Ian Torres' Buzzer-Beater Sends Benilde Blazers to NCAA Semis Decider Against San Beda

In a thrilling NCAA Season 101 semifinal showdown, Ian Torres propelled the Benilde Blazers to a dramatic 77-75 victory over the San Beda Red Lions with a buzzer-beating floater on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The clutch shot came with the game tied at 75, as Torres swiftly moved downcourt and challenging defender Nygel Gonzales, released an off-balance shot that rattled around the rim before dropping through the net, sealing the triumph for Benilde. The intense final quarter saw both teams exchanging leads. Bryan Sajonia spearheaded San Beda’s efforts, while Torres and Shawn Umali drove the Blazers’ offense. San Beda had a brief three-point cushion at 73-70 following a layup by Jomel Puno with 2:39 left, but Torres responded with a crucial three-pointer to level the score at 73-all with 1:38 on the clock. Following Sajonia’s layup to regain the lead, Justine Sanchez nailed a basket to tie the contest at 75-all, paving the way for Torres’ game-winning shot. Benilde’s Ynot led all scorers with 19 points, alongside seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Torres contributed 17 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Sanchez recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. On the San Beda side, Gonzales led with 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists, and Sajonia added 16 points. With the series now knotted at 1-1, both squads will face off in a decisive Game 3 on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to determine who advances to the NCAA finals.

National University Upsets Top-Seeded UST to Lead UAAP Season 88 Women's Basketball Finals

In a captivating showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, National University, the defending champions, handed top-seeded University of Santo Tomas their first defeat in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, winning 84-79 in the opening game of the best-of-three finals series. The Lady Bulldogs, having battled their way through the stepladder semifinals and narrowly edging Ateneo de Manila University 67-66, are now one victory away from securing their ninth overall UAAP title. Leading the charge, Angel Surada delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 19 points, alongside seven rebounds, three assists, five steals, and a block. Meanwhile, Marga Villanueva contributed 17 points and six rebounds, bolstering the team's offensive and defensive efforts. This pivotal win sets the tone for what promises to be an intense finals series between two of the league's premier programs.

Grizzlies Dominate Trail Blazers Behind Strong Bench Performance in 119-96 Victory

The Memphis Grizzlies showcased a commanding performance on Sunday, defeating the visiting Portland Trail Blazers 119-96 thanks to a balanced offensive effort led by their bench players. Santi Aldama came off the bench to score 22 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jaylen Wells each contributed 16 points to bolster Memphis’s attack. This victory marked the Grizzlies’ fifth win in their last six games and their first instance of consecutive home wins during this season. Memphis’ reserves dominated the scoreboard, tallying 69 points collectively, including notable contributions from Jock Landale with 15 points and eight rebounds and Cam Spencer, who added 12 points and six assists. Starter Zach Edey also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Portland struggled offensively, managing fewer than 100 points for only the second time this season and extending their losing streak to five losses in six contests. Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 21 points and seven rebounds, supported by strong all-around efforts from Deni Avdija, who recorded 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and Shaedon Sharpe with 17 points. Toumani Camara chipped in 13 points and six rebounds. The Grizzlies dominated early by building a 22-point lead late in the first quarter and stretching it to a 25-point margin early in the second quarter following a three-point play by Caldwell-Pope. Memphis took a comfortable 66-46 lead into halftime, fueled by an impressive 37 points from the bench and a season-high 18 steals. Portland made a spirited attempt to rally in the third quarter, going on a 16-1 run with key 3-pointers from Grant and Avdija. A Grant free throw trimmed the deficit to four points with 7:32 remaining in the quarter. However, Memphis quelled the momentum and entered the final period leading 92-78. For the second consecutive game, Jaren Jackson Jr., who averages 17.5 points per game, struggled offensively in the first half, scoring only four points or fewer. He finished with six points on 3-of-10 shooting and provided two blocks in the fourth quarter during his 24 minutes on the court. Memphis’ ability to withstand Portland’s comeback and capitalize on bench scoring ultimately paved the way for a decisive win as they continue their strong form this season.

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Achieves Historic Five-Peat in Cesafi Junior Basketball

The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles made history by becoming the first high school team to claim a five-peat championship in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) junior basketball division. They secured their latest title with a commanding 79-57 victory over the University of Cebu Junior Webmasters in Game Two of the best-of-three finals series held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Cebu Coliseum. The Magis Eagles delivered a decisive 17-0 run during the third quarter, restricting the Baby Webmasters to only four points in the same period and establishing a substantial 61-48 lead. This momentum shift proved pivotal, as SHS-AdC maintained control for the remainder of the game to complete their unprecedented five consecutive championships. Lian Kent Basa led the victorious squad with 18 points and 11 rebounds, earning him the Most Valuable Player award. Supporting contributions came from Gabriel Gonzales with 17 points and eight rebounds, Jhonrey Recio with 15 points, and Jacob Lacson who posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. This latest triumph marks SHS-AdC’s ninth junior basketball title since their first in 2012. The competition was paused in 2013 due to a controversy involving player eligibility that reached legal proceedings. When Cesafi resumed in 2014, the Magis Eagles resumed their dominance, capturing titles again in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Reflecting on the 2013 season, head coach Rommel Rasmo acknowledged the competitiveness of that year, noting that other strong teams were also contenders. He emphasized the significance of the current achievement, stating, \"I think that year (2013), UV deserved it, CEC deserved it. There were four of us contending, right? Maybe. But what is important is that now it has become a reality.\" Despite setbacks in 2017 and a less successful 2018, SHS-AdC reclaimed the championship in 2019 and has successfully defended it through the current season. Basa was also named to the Mythical Five along with Kenneth Robert Fuller of Cebu Eastern College, RJ Mandaros of Cebu Institute of Technology-University, Ryll da Silva of University of San-Jose Recoletos, and Marty Louisse Sotto of University of Cebu.

ZUS Coffee Advances to PVL Finals Following Semifinal Victory Over PLDT

ZUS Coffee has booked their place in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference finals after a decisive 25-22, 28-26, 25-22 victory against PLDT at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday evening. American standout Anna DeBeer led the Thunderbelles with an impressive 30 points, while Chinnie Arroyo contributed 14 points, helping to seal a commanding win. Speaking after the 95-minute encounter, DeBeer remarked, \"This is just so awesome for our program. To be here – I’m so thankful. And to make history for ZUS Coffee… I know we still have so much more to give, and I can’t wait for Sunday.\" Additional support for ZUS Coffee came from Alexis Miner, who tallied eight points including two valuable blocks. Jovelyn Gonzaga and Thea Gagate added seven and six points, respectively. The team’s defense and playmaking were bolstered by Cloanne Mondonedo, who delivered 18 excellent sets, and Alyssa Eroa, who recorded 23 digs. In contrast, PLDT’s Anastasia Bavykina led her team with 16 points, supported by Savannah Dawn Davison’s 15 points. Despite their efforts, they fell short against the resilient Thunderbelles. Meanwhile, Petro Gazz secured the first berth in the finals after a hard-fought 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13 victory over Akari. Brooke Van Sickle was instrumental in the win, amassing 23 points including three blocks and contributing significantly on defense with 18 receptions and 13 digs. Lindsey Mae Vander Weide added 16 points, while Myla Pablo and Mar Jana Phillips contributed 14 and 13 points respectively, with Phillips also recording two blocks and two aces. Akari’s Annie Mitchem led all scorers with 28 points solely from attacks, complemented by Celine Domingo’s 16 points including three blocks and two aces. The highly anticipated championship match between ZUS Coffee and Petro Gazz is set for Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, promising an exciting conclusion to the PVL Reinforced Conference.

UP Forces Decisive Game 3 Against La Salle in UAAP Season 88 Finals

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons secured a crucial 66-63 victory over the De La Salle University Green Archers on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, forcing a decisive Game 3 in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball championship series. Gerry Abadiano played a pivotal role in the final quarter, contributing six of UP's last seven points. The game-winning moment came when Francis Nnoruka converted a free throw following a foul on Luis Pablo, sealing the narrow win for UP. This season marks the third occasion that the finals between these two teams extended to a third and final game. Previously, the Green Archers emerged champions in Season 86, while the Fighting Maroons claimed the title in Season 87. The upcoming Game 3 promises an intense showdown as both squads vie for the UAAP crown.

Philippines Leads Parade at 2025 SEA Games Opening Ceremony

The 2025 Southeast Asian Games officially commenced with a grand opening ceremony that featured a spirited parade of nations. The Philippine delegation was prominently led by tennis sensation Alex Eala, who proudly carried the national flag, alongside volleyball star Bryan Bagunas. Their participation underscored the country's strong representation and competitive spirit at the regional sporting event. The ceremony set an enthusiastic tone for the games, highlighting camaraderie and athletic excellence among Southeast Asian countries.

Philippines Men’s Volleyball Team Falls to Thailand in SEA Games Semifinals

In the 2025 Southeast Asian Games men’s volleyball semifinals held on Thursday, the Philippines men’s team, Alas Pilipinas, was defeated by host nation Thailand in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21. Thailand remains undefeated in the tournament, continuing their pursuit of a clean sweep after finishing the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record. The Philippines, meanwhile, recorded their second loss of the competition after previously securing a victory over Myanmar and suffering a defeat to Indonesia during the group round. Despite the setback, the Filipino squad still has an opportunity to secure a medal as they prepare to face Vietnam in the bronze medal match scheduled for Friday. This result solidifies Thailand's dominant position in the tournament, while the Philippines aims to conclude their campaign on a high note with a third-place finish.

Meralco Secures Crucial 96-79 Victory to Force Sudden-Death PBA Quarterfinals Matchup

Meralco successfully kept their hopes alive in the PBA Philippine Cup after overpowering the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with a 96-79 win in the quarterfinals held at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Bolts established a commanding start, building a sizable lead early in the game and fending off a late surge by Rain or Shine in the fourth quarter. CJ Cansino, Cliff Hodge, and Chris Newsome led Meralco’s scoring, each contributing 14 points. Meanwhile, Jansen Rios and Aaron Black added 12 points apiece, bolstering the team’s offensive efforts. Meralco opened the game strongly, jumping to a 20-point advantage at 35-15 by the end of the first quarter. The lead extended further in the second quarter, reaching a peak margin of 34 points (56-22) after a three-pointer from Aaron Black. Rain or Shine gradually chipped away at the deficit, cutting the gap to 12 points (72-84) following an and-one play by Gabe Norwood. Despite this momentum, Meralco responded effectively, closing the game with a decisive 10-3 run to restore a 19-point lead at 94-75. Raymond Almazan also contributed significantly with nine points for Meralco, while Adrian Nocum led Rain or Shine with 17 points. Gian Mamuyac added 16 points for the Elasto Painters in the losing effort. The series now heads to a sudden-death decider set for Monday at 7:30 p.m., with both teams aiming to secure their place in the next round at the same venue.

Spurs Overcome Large Deficit to Defeat Knicks; Wembanyama Suffers Knee Injury

In a thrilling showdown reminiscent of an NBA Finals matchup, the San Antonio Spurs rallied from a 19-point first-half deficit to secure a 134-132 victory against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Despite the excitement surrounding the close contest, the postgame attention shifted to Spurs’ standout forward Victor Wembanyama, who exited the game with 10:32 remaining after suffering a hyperextended left knee. "I have not been able to talk to the medical staff yet, but I saw what everybody else saw," said Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. "There's a visual there, but he finished the game on the bench with his teammates, so that made me feel good. I have no idea what to say, but it was good to see him walk back out and finish the game with his teammates." Wembanyama described feeling soreness after the game but expressed optimism about his recovery, stating he was "very confident" he would not miss time due to the injury. Nonetheless, prioritizing his health, the Spurs have decided to rest him during their upcoming Friday game against the Indiana Pacers, citing left knee soreness. The Spurs overcame a challenging first half, trailing the Knicks by 10 points at halftime and nine points entering the final quarter. Their resilience shone through in the closing minutes as they outscored New York 41-30, snapping a two-game losing streak with a vital home victory. Johnson praised his team's effort: "I thought we were not very good for a lot of stretches in the first half, but the competitive response and the energy we were putting as the game went on into the right areas, we felt it. I was extremely proud of guys who stepped up tonight, especially those guys in the fourth quarter." A standout performance came from Julian Champagnie, who established a franchise record by sinking 11 three-pointers, tallying a career-high 36 points. The fourth-year player took all 17 of his shot attempts beyond the arc, surpassing his previous personal best by five. Champagnie reflected on the team's mindset: "I think we've been there before when it comes to a guy going down and someone having to step up and figure things out. For us (Wednesday), it was one of those things where we dropped two at home, Utah and Cleveland, but we want to protect our home court." Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers confront a difficult season, currently enduring a 10-game losing streak. They narrowly fell to the Orlando Magic 112-110 on Wednesday and hold the league's worst record at 6-28 heading into 2026. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle commented on his team's inconsistent performance: "The real question should be why did we give up 68 points in the first half and only 44 in the second half? And that's because in the second half, we played like a together team that was supporting each other and not like strangers. That's how this has got to be. We're having too much pity nonsense going on during games that needs to go away."