, Reyes, who guided TNT to the championship of the opening Governors’ Cup by defeating Ginebra in the finals, was still on course for another three-peat after this.
Tropang Giga defeated the Kings with a score of 87-83.
on Wednesday evening to compel a decisive Game 7 in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Could winning the grand slam be on his mind at this moment?
“No way. Not even close,” Reyes stated firmly. He maintained that once he stepped away from the PBA to focus on his role with Gilas Pilipinas as a coach, he ceased pondering over achieving a career grand slam. Since then, these thoughts have not crossed his mind.
“When I retired, I ceased pondering over it and haven’t given it another thought since,” Chot stated.
PHOTO: Mark Cristino
Regardless of whether he wants to or not, Reyes along with his Tropang Giga team will be confronted with inquiries regarding a grand slam if they defeat Ginebra in Game 7 this Friday evening—or they’ll have to contemplate yet another opportunity for a hat-trick slipping through their fingers should they lose.
Then which one should it be? Abangan.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | crime, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa encouraged ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, who is presently held at The Hague in the Netherlands, to stay resilient and continue battling as he approaches his 80th birthday on March 28, this coming Friday.
Dela Rosa, who is seeking another term and has been a long-time supporter of Duterte, mentioned that he plans to reach out to the ex-president on his birthday to convey his backing.
“Sa kanya lang po masasabi ko: Lahat ng mga hamon na ito ngayon, tatapusin natin yan. Tatapos talaga ito. Wala namang forever dito sa mundo. Lahat ng bagay ay pansamantalang lamang. Kaya siguro panatilihing matatag kami, patuloy ang pakikipagsapalaran, at huwag magsuko,” ani ang miyembro ng kapulis.
(I wish to convey to him that together we can surmount all these obstacles. We shall prevail over this situation. No circumstance on Earth lasts forever; everything is fleeting. Hence, let us remain resilient, continue our struggle, and never yield.)
“Huwag niyang ipinabaya ang pagsibak ng digmaan. Digmaan lamang dahil… ang malaking bahagi ng populasyon ng mga Pilipino, pati na rin yung iba na wala sa bansa o partikular sa ubanging bahaging ng buong universo ay naroon at kasama-samahan siya habang nanunuod para sana’y mapabalik niya ang sarili rito sa Pilipinas,” dagdag pa niya.
(Do not surrender in your struggle. Continue fighting as most Filipinos, including those residing abroad, empathize with him and wish for his return to the Philippines.)
The Filipino national police force, known as the PNP, has been
preparing
For the safety of the birthday rally for Duterte in Davao del Norte on Friday.
As per PDP Laban, they plan to organize gatherings and processions across different regions of the Philippines as well as in multiple international locations to mark President Duterte’s 80th birthday celebration.
On March 11, authorities helped the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) serve an arrest warrant issued by the ICC against Duterte related to his bloody anti-drug campaign, which has been labeled as crimes against humanity.
Following his detention, Duterte was taken to The Hague in the Netherlands.
On March 13 (in Philippine time), Duterte arrived at the Hague Penitentiary Institution, also known as the Scheveningen Prison, where he will remain detained pending his trial.
The scheduled date for the next hearing regarding the verification of the accusations is September 23, 2025.
—RF, GMA Integrated News
This article
Bato during Duterte’s 80th birthday: ‘Always ready’
was originally published in
GMA News Online
.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | entertainment, marvel universe, movies, news, superheroes
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It’s the 5 hours and 30 minutes casting announcement that left fans equally puzzled and thrilled.
Rather than introducing the stars of the upcoming Avengers movie on stage individually, Marvel chose to do a live social media event where they unveiled the cast through their on-set chairs. Each time, after every 15 minutes, the camera would move to another chair, exposing yet another actor’s identity.
Among those confirmed for
Avengers: Doomsday
– out on 1 May 2026, the first part of a diptych with
Avengers: Secret Wars
– Franchise stalwarts such as Chris Hemsworth playing Thor, Anthony Mackie portraying Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Simu Liu taking on the role of Shang-Chi, and Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova were part of the cast. The lineup goes on—scroll down for the complete roster.
The most significant announcement was that actors from the 20th Century Fox/Marvel X-Men series are returning. Patrick Stewart (who played Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), James Marsden (Cyclops), and Kelsey Grammer (Beast) have all agreed to join this new grand adventure. Adding even more excitement to the mix of mutants, Channing Tatum, known previously for his role as Gambit, will also be part of this project.
Deadpool & Wolverine
– was also there. Well, his chair was.
Stewart, who is 84 years old, portrayed Professor X in the early 2000s X-Men movies produced by Fox and made a brief appearance in last year’s film.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
, with the 85-year-old Ian McKellen portraying his iconic rival Magneto. In the 2010s reboot of the X-Men film series, both these performers were replaced by younger counterparts, sparking significant fan theories regarding the franchise’s future trajectory.
Avengers: Doomsday
The primary idea revolves around setting up a clash between the Avengers and X-Men within the multiverse, where different groups of heroes will battle each other with the aim to protect their individual worlds.
The entire tiring chair-watch event—which brought back memories of HBO’s ill-conceived promotion where they asked viewers to sit through a live broadcast of an iceberg thawing just to announce the premiere date for Season Seven—concluded with Robert Downey Jr. perched on his seat, the ex-Iron Man star completing the scene.
revealed as portraying Doctor Doom in the previous year
He will pose the primary danger in both scenarios.
Doomsday
and
Secret Wars
, two of the pillars for Marvel’s forthcoming Phase 6 of its Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The unexpected casting announcements left fans surprised, evoking reactions of excitement, boredom, and confusion in equal measure. Many pointed out that the reveals were spoiling parts of the upcoming show.
Thunderbolts*
prior to its launch, considering that we currently know which characters will make it through.
One fan tweeted on X, ‘Is there truly still a justification for watching Thunderbolts at this stage?!?!” Another commented, ‘It’s thrilling but you’re ruining Thunderbolts!!’
Some devoted followers expressed dissatisfaction upon noticing that several of the top and highly expected acts were missing from the list revealed.
The names of Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), and even Tom Holland (Spider-Man) were not mentioned.
Nevertheless, Marvel and Disney might currently be holding onto these reveals, possibly scheduling another casting announcement nearer to the release date, or perhaps reserving them for Secret Wars.
Avengers: Doomsday
is scheduled for release in May 2026 and will mark the first ensemble film since the one released in 2019.
Avengers: Endgame
, which went on to become one of the top-grossing movies ever.
There’s a lot at stake because Marvel has been facing challenges in regaining its cultural prominence and box office success for some time now.
Endgame
There has been an ongoing sequence showcasing a focus on quantity rather than quality, characterized by a string of failures including
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
,
The Marvels
and the latest adventure,
Captain America: A Bold New Era
, as well as
The Kang fiasco that forced Marvel to revisit their plans.
.
The comeback of the Russo Brothers to helm both
Doomsday
and
Secret Wars
having previously directed highly acclaimed MCU projects like
Captain America: Winter Soldier
,
Captain America: Civil War
and both
Infinity War
and
Endgame
), along with Robert Downey Jr.’s mask change, has been viewed as
Signs indicating a studio is lacking creativity
And eager to return to their peak.
Only time will reveal if they succeed.
The complete cast was announced as follows:
-
Chris Hemsworth (Thor)
-
Vanessa Kirby (Invisible Woman)
-
Anthony Mackie (Captain America)
-
Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes)
-
Letitia Wright (Black Panther)
-
Paul Rudd (Ant-Man)
-
Wyatt Russell (John Walker)
-
Tenoch Huerta Mejía (Namor)
-
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Thing)
-
Simu Liu (Shang-Chi)
-
Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova)
-
Kelsey Grammer (Beast)
-
Lewis Pullman (Sentry)
-
Danny Ramirez (Falcon)
-
Joseph Quinn (Human Torch)
-
David Harbour (Red Guardian)
-
Winston Duke (M’Baku)
-
Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost)
-
Tom Hiddleston (Loki)
-
Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier)
-
Ian McKellen (Magneto)
-
Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler)
-
Rebecca Romijn (Mystique)
-
James Marsden (Cyclops)
-
Channing Tatum (Gambit)
-
Pedro Pascal (Mister Fantastic)
-
Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom
Marvel’s
Thunderbolts*
opens in theaters on May 2nd; Phase 6 begins this year with
The Fantastic Four: Initial Moves
on 25 July.
Doomsday
is due out on 1 May 2026 and
Secret Wars
on 7 May 2027.
