CJ Perez has brought along with him impressive showing in the last FIBA World Cup all the way to the PBA Governors Cup.

Last year’s no. 1 overall pick is again at the helm of the Dyip’s intense playoffs bid in the hope of finishing his first season in the league with a bang.

Perez is churning out numbers of 23.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 steals in seven games last October when Columbian tallied a 3-4 record and be in a strong contention of clinching a berth in the quarterfinals.

His work on both ends of the floor had the 25-year-old guard unanimously earning the PBA Press Corps Rookie of the Month honor.

Perez, who was a revelation for Gilas Pilipinas during the World Cup in China last August, beat out Robert Bolick of NorthPort and Bobby Ray Parks of Blackwater (later traded to TnT Katropa) for the monthly citation.

This is the third Rookie of the Month honor for Perez since the Press Corps began handing out the award at the start of the season. Perez was also cited with the same honor in January and March.

Until he went down with a partial ACL tear that ended a stirring season, Bolick, the no. 3 overall pick in 2018, averaged 12.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists in five games with the Batang Pier, who went 2-3 during that stretch.

Parks meanwhile, posted 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists as the Elite registered a 2-5 record in that span.

The second overall pick last season was then dealt by Blackwater to TNT in exchange for Don Trollano, Anthony Semerad, and a 2021 first round pick.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 outlasted Indonesia 21-17 over the weekend to rule the Jakarta 3×3 International invitational Challenge in the Indonesian capital.

Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol came through with big plays as the Filipino cagers pulled away from a 17-all tie in the final to complete a five-game sweep of the tourney.

Munzon, Pasaol, Santi Santillan and Troy Rike comprised the team that used the competition as part of its early preparation for next year’s FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in India.

The Chooks squad headed by program director Eric Altamirano beat Taiwan 21-10, Malaysia 21-17, Indonesia 21-13 and Vietnam 19-14 before repeating over the host nation in the final.

Meanwhile, Chooks-to-Go head honcho Ronald Mascarinas bared plans of possibly holding a pocket tournament in order to boost the team’s OQT preparations.

“We can’t afford to rest on our laurels especially with the OQT just four months away,” said Mascarinas.

“We are thinking of organizing another pocket tournament this December to accumulate more points for our potential pool players and, as well as, keep our players going heading into the first quarter of 2020,” he added.

Source: Manila Bulletin

National University-Nazareth School made quick work of Adamson University 25-13, 25-17, 25-23 to move on the cusp of reclaiming the crown in UAAP season 82 girls’ volleyball Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Alyssa Solomon came through with 22 points, including 11 in the pivotal third set, while Evangeline Alinsug added 16 markers on 12 spikes, three service aces and a block for the Bullpups.

Extending its perfect run to 13 matches, NU seeks to clinch its fifth crown in the last six years in Game 2 slated at 12 noon on Sunday at the San Juan arena.

The Baby Falcons, a first-time finalist, struggled as Kate Santiago was held down to five points.

“I appreciate lahat ng efforts ng team, whatever they do dito sa Finals, wala na kasi ako magagawa eh. Ito na yung tinuro ko sa kanila. Sa ngayon we are just playing all heart, wala na kaming pinoproblema kasi lahat naman kami pagod. Pagod si Adamson, pagod din kami. We are just very grateful to be here,” said first-year Bullpups coach Regine Diego.

Mhicaela Belen, one of NU’s main scorers, was sidelined due to a stress fracture in her left shin, but is expected to play in Game 2.

Team captain Erin May Pangilinan and Barbie Jamili stepped up in Belen’s absence, combining for 15 points for the Bullpups. Setter Camilla Lamina tossed in 18 excellent sets while libero Shaira Jardio wound up with 18 digs and 18 receptions.

Up by just a solitary point in the second frame, 14-13, the NU exploded with an 11-4 run, highlighted by four crosscourt attacks by Solomon, to gain a 2-0 set lead.

May Nuique and Trisha Tubu paced the Baby Falcons with seven and six points respectively.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Defending champion National University-Nazareth School moved one win away from back-to-back UAAP boys’ volleyball titles after eking out a 25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 25-18 victory against top-seeded Far Eastern University-Diliman in Game One of the best-of-three finals at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan Sunday.

The Bullpups look to seal the deal next Sunday, 10:30 am, at the same venue.

Michaelo Buddin led NU’s offensive attack with 17 points built on 13 spikes and four blocks while Arvin Bandola tallied 16 points and 11 excellent receptions in just three sets of play.

“Pinaghihirapan talaga namin ito bawat practice, kapag nagrerelax sila, nireremind ko sila, kasi may attitude sila na bumibigay eh, kaya pinipilit ko sila ngayon na focus lang sa ensayo in any ways, pati sa pagpapahinga, pati sa pagkain, nireremind ko sila,” said NU coach Edgar Barroga.

Bryan Jaleco added 12 markers, including the drop ball that iced the victory, MJ Fortuna chipped in 10 markers while setter Dio Poquita had 15 excellent sets and 10 digs laced with three points.

Bullpups libero Menard Guerrero protected the floor defense with 22 digs and 16 excellent receptions.

NU zoomed to a 10-3 lead in the third period and exchanged points with FEU throughout to take a commanding 2-1 set lead.

Bandola sprained his left ankle in the third set after landing on a foot of his teammate during a combination play. Barroga said he will be ready for Game Two.

Jerold Talisayan led the Baby Tamaraws with 18 points and 13 receptions while lefty Rans Cajolo chalked up 14 markers.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Game Wednesday

(Mall of Asia Arena)

12 noon – UST vs FEU (women’s)

Far Eastern University survived Adamson’s late rally to post a 79-73 win on Sunday and advance to the next phase of the UAAP season 82 women’s basketball stepladder semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Choy Bahuyan took matters into her own hands in the crunch for the Lady Tamaraws, who set up a meeting with the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses for a shot at the finals.

Ahead 75-73 with 14 ticks left, Bahuyan drained a corner jumper to douse Adamson’s fire.

She earlier split her charities to give FEU a 75-70 cushion, 1:08 to go.

“Sense of urgency na lang nung huli, kasi nakikita ko ring nanghihina na yung mga teammates ko,” said Bahuyan, who poured all of her 11 points in the last quarter apart from grabbing 13 rebounds.

FEU coach Bert Flores lauded Bahuyan’s efforts.

“Kumbaga sa pelikula, ad lib yung ginawa niya. Kasi hindi naman pwedeng parang robot lang palagi na susunod sa instructions. Siyempre minsan, kailangan din mag-ad lib ika nga,” he said.

Val Mamaril paced the Lady Tamaraws with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, graduating Clare Castro added 18 points and 17 rebounds, and Fatima Quiapo chipped in 15 points and 12 boards.

FEU dictated the tempo throughout and led by as many as 14 points, making up for its 25 turnovers by firing 10 three-pointers.

The Lady Tamaraws also outmuscled the Lady Falcons in rebounds, 55-45.

Adamson cut a 60-55 deficit to 66-62 on the efforts of Mar Prado, but failed to sustain the momentum in the pivotal moments.

Prado had 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Gerl Anticamara finished with 15 points in a futile attempt for the Lady Falcons.

FEU faces UST on Wednesday with the Tigresses enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.

Scores:

FEU 79 – Mamaril 22, Castro 18, Quiapo 15, Bahuyan 11, Jumuad 5, Adriano 3, Antiola 3, Delos Santos 2, Abat 0, Payadon 0, Vidal 0.

ADAMSON 73 – Prado 34, Anticamara 15, Araja 9, Bilbao 5, Ornopia 4, Dampios 3, Flor 2, Mendoza 1, Catulong 0.

Quarters: 21-12, 40-29, 57-51, 79-73.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Kai Sotto, who took his talents to the United States early this year, has committed to Atlanta-based basketball organization The Skill Factory (TSF).

Sotto, a former UAAP junior’s MVP, announced the development during training Saturday morning on his YouTube Channel.

In a near two-minute video, the 7-foot-1 prodigy showcased his improvement since taking his talent abroad.

“I’m here to announce that this upcoming season, I’ll be joining The Skill Factory international team,” the 17-year-old NBA hopeful said, followed by a series of skill set highlights including ball-handling, passing, three-point shooting, dunking and post moves.

“I would like to thank all my fellow Filipinos and everybody who had been supporting me since day one.”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B4oInWADRvA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Rob Johnson, head coach of TSF Post Grad program, and Adam Gibbs, director of TSF Elite Youth Basketball, also welcomed Sotto’s commitment to the team through Twitter.

With the TSF, Sotto is expected to compete in several basketball tournaments such as the Georgia Elite 8, NBA Academy Games and Global Jam in Spain, among others.

On Sunday, Sotto dropped 18 points to go with 12 rebounds in his debut as TSF fell to IMG 65-61.

According to its website, TSF is a “sports skill and development organization” founded in 2011 that “specializes in high quality custom sports coaching and training skills program.”

NBA stars such as James Harden, John Wall and Kemba Walker have also previously joined TSF’s Professional Level program. WATCH:

Source: Manila Bulletin

Australia’s boxing community was in shock Sunday after middleweight Dwight Ritchie reportedly collapsed and died while sparring. He was 27.

Sydney’s Daily Telegraph said he took a body shot on Saturday, walked back to his corner and collapsed. He could not be revived.

It said he was sparring in Melbourne with Michael Zerefa, who is preparing for a rematch with Jeff Horn, a former WBO welterweight champion.

Ritchie’s promoter Jake Ellis confirmed the news on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness and shock to announce that the fighting cowboy Dwight Ritchie sadly passed away today doing what he loved,” he said.

“As Dwight’s promoter and friend it’s unbearable to accept the tragic news that’s just surfaced.”

Richie, nicknamed “The Fighting Cowboy”, held a 19-2 record.

He last fought in August, losing to Tim Tszyu by a unanimous decision for the IBF Australasian super welterweight title.

“I am truly saddened by the passing of Dwight Richie,” Tszyu said on Instagram.

“Only fighters understand the bond shared between them, especially those who shared a ring together. Rest In Peace to a true champion.”

Ritchie’s death comes less than a month after American boxer Patrick Day died after suffering a serious brain injury during his knockout defeat to Charles Conwell in Chicago.

He was the third boxer to die from injuries sustained in the ring this year.

Argentina’s Hugo Santillan died in July following a bout in San Nicolas, just north of Buenos Aires. His death came just two days after Russian fighter Maxim Dadashev died from brain injuries sustained in a fight in Maryland.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Luka Doncic fell just short of a triple-double with 24 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 138-122 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

Doncic recorded his stats in three quarters as Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle sat the second-year guard while Dallas maintained a double-digit lead in the final period. Kristaps Porzingis already had taken the night off recovering from a left knee injury.

Tim Hardaway Jr. added 20 points for Dallas, Justin Jackson had 17 points and Seth Curry scored 16, all in the first half.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers. Jae Crowder added 18 points for the Grizzlies, which lost their second straight.

Doncic helped Dallas pull away in the third quarter, scoring 14 points to give the Mavericks a 104-91 lead entering the fourth.

Memphis played without leading scorer and rookie Ja Morant, who took the night off for rest. Additionally, rookie forward Brandon Clarke did not play to for injury maintenance on a sore back.

The Mavericks used 52% shooting in the first half to carry a 68-62 lead into the break with Curry scoring his 16 points.

Crowder and Marko Guduric led Memphis with 10 points each.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

CHICAGO — James Harden narrowly missed his first triple-double of the season, finishing with 42 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Houston Rockets pulled away in the second half and beat the Chicago Bulls 117-94 on Saturday night.

Russell Westbrook scored 26 points as the Rockets won their third straight.

Harden, the NBA’s leading scorer who has 35 regular-season triple-doubles in his career, had several minutes of garbage time in the fourth quarter to get additional assists but was unsuccessful before leaving with a little more than three minutes remaining.

Harden entered the game averaging 36.5 points on 38.7% shooting, including 27% on 3-pointers.

Wendell Carter Jr. had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Chicago, which has dropped six of eight.

The Bulls were a woeful 4-for-32 shooting from 3-point range.

Chicago led 27-20 after one quarter behind eight points from Lauri Markkanen and eight Houston turnovers.

The Bulls led by nine points (31-22) early in the second before the Rockets used a 24-7 run to take control and open a 46-38 lead with four minutes left in the first half. Harden had nine points during the run.

Chicago closed within 50-49 at halftime on a 3-pointer by Zach LaVine. That was the Bulls second make in 17 first-half attempts from long range. Houston quickly reclaimed control with a 30-9 run in the opening 9:41 of the third, taking an 80-58 advantage.

The Rockets had an 86-67 lead entering the fourth, helped by 7-for-14 shooting from 3-pointers range in the third.

Harden led the way with 11 points in the quarter.

The Bulls couldn’t get closer than 14 points in the fourth quarter.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO — In the midst of Boston’s most dominant performance of the season, Celtics point guard Kemba Walker could only muster anger and confusion after learning Gordon Hayward broke his left hand.

Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and Boston routed the San Antonio Spurs 135-115 on Saturday in a victory tempered by the loss of Hayward, who will miss at least a month and could face surgery after breaking his left hand late in the first half.

“I was in shock,” Walker said. “In those kinds of situations, it’s kind of hard to say anything. You just don’t even know what to say sometimes. We’re going to miss him for the time that he’s out.”

Walker added 26 points as Boston (7-1) won its seventh straight game and set season highs for total points, first quarter scoring (39 points) and first-half scoring (72 points).

There was a somberness to the victory, though, after Hayward suffered his second significant injury since signing with the Celtics three seasons ago. The 6-foot-7 forward missed the 2017 season after breaking his leg six minutes into Boston’s season opener.

“This one doesn’t feel near as bad as it did two years ago,” Boston coach Brad Stevens said. “So, he’ll be back. Be off for a few weeks or a month or whatever it is.”

The Celtics forward broke his left hand after colliding with San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge with just over a minute remaining in the first half. Hayward was sent for an X-ray that confirmed the diagnosis. He did not return to the game.

“Going to get with the doctors tomorrow and decide if he needs to do surgery or not,” Stevens said. “Sounds like should he decide that the surgery option (is best, it) might actually be a better timeline. So, we’ll see what that all plays out to be.”

DeMar DeRozan had 22 points for the Spurs (5-4), who trailed by as many as 22 points in a lackluster effort of an early tipoff.

“What surprises me is that we were so unaggressive and so unphysical,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said.
Boston has not lost since dropping its season opener to Philadelphia, 107-93, on Oct. 23. The Celtics have outscored their opponents 115-101 since that loss and raised that dominance against the Spurs.

Boston sped up its pace and went on a 19-3 run after giving up the game’s first seven points. Every Celtics starter scored during the run, including seven straight points from Brown to ignite the rally.

Popovich called a full timeout and replaced all five of his starters in one mass substitution five minutes into the game, but that didn’t stem Boston’s momentum.

“They move the ball extremely well, they play well together and we caught onto that a little bit too late,” DeRozan said.

The dominance continued throughout the second quarter until Hayward exited.

Hayward winced in pain after banging his left hand against Aldridge’s chest attempting to get past the Spurs forward on a screen late in the first half. Hayward appeared to jam the hand once or twice more against Aldridge before exiting the game.

“Gordon’s really playing well right now and we’re leaning on him to help us with this season and this run we’re trying to make,” Brown said. “I know that’s really tough. Any time you deal with an injury like that, that’s disheartening.”
Hayward had nine points and two rebounds in 15 minutes before exiting.

San Antonio reserve point guard Derrick White continued to ride a stationary bike to stay loose after suffering a hard fall to the court against the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 3.

White remained in the game against the Lakers following the fall, but his backside has tightened up since.

“I felt better today than I have the past couple of games,” White said. “Just try to keep it loose the best I can.”

White said his time away from the bench should end soon.

“Maybe next game and then that will be it,” White said. “I don’t like being over there but I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.”

Source: Manila Bulletin