By Nick Giongco

Nine months ago in a Yokohama hospital, Filipino boxer Renerio Arizala was on the brink of death after suffering head injuries in the ring.

With Japanese medical experts performing the operation, Arizala survived the ordeal and spent the next few weeks regaining his strength.

Many thought he would end up either a vegetable or somebody who would require special needs to go about his daily life.

But Arizala, 25, is up and about.

In fact, Arizala reports for work at the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman’s Office as a member of its ratings committee.

Owing to his valuable experience, GAB chairman Baham Mitra appointed him to a special role.

“He reviews and talks to fighters and trainers who wish to fight abroad. Its a good added safety measure for GAB I think as he can share his experiences with them and not to just scare them off,” said Mitra.

Arizala lost on a sixth-round TKO in his featherweight clash with the fast-rising Tameda and doctors revealed that he had right acute subdural hematoma that required immediate surgery.

Nowadays, Arizala does what normal people do, something that makes Mitra thankful.

The leadership of Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) was on hand to award the ¥3,000,000 (P1.4-million) check to Arizala, accompanied by her mother, was teary-eyed during the simple turnover rites.

“Akala ko wala ng magandang mangyayari sa buhay ko dahil sa aksidente ko sa Japan. Alam ko mahihirapan na ako makahanap ng trabaho dahil sa aksidente kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon, sa pamilya ko, at sa mga taong tumulong sa akin mula ng maaksidente ako hanggang sa kasalukuyan,” said Arizala, who closed out his pro career with a 13-9-3 with five KOs.

The JBC was represented by its chief and Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation Secretary General Tsuyoshi Yasukochi and Japan Professional Boxing Association head Ryuko Kazuhiro.

“Japan is not only our friend but also our partner in promoting the welfare of our professional boxers. Last year, GAB and JBC inked an agreement allowing [Pinoy] professional boxers to fight in Japan provided that they will obtain a travel authority from GAB. While, Japanese pro boxers are also allowed to fight in the Philippines provided that they will obtain an affirmation from the JBC,” said Mitra.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

HOUSTON — James Harden was pestered and harassed on defense by Patrick Beverley for most of Houston’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

Despite all of Beverley’s antics, Harden still scored 47 points and the Rockets outlasted the Clippers 102-93 in a wild game that saw Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers ejected in the fourth quarter.

Afterward, Russell Westbrook was asked about Beverley’s defensive effort against Harden.

“Pat Bev trick y’all like he play defense,” Westbrook said. “He don’t guard nobody, man. It’s just running around doing nothing. As you seen what happened — 47. All that commotion to get 47.”

Houston was up two with about two minutes left when Beverley, a former Rocket, fouled out.

Harden made both free throws before grabbing a rebound on the other end and hitting a 3 to make it 95-88.

Beverley was given a technical foul during a timeout after the play and Harden hit the two free throws.

Rivers was then given two technical fouls and ejected to the delight of son Austin Rivers, the Houston guard who laughed and signaled for the officials to T-up his father. Doc Rivers spent several more seconds screaming at the referees before slowly walking across the court and to the locker room.

Doc Rivers said after the game that he was upset with the officials because of a mix up with the number of timeouts. He said that he tried to challenge a play but that it was past the 30 seconds allotted after a play in which to make a challenge. So they told him he didn’t burn a timeout on the challenge and he had two remaining. His ejection came after they said he was out of timeouts when he called the timeout where Beverley received his technical.

“We didn’t deserve to win with the way we were playing right now offensively or defensively but mistakes like that cannot happen on this level,” Doc Rivers said. “That was awful and the response was to throw me out? I didn’t swear. I just said: ‘This is nuts.’”

Crew chief Tony Brothers said the Clippers were incorrectly told that they would keep their timeout after it was determined they couldn’t challenge a play.

“He was given an opportunity to try to get his composure, but it didn’t happen,” Brothers said. “He came out onto the floor when we wanted to start resuming play. He was given a technical foul. The first one he says: ‘I don’t care,’ and he continued to stay on the floor so he was given a second technical and ejected.”

Austin Rivers will still laughing about the situation after the game and tweeted: “Welp…. thanksgiving is going to be weird,” before talking to reporters.

“He actually is sensitive with stuff like that so we’ll see what happens,” Austin Rivers said. “I love him, but it was a really good moment that I enjoyed a lot … I really enjoyed that. It was fun.”

Harden made both free throws before JaMychal Green made a 3 for Los Angeles. But Harden stole the ball from Kawhi Leonard, and Tyson Chandler made a reverse dunk with 37 seconds left to make it 100-91.

Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and Lou Williams added 20 points off the bench.

Westbrook added 17 points to help the Rockets win their fifth straight game.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Former Asia’s sprint queen Lydia de Vega-Mercado reminded the current crop of national athletes to believe in themselves in the final run-up to the country’s staging of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Speaking on Wednesday night at the refurbished Ninoy Aquino Stadium, De Vega-Mercado, the continent’s fastest in the 1980s, was among six other sporting heroes of yesterday years who showed up during a pep rally organized by the Phisgoc, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Now 54 and based in Singapore where she teaches athletics to kids, De Vega-Mercado shared the spotlight with fellow track star Elma Muros-Posadas, Olympic boxing silver medalist Onyok Velasco and contemporaries Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo and chess legend Eugene Torre.

“Magtiwala at maniwala sa inyong sarili (Trust and believe in yourself),” said the 54-year-old two-time Asian Games gold medalist and nine-time winner in the SEAG.

While admitting that she feels a bit envious that today’s athletes receive more perks, the opportunity to represent the country feels like no other.

“I think we were born earlier because we (with Muros) weren’t able to experience something like this…Hope that in my next life, I’d still be an athlete,” said the Bulacan native.

“Last time I wore a national team uniform was in 1994 and it feels different,” she said.

The Philippines is fielding 1,115 athletes to the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 SEAG that will have 56 sports and 520 gold medals up for grabs.

PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, also the chief of mission, maintained that the event “is a great opportunity for us (in government) to be of service to the people (and the athletes).”

POC president Bambol Tolentino, meanwhile, called on the Filipino bets to stamp their class.

“Let’s show everyone that we can win the overall title. Let’s show them the true worth of the Filipino athlete,” said the Tagaytay congressman.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who heads Phisgoc, tipped his hat off to the athletes.

“My heart is fiiled with gratitude to the athletes,” said Cayetano, whose office drew a budget of P6-billion to run the biennial sportsfest.

“We are spending billions and billions for them and this is the reason why we are spending that hefty amount,” he said.

The Philippines is targeting no less than the first place in its bid to duplicate its first-place finish when it last hosted the SEAG in 2005.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — No Anthony Davis for the first time this season, no problem for the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James had 23 points and 12 assists in three quarters, Kyle Kuzma and JaVale McGee dominated the middle, and the Lakers rolled past the hobbled Golden State Warriors 120-94 on Wednesday night.

Kuzma scored 22 points starting for Davis and McGee had 18 points and 17 rebounds.

“Our bigs were amazing,” James said. “They controlled the interior both offensively and defensively.”

The Lakers improved their NBA-best record to 9-2 without Davis, who was held out because of a sore right shoulder.

“If one of our stars go down, we have to pick up for him,” McGee said.

The Lakers had 31 assists in the second half of a back-to-back. Their 39 at Phoenix a night earlier was the franchise’s most since April 14, 2009. They notched 31 against defending NBA champion Toronto.

“We know we’re very good when we’re moving the ball,” said James, adding that assists totaling in the high 20s to 30s “let’s me know we’re definitely paying attention.”

James & Co. didn’t waste any time breaking out. He won the opening tip and McGee scored off his alley-oop pass. James keyed a 12-0 run with six points in the first quarter when the Lakers shot 70 percent and made five 3-pointers. Their 38 points tied a season high for points in a quarter.

Los Angeles extended its lead to 18 points in the second. The Warriors scored 11 in a row to get within seven, but the Lakers quickly restored their lead to double digits at halftime. James’ vicious one-handed dunk riled up the crowd. Their 67 points tied a season high for points in a half.

Former Laker D’Angelo Russell scored 21 points for the Warriors, who lost their fifth in a row and fell to 2-10, worst in the West.

“We’re playing hard, but we have defensive lapses and it adds up,” Russell said. “We have to figure it out. We have guys that are capable, but we have to continue to learn.”

Golden State is but a shadow of the franchise that made five straight NBA Finals appearances.

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are injured, and Kevin Durant departed in the offseason.

“We’re getting a great effort but we’re not executing,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Right now, we’re taking our licks and we must learn from our mistakes. Our young guys are learning by getting thrown into the fire.”

Twice the Lakers led by 23 in the third, the second time on a 3-pointer by Dwight Howard. He finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Los Angeles extended its lead to 27 in the fourth. McGee’s one-handed reverse dunk highlighted a 14-5 opening run.

“We did a good job locking in on defense and put a lot of pressure on the paint,” Kuzma said.

James sat out the final period, but he still assisted, pulling Davis and DeMarcus Cousins out of their seats to join the team during a timeout.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Diliman College fended off Olivarez College 75-68 to retain the PG Flex Linoleum-Universities and Colleges Basketball League title on Thursday at the Olivarez gym in Parañaque City.

Robbi Darang, Billshan Digno and Abdoulaye Niang joined forces with double-digit productions to pace the Blue Dragons and become the first team to win back-to-back crowns in the league.

Darang, who was later adjudged Finals Most Valuable Player, had 17 points and five assists, Digno contributed 14 points highlighted by four triples, and Niang scored 16 points along with six boards.

Johnnel Bauzon also took charge in the paint for Diliman by collaring 11 rebounds on top of nine points.

The Blue Dragons yielded in Game 1 of the best-of-three series, 64-62, but recovered last Monday with an 82-72 triumph.

Inspired by their recent victory, Diliman returned with the usual aggressive game by taking an early 25-23 lead and dictated the pace throughout.

Olivarez tied the match late in the second quarter off a layup from Redel Fabro, 33-all, but the Blue Dragons were quick to recover with Aldrin Ligon and Ismael Pacheco draining four straight points.

Fabro scored 22 points, Yani Elie had 12 points and 21 rebounds, and Kim Siegue finished with 16 points in a losing effort for Olivarez.

Season MVP Jayboy Solis was also limited to one rebound and one steal in 12 minutes.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Rep. Mikee Romero is still upbeat of competing in the 30th Southeast Asian Games despite suffering a bad fall during the national polo team’s training in Argentina.

Romero, who is seeing action for the first time in the biennial meet, said his physical therapist worked him up after he was thrown off his horse that left him unable to walk straight for two days.

The founding member of the Philippine National Federation of Polo Players plans to take an x-ray when the team returns to Manila, but insists he’ll still suit up for the SEA Games regardless of the results.

Drawing of lots for the polo competition will be during the welcome dinner on Nov. 23 while action fires off on Nov. 24 in Calatagan, Batangas.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

Games Friday (Mall of Asia Arena Pasay City)

1 p.m. – Lyceum vs San Beda (Jrs)

3 p.m. – Awarding Ceremony

4 p.m. – Letran San Beda vs (Srs)

After watching their immaculate record this season go up in flames in Game 1 of the NCAA Finals Tuesday, San Beda coach Boyet Fernandez realized they face an “ultimate test of character” in their bid to keep a “four-peat” championship drive alive.

“Of course medyo masakit na matalo, nawala yung opportunity na perfect season,” said Fernandez. “Talagang masusubukan yung character ng team; big test ito.”

For most part of the elimination round, the Red Lions devoured nearly every opponent on their way to a perfect 18-0 record, which gave them outright spot in the best-of-three title showdown.

However, the unbeaten run came to an end after archrival Letran dealt SBU a 65-64 defeat at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Now the Red Lions face a ‘must win’ Game 2 tomorrow at the same venue.

San Beda practiced Wednesday and Fernandez singled out the team’s shooting in Game 1 – a pathetic 26-of-86 (30.23 percent), including 6-of-40 (percent) from three-point area.

Season MVP Calvin Oftana and Filipino-Canadian James Canlas-Kwekuteye both scored 11 points but converted just five shots each on a combined 30 attempts, while Clint Doliguez – a reliable guard – went 1-of-12 and finish with just three points.

Oftana missed a three-point shot in the final moments of the opener that could have given the Red Lions the lead.

Evan Nelle led the team in scoring with 20 points, but he took 19 shots and converted just eight, while Cameroonian center Donald Tankoua was limited to seven points on 3-of-10 shooting with 13 rebounds.

Fernandez said he has no problems with taking the three-point shot, although he reminded his players not to take hurried attempts, which was the case in Game 1 mainly because of Letran’s defense.

“We have to execute better in Game 2. Kung makakalusot kami, sa tingin ko naman may chance kami to retain the title. Pero focus muna is win Game 2,” he said.

Letran coach Bonnie Tan, for his part, said that they just have to be ready for
SBU’s fightback.

“Basta kami dapat ready lang, kung ano man yung maging adjustment nila, handa kami dapat,” said Tan. “Of course we also want to improve on a few things at both ends – offense and defense.”

“Pero i-maintain lang namin yung mga positive things, yung mga tamang bagay na nagawa namin in winning Game 1.”

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Game Thursday
(National Stadium, Male)
7 p.m. — Maldives vs Philippines

The Philippine Azkals hope to ride on their morale-boosting draw against China last month when they face host Maldives in the 2022 World Cup/2023 Asian Cup second round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Male.

Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is expected to once again play a major role for the Azkals in the 4 p.m. local time (7 p.m. Philippine time) match after emerging as the hero of the scoreless tie against the fancied Chinese side in Bacolod City.

This time, the Azkals are eyeing to get the full three points as they return to the Maldivian capital for the first time since a 1-0 loss to Palestine in the Final of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup.

The Philippines sits in third place in Group A with four points, one clear of Maldives.

Stephan Schrock, Carli de Murga, Amani Aguinaldo, Alvaro Silva, OJ Porteria, Patrick Strauss, Patrick Reichelt, Mark Hartmann, Daisuke Sato and Angel Guirado are also looking carry their solid showing against China over the away match.

Other members of the 23-man squad for the international window are Patrick Deyto, Michael Falkesgaard, Marco Casambre, Justin Baas, Sean Kane, Martin Steuble, Edison Suerti, Luke Woodland, Yrick Gallantes, Mike Ott, Iain Ramsay and Curt Dizon.

The Azkals are also scheduled to play Group A leader on Nov. 19 in Dubai.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Chris Ross stressed that there’s no need for the San Miguel Beermen to panic following the sluggish debut of new import John Holland in last Saturday’s stunning loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The former NBA player scored just 10 points on 4-of-13 shooting as the Beermen suffered a 91-85 loss that put their chances of securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals in peril.

San Miguel won’t see action until Nov. 20 when it wraps up the eliminations against TNT KaTropa at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, giving Holland more time to get familiarized with the team after being signed at the last-minute after Wells suffered an ankle injury.

“He competes, he plays hard, he’s a really good passer and he’s really a good shooter,” said Ross of Holland, who added 10 rebounds and six assists in 37 minutes.

“He’s a nice guy who gets well with everyone. Moving forward, he’ll be a positive for us,” added Ross.

Ross said plenty of factors contributed to Holland’s struggles, especially after having to arrive from New York on the eve of the out-of-town affair.

“He flew in from a straight flight from New York which was a 16-hour flight,” Ross said. “He landed on Friday, and you how Friday traffic is, so he went from the airport to the PBA office (in Libis) to get measured. From the PBA office, he went to Makati for GAB and medical and everything. Then after that, he went back to the airport and got on the flight and landed in Cebu around 8:30 p.m.”

“So it was like a full 24-hour, maybe more of traveling and I think he slept for maybe two hours and then try to a play game in an out-of-town gym which is obviously the condition that is not what’s he used to.”

“So he tried to play an out-of-town game with no practice, no knowing hpw we play so he was in a lose-lose situation,” Ross added. “He did what he could. He played hard, he was out there playing for almost 40 minutes. I thought we couldn’t ask more from him.”

The defeat which saw Rain or Shine lead by a high of 22 points sent San Miguel in fifth at 6-4 going into the TNT match.

Barring a slip up from TNT, in third at 7-2, and fourth-running Barangay Ginebra which carries a 6-3 mark, SMB’s bid for a coveted Grand Slam will have to go through a rough road, that is being on the other end of the twice-to-beat.

“Right now our fate’s not in our hands. We need some teams to lose and we need to win so we’re just taking it day by day,” said Ross.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Game Thursday
(Auckland, New Zealand)
2:30 p.m. — New Zealand vs Philippines

Gilas Pilipinas opens its campaign against host New Zealand in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament Asia-Oceania at the The Trusts Arena in Auckland.

The national cagebelles of coach Pat Aquino face a tall order against the Kiwis in the match set at 7:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Philippine time).

New Zealand holds the psychological edge over the Pinays after claiming a 75-57 in their lone meeting in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup last September in Bangalore, India.

Aquino will field the same roster he had from the Asia Cup as part of Gilas’ final preparation for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Afril Bernardino and Gemma Miranda, the only players to reach double figures in the Asia Cup, are expected to play key roles for the Philippines in the three-game, four-day tournament.

Also part of the lineup are Kelli Hayes, Jack Danielle Animam, Janine Pontejos, Ana Alicia Castillo, France Cabinbin, Ria Nabalan, Eunique Chan, Marizze Tongco and Danica Jose.

The Philippines is also slated to face South Korea on Saturday and China on Sunday.

Source: Manila Bulletin