Manny Pacquiao arrives in LA ahead of comeback, WBC title fight vs Barrios

Manny Pacquiao and his family have flown to Los Angeles to formally announce his return from retirement and prepare for his upcoming WBC welterweight title fight.

According to a post by Pinoy Boxing No. 1 on X, the 46-year-old boxing legend and his team have landed in LA, where he is set to begin training camp at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym.

PACMAN IS BACK IN L.A!

Manny Pacquiao and the rest of team Pacquiao have arrived in Los Angeles to continue his training camp at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in preparation for his match against WBC Champion Mario Barrios.
: Jhay Oh Otamias pic.twitter.com/dPjuzhSbeH

— OLE (@pinoyboxingno1) May 19, 2025

Pacquiao is expected to confirm a bout against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios—a younger, taller opponent standing at 6 feet.

The former eight-division world champion last fought professionally in 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision. He later participated in exhibition matches against Korean vlogger DK Yoo in 2022 and Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in 2025.

The WBC recently ranked Pacquiao No. 5 in its welterweight division, paving the way for this high-profile title shot.

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Suarez’s backer Singson maintains: Na-mafia tayo

The camp of Charly Suarez expects a “no contest” ruling following the controversial ending to his WBO super featherweight title bout against champion Emmanuel Navarrete.

Suarez lost via technical decision after Navarrete sustained a cut above his left eyebrow in the sixth round of their fight.

Officials ruled it was caused by an accidental clash of heads, but video replays showed it was Suarez’s punch that inflicted the damage.

“Alam nating lahat, na-mafia tayo sa Amerika,” said former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, Suarez’s chief backer, in a press conference on Sunday.

“Akala ko wala nang mafia eh, pero nakita ng buong mundo na walang headbutt. Dapat ‘yun, sila ang talo. Sila ang nasugatan eh,” he added.

The California State Athletic Commission is reportedly reviewing the bout and could overturn the result to a no-contest.

But Singson insisted the outcome should be more than that.

“Tinanggal na nila (si Navarrete) sa 130 (lbs) para umakyat, at para ’di siya tamaan nung desisyon,” Singson said, claiming Navarrete is being protected.

“Inaasahan nating lahat na mabaliktad ’yung desisyon, pero ang worst, ilalagay nilang no contest para hindi magkaroon ng bad record ’yung alaga nila,” he said.

“Siguradong mananalo tayo kung tinuloy ’yun. At kung talagang may headbutt, dapat nagreklamo si Navarrete. Pero hindi nagreklamo eh, dahil hindi headbutt. Halatang daya ’yun.”

Regardless of the commission’s final verdict, Singson emphasized that Suarez deserves a rematch.

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San Miguel Beer eyes top-four finish, wary of Terrafirma trap

San Miguel Beer is closing in on a top-four finish in the PBA Philippine Cup, but head coach Leo Austria insists now is not the time to relax.

“Hindi kami puwedeng mag-relax because every game remains important,” Austria told the PBA website, ahead of their game against the struggling Terrafirma Dyip today at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

The Dyip, losers of six straight games and now holding a 1-6 record, are virtually out of quarterfinal contention. Still, Austria refuses to take them lightly.

“Terrafirma, nakikita natin every game na in the first half talagang they are very competitive. But because of their (lack of) depth, medyo natatalo sila,” he noted.

SMB is currently 4-2, good for third place, and in strong contention for one of the top four spots that carry a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.

“Still on track for a top four,” Austria said following a 111-92 win over Phoenix last week.

He added that every team is out to beat the Beermen, and consistency—especially from the bench—will be key moving forward.

“In the first four games namin, bench really helped a lot. And those three wins namin, masasabi kong best players of the game sila,” Austria said.

The Beermen’s second unit rebounded well from a poor six-point outing against TNT by combining for 46 points in their latest victory, backing up mainstays CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo.

SMB hopes to sustain that form against Terrafirma and again on May 25 versus Blackwater (1-4), as they chase playoff momentum.

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Knicks KO Celtics in Game 6, charge into East finals

Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby each scored 23 points as the New York Knicks reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000 by steamrolling the visiting Boston Celtics 119-81 on Friday in Game 6 of their semifinal series.

Mikal Bridges had 22 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 12 rebounds for third-seeded New York, which led by as many as 41 points. The Knicks wrapped up the best-of-seven series with the largest winning playoff margin in franchise history.

“There’s more to go,” Bridges said. “We’re not done. We came out there tonight and played hard and handled business. But our season is not over. We have much more to go.”

New York surpassed a 36-point playoff victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the decisive Game 5 of the 1970 Eastern Division finals.

Josh Hart contributed 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to record New York’s first postseason triple-double since Walt Frazier accomplished the feat in 1972.

“I want to congratulate the Celtics on a terrific season,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Unfortunate injury to Jayson Tatum. They’re a terrific organization, ownership, front office, Joe Mazzulla is a terrific coach, great players.

“They’re not going to hand you anything. You have to earn it.”

The Knicks will open the conference finals at home against the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

Defending NBA champion Boston was led by Jaylen Brown, who had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists before fouling out late in the third quarter. The Celtics were again short-handed after losing Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles during Game 4 on Monday.

“Upset or not, we beat a great team,” Brunson said. “They obviously lost a huge piece (in Tatum). The way they came out in Game 5, they’re still a good team. Regardless of what anyone thinks – upset or not — we’re just happy to come out of the series with a win and now we’ll prepare for another team.”

New York shot 46.2 percent from the field, including 16 of 45 (35.6 percent) from 3-point range. The Knicks held a 55-36 rebounding advantage.

Payton Pritchard scored 11 points and Al Horford added 10 for Boston, which shot 36 percent and was 12 of 40 (30 percent) from 3-point range.

The score was tied at 16 before the Knicks began pulling away.

New York led 26-20 at the end of the first quarter and then opened the second with a 16-4 surge to open up an 18-point lead midway through the period.

After Boston’s Luke Kornet interrupted the burst with a three-point play, the Knicks rattled off 16 of the next 21 points to take a 58-32 lead on a putback dunk by Miles “Deuce” McBride with 1:31 left.

McBride buried a 3-pointer as time expired in the half for a 64-37 lead at the break. That marked New York’s largest halftime advantage at the break since leading the Los Angeles Lakers 69-42 in Game 7 of the 1970 Finals, won by the Knicks.

“You win a championship and you have that target on your back from Day 1,” Celtics guard Derrick White said of falling well short of winning back-to-back NBA titles. “There’s ups and downs through every season. This part sucks and we didn’t complete the goal that we set out to get.”

The contest was effectively over when Brown fouled out with 2:50 left in the third quarter and Boston down by 33. Anunoby poured it on with consecutive 3-pointers to end a 10-0 push as the margin went above 40 at 92-51 with 1:51 remaining in the third.

“They played better than we did,” Mazzulla said. “I’m happy for Thibs. He’s been coaching for a long time. That’s the biggest thing. You pay your dues, you put forth everything. That guy is a lifer. He’s what a coach is all about and he deserves it. And they deserve it as a team. You got to take your hat off to them.” (Source: Reuters)

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Robby Celiz clutch as Nueva Ecija deals San Juan’s first defeat

Robby Celiz converted timely shots in the endgame as the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards prevailed over the San Juan Knights-Go for Gold, 97-86, in the 2025 MPBL Season on Saturday night at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum.

The former PBA forward kept the Knights at bay as he drained consecutive baskets with over a minute remaining, stretching the Rice Vanguards’ advantage to double digits at 97-84.

Celiz finished the game with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a steal to be named Player of the Game as the Rice Vanguards notched their 11th victory in as many games.

“Talagang pinaghandaan namin sila eh kasi parehong undefeated tapos homecourt pa namin, so hindi ito about sa akin, it’s about the team, to the coaches, to the players, to the staff, lahat kami nagtatrabaho,” Celiz said after the game.

“This game, crinecredit ko sa coaches, maganda ‘yung scouting (nila sa San Juan) at ‘yung game plan nila,” he added. “We just want to stay humble; wala pa kaming napapatunayan this season, and hungry kami sa championship.”

William McAloney added 20 markers, eight rebounds, and three assists, while John Wilson and Jaycee Marcelino contributed 14 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Rice Vanguards.

Orlan Wamar Jr. finished with 18 points and nine assists, Dexter Maiquez and Arvin Gamboa tallied 14 markers apiece, and Michael Calisaan ended with 11 points as San Juan dropped to a 9-1 mark.

Meanwhile, Lervin Flores posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Pangasinan Heatwaves (6-4) scored a 91-78 victory over the Pasay Voyagers (7-5).

The Zamboanga SIKAT (10-2), on the other hand, continued their impressive start after an 82-77 win over the Quezon City TODA Aksyon (3-8), 82-77. James Sena finished with 12 points for the Player of the Game honors.

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Gauff takes blame for Italian Open loss with Eala: ‘She definitely got MVP’

Coco Gauff took full responsibility for her and Alex Eala’s exit in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open women’s doubles, admitting she struggled throughout their hard-fought match against defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini.

The pair fell short in a close battle, 5-7, 6-3, 10-7, despite Eala’s standout performance in the high-stakes match.

“Many times I’ve apologized to her, but she’s quick, she’s fast, so she’s there to cover for me,” Gauff said in an interview with Tennis Channel.

Gauff, currently the world No. 3 in singles, admitted she’s still finding her rhythm in doubles after ending her partnership with world No. 4 Jessica Pegula earlier this year.

“You know how they say you don’t forget how to ride a bike? Doubles, you definitely forget how to play,” she said. “I told her, ‘I’m like ice at the net’—tha’t’s what I feel like.”

Despite the loss, Gauff praised Eala’s poise and energy on court, calling her the MVP of their quarterfinal match.

“In our match yesterday, she definitely got MVP for that. I was just kind of there. So, I told her sometimes I forget how to play because it’s been a while. It’s just one of those things,” Gauff shared.

“She’s super great. She plays really aggressive doubles, which is something I like and definitely need. I’m really happy. I knew how she played singles, but you never know how people are going to play doubles. I’m very happy.”

Gauff and Eala’s performance marked a promising partnership, showing strong chemistry and resilience against one of the top teams in women’s doubles.

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Alive and well, Celtics out to even series vs. Knicks in Game 6

It appears it wasn’t mentioned to the Boston Celtics that they were supposed to go away quietly in the wake of Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury.

The Celtics were loud and boisterous while facing elimination and won in dominant fashion Wednesday. Now, they have the opportunity to even the Eastern Conference semifinals at three games apiece when they visit the Knicks on Friday night in New York.

Tatum’s serious injury in Game 4 inspired Boston, which delivered a 127-102 home-court rout in Game 5.

The Celtics are 10-2 without Tatum this season, including 2-0 in the playoffs.

“It’s easy to kind of write things off,” Boston co-star Jaylen Brown said. “Obviously, unfortunate what happened to J.T., but we’ve still got basketball to be played. I believe in this group. Don’t count us out just yet.”

The lopsided Game 5 victory transfers the pressure to the Knicks, who need to wrap up the series Friday to avoid a Game 7 in Boston on Monday.

New York star Jalen Brunson could feel the urgency after his club was outscored by 25 points in the second half.

He also made it clear the Knicks didn’t relax due to Tatum’s misfortune.

“No, not at all. Yes, they are missing a big piece, but they are a well-oiled machine that has been in situations where they’ve played without him, and they’ve played well,” Brunson said. “We need to understand that and trust the game plan and play to win. It’s as simple as that.”

Brunson scored 22 points in Game 5 before fouling out with 7:19 left to play. Josh Hart led the team with 24 points and made five of nine 3-point attempts.

But the Knicks shot just 35.8 percent from the field with OG Anunoby (1-for-12, six points) and Mikal Bridges (4-for-14, 9 points) both having poor shooting outings.

“We’ve got to play desperate,” Bridges said. “I don’t think we did that,”

Meanwhile, the Celtics had six players score in double digits. Derrick White knocked down seven 3-pointers while scoring 34 points and Brown had 26 points with 12 assists and eight rebounds.

Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play in the second half due to ongoing issues with a viral illness. He had one point and one rebound in 12 first-half minutes. Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said Porzingis was having trouble breathing.

His departure proved to be a stroke of good luck as journeyman Luke Kornet stepped up in the second half and finished with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots. The rejections were two shy of the franchise postseason record set by Robert Williams III a the 2021 first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

“I feel like it was just trying to make plays,” Kornet said. “Obviously, our season’s on the line, so I’m just trying to have a lot of energy, make plays. I feel like it was everybody. I feel like everybody stepped up and we were very connected and very aggressive and forceful and, obviously, did our job for the day. Now we have to get up and do it again, and it’ll require different things on Friday.”

Regardless of who Boston has on the floor, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will be studying intently to make the right adjustments.

“They have a lot of shooting on the floor, that’s going to remain the same,” Thibodeau said. “The thing about their team is they are a great defensive team as well. We can’t be slow getting back and you can’t give open shots to them. We have to be closer with our close-outs and be better with our communication.”

Though New York still holds the series lead, Boston carries the momentum as it attempts to win its second straight elimination game.

“We did what was necessary to do and what we needed to do to get it back to New York,” Mazzulla said. “You don’t get to pick the test that you have, you pick how you respond to them.”(REUTERS)

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Eala, Gauff bow out in Italian Open quarters after hard-fought battle

Partners Alex Eala and Coco Gauff lost a tough match against Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, yielding after three sets, 5-7, 6-3, 10-7, in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Italian Open women’s doubles.

Despite taking an early 5-3 lead in the opening set, Eala and Gauff were unable to hold off the experienced Italian duo, who rallied to take the set, 7-5.

The Filipina-American tandem responded strongly in the second, regaining momentum and forcing a decider with a convincing 6-3 win.

Both pairs went toe-to-toe in the super tiebreak, trading points until a 6-6 deadlock. However, Errani and Paolini dug deep in the final stretch to close out the match, 10-7.

The loss ends Eala’s campaign in Rome, but with her performance, the world No. 70 is expected to climb the WTA rankings.

“It was a tough one. We had our chances,” Eala said. “But there’s a lot to take away from this experience, and I’m proud of how we fought.”

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Kanlaon eruption forces cancellation of JPGT Negros, Bacolod

To ensure the safety of all participants following the recent eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros, the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. (PGTI) has announced the cancellation of the Negros Occidental and Bacolod legs of the 2025 ICTSI Junior PGT Championship.

“We regret to inform you that the 2025 ICTSI Negros Occidental and Bacolod Junior PGT Championships have been cancelled due to the recent Mt. Kanlaon eruption,” said PGTI in an official statement.

“We understand the disappointment this may cause for everyone who has been preparing for these events. However, the safety of all involved remains our top priority,” it added.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mt. Kanlaon erupted at 2:55 a.m. on Tuesday, releasing a thick gray plume that rose approximately three kilometers above the crater.

Ashfall was reported in several areas of Negros Occidental, including La Carlota: Brgy. Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al, Bago City: Brgy. Ilijan and Binubuhan, La Castellana: Brgy. Biak-na-Bato, Sag-ang, and Masalanao.

Audible rumbling from the eruption was also heard in Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, and parts of La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

The Negros Occidental leg, originally scheduled for May 14–16, was part of the JPGT Visayas-Mindanao series. It was to be followed by the Bacolod Golf and Country Club event in Binitin, Murcia, from May 19–21.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao swing will proceed as scheduled, kicking off with the first leg on June 25–27 at the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon.

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Trail Blazers announce plans to sell franchise

Late owner Paul Allen’s estate confirmed plans to sell the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

The sale is “consistent with Allen’s directive to eventually sell his sports holdings and direct all estate proceeds to philanthropy,” the Trail Blazers said in a statement posted on social media.

The estate hired investment bank Allen & Company and the law firm Hogan Lovells to lead the sales process, which is expected to continue into the 2025-26 NBA season.

The NBA’s Board of Governors would have to ratify any purchase agreement.

Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, purchased the Trail Blazers for $70 million in 1988. He died in 2018.

Allen’s estate also owns the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and a 25 percent stake in the Seattle Sounders of MLS but said neither of those clubs is for sale.

The Trail Blazers are one of the lowest-valued teams in the league at $3.65 billion, according to CNBC’s 2025 team valuations.

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Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell participates in shootaround, GTD for Game 5

Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell participated in shootaround at Cleveland Clinic Courts on Tuesday morning, hours ahead of his team’s crucial Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers.

Mitchell is listed as questionable with a sprained left ankle for the top-seeded Cavaliers, who trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.

“We don’t know anything about Donovan,” Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland said Tuesday, per the Akron Beacon Journal. “It’s a game-time decision at this point, so I’ll see the same time y’all see.”

ESPN reported Monday an MRI showed an aggravation of the injury.

Mitchell did not play in the second half of Sunday’s 129-109 setback in Indianapolis, finishing with 12 points on 3-of-11 shooting and zero assists in 20 minutes. The Cavaliers trailed 80-39 at the break.

Mitchell warmed up for the second half but experienced discomfort in the ankle and was checked out by the training staff. The six-time All-Star went back to the locker room for treatment and did not return to the game.

Mitchell, 28, was coming off back-to-back monster efforts in Game 2 (48 points) and Game 3 (43 points). For the series, he is averaging 34.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals in four starts.

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2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers draw set in Qatar

Gilas Pilipinas will soon find out its group-stage opponents and game venues as FIBA holds the official draw for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers today, Tuesday (May 13), at Al Hazm in Doha, Qatar.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy confirmed that Gilas deputy coach Sean Chambers will represent the Philippines at the draw.

“Coach Sean Chambers will be representing us to the draw,” Dy was quoted via the PBA website. “We still don’t know if we’re playing home or away. We don’t know which bracket we belong to and kung sino ang makakalaban natin.”

All 16 teams that qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this August will participate in the World Cup qualifiers, which begin in November.

Team seedings were released last week based on FIBA world rankings and geographical zones. The seeding pots are as follows:

Pot 1: Australia, Japan

Pot 2: Iran, Lebanon

Pot 3: New Zealand, China

Pot 4: Jordan, Saudi Arabia

Pot 5: Philippines, Korea

Pot 6: Syria, India

Pot 7: Chinese Taipei, Guam

Pot 8: Qatar (host), Iraq

One team from each pot will be drawn to form the groups.

“Diyan pa lang natin malalaman where we will be playing in the first window, which is set by the end of November and early December,” Dy added.

The qualifiers will run until March 2027.

FIBA Global Ambassador Carmelo Anthony is in Qatar to help oversee the draw ceremony.

Eight teams from the FIBA Asia-Oceania region, including host Qatar, will qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, which runs from August 27 to September 12.

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Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo open-minded about leaving Bucks

For the first time in his career, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded about playing elsewhere, ESPN reported on Monday.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player is reportedly exploring whether his best long-term fit is to remain in Milwaukee or move on after 12 seasons, nine All-Star selections and one championship with the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo, 30, averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 2024-25 before Milwaukee suffered its third straight first-round playoff exit.

He is under contract through the 2026-27 season and has a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He carries cap hits of $54.1 million in 2025-26 and $58.5 million in 2026-27.

Suitors are expected to ramp up their conversations with Bucks brass about a potential deal for the veteran forward at this week’s combine in Chicago, per the report.

The Bucks are also expected to sit down with Antetokounmpo’s representatives, Giorgios Panou and Alex Saratsis, in the offseason to discuss his future, league sources told ESPN.

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Luka Dončić ‘mentally kind of exhausted’ after trade to Lakers from Mavs

Luka Dončić admitted he was mentally drained after a whirlwind 2024-25 NBA season that saw him traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, per Bleacher Report’s Julia Stumbaugh.

“I’m mentally kind of exhausted from everything that happened,” Dončić said at the 2:45 mark of his press conference following the Lakers’ first-round playoff elimination to the Minnesota Timberwolves. “I know a lot of people won’t believe me, but I am. I think now it’s time to process everything.”

Dončić’s first postseason as a Laker ended on April 30 in a 103-96 Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves in Los Angeles.

The Slovenian star has repeatedly spoken about the emotional impact of the February 2 trade, which caught him off guard despite reported tension between his camp and the Mavericks for over a year prior, per ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.

“Dallas was my home for seven years, almost seven years. It really felt like home,” Dončić told reporters on March 20. “So just coming here, trying to build a new home, and I’m getting more and more comfortable.”

Dončić was visibly emotional during the Mavericks’ April 9 tribute to him in his first return to Dallas. At the time, he admitted, “I know it’s been two months or something, but still adapting a little bit. It was a big change, but it’s getting better.”

Now, his short stint with the Lakers could influence a major decision. Dončić becomes eligible to sign a contract extension worth up to four years and $230 million starting August 2.

Asked about his contract plans after the Lakers’ elimination, Dončić replied, “I didn’t think it yet. I’ve been focused on basketball. Obviously, this is the time, now, to think about everything.”

As for his overall experience in Los Angeles, Dončić expressed gratitude.

“It’s been great. The way the fans accepted me, it’s been amazing. The community accepting me has been amazing. I’m really glad that I’m here. I had a great couple of months,” he said. “Was trying to learn about everything, about the city, about the things. So just trying to process everything.”

With Dončić’s future undecided and LeBron James yet to reveal whether he’ll opt into his 2025-26 player option, the Lakers’ offseason plans remain in flux.

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Alinsug credits NU chemistry in Game 1 Finals win over La Salle

National University Lady Bulldogs outside hitter Evangeline Alinsug pointed to team chemistry as a key factor in their 25-17, 25-21, 13-25, 25-17 win over the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Finals.

The Cebuana scorer stepped up in the finals opener, taking advantage of La Salle’s focus on NU star Alyssa Solomon to deliver a season-high 21 points.

“Actually, ‘yun nga, sabi ni ate Bella (Belen) na malaking factor sa amin na kilalang-kilala namin ‘yung isa’t isa kasi sa training din nagsisimula talaga,” said Alinsug in a post-game interview.

“Kung may lutang, madadala sa laro so ina-approach namin ‘yun and pinaguusapan namin ‘yun and alam namin kung paano mababawi ‘yun,” she added.

Lady Bulldogs head coach Sherwin Meneses echoed Alinsug’s sentiment, saying that the familiarity and trust among his players reduces the need for constant reminders, even during rough patches.

“Actually, ‘yung chemistry ng NU nandiyan naman pero sabi ko nga, kailangan pagpaguran kasi wala namang champion ngayon, defending champions so dapat mai-defend talaga namin ‘yung crown ng NU,” said Meneses.

“‘Yung competitiveness ng mga players talagang nandiyan na, sobrang taas. So, I hope, sa second game namin [ng Finals], talagang malagpasan pa namin ‘yung magandang laro nila,” he added.

NU will look to clinch back-to-back titles—and their third in the last four seasons—in Game 2 on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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Pat Riley: ‘No doubt’ Heat will make changes in 2025 NBA free agency

The Miami Heat are bracing for a transformative offseason.

Team president Pat Riley made it clear during his end-of-season press conference on Friday (Saturday in Manila) that the Heat are set to make significant adjustments ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, per Bleacher Report’s Jack Murray.

“There’s no doubt,” Riley said when asked if changes were coming. “There are some lateral trades that can be made to improve the team. Do we inject an alpha? A great, great player to help maximize our performance in those double-digit leads that were lost? It could be that simple.”

The Heat finished 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 37-45 record but managed to win both games in the play-in tournament. However, they were swiftly swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

With Miami potentially in the market for a superstar, rumors have swirled linking the franchise to high-profile names like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, should they become available.

Riley emphasized that the organization isn’t afraid to pursue bold moves if it means getting the Heat back into title contention.

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Eala teams up with Gauff for doubles win in Italian Open

FIRST MATCH TOGETHER AND A WIN!

CONGRATS COCO-EALA!! pic.twitter.com/elzrtRWHgX

— K (@keifornal) May 10, 2025

Alex Eala made a strong rebound at the Italian Open, teaming up with World No. 3 Coco Gauff for a commanding win in their women’s doubles debut on Saturday.

Eala and Gauff defeated the pair of Alexandra Panova of Russia and Fanny Stollár of Hungary, 6-3, 6-1, to advance to the round of 16.

After a brief 2-2 deadlock in the first set, the new duo found their rhythm and dominated the rest of the match.

The victory comes as a bounce back for the 19-year-old Filipina, who was eliminated by Marta Kostyuk in singles play earlier in the tournament.

Eala and Gauff will next face the winners of the matchup between Italy’s Tyra Grant and Lisa Pigato and the tandem of Irina Khromacheva (Russia) and Anna Danilina (Kazakhstan).

Meta:

Alex Eala made a strong rebound at the Italian Open, teaming up with World No. 3 Coco Gauff for a commanding win in their women’s doubles debut on Saturday.

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Suarez vows to represent PH with pride in WBO title clash vs Navarrete

It’s Philippines versus Mexico once again as Charly Suarez takes on Mexican champion Emanuel Navarrete for the WBO junior lightweight title this weekend.

Suarez, known as the “King’s Warrior,” views the title bout as a chance to showcase the talent and grit of Filipino boxers on the world stage.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to represent the country and show the world that Filipinos are good at boxing. The Philippines and Mexico is a good fight,” Suarez said during the final press conference for the 12-round title clash.

The 36-year-old unbeaten fighter, with an 18-0 record, could not hide his anticipation ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for — I waited half of my career for this,” said Suarez, a 2016 Rio Olympian. “I prayed for this fight. Now that the opportunity came to our team, we have to grab it and not let it slip away.”

With over 350 amateur bouts under his belt, Suarez believes his foundation will be key against an experienced foe.

“All my amateur experience has been carried into my professional career. When the world title opportunity came, I knew I was ready. I’m excited for this,” he added.

But Suarez will have his hands full against Navarrete, a three-division world champion with a 39-2-1, 32 KOs record.

Navarrete is out to make a statement after previously suffering a setback in San Diego.

“The last time I was in San Diego, we didn’t get the victory,” said Navarrete. “Now, defending my title at 130, I want to give the people a great performance. We worked hard for this. We know Charly Suarez is coming to fight, but I’m on the path to victory.”

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Analyst: Suarez hopes to carry Filipino tradition in junior lightweight class

Just like the champions who came before him, Charly “King’s Warrior” Suarez is determined to uphold the proud Filipino tradition in the junior lightweight division.

Veteran boxing analyst Atty. Ed Tolentino believes Suarez has a chance to join the elite list of Filipino world champions in the 130-pound class if he defeats WBO junior lightweight (super featherweight) champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete this weekend.

“Ito na ang championship (fight) na kanyang hinihintay. Ang ganda ng kanyang weight class, junior lightweight division,” Tolentino said in an interview with boxing scribe JM Siasat.

“Alam natin ang history ng Filipino boxers pagdating sa junior lightweight starting with Gabriel Flash Elorde… ang dami. Ben Villaflor, Rolando Navarrete, andaming magagaling na jr. lightweight tayo dito. He hopes to carry on that tradition.”

Suarez and Navarrete are scheduled to clash at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California, on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Although Suarez boasts an unblemished 18-0 professional record, he faces a steep challenge not only in opponent but also in age. At 36, Suarez is seven years older than Navarrete, who holds a 39-2-1 record with 32 knockouts and significantly more professional experience.

“As a pro boxer, let’s say late bloomer itong si Charly Suarez kasi medyo na-extend ‘yung kanyang karera sa amateurs. Mas extensive po ang karera ni Charly Suarez as an amateur, nandoon ‘yung kanyang Olympic stint, etcetera,” explained Tolentino.

“But the thing is, huli man, mukhang maihahabol pa rin.”

Despite his age, Tolentino emphasized Suarez’s deep amateur background as a critical asset.

“He’s 36 years old, kahit papaano ‘yung kanyang extensive amateur experience hindi naman biro ‘yun. He took on a lot of recognizable names, including Vasily Lomachenko, na hindi naman totally nakakahiya,” he noted. “In fact, baka iyon pa nga ang prime Lomachenko dahil late din nag-pro si Lomachenko.”

Tolentino also highlighted Suarez’s technical edge and discipline inside the ring.

“The thing is, with that extensive amateur career, nakita mo namang pulido ang style ng mama. Nakikita mo ang disiplina, ‘di nagsasayang suntok itong si Charly Suarez,” he said.

“Itong Charly Suarez, maganda ng pagkakahulma in his extensive amateur career, and it will come in handy in the pros.”

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From Swoosh to Stripes: Gilas taps Adidas as official outfitter

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has officially named Adidas as the new outfitter of Gilas Pilipinas.

The announcement was made Friday during the SBP’s national congress held at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall in Pasig City.

They also announced the news via SBP’s official Facebook page.

Adidas replaces Nike, which previously outfitted the national basketball teams before their partnership ended last year.

This marks a reunion between Gilas and Adidas, which last supplied uniforms for the national team in the 2000s.

The new deal covers all SBP basketball programs, including both the 5-on-5 and 3×3 squads.

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