Burgos fancied to repeat in 5150 Bohol

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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.



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Gilas books OQT semis spot despite close loss to Georgia

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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.



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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

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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.



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

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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.



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Greece opens strong; Doncic, Slovenia still have chance

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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.



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Zee Hamoda led Bahrain with 15 points.

Romualdez lauds Gilas Pilipinas after win vs Latvia

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MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez heaped praises for Gilas Pilipinas after pulling an upset against world no. 6 Latvia in the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

Romualdez in a statement on Thursday said that Gilas’ victory in the OQT is proof of the Filipino’s unwavering spirit and dedication to their craft.

“It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that I commend Gilas Pilipinas for their historic victory against Latvia in an official FIBA tournament. This triumph, ending a 64-year drought of wins against European teams, is glaring proof of the unwavering spirit, dedication, and perseverance of our national basketball team,” he said.

“Hindi lamang ito simpleng panalo sa scoreboard, kundi isang panalo para sa puso ng bawat atletang nangangarap na irepresent ang Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon. Nagsisilbi itong inspirasyon sa maraming Pilipino na magpursige dahil iba ang talento ng mga Pilipino,” he added.

(This is not just a win on the scoreboard, but also a win for the heart of all athletes hoping to represent the Philippines in international tourneys. This will serve as an inspiration for many Filipinos to pursue because our talents are one of a kind.)

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

Gilas, currently ranked 37 in the world, won 89-80 against OQT host Latvia. The victory opened up the possibility of an assured semifinal berth for the Philippine team should they win against Georgia or lose by a margin of less than 19 points.

The Philippines eventually failed to win against Georgia but was able to clinch the semifinal spot as they lost only by two, 96-94.

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

Romualdez meanwhile assured Gilas and other Filipino athletes of the House’s continuous support.

“We are committed to providing the necessary resources and assistance to help our national team reach even greater heights. Whether through legislative measures or collaborative efforts with relevant organizations, we will ensure that our athletes receive the support they need to excel on the international stage,” Romualdez noted.

“To the players, coaching staff, and everyone involved with Gilas Pilipinas, we extend our deepest gratitude and admiration. Your dedication and hard work have brought immense pride to our nation. May this victory be the first of many, as you continue to inspire us with your exceptional performance and unyielding spirit,” he added. —With reports from Moss Laygo, trainee



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Gilas win over Latvia puts spotlight on Tim Cone triangle offense

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Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone during a Fiba OQT Riga game against world No. 6 Latvia. –FIBA BASKETBALL

MANILA, Philippines — In an era where the three-point has become one of the major weapons in basketball, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone continues to prove that triangle offense can still work even on the world stage, which is now dominated by fast-paced plays.

Cone’s signature offensive scheme worked wonders to stun World No.6 and host Latvia, 89-80, to open Gilas’ Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) campaign with high hopes on early Thursday morning (Manila time) in Riga. 

Some may call the triangle offense outdated in today’s era of basketball reliant on sprawlball — a term coined by NBA analyst Kirk Goldsberry for the current dominance of the three-point shot — the 66-year-old Cone said he will live and die with the system innovated by Tex Winter and popularized by NBA multi-titled coach Phil Jackson with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.

SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba OQT in Riga, Latvia

“I guess I’m still a dinosaur at heart playing the triangle. I’ve been playing the triangle for 30-plus years I was mentored by Tex Winter. I just enjoyed living on his legacy and keeping it going. It’s an offense I believe in,” said Cone in the postgame press conference of the country’s first win against a European team since beating Spain in the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Even the longtime PBA coach admitted that at some point in his career, he doubted the system that helped him win multiple titles with the Alaska Aces, San Mig Coffee (Magnolia franchise), and Barangay Ginebra. 

“There’s a lot of critics especially when it went to the New York Knicks, people started doubting it. And even I left it for a couple of years because I was like everybody must be right, if everybody’s saying it’s a bad offense, they must be right. But I did as much as I could for two years without it,” said Cone. “And then I went back to it. It’s been my best friend ever since.”

Living and dying by the triangle

Gilas Pilipinas Latvia Georgia Philippines Fiba OQT Riga Schedule live updates

Gilas Pilipinas ahead of its game against Latvia in the Fiba OQT in Riga. –FIBA BASKETBALL

Missing a couple of key players ahead of the OQT, the 25-time PBA champion coach stood firm in applying his bread-and-butter in their quest to chase a ticket for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“When I came into camp with my players, I told them this is what I know best, this is what I can teach best and so we’re gonna live and die with this,” Cone said. “People aren’t as familiar with it now since when Chicago and LA were, 10 years ago,” he said. “I’m enjoying running it and I’ve always enjoyed running it and I’m just proud that we’re able to do something with it.”

READ: Tim Cone says Gilas win over Latvia ‘means a lot to fans back home’

The triangle works for Cone in a way that makes his defensive system easier with Gilas limiting Latvia to a 27-of-72 shooting clip and its NBA player Davis Bertans scoring just 10 points on a 2-of-8 shooting clip.

“It’s an offense, if I may say, that plays at a tempo in which you can play defense and that’s why I love it so much and I’m kind of famous for the triangle. But I really feel like I’m more of a defensive-oriented coach and that offense just helps me run the defense,” Cone said.

Latvia coach Luca Banchi believes that Cone’s triangle offense wasn’t just the key to the Filipinos’ triumph but also their height and defense. 

“They have an efficient offensive system. It’s not simple. Let’s say not only in Europe but in general, it’s not common to have teams who run such a T system,” said Banchi, who steered Latvia to a fifth-place finish in last year’s Fiba World Cup in Manila.

“It takes time. I know that the coach has a long time coaching and, let’s say, sharing these basketball ideas around the country. That affects the players’ style and that allowed the team to have a very clear identity on the court but I believe that also defensively, this is a team that you have to attack with better poise and focus, which we didn’t do tonight.”

Gilas continues its chase for an Olympic berth against Georgia on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. (Manila time). 

Cone’s triangle has been immortalized in the PBA as one of the most successful systems in league history and even in Philippine basketball after it delivered the team’s first Asian Games gold since 1962 in the 19th edition in China last year.



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Will it end the country’s 52-year appearance drought in Olympic basketball?

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.

Oliver Bearman signs multi-year deal with Haas from 2025

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FILE – Oliver Bearman of Britain has signed with F1 team Haas taking the seat vacated by German driver Nico Hulkenberg. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, File)

KANNAPOLIS, North Carolina— Oliver Bearman has been signed on a multiyear deal by the Haas Formula 1 team from 2025 onward.

Haas announced the signing in a statement Thursday, without giving more details. The 19-year old British driver will take the seat vacated by German driver Nico Hulkenberg, who is joining Sauber at the end of the year ahead of its rebranding to Audi for 2026.

“It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me. To say out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for (the) Haas F1 Team makes me so immensely proud,” Bearman said. “To be one of the very few people who get to do the thing what they dreamed of as a child is something truly incredible.”

READ: F1: ‘A star is born’ in Ferrari teen Oliver Bearman

Bearman impressed with a stunning seventh-place finish at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in March, when he stood in for Carlos Sainz Jr. He got the unexpected F1 debut after Sainz was diagnosed with appendicitis and needed an operation.

Bearman, who was 18 at the time, became the third-youngest driver in F1. He had only had two practice sessions with Haas — in 2023 — yet produced a commanding drive on a tricky circuit that was way beyond his limited experience.

He is currently competing in the F2 championship and is a reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas — which uses a Ferrari engine. He won the Austrian GP sprint race last weekend driving for Prema Racing in F2.

READ: F1: Ex-boss Guenther Steiner not surprised by Haas’ scoring start

Bearman signed for the prestigious Ferrari academy in 2021 after being earmarked as a rising star.

“I wouldn’t be here without you,” he told Ferrari. “Thank you for preparing me since F4 for this incredible opportunity and know I will give it everything I have.”

Haas team owner Gene Haas has high hopes for Bearman.

“He’s undoubtedly an exciting rookie prospect, not just based on what he showed in Saudi Arabia but also through his time developing his relationship with our team,” Haas said. “I’m personally excited to see how he grows as a driver, and we look forward to seeing him deliver for (the) Haas F1 Team next season and beyond.”



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Bearman’s promotion means there will be four British drivers on the F1 grid next year, with Lewis Hamilton (who is joining Ferrari ), George Russell (Mercedes) and Lando Norris (McLaren) the others.

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.