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Gilas falls short vs Georgia, but still headed to Fiba OQT semis

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Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee puts on another sensational game against Georgia to help secure the Fiba OQT semifinals ticket. –FIBA PHOTO

Gilas Pilipinas overcame a horrendous start before settling for a 96-94 loss at the hands of Georgia and still locking a semifinal spot in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OTQ) in Riga, Latvia.

Gilas trailed by as many as 20 points before closing the gap on the world No. 23 Georgia, which needed to win by 19 points to eliminate the Philippines and join host Latvia in the crossover knockout phase.

The Nationals will face either Brazil or Cameroon in the final phase, with Gilas now just two wins away from a historic return to the Summer Olympic Games.

HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas Pilipinas vs Georgia Fiba OQT July 4

“We got this stop done and now we’ve got another step to take. And I think that’s where the focus is and hopefully where the focus is of our guys,” national coach Tim Cone said of the next phase.

Justin Brownlee finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead Gilas once again at Arena Riga on Thursday.

Dwight Ramos and CJ Perez chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively, while Chris Newsome had 13 as the Filipinos reaped the benefits of beating World No. 6 Latvia less than 24 hours ago at the same venue.

READ: Gilas Fiba OQT win over Latvia puts spotlight on Tim Cone’s triangle offense

“We were down 20 at various points of the game and one little streak here or there we could’ve been down 30 and we’re going home and using those flight tickets we have for tomorrow,” said Cone with a chuckle. “But they really showed their resilience.”

“We’ve been saying, it’s the first time we’ve felt good about losing,” he added.

Filipino fans at Arena Riga cheering for Gilas Pilipinas against Georgia.

Filipino fans at Arena Riga cheering for Gilas Pilipinas against Georgia. –FIBA BASKETBALL

The Georgians, anchored by NBA big men Sandro Mamukelashvili and Goga Bitadze, looked on track for a semifinal berth thanks to a blistering 16-0 start built on pinpoint shooting.

They pushed the lead to as big as 40-20 in the second quarter before Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo, who finished with six points and six rebounds, kept the Nationals within striking distance before halftime.

READ: Gilas’ Justin Brownlee ‘Michael Jordan of PH basketball’

Georgia fumbled its chance to take full control in the third period when it had no answer against cutthroat fightback led by Perez and youngster Carl Tamayo, who chipped in seven in the surge including the 3 that tied the game at 70.

Already down to 11 men before flying to Riga, the Philippines managed to do well despite not having center Kai Sotto for most of the game after he hurt his right rib in the first half.

“We’ve lost Kai early and never got him back in the game. He’s in the hospital checking out his rib whether that’s an x-ray, we have no news on that yet how far or whether he’ll go forward. But the fact is we lost him but still fought our way back into the game,” said Cone.

Georgia found itself in a bind in the semifinals hunt following an 83-55 beatdown at the hands of Latvia two days ago.

The semifinal games in Riga are scheduled for Saturday.

The Scores:

Georgia 96 – Mamukelashvili 26, Bitadze 21, Shengelia 17, Thomasson 14, Sanadze 13, Andronikashvili 5, Ochkhikidze 0, Londaridze 0, Korsantia 0, Jintcharadze 0.

Philippines 94 – Brownlee 28, Ramos 16, Pere, 14, Newsome 13, Tamayo 7, Fajardo 6, Sotto 4, Oftana 4, Aguilar 2, Quiambao 0, Amos 0.

Belgium knocks out Sweden with sweep

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Belgium celebrates a point against Sweden in the n the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — Belgium unleashed a balanced attack to knock Sweden out of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup with a 25-16, 25-23, 25-22 win Thursday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Belgium, which missed stars Britt Herbots and Silke Van Avermaet, overcame the European Golden League champions with Manon Stragier leading the way with 17 points off 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. 

Britt Fransen also stepped up for Belgium with 12 points including five big blocks, while Pauline Martin was also instrumental with 11 points to forge a knockout semifinal against Puerto Rico on Saturday.

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas women at FIVB Challenger Cup 2024

Martin believes that their service-receive and net defense were the factors to their strong start in the qualifier for next year’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL), hoping to sustain their momentum in the semis against Puerto Rico, which swept Kenya earlier.

“It was important for us to win the serve receive that was a big part of the game today, which I think we dominated the whole game. It was an organized block defense. We kept their main spikers under control and played our game and tried not to make mistakes,” the opposite spiker said. 

“We haven’t scouted them (Puerto Rico) yet. I know they’re a pretty different team from last year. They are more like a defensive team so it’s going to be really hard to score against them so we’re gonna see and analyze their team and take it as a new game and opportunity,” she added.

READ: FIVB Challenger Cup: Puerto Rico ousts Kenya to advance to semis

Martin is also looking forward to a bigger crowd over the weekend which she had experienced in the VNL at Smart Araneta Coliseum two years ago and saw in the men’s tournament Week 3 two weeks ago. 

“The gym is not full today. I hope it’s gonna be full on the weekend because I’ve seen the VNL men and it was quite impressive so I’m really looking forward to and hoping to see a lot of fans. But so far it’s so good, everyone’s so nice to us,” Martin said.

“I was here two years ago when we played in Manila. It was a different experience so I wouldn’t really compare it but it’s really good, there’s a lot of fans and it was a pretty amazing gym and  it’s incredible to see how people in the Philippines love volleyball, it’s really obvious and it’s amazing.”



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Sweden was sent packing with Anna Haak and Alexandra Lazic carrying the cudgels with 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Esteban sees action in Paris with milestone for PH

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Maxine Esteban—CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Already having the support of two nations, Maxine Esteban just got validation that she has what it takes to win in the Paris Olympics.

Climbing to a world ranking of 27th the FIE (International Fencing Federation) for the year, Esteban just became the highest ranked Philippine-born fencer as she sees action for Ivory Coast in the glitzy fashion capital later this month.

“I want to thank all my Filipino and Ivorian supporters. Thank you for your prayers and love. You are the reason I continue to strive for excellence,” Esteban said. “Lastly, I thank God for this amazing season, thank you for your protection and guidance—and for the overwhelming abundance of blessings.”

Esteban is one of the 30 direct qualifiers for the women’s foil event—automatic berths granted to athletes based on their world ranking.

The final pairings for the women’s foil event, which will be a direct elimination format, will be known after the four lowest ranked fencers battle for the last two slots in the round of 32.

The top 16 in the rankings will battle the lower 16 in crossover fashion, and fencers will need at least three wins for a shot at the podium.

Esteban is currently in Germany with her coach, Andrea Magro, who tutored several gold-winning Olympians before.

“I am happy and excited that my world ranking has again risen,” she said. “After such a hectic season of 18 Olympic qualifiers which culminated in my direct qualification for Paris Olympics, this is indeed one of the biggest rewards for all my hard work.”



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Jeremy Miado braces for ‘young, hungry’ Japanese foe

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ONE Championship fighter Jeremy Miado makes his return for ONE Fight Night 23. –ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO

As he makes his ONE Championship return, Jeremy Miado knows the enormity of the task ahead against No. 4 ranked strawweight contender Hiroba Minowa.

Miado takes on Minowa on Saturday in ONE Fight Night 23  at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand with the goal of staying among the division’s top fighters.

“From what I’ve seen from Minowa, he’s someone who doesn’t give up. He really has that fighter’s heart. He’s young and hungry,” Miado said of his Japanese foe.

READ: ONE: Jeremy Miado aims to climb strawweight ladder

“We’re both coming off bad streaks, and we both know that this is our way back to relevancy. I expect him to come out ready. It’s all about formulating the proper game plan.”

Planning is crucial for Miado’s game plan against Minowa, especially since he is once again facing a wrestler–a source of weakness as seen in his last few fights.

“His strengths will be his wrestling, that’s a given. I expect him to time my strikes and switch for a takedown,” Miado said.

READ: Jeremy Miado gets TKO win as Lito Adiwang injures knee

“On my end, my advantage would be my footwork. I plan to make things difficult for him when he’s shooting and use my length to maximize my advantage on the range.”

Miado is also banking on the motivation that this upcoming fight could catapult his career.

“We’re talking about my career here,” he said. “That’s what this fight means for me. I’m gonna give it my all, you’re gonna see it all. I’m not going to lose here.”



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RJ Abarrientos nursing hurt foot ahead of Jones Cup stint

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RJ Abarrientos during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—RJ Abarrientos may not quite be a hundred percent in Strong Group Athletics’ run in the upcoming William Jones Cup.

The Japan B.League Filipino import bared on Tuesday at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong that he’s been in pain after a freak injury that occurred during one of his home workouts in preparation for the looming tournament.

“I worked out in front of our house. Long story short, I stepped on broken glass while I was training and I even thought I tore my achilles. It was kind of scary,” said Abarrientos.

“When I saw that it was just a deep cut, I went to the ER and I got the results right away, they put five stitches on my foot and I even thought I was out.”

READ: RJ Abarrientos seeks improvement after first B.League season

Thankfully though, Abarrientos wasn’t ruled out like he expected to be.

After undergoing some minimal procedures, the Shinshu Brave Warrior was given the green light to start training with the squad under coaches Charles Tiu and Rajko Toroman.

However, Abarrientos was still imping from time to time during Tuesday’s scrimmages.

READ: RJ Abarrientos carries no pressure from KBL to B.League

Fortunately for him, the SGA’s coaching staff is taking it step-by-step for him to be completely ready for the Jones Cup.

“That’s the word. They’re not rushing me. They just want me to get my rhythm back,” Abarrientos said.

Whether Abarrientos recovers completely before the tournament or not, SGA will have quite the reinforcements with collegiate guards Titing Manalili from Letran and Tony Ynot from College of St. Benilde.

And Abarrientos is confident that the young guns in the backcourt will be of big help come tournament time.



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“I think the coaches have plans for Ynot and Titing that’s why they took them. Me, I’m a fan of them. I already saw their skills in the NCAA.”

PVL to use different format in return of Reinforced Conference

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FILE–A shot of the crowd during the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals between Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The return of the PVL Reinforced Conference features a Pool Play format, dividing 12 teams into two groups as pro volleyball action unfurls on July 16 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

With the import-laden tournament returning to action for the first time in two years, the PVL will be using a different format, using the serpentine method to separate the teams into two groups — based on their standings in the previous All-Filipino Conference with champion Creamline headlining Pool A, while runner-up Choco Mucho leading Pool B.

Creamline, which will be bolstered by American Erica Staunton, eyes to end a six-year Reinforced Conference title drought with the Khat Bell-led Chery Tiggo, PLDT with returning Russian import Elena Samoilenko, Galeries Tower with Brazilian Monique Helena, and Farm Fresh and Nxled, who have yet to unveil their respective imports.

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

Choco Mucho, which will miss Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag due to their Alas Pilipinas duties, parades Greek spiker Zoi Faki and newcomer Dindin Santiago-Manabat in Pool B with three-peat-seeking Petro Gazz, MJ Perez-led Cignal, Akari with Oly Okaro, Capital1 reinforced by Russian Marina Tushova, and ZUS Coffee bringing Japanese spiker Asaka Tamaru.

PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo bared that ZUS Coffee and Farm Fresh were supposed to end up in the same group due to their records but they transferred the Thunderbelles to Pool B to avoid having sister teams in one group.

The Highrisers, who will also pick No. 3 in the inaugural PVL Draft on Monday at Novotel, will tip things off on July 16, facing the new-look Chameleons at 2 p.m.

Bell marks her return in Manila with the Crossovers’ 4 p.m. match against the Foxies, while Creamline and PLDT cap the tripleheader at 6 p.m.

READ: Thea Gagate eager to help ZUS Coffee rise after winless campaign

The group phase will feature two stages, starting with a single round-robin format. In the second round, the top three teams from Pool A will face the bottom three from Pool B in Pool C, while the top three squads from Pool B will compete against the lower-ranked teams of Pool A in Pool D.

Following the preliminaries, teams will be ranked using the FIVB Classification System. The top eight squads will move on to the knockout quarterfinals. The winners advance to the knockout semifinals, qualifying for the Invitational Conference in September with two foreign clubs.

The finalists will clash in a winner-take-all gold medal game. The Reinforced Conference will feature three games on all preliminary game days, paving the way for the Invitational Conference set for September.



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Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

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Bella Belen.–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.

The development took place as the playing status of vital players such as Eya Laure and Jen Nierva remains questionable with Chery Tiggo no longer allowing the two to attend the practices of the national team.

“But we are still waiting for them,” coach Jorge Souza de Brito told the Inquirer over the phone on Tuesday. “It’s OK. If [they are no longer suiting up] we’re gonna fix the problem that we have with the good players [from] our lineup.”

The national squad is coming off a historic bronze-medal performance in the previous AVC Challenge Cup.

Alas Pilipinas is also awaiting opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon, who declined the national team call up stating her need for more time to recover after leading the Lady Bulldogs to a golden run in the UAAP Season 86. De Brito said that Alas can expect Solomon to join and start training before the SEA V.League and addressed the absence of Tots Carlos.

“Rebisco (Creamline’s parent company) is supposed to release a statement regarding her condition and what happened [to her], why she’s not [in training], De Brito said as fans will have to wait more before seeing the Creamline mainstay in an Alas uniform. “It’s out of my control.”

Carlos was recently added to the Alas’ player pool even as the Cool Smasher was experiencing some injury after Creamline’s eighth Premier Volleyball League (PVL) championship earlier this year.

No shortage of talent

“Of course it [has] a huge [impact] because we are just beginning [our journey] with them and they are [possible] first six [selections],” De Brito said. “[But] every time you miss starting players, [it] also gives a chance for other players [to step up].”“In fact, they are right there so they are fighting for their place [which the missing players] should be the first one to get the spot for this competition,” said the newly re-signed mentor, who had agreed to extend his stay with the national team for two more years after his contract expired in June.

There is no shortage of talent in the Alas pool that still has opposite spikers such as Faith Nisperos, NU’s Arah Panique and Challenge Cup best opposite hitter Angel Canino of La Salle.

Middle blocker Fifi Sharma, veteran Dell Palomata and prospected top PVL pick Thea Gagate will still man the net while outside hitters Vanie Gandler and Sisi Rondina continues to backstop Alas now with Belen under the leadership of Jia de Guzman and back up playmaker Julia Coronel, another PVL aspirant.

“It’s really hard but also we [will] give other players more chances, more spots to play and show up in the national team—hard but it’s the reality right now,” De Brito added.

Galanza, however, might be seen playing a different role than her usual offensive position to fill up the libero spot left by Nierva.



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“Right now, it’s undecided. It can be because she’s a really good receiver, she has a good defense and since we have a problem we have to fix it with what we have,” De Brito said. “But it’s still not 100 percent.” INQ

Geo Chiu ‘hurt’ over Mason Amos’ sudden Ateneo departure

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Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and the Blue Eagles led by Geo Chiu and Mason Amos in the UAAP Season 86 opener. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Count Geo Chiu among the guys who were affected by the news of Mason Amos’s sudden departure from the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

During Strong Group Athletics’ training for the William Jones Cup, Chiu bared that he was quite hurt by the news of Amos leaving the Blue Eagles after just one season in the UAAP and

“Just like what everyone feels right now, of course, it’s painful,” said Chiu, a former Ateneo big man, at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday. “It’s like a cut here [in the heart]. Me, I just try to be in the middle as much as possible.”

READ: Mason Amos leaves Ateneo amid reported La Salle transfer

Chiu and Amos played together during Season 86 when the Blue Eagles finished with a Final Four spot before tumbling at the hands of the University of the Philippines in the semifinals.

After last year though, Chiu decided to forgo his playing years in Ateneo and turned professional in Taiwan with the Mustangs then most recently signing with Ehime in B2 of the Japanese B.League a few days ago.

Geo Chiu Strong Group Athletics Ateneo

Geo Chiu during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

Without Chiu, Amos was expected to be the Blue Eagles’ next big thing. Until he wasn’t, as Amos departed Ateneo on Monday in a stunning announcement and is reported to be moving to archrival La Salle.

READ: UAAP: Mason Amos showing steady improvement for Ateneo

Chiu, though said, he chose to understand the situation and Amos’ decision-making but couldn’t deny the disappointment as his older brother in the team.

“I get the other side but I’m also trying to understand Mason. There’s so many things going on right now for him but as a Kuya, I’m still worried for him and everything he’s been going through.”

“But it still hurts. ‘Di ko inexpect eh.”



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Amos is currently in Riga, Latvia, for Gilas Pilipinas’ run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament while Chiu will also represent the Philippines in a few days with SGA in the Jones Cup.

Inquirer Sports has reached out to La Salle coach Topex Robinson for a comment on whether Amos is headed to Taft or not but there was no response as of writing.

Ronaldo says he is playing his ‘last European Championship’

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Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is seen after the win against Slovenia during a round of sixteen match between Portugal and Slovenia at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

HAMBURG, Germany — Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed this year’s European Championship will be the last of his career.

The Portugal superstar, who is 39, is playing at the Euros for a record sixth time and has helped his country reach the quarterfinals — where Kylian Mbappé and France await in Hamburg on Friday.

Speaking to Portuguese public broadcaster RTP after the penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday, Ronaldo said: “It is, without doubt, my last European Championship.

READ: Portugal beats Slovenia at Euro 2024 despite Ronaldo penalty miss

“But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by all that football means — by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm for seeing my supporters, my family, the affection people have for me.”

Ronaldo, who is one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history and has a record 14 goals at European Championships, said his main motivation now was “making people happy.” He was reduced to tears during the Slovenia game after having a penalty saved in extra time.

“It’s not about leaving the world of football,” he said. “What else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one point more or one point less.”



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Kiefer Ravena says leaving Shiga for Yokohama ‘hard’

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B.League player Kiefer Ravena during an open training with the Jones Cup bound Strong Group Athletics team. -SGA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Kiefer Ravena is looking for a change of pace to better himself and he did just that with his most recent move in the Japan B.League.

After a rollercoaster string of seasons with the Shiga Lakes, Ravena signed with the Yokohama B-Corsairs a few days ago, giving him a new opportunity far from what he’s already familiar with.

“Just like any decisions that you make, you have to leave something very familiar. It was hard but at the same time, basketball isn’t forever and I have to make something that would make my future better,” said Ravena during Strong Group Athletics’ training at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Tuesday.

“That move was going to Yokohama.”

READ: B.League: Kiefer Ravena signs with Yokohama B-Corsairs

Ravena’s final run with the Lakes was been memorable, to say the least.

While posting averages of 10.51 points, 4.0 assists and 2.59 rebounds per game, the Ateneo product helped Shiga return to the B1 division after being relegated to B2 a year prior.

To add even icing on the cake, Ravena helped Shiga win the B2 division championship with a 24-36 card.

READ: B.League: Kiefer Ravena, Shiga Lakes claim B2 crown

In the title-clinching win over Koshigaya Alphas a few weeks back, Ravena dropped 10 points, three rebounds and eight assists in the 89-87 squeaker.

After the end of their stellar run, Ravena will be suiting up for the B-Corsairs, a team that formerly had another Filipino in Kai Sotto.

Before that, he will be playing in the Jones Cup in hopes of improving himself while also representing the country again after his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Fiba World Cup.

“I’m now preparing here [for Jones Cup], trying to get myself in shape and see where it takes me in order to prepare for next season.”



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“I’m very proud, still. Whatever you say, SGA or Gilas, we’re still representing the Philippines when we go to the Jones Cup. What you’ll see there is still the Philippine flag.”