Category: Uncategorized

Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

On: By: admin


 FIVB Challenger Cup 2024 schedule of games July 5

Ninoy Aquino Stadium

3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

SCHEDULE OF PH GAMES HERE.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

Jema Galanza with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After initially being listed as libero, Jema Galanza is back to her original position as an outside spiker in the FIVB Challenger Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Two days before their knockout game against AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito said that Galanza will no longer have to play as libero following a minor foot injury during their preparation.

“She is [doing] better and she’s ok. She will be a regular player,” De Brito told Inquirer Sports. FULL STORY

Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Coming off the high of a historic achievement, Alas Pilipinas is beginning to feel some of the problems of maintaining a high-profile national pool.

Luckily, the women’s program has a few reinforcements coming its way.

National University (NU) ace and UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen and multi awarded spiker Jema Galanza will bolster Alas Pilipinas when it takes on Vietnam on Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. FULL STORY

After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

Team USA vs Japan Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 Filipino crowd

FILE–A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines looks to continue its string of successful hosting gigs with the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) for Women from Thursday to Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country will be hosting a third straight international competition this year with the VCC, which serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas will see action in the VCC when it clashes with Vietnam in a knockout game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. following the 3 p.m. match between Argentina and the Czech Republic. FULL STORY



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Luka Doncic, Slovenia face Giannis, Greece in semis

On: By: admin


Luka Doncic and Slovenia advance to the knockout phase of the Fiba OQT in Piraeus, Greece. –FIBA PHOTO

Luka Doncic and Slovenia still have Olympic hopes. And so does the Philippines, much to its own surprise.

Doncic had 36 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Slovenia beat New Zealand 104-78 on Thursday to clinch a semifinal spot in the Fiba OQT at Piraeus, Greece. Slovenia needed to win by at least 10 points to make the semifinals.

READ: Fiba OQT: Greece opens strong; Doncic, Slovenia still have chance

Slovenia’s opponent on Saturday is Greece, meaning it’ll be Luka Doncic and fellow NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo leading their squads — with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final with a berth in the Paris Olympics at stake, and the loser eliminated.

Josh Nebo had 20 points and 10 rebounds for Slovenia. Shea Ili led New Zealand with 28 points.

Fiba OQT semifinal matchups

The matchups for Saturday’s semifinals are taking shape.

At Valencia, Spain — Finland vs. Spain; Bahamas vs. Lebanon.

At Piraeus, Greece — Slovenia vs. Greece; Croatia vs. Dominican Republic.

At Riga, Latvia — Brazil vs. Philippines; Cameroon vs. Latvia.

SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba OQT semifinals 2024

At San Juan, Puerto Rico — Lithuania vs. Italy or Puerto Rico; Italy or Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.

The finals at all four sites are Sunday, and those four winners go to the Paris Olympics.

Georgia 96, Philippines 94

Gilas Pilipinas Fiba OQT semifinals

Gilas Pilipinas headed to the Fiba OQT semifinals. –FIBA PHOTO

Gilas Pilipinas lost but advanced to Saturday’s semifinals of their tournament in Riga, Latvia, anyway. That created a bit of an issue; the team had flights home scheduled for Friday.

“I guess we’re going to have to move them back a little bit,” Philippines coach Tim Cone said. “That’s how surprised we are to be here and talking to you guys. It’s the first time I’ve felt good about losing.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas Pilipinas vs Georgia Fiba OQT July 4

Georgia needed to win by at least 19 points to have any chance of advancing.

Sandro Mamukelashvili led Georgia with 26 points and Goga Bitadze finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Brownlee led all scorers with 28 points for the Philippines, adding eight rebounds and eight assists as well.

Finland 89, Poland 88

Down by 12 early in the fourth, Finland finished the game on a 25-12 run to keep its Olympic hopes alive and reach the semifinals.

Mikael Jantunen scored 20 for Finland, which got 18 from Alexander Madsen; those two players combined to shoot 12 for 13 from the floor.

A.J. Slaughter had 21 points and Jeremy Sochan added 20 for Poland, which was eliminated.

Greece 93, Egypt 71

At Piraeus, Antetokounmpo got the day off and Greece rolled into the semifinals anyway.

Konstantinos Mitoglou and Georgios Papagiannis each had 16 points for Greece, which got 15 from Kostas Popanikolaou.

Ahmed Metwaly scored 22 for Egypt, which was eliminated.

Cameroon 77, Brazil 74

Cameroon celebrates a win over Brazil in the Fiba OQT in Riga, Brazil.

Cameroon celebrates a win over Brazil in the Fiba OQT in Riga, Brazil. –FIBA PHOTO

At Riga, Cameroon won and advanced, Brazil lost and won its group anyway, and Montenegro really lost without even playing.

Jeremiah Hill led Cameroon with 22 points. Cameroon needed to win to advance to Saturday’s semifinals in Latvia; had it lost, Montenegro would have reached the semifinals.

Leo Meindl topped Brazil with 19 points. All Brazil had to do to win the group was win the game or lose by no more than six points; had Brazil lost by 15 or more, it would have been eliminated and Montenegro would have advanced.

Lebanon 74, Angola 70

Omari Spellman scored 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Lebanon moved into the semifinals of the qualifier at Valencia, Spain.

Karim Zeinoun added 15 for the winners, including a personal 7-0 run early in the fourth quarter when he turned a game that was tied at 49 into one in which Lebanon led 56-49 — and it wouldn’t trail again.

Gerson Goncalves scored 13 and Bruno Fernando added 12 for Angola, which was eliminated.

Mexico 92, Ivory Coast 81

At San Juan, Puerto Rico, Paul Stoll scored 23 points and added 11 assists, and Mexico erased a nine-point deficit in the second half to earn a semifinal spot.

Joshua Ibarra scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Mexico, which outscored Ivory Coast 24-12 in the fourth quarter to pull away.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Nisre Zouzoua and Vafessa Fofana each scored 16 for Ivory Coast.

Mason Amos sorry for ‘unacceptable’ actions with Ateneo exit

On: By: admin


Mason Amos is leaving Ateneo Blue Eagles after just one UAAP season with the team and is reported to be moving to La Salle. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Following his controversial transfer to La Salle, Mason Amos broke his silence and apologized to Ateneo for not disclosing his final decision of his transfer to the team.

Amos, who is currently with Gilas Pilipinas in Latvia for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OTQ), on Friday admitted that he was “not being considerate” with the way his decision to leave the Blue Eagles came to light.

“It’s been a tough week with a decision I made due to my reasons. However, my actions were unacceptable and not called for. Although I did mention the offer to the management, they weren’t informed about my final decision as well as my teammates because I felt that it was a personal decision for me and my family,” wrote Amos on X.

READ: UAAP: Mason Amos leaves Ateneo amid reported La Salle transfer

The news of 6-foot-7 Amos’ departure from Ateneo to reportedly take his act to archrival and Season 86 champion La Salle broke on Monday. He posted a lengthy goodbye to the Blue Eagles on his Instagram the day after.

“I will apologize for not being considerate. To my teammates, coaches, the community and the alumni I am sorry for my actions and I will own up to a mistake that could’ve been handled better,” Amos said. “I don’t expect forgiveness but I just hope for understanding. I do love Ateneo and I wish all the best.”

The Filipino-Australian big man impressed in his first and only season with the Blue Eagles, averaging 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds. Ateneo reached the Final Four but got dethroned by the twice-to-beat University of the Philippines.

READ: UAAP: Geo Chiu ‘hurt’ over Mason Amos’ sudden Ateneo departure

La Salle has yet to officially confirm the acquisition of Amos, who will undergo a one-year residency and be eligible to play next year in UAAP Season 88.

Amos is part of Gilas’ bench in Riga, Latvia as the Filipinos chase a ticket to the Paris Olympics. They will face Brazil in the semifinal on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (Manila time) in Riga.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

As deadline expires, Draft pool suddenly becomes ‘interesting’

On: By: admin


Converge coach Aldin Ayo

Converge coach Aldin Ayo admitted that the late addition of talented prospects have made the process of selecting the top overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft even tougher.

“The Draft has become interesting. It now has a deep pool,” Ayo told the Inquirer in Filipino as the deadline for applicants to submit their papers for the July 14 proceedings lapsed Thursday afternoon.

The PBA is set to release the full list of applicants on Friday, but interesting names cropped up before the league office closed at 5 p.m., with Filipino-American Sedrick Barefield and RJ Abarrientos announcing their entries.

That should require some soul-searching for Ayo and the FiberXers to pick the right man more than a week from now at Glorietta in Makati City, especially with names such as Justine Baltazar, Dave Ildefonso and Fil-Am Caelan Tiongson also part of the class.

Many see Baltazar as a sure first pick, given his talents and connections with the Converge franchise. But the entry of Barefield and Abarrientos could change that.

“They’ve been on our radar, but we will discuss with management on what our approach will be for the Draft,” Ayo added in Filipino.

The teams that will pick after Converge will then have a bevy of options, from Blackwater choosing second followed by Terrafirma, Phoenix and NorthPort, NLEX and Rain or Shine, which has the seventh overall acquired from the Bossing for the Rey Nambatac trade last February, and the eighth pick.

Highly touted prospect

Rounding out the first round are Magnolia, Barangay Ginebra, Philippine Cup champion Meralco and Commissioner’s Cup winner San Miguel Beer. The order was based on the teams’ positions during the two-conference Season 48, with 40 percent coming from the Commissioner’s Cup and 60 percent from the Philippine Cup.

Considered as a highly touted prospect, Barefield is taking his act to the PBA after coming off a campaign with the Taipei Fubon Braves, who competed in Taiwan’s domestic P.League+ and the East Asia Super League.

Barefield applied for the draft in 2022 and was projected to be among the top three picks, but encountered delays processing his Philippine passport.

Abarrientos, meanwhile, is set to follow the footsteps of his uncle, 1996 PBA MVP Johnny, after spending two seasons playing professionally in South Korea for the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus of the Korean Basketball League.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

He later on moved to Japan for the B.League’s Shinshu Brave Warriors, who later released Abarrientos after the end of the 2023-24 season.

Novel format spices up Reinforced PVL action

On: By: admin


Erica Staunton is Creamline Cool Smashers’ import for the PVL Reinforced Conference. –CREAMLINE PHOTO

A two-stage elimination round will be something new when the Reinforced Conference of the Premier Volleyball League gets off the ground on July 16, although the battle for the championship will be just for a single game which assures that no team will run under full speed the entire time.

The 12-team field will be divided into two groups in the first phase of classification, with the top teams from Pools A and B going on to clash with the bottom three teams from the opposite groups to form Pools C and D.

Following the preliminaries, teams will be ranked using the FIVB Classification System. The top eight squads will move on to the knockout quarterfinals. Winners will advance to the semifinals, which will also be decided in a do-or-die match. The top two teams from the semis will compete in a winner-take-all gold medal match, while the losers will battle for bronze.

Creamline headlines Pool A, which will also have Chery Tiggo, Farm Fresh, Galeries Tower, Nxled and PLDT, while defending champion Petro Gazz will be in the other pool together with Akari, Capital1, Cignal, Choco Mucho and Zus Coffee.

Opening day promises intense matchups, starting with the Highrisers, bannered by Brazilian reinforcement Monique Helena, facing the Nxled squad, which has yet to reveal its import, at 2 p.m. at PhilSports Arena.

Nxled is hoping to make the best out of picking fifth overall in the coming Draft after losing several standouts, including Ivy Lacsina and Dindin Santiago-Manabat in a swap with sister team Akari recently.

Lacsina was part of the package that also sent Cams Victoria, libero skipper Dani Ravena and main setter Kamille Cal to Akari. Manabat opted out of being included in that deal and terminated her contract with the Chargers to find her way into Choco Mucho.

At 4 p.m., American spiker Katherine Bell and the Crossovers will challenge Asaka Tamaru and the Foxies. The main event at 6 p.m. will see the Cool Smashers, led by Erica Staunton from the USA, against returning Russian hitter Lena Samoilenko and the PLDT High Speed Hitters. —Angel B. Dukha III



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Burgos fancied to repeat in 5150 Bohol

On: By: admin


Erika Nicole Burgos at the Sun Life 5150 Triathlon in Bohol.

Erika Burgos returns to the site of one of her greatest victories next Sunday, looking to repeat as the Sun Life 5150 Bohol triathlon champion as she battles a crack women’s field littered with international bets at Bellevue Resort on Panglao Island.

After winning a memorable duel with Leyann Ramo last year and clocking two hours, 24:28 for the 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run event, Burgos is listed as the solid favorite to win again because of her great finishing kick, which she used to great effect in winning the run stage by almost seven minutes.

John Chicano, the multi-gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, is the defending men’s champion. He clocked 2:00:04 in beating Satar Salem.

Registration for the event is still ongoing, with details available at Ironman 5150 Bohol. Fans can also follow the event on social media platforms under Sun Life 5150 Bohol on Facebook and 5150bohol on Instagram.

The race has already attracted a diverse group of international participants, including 10 from South Korea, eight from the US and six from Great Britain.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Gilas books OQT semis spot despite close loss to Georgia

On: By: admin


Kai Sotto. Photo: FIBA

It took just eight months for Gilas Pilipinas to add another compelling chapter to this basketball-crazed country’s rich history.

In less than 24 hours, the team made sure to keep adding to the story.

The Philippines unearthed a semifinal spot in defeat after a 96-94 loss to Georgia late Thursday evening extended its run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Latvia.

After winning the Asian Games gold for the first time in six decades last October, Gilas Pilipinas notched a milestone with an 89-80 victory over world No. 6 and host Latvia in a Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) early Thursday morning, marking the first time the country defeated a European squad in 64 years. But as national coach Tim Cone insisted, the Philippines is in Riga, the Latvian capital, not just for the footnotes.

“[W]e’re not here to just win one game,” he said after the win over Latvia.

The Filipinos, indeed, nearly made it two-in-a-row against European countries. They battled back from a 20-point deficit and took leads late in the game before yielding to the No. 23-ranked country in the Fiba ladder. Still, the world No. 37 shut the door on Georgia as it carried—and eventually protected—a plus-18 quotient that ushered the Philippines to the semifinals and within two wins of a spot in the Paris Olympics.

“We really want to try and get to the finals and see what would happen if we get to the finals. That’s really the goal,” Cone said. The Philippines hasn’t played Olympic basketball since the Munich edition of the Summer Games in 1972. Twelve years before that last appearance, the Filipinos scored an 84-82 victory over Spain in the preliminary round of basketball competitions in the Rome Olympiad.

Brownlee shines anew

The Philippines had not beaten a European team since then, until Thursday’s wire-to-wire conquest of the Latvians. And Cone said his charges were hell-bent on making sure that win won’t be the highlight of this tournament.

Justin Brownlee had 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead Gilas again against Georgia at Arena Riga.

Dwight Ramos and CJ Perez chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively.

The Georgians, anchored by NBA big men Sandro Mamukelashvili and Goga Bitadze, looked on track for a final four berth thanks to a blistering start built on pinpoint shooting.

But they fumbled their chance in the third period when they had little answers against cutthroat fightback led by Perez and youngster Carl Tamayo, who chipped in seven in the surge. Gilas managed to do well despite not having Kai Sotto, who hurt his right rib in the first half, and will now move to face either Brazil or Cameroon in the semifinals. Sotto was crucial in that huge upset of Latvia, scoring 18 points.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Georgia found itself in a bind even before the clash against the Philippines, needing to beat Gilas by 19 or more following an 83-55 massacre at the hands of Latvia two days ago.

Cha Cruz-Behag returns to PVL as Petro Gazz assistant coach

On: By: admin


FILE–Cha Cruz-Behag. PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Cha Cruz-Behag is returning to the PVL but this time, she will be embracing a new role as an assistant coach for the Petro Gazz Angels in their “three-peat” bid in the Reinforced Conference, which opens on July 16 at Philsports Arena.

A year after her return to the PVL but followed by F2 Logistics’ disbandment last December, Behag has found her way back to the pros with a new team but in a different capacity.

“A new Angel on the sideline that will help the team reach new heights. Welcome, Assistant Coach Cha Cruz-Behag,” Petro Gazz announced on Tuesday.

Behag, dubbed as “Miss Everything” with her do-it-all talent as a spiker for La Salle and previous club stints, will be helping Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara on his mission to deliver the Angels’ third straight Reinforced Conference crown.

The veteran outside spiker came out of a five-year hiatus in last year’s first All-Filipino Conference but sat out in the next two tournaments, announcing her second pregnancy.

READ: PVL: Cha Cruz-Behag, back after four years, savors triumphant return

The 36-year-old Behag, whose mother club F2 Logistics bid farewell to the pro volleyball scene last December, is joining a team close to her family as her sister Cienne Cruz played as libero from 2018 to last year, while Camille served as team manager in the past PVL seasons.

Behag will be handling reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, Jonah Sabete, Nicole Tiamzon, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Djanel Cheng, MJ Phillips, and Remy Palma as well as her ex-La Salle teammate Chie Saet and fellow former Cargo Movers Myla Pablo, Mich Morente, Joy Dacoron, and Ethan Arce.

Petro Gazz has yet to announce its import but it won the last two Reinforced Conferences in 2019 with Wilma Salas and the late Janisa Johnson before successfully defending its throne two years ago with Lindsey Vander-Weide, beating Cignal in the finals.

The Angels, who finished with a bronze medal in the All-Filipino Conference, are grouped in Pool B with Choco Mucho, Cignal, Akari, Capital1, and ZUS Coffee.

Petro Gazz opens its ‘three-peat’ campaign against ZUS Coffee, which will pick Thea Gagate at No.1 in the Rookie Draft and bring Japanese spiker Asaka Tamaru, on July 18 at Philsports Arena.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Kyle Anderson, Warriors completing $27 million, 3-year deal

On: By: admin


FILE -Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (1) drives around Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) during the first half in Game 4 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Dallas. Free agent forward Kyle Anderson and the Golden State Warriors were working to complete a $27 million, three-year contract, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations said Tuesday night, July 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

SAN FRANCISCO — NBA Free agent forward Kyle Anderson and the Golden State Warriors were working to complete a $27 million, three-year contract, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations said Tuesday night.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract wasn’t finalized and hadn’t been formally announced.

A day after losing guard Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State continued adding to its roster in an offseason that general manager Mike Dunleavy has said will be important in building the team back into a contender after missing the playoffs.

READ: NBA: Klay Thompson heading to Mavericks in NBA free agency

The Warriors will use a Traded Players Exception to acquire Anderson from Minnesota and both sides will swap second-round draft picks, according to the person who spoke to the AP, in the wake of Thompson’s departure on a sign-and-trade deal of $50 million over three years. ESPN first reported that aspect of the deal.

The 30-year-old Anderson played 79 games with 10 starts for the Timberwolves last season, averaging 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 22.6 minutes.

The Warriors will be his fourth team as he enters his 11th season. Anderson played four seasons with San Antonio and four with Memphis before spending the past two years with the Wolves, who valued his versatility, leadership and poise in a reserve role.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Greece opens strong; Doncic, Slovenia still have chance

On: By: admin


Giannis Antetokounmpo in Greece’s Fiba OQT game against Dominican Republic in Piraeus, Greece. –FIBA BASKETBALL PHOTO

Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like a player intent on leading Greece to its first Olympic berth since 2008.

Antetokounmpo had 32 points in 19 minutes, going 11 of 11 from the field, as Greece rolled to a 109-82 win over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday in Group B of the Piraeus, Greece Fiba OQT.

Thomas Walkup added 17 points for Greece, which led by as many as 27 and can advance to the semifinal round with a victory over Egypt on Thursday.

READ: Fiba OQT: Bahamas tops Finland in opener, Slovenia falls to Croatia

“Giannis loves to be here. He loves to represent his country,” Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis said. “He’s very humble. He’s part of the team. For a superstar you don’t find this easy. … He’s about winning.”

The tournament in Greece is one of four that opened Tuesday to settle the final four spots in the field for the Paris Olympics. Other tournaments are ongoing in Latvia, Puerto Rico and Spain.

Group play at all four sites continues through Thursday, with semifinal games Saturday and the title games Sunday.

READ: Doncic, Antetokounmpo shoot for last shot at Paris Olympics in the Fiba OQT

An appearance in the Olympics is one of the few things Antetokounmpo has yet to accomplish in his career.

On Wednesday, he didn’t seem to be bothered at all by the strained left calf that caused him to sit out the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff run in April. He got to the rim at will, went 9 of 13 from the free-throw line and knocked down his lone 3-point attempt.

New Zealand 90, Croatia 86

Croatia advanced in its bid to earn one of the final Olympic berths, but not with the kind of momentum it had hoped.

New Zealand beat Croatia 90-86 in Group A in Piraeus. Corey Webster had 21 points and Shea Ili added 18, including a go-ahead layup in the final minute to help New Zealand rally.

“I think it’s just a gutsy win from our team,” New Zealand captain Reuben Te Rangi said.

Ivica Zubac had 29 points and 16 rebounds, Dario Saric added 19 points and eight rebounds and Mario Hezonja had 16 points for Croatia, which was able to secure a place in the semifinals with the four-point differential. The loss, however, kept NBA star Luka Doncic and Slovenia in contention.

Slovenia can make it out of Group A and into the semifinals if it beats New Zealand by 21 points when the teams meet Thursday. If not, New Zealand will advance.

Croatia won its opener 108-92 over Slovenia on Tuesday.

“It was a tough spot playing after an emotional win over Slovenia,” Saric said of the loss Wednesday. “We were hoping we’d be on a level and push the game in our direction. But today wasn’t the case.”

Montenegro 70, Cameroon 66

In Riga, Latvia, Montenegro survived a sluggish start to keep its semifinal hopes alive with a 70-66 win over Cameroon.

Marko Simonovic had 18 points, six rebounds and went 9 of 9 from the free-throw line to lead five Montenegro players in double figures. Nikola Vucevic finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Cameroon needs to beat Brazil when the teams meet Thursday to advance to the semifinals out of Group B. Otherwise, the second spot would go to Montenegro.

Cameroon led 32-29 at the half. But Montenegro opened the third quarter with a 15-2 run to take a 44-34 lead and never trailed again. Montenegro connected on 7 of 9 free throws in the final period and 20 for 24 for the game.

Fabien Quentin Philibert Ateba and Jordan Bayehe each had 14 points apiece to lead Cameroon.

Bahamas 90, Poland 81

Valdez Edgecombe Jr. scored 21 points, Deandre Ayton added 18 points and nine rebounds, and the Bahamas advanced to the knockout round with its win over Poland in Valencia, Spain.

The Bahamas led by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter, knocking down 13 3-pointers and assisting on 24 of its 31 field goals for the game. Buddy Hield finished with 17 points and 10 assists to help his team finish 2-0 in Group B.

Poland and Finland play Thursday to decide which will join the Bahamas from the group in the semifinals.

Philippines 89, Latvia 80

Justin Brownlee Gilas Pilipinas stuns world No. 6 Latvia to open Fiba OQT bid schedule

Justin Brownlee soars for a slam in Gilas Pilipinas’ Fiba OQT win against Latvia. –FIBA BASKETBALL

Justin Brownlee had 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help the Philippines hold off a late charge and beat Latvia 89-80 in Group A of the Latvia tournament.

Kai Sotto added 18 points and eight rebounds.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas stuns world No. 6 Latvia to open Fiba OQT bid

Latvia trailed by 26 points and cut what was a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to 10 with 1:21 remaining. But the Philippines settled down and was able to close it out.

Rodions Kurucs led Latvia with 18 points.

The Philippines is in the driver’s seat to win the group and advance to the knockout stage when it plays Georgia on Thursday. Latvia beat Georgia 83-55 on Tuesday.

Spain 89, Angola 81

Santiago Aldama had 24 points and Spain beat Angola 89-81 to win Group A and advance to the semifinals of the Liga, Spain, tournament.

Willy Hernangomez added 22 points and 10 rebounds. The winner of Lebanon and Angola on Thursday will join Spain in the knockout round.

Spain carried a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter and Angola never got closer than six the rest of the way.

Jilson Bango led Angola with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Lithuania 97, Ivory Coast 93

Domantas Sabonis had 22 points to help Lithuania beat Ivory Coast 97-93 and advance to the knockout round of the San Juan, Puerto Rico tournament.

Marius Grigonis added 18 points and Lukas Lekavicius finished with 13, including 3 with under a minute to play to put his team ahead for good. Sabonis also had nine rebounds to help Lithuania finish 2-0 in Group A.

Deon Thompson had 18 points to lead Ivory Coast, which needs to beat Mexico Thursday to earn a semifinal berth.

Ivory Coast took a 72-65 lead into the fourth.

Lithuania twice got within a point before Lekavicius made a floater for a 92-90 lead. Ivory Coast nudged back in front with a minute to play on a 3 by Jean Philippe Dally.

Lekavicius answered with a 3 to make it 95-93 with 41 seconds left.

Puerto Rico 90, Bahrain 56

Stephen Thompson Jr. scored 20 points and Puerto Rico powered past Bahrain 99-56 on home soil to secure a spot in the semifinal round.

George Conditt IV added 17 points and eight rebounds for Puerto Rico, which will face Italy on Thursday to determine the winner of Group B. Italy also advanced to the knockout stage, having beaten Bahrain 114-53 on Tuesday.

Puerto Rico controlled the game throughout, building a 39-19 halftime lead that grew to more than 40 early in the fourth quarter.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Zee Hamoda led Bahrain with 15 points.