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Converge Alec Stockton made the final say in the Game 3 of their quarter finals against San Miguel when he hit a two-point jumper at the end of the buzzer to lead the FiberXers victory against the Beermen, 114-112, on Monday night, September 30, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The victory was the first franchise win of Converge in a post-elims play and the team did it in a fashionable way as they pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback from 21 deficit.

San Miguel’s lead even reached as high as 27 points when they erected an 83-56 advantage before entering the final canto with an 83-66 edge.

Then, the FiberXers resilience prevailed in the end as Stockton buried the game-winning shot over the outstretched arms of CJ Perez.

Stockton's buzzer-beater became possible after the Converge guard stayed in the game when a flagrant foul penalty two called on him in the first quarter was downgraded to a penalty one after a review.

He was initially called for a F2 after elbowing Kris Rosales in the closing seconds of the first period, but after the referees changed the call, allowing Stockton to stay in the game.

Stockton finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists for the FiberXers, while Justin Arana produced 23 markers and 11 boards, and import Jalen Jones added 17.

“It’s still far. Isa pa lang ito. It’s one of the three. It’s hard to beat that team three straight. But we will take it one game muna,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.

EJ Anosike racked up 39 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished off five assists, while Perez added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Beermen in the defeat.

The Beermen still lead the best-of-five series, 2-1, and will try to close it again on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Barangay Ginebra swept rival Meralco Bolts, 113-106, in their best-of-five quarter finals series last night, September 30, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to get the first ticket to the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semi final round.

Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings in scoring by producing 23 points including two booming four-pointers that started their ‘never-say-die’ comeback after being down as much as 12 points.

Stephen Holt, who was named Best Player of the Game, together with RJ Abarrientos and Maverick Ahanmsi helped Brownlee in their fightback as they also delivered from the two rainbow countries.

Holt had a total of 19 markers which include a triple that gave the Gin Kings their largest lead at 105-98 with 2:36 left in the game.

Abarrientos produced 17 points, while Ahanmisi contributed the same numbers including three 3-pointers.

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said that he was shocked that they have defeated the Bolts in three straight games, “First of all, I’m totally shocked that we were able to beat them in three straight games. And each game came with a play here or play there would have changed the whole complexion of the game.”

"Credit just goes to the guys for really reaching deep. They really locked in the second half and so it was amazing to see them really reach deep from within themselves to pull this game out," he added.

Allen Durham paced Meralco with 38 points and 13 rebounds, while four of his teammates also produced double-digit scoring.

The Gin Kings now await the winner of the SMB-Converge series on whom they will face in a best-of-seven semi final showdown.

PBA Season 48 Most Improved Player Jhonard Clarito has shared his basketball journey in an exclusive interview with Dribble Report when the team visited one of the practices of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Style of Play

The first thing he shared with Dribble Report was the transition of his game play from his college days to commercial league to how he does it now.

“More on running and defense. Defense first. That’s my mindset since I played in college. My school and I were not famous,” Clarito, who was an alumnus of De Ocampo Memorial College, said in Filipino.

Then, he brought his talent to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) where he played with San Juan Knights under coach Randy Alcantara and even won a championship with them in 2019.

“In San Juan Knights, under coach Randy, the playing style is the same – transition and defense,” added Clarito.

Transition to Rain or Shine

After his MPBL career, Jhonard brought his wares to the Philippine Basketball Association where he was drafted by Rain or Shine in the second round of the 2022 PBA Draft as the 22nd pick overall.

Coach Chris Gavina was still the coach of the Elasto Painters when Clarito was drafted in that year but he didn’t play that much.

“When I was drafted here under Coach Chris Gavina, I didn’t play much because I think I was sick by then. Then, after a year Coach Yeng came in.”

Thriving in Coach Yeng’s system

Clarito said that when coach Guiao arrived, he was given the amount of playing time that he needed and became comfortable to CYG’s system as his game not just only blossomed but also improved.

“When coach (Yeng) arrived, I was given playing time. I played my game again and even improved it.”

Asked if they entered the semis or even the finals on what he can contribute more for the team, he said, “I think, I need to double my effort in defense and offense. I also need to create (plays) for my teammates and I need to play hard inside so that they can imitate my aggressiveness. That’s just what we need - go hard inside and you should know what to do in defense.”

Relationship with his coach, import, and teammates

Jhonard also shared with Dribble Report his close relationship with his teammates and his gratitude to his coach.

“With my teammates, we always joke around. There’s no problem with us. It’s important that we joke with one another but no one gets offended. Especially those Bisaya like me - Santi (Santillan), Kuya Beau (Belga) and F (Escandor). That’s what makes our team happy, when we ‘bully’ each other.”

Clarito was all praises also to their import Aaron Fuller who’s an integral part of their success in their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup campaign where they finished the elimination round as the top seed in Group B.

“Aaron, he is good. He just does his job. He doesn’t demand to score but if he needs to, he will. If rebounding is needed from him, he will rebound. That’s the beauty of having him (as in import). We also need to help him so we can continue our momentum,” he said of their prized import.

When asked about what he can say about Coach Yeng, Jhonard was deeply grateful that he has a mentor like Guiao.

“For me, Coach Yeng is a good coach. He is not just coaching us inside the court. He also mentored us in our lifestyle. He taught us how to save and what to do with those.”

Clarito also said that CYG is father-figure to them, “Coach is always telling us that we will not play basketball forever, so we have to save for our future and our family because the worth of our salary today, we cannot get if after retirement.”

Another attribute that Jhonard appreciates from his coach is that he trusts his players as long as they work hard.

“Coach Yeng is so kind. He will only scold inside the court if you made mistakes. What is important for him is that you play the right way and defend well. He will still use you if you make turnovers as long as you bounce back.”

Jhonard Clarito might have won the MIP award already but with the guidance of his coach and trust of his teammates, he is continuously improving. That being said, the best is yet to come to the pride of Davao del Sur.

It is no surprise that the foundation of Rain or Shine has been built through the camaraderie of homegrown talents, who are thirsty to prove their worth and place in the fiercely competed Philippine Basketball Association or PBA.

The Elasto Painters’ roster now boasts an abundance of options on offense and defense, a pivotal balance that could anchor the team away from their 12-year drought of the Governor’s Cup win.

Seasoned veterans might have propelled the team with its depth that proves they could etch their name as one of the most formidable teams, but with the Rain or Shine being bolstered by young players, especially with this year’s draft picks, they might have a chance to attain the crown that was once in their hands.

No.7 overall pick in the draft, Caelan Tiongson proves that it is not too late to pursue one’s dream even at 32. With his impressive credentials, Tiongson is no longer a stranger to the sport. 

A lot of PBA teams wanted to capitalize Tiongson’s experience since showcasing his impressive play in the ASEAN Basketball League, starting with Chong Son Kung Fu and then Alab Pilipinas. 

Tiongson came out of his retirement in 2021 to take another shot at a hoops career by suiting up for Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan before coming back to the Philippines to play for Strong Group in the 43rd William Jones Cup. 

The 6-foot-5, Filipino-American forward reaped the expectations of Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as he boosts the team’s frontline when it comes not only on the offense but also on the defense.

“I don't treat Caelan as a rookie anymore,” coach Yeng told Dribble Report. “He has played a lot. So, you know his mentality is like a veteran.”

When asked regarding his experience under coach Yeng’s wing, Tiongson shared that he has been great so far and that his gameplay style is different from what he was used to. 

“This is the first time I've played this kind of style of basketball. I'm used to a slower style. So, he just preaches a lot of confidence,” said Tiongson. “Still getting used to it for sure. I have enjoyed playing for him. He wants to win and that’s really what's important when I play for a coach.” 

On the other hand, the No. 8 overall pick in the draft has exceeded forecasts just as his pick came as a shock to some basketball enthusiasts. 

After choosing a more established name in Tiongson, the Elasto Painters took a chance on the Filipino-Swedish Felix Lemetti who was bannering a heap of experience in just the age of 25. 

Before his stint with KFUM Fryshuset Basket of the Swedish Superettan, Sweden’s second-tier men’s pro league, Lemetti already played for three different NCAA Division 1 schools: first with Fairfield, then Omaha, and lastly with Southern Utah.

Lemetti was also exposed to FIBA youth competitions, expounding his background qualifications.

As he parade numerous overseas stints, coach Yeng is positive towards the performance Lemetti is displaying throughout their games.

“He is still young but he has already played in Europe. He has already played in NCAA Division 1. So, he just needs to have more experience or he needs to feel how we play here in the Philippines,” said coach Yeng about the 25-year-old guard.

“He has played in 11 games so far, and he will improve every game. But, of course, the playoff is different. He will improve himself. He will be able to adjust.”

Despite having the same sentiments with Tiongson in regards with the Rain or Shine’s main tactician, Lemetti expressed that it is the style that fits him well.

“I like to push the ball a lot. I like to shoot a lot of threes. It fits me really well,” the Enskede, Stockholm native said.

“Obviously, the winning part was a big thing, that always plays a factor. You always want to win. To be able to do so your first year is a great experience,” he added.

Coach Yeng emphasized that even though the two rookies are making improvement, he believes they will get even better through additional familiarity as they have just barely touched the surface. 

Tiongson, who didn’t play for two years, is practically getting back into the game and polishing his skills, while Lemetti has played in Sweden and the United States, so he is unfamiliar with the local style. 

However, the team is confident in their ability to make the necessary adaptations as Tiongson and Lemetti are one of the key Elasto Painters that can steer the hungry Rain or Shine back to its winning ways. 

Rain or Shine takes Game 3 in a thrilling overtime game against Magnolia, 111-106, on Sunday night, September 29, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.

Jhonard Clarito was named the Best Player of the Game after scoring 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He was supported by Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut who scored 15 apiece for the Elasto Painters.

“I'm happy that we were able to hold our emotion, we were able to play through the end game," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.

"They are really a veteran team (Magnolia). They’ve been through a lot of battles like this. When you defeat Magnolia in a close match at the end game, it means that you are also tough when it comes to closing the game," added the fiery mentor in Filipino. 

RoS import Aaron Fuller, who's doubtful to play in Game 3 after sustaining an eye injury in their previous game still suited up and even managed to put up double-double producing 29 markers and 11 boards.

The Elasto Painters erected multiple double-digit leads during the game but the Hotshots were so resilient to come back. They even tied the game at 98 after sophomore Zavier Lucero sank a four-pointer with 13.4 seconds in the fourth period.

A botched play of RoS almost cost them the game as it led to Magnolia's steal and gave them a chance to take the last shot in regulation but Mark Barroca's layup didn't go in.

It was a see-saw battle in the overtime period until the ending sequences happened.

Down 106-104, Lucero drove to the basket to lay his shot but was blocked by Clarito forcing the Hotshots to foul Mamuyac.

The play was reviewed by the referees and the block was deemed a goaltending violation, giving Lucero the points and forcing another deadlock at 106.

However, the foul called on Magnolia stood and the free throws were awarded to Mamuyac, much to the dismay of Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.

Mamuyac split his freebies, but Fuller got the offensive board, was fouled, and made the two foul shots to take a 109-106 lead.

A Magnolia turnover happened next that led to Clarito's steal. He was then sent to the foul line and sank both charities to seal the game.

Jabari Bird led all scorers with 31, while Lucero had 24 markers for the losing squad.

Game 4 of their quarter final series will be on Tuesday, October 1, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Ateneo de Manila University took advantage of shorthanded Far Eastern University, trampling the latter team, 69-53, to stay in the top four of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Reigning UAAP Season 86 MVP Kacey Dela Rosa paced the Blue Eagles, delivering 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Nigerian student-athlete Sarah Makanjuola registered 17 markers and 17 boards.

FEU was able to control the game by as many as 16 points before a 10-4 run in the final quarter. 

The pressured Blue Eagles, however, quickly found its rhythm once again by supplying a crucial three-pointer courtesy of Gracie Batongbakal, a layup from Makanjuola, and a technical free throw by Kani Oani prompting Ateneo’s lead to 22 points, with less than 2:30 remaining on the clock.

“We’re looking for some consistency, and I expected us to be a little bit rocky in the first round,” said Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.

“It’s a big adjustment for all of us, but I think our girls are responding well. We’re an inside-out team and we feel that we can really build the team around these two girls (Dela Rosa and Makanjuola). We are gonna roll with that identity.”

Raiza Palmera-Dy’s team dropped to a 1-5 record as the Lady Tamaraws were playing without sidelined Congolese student-athlete Josee Kaputu, due to an ACL tear in her left knee, and Shane Salvani, who was serving a one-game suspension following a disqualifying foul committed prior to their game with De La Salle University. 

Yvette Villanueva stepped up for the nine-woman team with 18 points and nine rebounds, while MJ Manguiat struggled to find her form, limiting her performance to only 10 in the losing cause.

Ateneo will strive to continue its winning ways as they battle against University of the East on Wednesday, October 2, at the same venue in Cubao.

FEU, on the other hand, will attempt to bounce back when they face UAAP Season 86 reigning champion University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, October 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

Ateneo (69) – Dela Rosa 20, Makanjoula 17, Batongbakal 9, Calago 9, Villacruz 4, Oani 4, Cruza 3, Cancio 2, Fetalvero 1, Angala 0, Lopez 0, Eufemiano 0, Olivenza 0, Nieves 0, Salgado 0, Aquirre 0.

FEU (53) – Villanueva 18, Manguiat 10, Libor 8, Pasilang 5, Lopez 5, Ong 4, Dela Torre 3, Paras 0, Nagma 0, Gavaran 0.

Quarter Scores: 18-7, 28-19, 48-34, 69-53

Glenn Khobuntin fired a perfect 5-of-5 from the three point territory and finished with 17 points to lead TNT Tropang Giga to their 109-91 victory against NLEX Road Warriors on Sunday night, September 29, in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.

The Tropang Giga's dominant win made them closer to entering the Final Four if they take another victory on Tuesday, October 1, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The defending champions also showed their suffocating defense by limiting the production of DeQuan Jones, who scored his lowest output with the Road Warriors.

TNT's import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played his usual game by producing another double-double. He scored 27 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, together with eight assists to pace the team.

Calvin Oftana contributed 18 markers on 3-of-7 from downtown, while Rey Nambatac added 17 points, six boards, and four dimes. Kelly Williams also added 11 for the Tropang Giga.

Meanwhile, Robbie Herndon took over for NLEX with 17 points and five assists to cover up for the struggling Jones, who only scored 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting from the field.

Road Warriors top gunner Robert Bolick was also limited to 12 points on 3-of-8 shooting, though he dished off 10 assists.

The scores:

TNT 109 – Hollis-Jefferson 27, Oftana 18, Nambatac 17, Khobuntin 17, Williams 11, Pogoy 8, Castro 6, Erram 4, Aurin 1, Heruela 0, Ebona 0, Payawal 0, Galinato 0.

NLEX 91 – Herndon 17, Jones 16, Bolick 12, Policarpio 11, Anthony 9, Valdez 6, Torres 5, Mocon 4, Semerad 3, Rodger 3, Amer 2, Nieto 2, Nermal 1, Miranda 0.

Quarters: 32-21; 51-40; 89-68; 109-91.

University of Santo Tomas regained its winning ways, pulling away from De La Salle University with a 76-68 victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigresses relied on veteran Kent Patrana and Karylle Sierba as they opened the fourth period with an 11-0 run, strengthening their hold of solo second in the standings with a 4-1 record.

Pastrana finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks, while Sierba significantly delivered 16 markers, six boards, and three assists as the Tigresses bounced back from a tough first loss to last year’s runner up National University last week.

Brigette Santos also contributed with 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals but Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong was not pleased with their win despite managing to force 38 turnovers and having 21 steals.

“I adjusted come the fourth quarter because I said, our match cannot be close, so I needed to adjust. I put four guards and then we improved and pushed La Salle to many turnovers,” said Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.

Coming from a record-setting 10 triples for a 34-point outing in their first win last week, Luisa San Juan was just limited to 16 markers on 2-of-10 three-point shooting.

The Lady Archers were relinquished to a 1-5 record with Patricia Mendoza leading the charge with 21 points and 18 rebounds, while fourth-year forward Lee Sario also grappled with 13 markers but saddled by eight turnovers.

The Growling Tigresses are scheduled to encounter last year’s Final Four rival University of the Philippines on Wednesday, October 2, at Smart Araneta Coliseum, while De La Salle will aim to bounce back when they face off University of East next Sunday, October 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Scores:

UST (76) – Pastrana 21, Sierba 16, Santos 12, Maglupay 8, Soriano 6, Bron 5, Ambos 4, Relliquette 2, Tacatac 2, Dionisio 0, Serrano 0, N. Danganan 0, Pescador 0, Pineda 0.

DLSU (68) – Mendoza 21, San Juan 16, Sario 13, Santos 4, Delos Santos 4, Camba 4, Paraiso 2, Bacierto 2, Sunga 2, Dalisay 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarter Scores: 20-27, 36-37, 56-53, 76-68

NLEX Road Warriors will try to tie the series of their best-of-five quarter final series of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup against the TNT Tropang Giga this Friday night, September 27, at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.

Coach Jong Uichico said that adjustments will be the key on who’s going to win the game and even in the series.

In an exclusive interview with Dribble Report, the nine-time PBA champion mentor shared his assessment of their last game, “Generally, it's okay. They were able to make their adjustments. We didn't react to their adjustments.”

Uichico also said that he hoped they would find the right adjustments and how to react to the opponents as they battle the Tropang Giga anew.

“That's how basketball is. You make your adjustments and then hopefully your adjustments will work. And then us, on the other hand, we try to react to their adjustments. Then, you know, we were not able to do that. So for the next game tomorrow, hopefully we can make the proper adjustments and react to it.,” added the Road Warriors head coach.

Almost the same thing was shared by one of the defense anchors, Enoch Valdez, who also shared his experience with us.

“Even though we lost yesterday, we'll make some adjustments. We'll do some viewing,” said Valdez in Filipino.

He also said he’s sure they will be able to adjust in their next game and will try to limit the production of TNT’s import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for them to have an advantage.

“You don't have to stop him. You just have to limit the average of 40-30 plus a game. If you limit it to 20 plus, it's a big advantage for us,” said Valdez of RHJ.

NLEX scoring machine Robert Bolick said that in the playoffs everything has been laid down already and all they need to do is play hard and execute what the plays of their team.

“Our game is okay. It’s just the playoffs. Our team knows what to do, we just have to execute well,” said Bolick.

Import Dequan Jones thought that they beat themselves that’s why they lost their first game.

“I think to some extent they didn't beat us. We beat ourselves with turnovers. Even with the amount of turnovers we had and still to only lose by that margin,” shared by Jones.

“I think that speaks to what type of talent and what kind of team we have. I don't think they beat us. I think we beat ourselves,” he added.

Tip-off will start at 7:30 in the evening.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters staged a late fourth quarter rampage, delivering the first blow against the Magnolia Hotshots on their opening duel of the best-of-five quarterfinal series on Wednesday, September 25, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

Head coach Yeng Guiao is donning a daunting task of empowering the Elasto Painters, helmed by the young guns and veterans working harmoniously to establish themselves as formidable contenders ready to challenge prominent teams of the league. 

For coach Guiao, the players’ playoff experiences are what situates themselves in a inauspicious position as the team is paced by hot-blooded youths, however, their hard work is something one should not question about. 

“You know their experience in the playoffs, they are really solid,” coach Yeng told Dribble Report in Filipino during their training session at Acropolis.

“But, in terms of hard work, like I said, we need to show toughness. What the other teams can do, we can do. What we can do, the other teams can do too. In terms of technique, style, and strategy, it is almost the same. We just need to work harder to win.”

With the Rain or Shine having to pass four more tests before they could proceed into the semifinals, coach Yeng expressed that his team needs to devise a strategy that is a bit different from their previous ones. 

“We need to be different. I can't say how, but we need to be different to have different looks. We just need to adjust so that other teams won’t be easy to catch what we are doing,” Coach Yeng expressed in Filipino.

Rain or Shine possesses a wealth of options to deploy against their adversaries, driven by the camaraderie among its players who are coated with versatility and a will to thrive on their own. 

The Elasto Painters aim to continue their streak of unblemished slate as they once again face off the Hotshots on the Game 2 of their quarterfinal duel scheduled Friday evening, September 27.

San Miguel took Game 1 of their best-of-five quarter finals series against Converge FiberXers, 102-95 on Thursday night, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Beermen new import EJ Asonike, in lieu of the injured Jordan Adams, showed a decent debut performance by producing 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

"He has this physicality inside, and he grabs boards. He likes to power inside and that's good in getting our shooters open," described by SMB’s coach Jorge Gallent of their new reinforcement.

June Mar Fajardo also delivered well with his double-double production, tallying 25 markers and 16 boards. He also swatted three shots.

"According to coach (Gallent), the Game 1 of the series is important, we need to get it,” said the eight-time MVP in Filipino.

Kris Rosales also contributed well by sizzling hot in the third quarter producing 11 points, while CJ Perez added the same number of points.

SMB started the game well posting a 30-23 lead in the first quarter but Converge fought back in the second canto and even led 50-49 late in the first half, though it was cut short as the Berrmen took the lead again and had a 55-50 halftime advantage.

In the third period, San Miguel played well again and finished the quarter with 85-72 win, and in the final quarter of play, the Beermen erected a 16-point lead - the largest of the game with 3:44 left in the game.

But the FiberXers fought back from the 97-91 disadvantage to make the game close and made it a 99-95 count of JL Delos Santos three-pointer.

Converge even had a chance to tie with a four-point shot, but Delos Santos committed an errant pass to Schonny Winston during one of the final plays of the game.

That was the turning point of the game that gave the 29-time PBA champion team San Miguel the upper hand and recorded a 102-95 victory.

“In the end game, it was just composure,” said Gallent. “We just wanted to close the game really quick. We should have just held the ball a bit longer. We made quite a few mistakes coming into the end that’s why the lead went down.”

Jalen Jones, who tasted his first loss of the season, led the FiberXers with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

The Converge import was complemented by Justin Arana’s 20 markers, Winston’s 17, and King Caralipio‘s 10.

Game 2 of the series will be on Saturday, September 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Barangay Ginebra drew first blood in its best-of-five quarterfinals series after shutting down rival Meralco, 99-92, in the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup on Thursday, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Justin Brownlee led the win for the Gin Kings as they survived the late rally orchestrated by the Bolts, finishing with 29 points, along with 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Scottie Thompson delivered 19 markers with five boards, and fives dimes.

“It’s an interesting dynamic for us since we haven’t played Meralco this conference yet, so it’s kind of a feeling-out process," said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

“We came out on top, but basically we just made more plays down the stretch. It could’ve gone either way.”

Japeth Aguilar chipped in 10 points with his tip-in and slam dunk performances being one of the highlights of the game, while RJ Abarrientos sank a crucial triple that placed the Gin Kings up 95-85 with less than three minutes to go.

Ginebra’s triumph also saw the return of 12-time champion Joe Devance from his two-year retirement, scoring two points in six minutes off the bench. 

Cliff Hodge, meanwhile, paced the charge for the Meralco Bolts by posting 23 points to go with five rebounds and a block in the defeat, while Chris Newsome contributed 20 points, six assists, and four boards.

Import Allen Durham, in his first fourth series match up against the Gin Kings, tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals.

Ginebra will aim for a commanding 2-0 lead over Meralco in their second quarterfinal duel set Saturday, September 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Scores:

GINEBRA 99 – Brownlee 29, Thompson 19, Holt 14, J.Aguilar 10, Cu 9, Abarrientos 8, Ahanmisi 8, Devance 2, R.Aguilar 0.

MERALCO 92 – Hodge 23, Newsome 20, Durham 17, Banchero 11, Quinto 10, Caram 6, Almazan 5, Rios 0, Mendoza 0, Bates 0, Cansino 0, Jose 0.

QUARTERS: 28-24, 53-43, 73-71, 99-92.

In a remarkable upset, University of the East stunned the defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers by narrowly defeating them, 75-71, in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Sunday evening, September 22.

The Red Warriors gave La Salle their first loss of the season as they delivered a scorching hot shooting of 12-of-30 from downtown witnessed by 6,946 spectators inside the arena. 

In an exclusive interview with Dribble Report, UE head coach Jack Santiago shared the contributing factors that led to their team's victory.

"I think our teamwork played a very important role in our win against La Salle. Our players played unselfish basketball and everybody showed heart, and to me that’s what led us to winning the game," Santiago said.

He also shared the adjustments and preparations they made before facing the defending champions that propelled them to their success.

"We changed match ups and as a team we agreed that we needed to have a strong start. Playing against the defending champions, we made sure that we spent extra time learning their game and made sure that we are ready come game day," shared by the winning coach.

The plan came into fruition when UE stepped on the gas early and built a 28-11 lead in the first quarter of the play.

Although the Red Warriors had a strong start, they still felt the challenge thrown by the Green Archers led by reigning UAAP Season 86 MVP Kevin Quiambao backed-up by his partner, Michael Philipps. However, the wards of coach Jack never wavered and found ways to overcome the obstacle including the suffocating defense of their opponent.

Asked about the challenges, the UE mentor said: "Of course, their full court press will always be a challenge playing against La Salle. As a team it is something that we really spent time working on at practice. We made sure to learn how to break their defense and that we do well on ours too."

The win might be a big one for the Red Warriors and it's something that they can be proud of, but coach Santiago remained grounded and that's what he appreciated about his team.

"What I love about this team is that they are very humble kids. I always tell them that in times of victory, they should always keep themselves grounded," Santiago complimented the attitude of his players.

Their victory also delighted the basketball enthusiasts and thought that they might go a long way this season with the stellar play they showcased on Sunday paced by the career-game of John Abante who scored 20 points while firing a perfect 3-of-3 behind the arc, grabbing four rebounds, and sinking two-crucial free throws with 3.4 seconds left to complete the upset.

But again, Coach Jack wanted to stay on the ground as it is still early to tell and there are a lot of things to work on before they can finally reach their goal of entering the final four, or even grabbing the championship ring.

"It’s too early to say but, of course, every team is looking to be in the final four. Obviously, it’s not going to be a piece of cake. We still have to work very hard to make sure that we are on the right path and are following our system to ensure that we reach our goals this season," he told Dribble Report.

Coach Jack and the UE Red Warriors might be wary of a lot of things but their huge win last weekend, which also marked their second straight victory of the season, can become the stepping stone in reaching the top of their goals and surely earned the respect of all other teams.

Joe Devance is coming out of retirement to mark his PBA comeback for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel ahead of their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals opening game against Meralco on Thursday, September 26.

The 42-year-old Devance announced the development on his Instagram account after posting a copy of the PBA memo on Tuesday, September 23.

"Through it all it brought me back here! This is a surreal feeling I'm going through right now. This is the closure I wanted and needed," Devance wrote.

The league memorandum stated that Devance has been activated in the roster in lieu of rookie Paul Garcia, who has been relegated to the unrestricted free agent list. 

Devance’s return to the big stage is expected to boost the Gin Kings’ championship bid following Isaac Go suffering an apparent knee injury in their 124-102 victory against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last September 13.

“We’ve been looking around for a big man ever since Isaac went down with his injury and Joe’s sudden return to Manila was fortuitous,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

Devance, a left-handed Filipino-American forward, retired in June 2022 following 16 productive seasons in the PBA that began in 2007. He also won 12 league championships when he played for Alaska Aces, SanMig Coffee (now Magnolia), and Barangay Ginebra.

Defending champions De La Salle University are looking to get back on its winning ways after suffering its first scar at the hands of the University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

After tasting the first beating of the tournament, the Green Archers seek a turnaround when they face winless Far Eastern University on Wednesday afternoon, September 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"We learn from those experiences. It's gonna make us better and blaming them (the players) is the worst thing that we're gonna do. Blaming each other, blaming the players, life goes on for us," said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson in an interview with One Sports. 

“We cannot cry over spilled milk anymore. So, it’s done and over with. What’s important for us is the opportunity in front of us and that’s FEU.”

La Salle’s defeat relegated them in second spot, allowing last year’s finalist University of the Philippines to seize the solo lead with a 4-0 record. 

The Tamaraws, on the other hand, aim to give head coach Sean Chambers his first win, trying to avoid its second 0-5 start in the last three seasons.