San Miguel unfazed by 3-2 disadvantage vs Meralco

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San Miguel Beermen bench during Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel’s Chris Ross is well aware of the theme of this year’s PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Though Meralco is a win away from closing out the best-of-seven series, Ross still believes that the Beermen remain in a good place to defend their All-Filipino conference crown.

“We’re good,” Ross assured after their 92-88 loss to the Bolts at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.

“The series has been going this way, we win one, they win one, we win another. We’ve been in this situation before, it’s part of a series. Our morale’s where it always was and we’re ready to go for Sunday.”

READ: PBA Finals: June Mar Fajardo confident San Miguel will bounce back

Ross was one of San Miguel’s guards who struggled mightily in what could’ve been a game for the Beermen to take the commanding 3-2 lead.

He finished with just three points on 1-of-6 shooting which hampered June Mar Fajardo’s monster showing of 38 points and 18 rebounds.

San Miguel guard Chris Ross in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

San Miguel guard Chris Ross in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Guards Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez also had difficulties on the offensive end with just six and 17 points, respectively.

But while offense will be a point of concern in Game 6, Ross said playing great defense will also be key to avoiding the scenario of the Bolts winning the title.

READ: PBA Finals: History on the side of Meralco Bolts after Game 5 win

“It’s not really just me, it’s everyone. We’re switching with guards and whoever gets the matchup just has to guard. We’re not really setting up matchups, we’re just guarding whoever’s in front of us and we go from there,” said Ross.

The pesky guard also emphasized that San Miguel is in the right headspace.

Instead of thinking about a possible Game 7, Ross said they’re not worried about next week but are more concerned with the task at hand, which is beating Meralco on Sunday at the same venue at 6:15 pm.



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“We’re not worried about that. We’re just worried about Game 6. We’re just going to go watch film, fix what we got to fix, win on Sunday and possibly be ready for Game 7 on Wednesday and I like our chances.”

With dream within reach, Bong Quinto draws from experience

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Meralco Bolts guard Bong Quinto in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco guard Bong Quinto likened his current situation in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals to his experience at the collegiate level.

On Friday at Araneta Coliseum, the Bolts moved one win away from taking their first PBA championship which has proved elusive since their emergence in the league.

Quinto’s in quite the familiar scenario.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco needs to ‘play with poise’ to close out San Miguel

Back in 2015, Quinto played collegiate ball for Letran as a second-year shooting guard.

In the Knights’ Finals series with San Beda in that NCAA season, Letran won the first game and immediately smelled blood in the water with the NCAA championship in their sights.

Unfortunately for the Aldin Ayo-led squad, coach Jamike Jarin and the Red Lions unloaded a huge Game 2 effort which forced a deciding game for the Season 91 championship.

“Back in Letran, we were first [to win], 1-0. Then, it became 1-1 which reached a Game 3. That one had an overtime,” recalled Quinto at Araneta Coliseum on Friday after their 92-88 win over San Miguel in Game 5 to take the pivotal 3-2 lead.

Meralco Bolts in Game 5 of the PBA philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beermen

Meralco Bolts in Game 5 of the PBA philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beermen. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Letran eventually won the championship that was already within its grasp but the Knights had to withstand five extra minutes with San Beda in a thrilling 85-82 victory.

Quinto hopes to have the same victorious ending this time and the Bolts have two chances to close out the mighty Beermen with the PBA Finals now a virtual best-of-three series

READ: PBA Finals: History on the side of Meralco Bolts after Game 5 win

But he’s well aware that the PBA Finals is a different beast. A beast that he has hoped to conquer since he was a little kid.

“This is different because this is my dream. Before Letran, this was already my dream since I was a kid, to experience a championship in the PBA, at the same time, it’s also All-Filipino.”

Quinto silently chipped in eight points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in the win that pushed the Bolts to one win away from the elusive championship.

But while Quinto and the Bolts just need one victory to achieve history, he has certainly learned from his experiences in Letran.

“I don’t want to celebrate yet, honestly. Even if we have an advantage, it’s not over until this series is over. I’ve also been sleepless for how many nights now, from [our series against] Ginebra until now. I’m just so excited that I have an opportunity to play in every game.”

“I’m not wasting this because when you think about it, we just need one more win, right? This has been my dream and the dreams that my family has for me and it might be fulfilled.”



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Quinto hopes to bring his dream to full circle on Sunday at the same venue at 6:15 pm.

Unable to stop June Mar, Meralco still finds way to win

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Meralco Bolts’ Raymond Almazan and San Miguel Beermen’s June Mar Fajardo during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—A win’s a win, no matter the cost.

In the case of Meralco in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, the Bolts won 92-88, to take the commanding 3-2 lead despite allowing Beermen star June Mar Fajardo to go off for 38 points and 18 rebounds.

Raymond Almazan wouldn’t have it any other way, though.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco needs to ‘play with poise’ to close out San Miguel

“If you’ll ask me, I’ll trade that [performance] for a win,” said Almazan in Filipino at Araneta Coliseum on Friday. “He can even score 60 as long as we win.”

Almazan dropped 14 points and four rebounds in the crucial game but he got the last laugh over Fajardo who had a better shooting night.

While Almazan didn’t have the most dynamic night on offense, it was his defense that helped Meralco move to the cusp of making history.

And it wasn’t just Almazan, too, who had a hand in tiring out the Best Player of the Conference awardee.

READ: PBA Finals: June Mar Fajardo confident San Miguel will bounce back

The Bolts seemingly found the fix to San Miguel’s puzzle and one of the things they found effective was to put multiple bigs on Fajardo, including Almazan.

“What coach (Luigi Trillo) tells us is, if he scores, we run. If we foul and foul, he’s going to get some rest and we wouldn’t be able to run,” explained the lanky center.

Make no mistakes about it, though. It wasn’t easy to contain the seven-time MVP no matter how many bodies you put on him.

“June Mar’s heavy, he’s what, 260? Meanwhile, I’m at 220 but still trying my best to stop or at least limit him,” Almazan said.



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“It’s hard to stop him a lot. On his off night, he had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Off night pa ‘yon ah?”

Minus equestrian, pentathlon opens Olympic path for PH athletes

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Juliana Sevilla, Princess Arbilon and Shyra Aranzado finish with medals at the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) 2024 Laser Run World Championships.

Modern pentathlon, now more accessible to Filipinos has suddenly become a pathway for athletes to make it to the Olympics.

With the discipline discarding equestrian in favor of obstacle course racing, Filipinos can now hope to book tickets to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

The other disciplines in the sport are swimming, running, shooting and fencing.

READ; PH duo rules mixed relay event in China

Just last week, Melvin Sacay and Juliana Shane Sevilla thrived on the global stage after claiming a gold medal in the UIPM 2024 Laser Run World Championships.

“All our athletes are strong and driven. A different medalist from our team emerges in every competition, that’s how determined they are to qualify for the

Olympics,’’ said Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association president Richard Gomez.

Joseph Godbout led the roster of Filipino athletes, who excelled at the world championships last year after topping the UIPM 2023 Biathle/Triathle World Championships in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia following a silver finish at the UIPM 2023 Laser Run World Championships in Bath, Great Britain.

READ: Princess Arbilon claim two golds in Biathle/Triathle World Championships

Princess Honey Arbilon was likewise a cut above the rest after bagging two gold medals in the Bali, Indonesia world champs last year.

The shifting landscape in the five-sport discipline provides added motivation for Filipino pentathletes to clearly visualize their Olympic dream starting with the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.



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Applicants for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft

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Close to 50 players have signed up for the first ever PVL Rookie Draft set for July 8.

Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel are among the headliners for the inaugural draft, which drew 47 applicants.

The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks between Zus Coffee, Farm Fresh, Capital1, and Galeries Tower will be held on the June 24 episode of The Starting Lineup, which airs on RPTV and Pilipinas Live.

The 47 aspirants will participate in two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

2024 PVL Rookie Draft applicants list

2024 PVL Rookie Draft applicants list

  1. Pierre Abellana – University of Sto. Tomas
  2. AA Adolfo- Adamson University
  3. Angelica Alcantara – Adamson University
  4. Razel Aldea – University of Perpetual Help System – DALTA
  5. Catherine Almazan- Emilio Aguinaldo College
  6. Lucille Almonte – Adamson University
  7. Sharya Ancheta – Adamson University
  8. Lalaine Arizapa – San Beda University
  9. Danivah Aying – University of San Jose – Recoletos
  10. Ysabela Bakabak- De La Salle University
  11. Dodee Batindaan – Arellano University
  12. Camille Belaro – Lyceum of the Philippines University
  13. Jewelle Bermillo – San Sebastian College – Recoletos
  14. Steph Bustrillo – University of the Philippines
  15. Danya Casiño – Trinity University of Asia
  16. Julia Coronel – De La Salle University
  17. Leila Cruz – De La Salle University
  18. Sandra Dayao – University of Perpetual Help System – DALTA
  19. Bay Anne De Leon- Colegio de San Juan de Letran
  20. Charmina Diño – Arellano University
  21. Roma Mae Doromal – Ateneo de Manila University
  22. Jewel Encarnacion – University of the Philippines
  23. Lalaine Evangelista – National University
  24. Thea Gagate – De La Salle University
  25. Abi Goc – University of the Philippines
  26. Andrea Jardio – Lyceum of Alabang
  27. Ishie Lalongisip – Adamson University
  28. Maicah Larroza – De La Salle University
  29. Lian Macasiray – De La Salle University – Dasmariñas
  30. Robbie Mae Matawaran – Arellano University
  31. Daisy Melendres – Colegio de San Juan de Letran
  32. Dara Nieva – University of the East
  33. Donnalyn Paralejas,- Arellano University
  34. Lorraine Pecaña – Arellano University
  35. Nathalie Nicole Ramacula – Red River College of Polytechnic
  36. Caroline Santos- De La Salle University
  37. Remcel Santos – University of the East
  38. Jamie Solina – Marinduque State College
  39. Maxinne Tayag – San Beda University
  40. Aleiah Torres- Brock University
  41. Gilliana Jenya Torres – De La Salle University
  42. Karen Verdeflor – Adamson University
  43. Mary Grace Vernaiz – University of Sto. Tomas
  44. Dea Villamor – University of the East
  45. Nikka Yandoc – Adamson University
  46. Lovely Zapf – De La Salle University – Dasmariñas
  47. Jenina Zeta – University of the East


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Joel Embiid says he’s feeling well, on track for Paris Olympics

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FILE–Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers said he is ready to play for Team USA in the Paris Olympics. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

DALLAS — Joel Embiid was at the NBA Finals, and said his next stop is the Paris Olympics.

The Philadelphia 76ers center, who missed more than half of the regular season and then was hobbled in the playoffs because of a knee injury, said in a televised interview that his recovery is going well and he believes he’ll be ready to play for the U.S. at the Paris Games starting next month.

“I’m doing great. Just getting ready for the Olympics,” Embiid said in an appearance on ABC’s pregame show before Game 4 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. “It’s going to be big for me because I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid.”

READ: NBA: 76ers waste another season of Joel Embiid’s prime

Embiid’s health has been one of the questions surrounding the U.S. roster since it was revealed earlier this spring. He’s one of three centers on the roster, along with Miami’s Bam Adebayo and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis.

Other injury questions in recent weeks have revolved around the status of Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, both of whom were either hobbled or sidelined during the playoffs. The Pacers expect that Haliburton — who dealt with a hamstring problem — will be ready for the start of USA camp in Las Vegas on July 5; Leonard missed 12 of the Clippers’ final 14 games this season with right knee inflammation.

READ: Joel Embiid decides to play for USA—not France—in Paris Olympics

Embiid had options on which team to play for this summer. He could have played for France, and even his native Cameroon — which still has a chance to qualify for the 12-team field. But in October, he chose to play for the U.S., in part because his son is American.

“For the past few years, every decision I’ve made has been based on just family,” Embiid said last year when revealing his decision. “My family, my son, and having the chance to represent a country like the U.S., with my son being born here … I love my home country, but I really wanted to play in the Olympics.”



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Dave Ildefonso Strong Group team for Jones Cup

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FILE–Dave Ildefonso is joining the Strong Group-Pilipinas for the Jones Cup. Photo from Suwon KT Sonicboom

MANILA, Philippines — Dave Ildefonso is reuniting with his Ateneo teammate Ange Kouame as he completes the Strong Group-Pilipinas roster for the 43rd William Jones Cup from July 13 to 21, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.

Ildefonso, armed with his two-year experience in the Korean Basketball League with Suwon KT, on Saturday was welcomed by the Philippine club, which also tapped UAAP Season 84 Kouame as one of its many foreign players.

“I’m really excited to be on the same team with Ange again,” said Ildefonso, who will be playing with the Gilas naturalized center for the first time since winning the UAAP Season 85. “I know what he can bring to the team and how valuable he is as a player. He’ll definitely have a big role to play for SGA.”

READ: Dave Ildefonso missing home, weighing options aside from KBL

Ildefonso, the son of PBA legend and Converge assistant coach Danny, will be teaming up with overseas players Kiefer Ravena, Angelo Kouame, Rhenz Abando, Jordan Heading, and RJ Abarrientos.

“My top priority in joining SGA is to help the team which is being handled by one of my friends in Ateneo Jacob (Lao) win the championship in any way possible,” said the KBL Asian import. “Representing the country is always a privilege, and I intend to make the most of an opportunity like this.”

DJ Fenner, Chris McCollough, Caelan Tiongson, and Tajuan Agee will reinforce the Filipinos, who will also be represented by young guns Jonathan Manalili, Allen Liwag, and Tony Ynot.

READ: Kouame, Abarrientos boost Strong Group’s Jones Cup roster

Ildefonso is also reuniting with Strong Group coach Charles Tiu, who previously coached him in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup and the Dubai International Basketball Tournament in 2020 under the Mighty Sports banner. 

“I’ve always been a fan of Dave’s game,” said Tiu. “I’m looking forward to seeing the improvement in his game from his time abroad. Hopefully, we can help boost his confidence for his next career step.”



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Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon skip PVL Draft, stay with NU

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Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — National University’s hard-hitting pair Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon are running it back with the Lady Bulldogs next UAAP season after skipping the inaugural 2024 PVL Rookie Draft.

Amid the high interest for Belen and Solomon, both NU stars didn’t throw their names in the first-ever PVL draft during the deadline on Wednesday. Alas Pilipinas players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel headline the 47 aspirants.

Inquirer sources bared that Belen and Solomon have decided to play one more year with the Lady Bulldogs, eyeing a second straight championship in Season 87 — their third in four years.

READ: Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel lead first PVL rookie draft aspirants

Belen and NU coach Norman Miguel were sought for comments but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

NU remains a formidable  side with the two MVPs staying put along with key players Lams Lamina, Sheena Toring, Vange Alinsug, Erin Pangilinan, and Shaira Jardio as well as Arah Panique and Nathasza Bombita.

Belen and Solomon, the UAAP Season and Finals MVP, respectively, are currently training with Alas Pilipinas, which is preparing for its FIVB Challenger Cup hosting next month at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

READ: NU stars, Jema Galanza join Alas Pilipinas training

Among the 47 aspirants are La Salle’s Maicah Larroza and Leila Cruz, Ateneo libero Roma Mae Doromal, UST’s Pierre Abellana, Adamson’s Lucille Almonte, Ishie Lalongisip, and AA Adolfo, UP scorer Stephanie Bustrillo.

The live draft lottery determining the order of the first four picks will take place on June 24 with ZUS Coffee having the highest chance of getting the top pick with 40 percent, followed by Capital1 (30%), Galeries Tower (20%), and Farm Fresh (10%).

Nxled holds the fifth pick, followed by Akari, Cignal, PLDT, Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz, runner-up Choco Mucho, and All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline.



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The 47 aspirants will have a two-day Draft Combine from June 25 to 26 at Gameville Ballpark in Sheridan, Mandaluyong.

History on the side of Meralco Bolts after Game 5 win

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Meralco Bolts’ Cliff Hodge, Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan during Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco is on the edge of a historic first crown in the PBA.

After nipping San Miguel, 92-88, Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Bolts are now up 3-2 in the best-of-seven championship series with a chance to finish off the defending champion this coming Sunday.

History is on the side of the Luigi Trillo and Nenad Vucenic-mentored crew as 15 of the 19 clubs in the last 12 years who won Game 5 after a 2-all deadlock went on to win the title, according to stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco Bolts need to ‘play with poise’ to close out San Miguel

Mathematically, that’s a 79 percent possibility favoring the Bolts.

But standing in the way is a San Miguel squad that has a veritable chokehold of PBA titles. And the Beermen, having won 29 titles, know what it takes to pull through in a stage where stakes are at their highest.

San Miguel owns three comebacks in the Finals. The Beermen have figured in 2-3 series deficits thrice and still managed to win the title, the last being against TNT four years ago, also in the Philippine Cup.

READ: Meralco on brink of first PBA title after Game 5 win over San Miguel

The other two instances are against Magnolia during the 2019 All Filipino, and against crowd darling Barangay Ginebra in the 2009 edition of the Fiesta Cup.

Safe to say Meralco has its work cut out for itself this coming Sunday when it tries to finish off the vaunted side at the fabled Big Dome.



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Celtics knocked down hard, but with chance to clinch at home

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Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, top, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, bottom, chase a loose ball during the second half in Game 4 of the NBA basketball finals, Friday, June 14, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)

DALLAS  — Jayson Tatum had his step-back 3-pointer swatted away, then ended up in a heap on the floor and was called for an offensive foul.

It was that kind of night for Tatum and the Boston Celtics, who got knocked down hard in Game 4 of the NBA Finals when they had a chance to complete a sweep of the Dallas Mavericks.

Instead of wrapping up an unprecedented 18th NBA title, the Celtics suffered their worst loss ever in the NBA Finals — and one of the worst in league history — when they fell 122-84 on Friday night.

The Celtics’ 10-game postseason winning streak, a franchise record, ended after they lost on the road for the first time in these playoffs. They had been 7-0, including a Game 3 win in Dallas.

READ: NBA Finals: Luka Doncic, Mavericks crush Celtics to avoid sweep

Now the Celtics will get a chance to clinch it at home. Game 5 is in Boston on Monday night.

Dallas already had a 26-point lead at halftime, and any thoughts of a rally by the Celtics were pretty much done less than two minutes into the second half when Tatum had his shot blocked by Daniel Gafford, with the Boston forward reaching out as he fell and getting whistled for the foul.

With the outcome already all but certain, coach Joe Mazzulla emptied his bench with 3:18 left in the third quarter. It was already a 36-point margin that grew to as much as 48.

Tatum, who had 15 points and five rebounds, was on the bench with Jaylen Brown and the rest of the starters for the remainder of the night. And 7-foot-2 center Kristaps Porzingis never even removed his warmups after being declared available before the game.

There have been only two more lopsided games this late in the season: Boston’s 131-92 win over the Lakers in Game 6 to wrap up the Celtics’ last championship in 2008; and Chicago’s record 42-point win over Utah in Game 3 in 1998.

Boston had its lowest-scoring half all season — regular season and playoffs combined — when trailing 61-35 at halftime.



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