Garcia, 34, notched his first PBA career double-double and powered Phoenix to a breakthrough win in the Philippine Cup following a 94-78 demolition of Terrafirma at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, March 13.

Taking over in the absence of injured guard Tyler Tio, Garcia netted a season-high 20 points and a career-high 10 assists on top of 6 rebounds as the Fuel Masters rebounded after back-to-back losses to open the tournament.

“We’re without Tyler so I needed to step up as a veteran in this team,” said Garcia in Filipino.

Phoenix trailed 39-44 at halftime before Garcia took charge as he scattered 16 points in the second half, helping his side pull away for good after a 64-64 deadlock at the end of the third quarter.

Garcia also thrived as a facilitator, with three of his teammates scoring in double figures: Jason Perkins (18), Kenneth Tuffin (17), and Larry Muyang (13).

It was such a playmaking masterclass from Garcia that he posted his career-best in assists with zero turnovers.

Garcia said he simply wanted to win, knowing that a 0-3 record would not be ideal for the Fuel Masters’ bid of another deep run after Phoenix reached the semifinals for just the third time in franchise history last conference.

“We needed this first win. I hope this continues,” said Garcia.

Perkins also finished with 7 rebounds and 5 assists, Tuffin added 9 rebounds, and Muyang hauled down 7 rebounds in the victory that saw the Fuel Masters outscore the Dyip, 30-14, in the fourth period.

Still within striking distance at 75-80, Terrafirma fell apart as Phoenix went on a pivotal 12-0 run capped by back-to-back Garcia buckets for a 92-75 lead with under 1:30 minutes left.

Javi Gomez de Liaño put up 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Dyip, who absorbed their second straight defeat after a 2-0 start.

All-Star guard Juami Tiongson tallied 16 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals in the losing effort as Terrafirma missed the services of top rookie Stephen Holt, who sat out with back issues.

The Scores

Phoenix 94 – Garcia 20, Perkins 18, Tuffin 17, Muyang 13, Daves 8, Mocon 8, Jazul 7, Rivero 3, Manganti 0, Alejandro 0, Verano 0

Terrafirma 78 – Gomez de Liano 19, Tiongson 16, Camson 10, Alolino 8, Sangalang 8, Go 4, Carino 4, Mina 3, Ramos 2, Olivario 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 0

Quarters: 19-16, 39-44, 64-64, 94-78.

– Rappler.com

Bolick flirted with a triple-double and shone down the stretch as the Road Warriors claimed their third straight win by way of a 103-97 victory over erstwhile unbeaten Blackwater at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, March 13.

The flamboyant guard drained a pair of three-pointers in the final minute and finished with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals to steer NLEX to a 4-1 record before it goes on a month-long break.

“Robert Bolick is just a hell of a player,” said Road Warriors assistant coach Borgie Hermida.

“He produces a lot of points. But if you take a look at the assist department, Bolick is also a great passer. 90 percent of the time, the ball is in his hands. And 90 percent of the time, Berto makes good decisions.”

Although Bolick slowed down offensively after erupting for a career-high 46 points in their romp of Converge last Saturday, Bolick delivered the biggest hits late.

Bolick gave NLEX a 100-94 lead by sinking a trey with 45 seconds left, and when the Bossing inched within 100-97, he sealed the deal with another triple with 30 ticks remaining.

While Bolick stole the show with his endgame exploits, heroes were aplenty for NLEX.

Rookie Jhan Nermal scattered 13 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and pulled down 7 rebounds, seldom-used Dominic Fajardo put up 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Robbie Herndon tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Baser Amer also contributed with 12 points in his first encounter against his former team Blackwater.

After playing five games in two weeks, the Road Warriors will go on a well-deserved break before they return to action on April 6 against perennial contender Magnolia.

Bolick, though, warned NLEX against complacency, with the team also set to battle powerhouses San Miguel, TNT, and Barangay Ginebra for its remaining assignments.

“It will be a difficult stretch next month, so we need to prepare better,” said Bolick.

The Road Warriors won despite missing head coach Frankie Lim, who injured his hand after being hit by a ball during practice.

Without Lim, deputy Jong Uichico – a nine-time PBA champion as a head coach – called the shots for NLEX.

Rey Suerte paced the Bossing with 21 points, but he missed five crucial free throws inside the final three minutes as Blackwater saw its unbeaten streak snapped and fell to 3-1.

Suerte went 3-of-8 from the line, with the team going 13-of-25 overall for a measly 52%.

Rey Nambatac and Troy Rosario netted 16 points each in the loss that prevented the Bossing from tying their franchise-best start when they opened the 2019 Governors’ Cup with four consecutive wins.

The Scores

NLEX 103 – Bolick 21, Nermal 16, Herndon 14, Fajardo 14, Amer 12, Semerad 11, Rodger 9, Marcelo 4, Valdez 2, Miranda 0, Pascual 0.

Blackwater 97 – Suerte 21, Rosario 16, Nambatac 16, Tungcab 15, Guinto 12, Ilagan 8, David 4, Yap 3, Escoto 2, Sena 0, Hill 0, Kwekuteye 0, Jopia 0.

Quarters: 22-26, 50-51, 71-72, 103-97.

– Rappler.com

Although expected to be among the top teams alongside finalists La Salle and NU, few expected the young España-based squad to earn wins against both squads on the way to what is now a 6-0 record with one game left in the first round of eliminations.

On a historic and well-earned winning streak, the all-heart Tigresses have now matched the program’s best start since UAAP Season 73, when the likes of Rhea Dimaculangan and the iconic Aiza Maizo still led the way for UST.

After reaching the 13-year best mark off a close sweep of winless UP, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24, on Wednesday, March 13, the present-day Tigresses admitted that the team’s former stars have been their sources of confidence as they hustle to keep the momentum going into the second round.

“As a player, I use them as motivation this season especially during this great start,” super rookie Angge Poyos said in Filipino after erupting for 22 points in just three sets. “But on our part, we shouldn’t be complacent since the season is still long and there’s still the second round. No time to relax.”

“I respect my ates and just use them as inspiration,” echoed rookie blocker Em Banagua in Filipino. “I need to make a name for myself as well, keep contributing to the team, and lessen my overthinking.”

Laced within the Tigresses’ answers is a healthy mix of pride and caution, which is exactly the right combination of emotions to keep the whole team grounded while at the top.

In fact, young UST should look no further than how its idols’ story back in 2011 ended: a two-game finals sweep at the hands of mighty La Salle, then led by the likes of Cha Cruz and Michele Gumabao.

If this season’s Tigresses were to rewrite past history, they are on the right track by not staying complacent, like they have said multiple times in previous games, and again versus UP.

“One game at a time,” as the age-old cliché goes. – Rappler.com

Doncic recorded a seventh straight triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 14 assists in a 127-92 road romp over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, March 11.

He came up 3 points short of extending his NBA record streak of 30-point triple-doubles. He had broken a tie with Russell Westbrook with a sixth 30-point triple-double in a row in a 142-124 road win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, March 9.

Doncic has 17 triple-doubles for the season and trails only Domantas Sabonis (22) and Nikola Jokic (21).

His run is tied with three others for the third-longest in NBA history, trailing only Westbrook’s 11-gamer for Oklahoma City in 2019 and Wilt Chamberlain’s nine for Philadelphia in 1968.

The 25-year-old came up 2 rebounds shy of a triple-double when his 39 points and 10 assists led the Mavericks to a 132-122 win at Golden State in the clubs’ only previous meeting in December. 

Curry countered with 25 points for the Warriors.

The Western Conference playoff hopefuls will also duel twice in four days in April, once at each site.

Doncic took a crack at a seventh straight 30-point triple-double Monday before leaving the blowout for good with 6:09 remaining in the game. He missed three-point attempts that would have boosted him to 30 points in each of Dallas’ last two possessions before he was subbed out.

Dallas coach Jason Kidd had a feeling he’d have to make that tough decision eventually.

“Luka’s setting records and it becomes tough when you’re trying to win the game,” he said. 

“You’re also trying to be respectful of the situation, so to try to get him 30, because this is something that’s never been done before, also not putting him in a position to get hurt.”

The Mavericks have won three in a row after having lost five of six. They will follow the Golden State game with showdowns against two of the top teams in the West, the Thunder and the Denver Nuggets.

The Warriors avoided a three-game losing streak when they overcame the absence of Curry for the first time in five tries this season in a 112-102 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. The Spurs had won 126-113 at Golden State on Saturday.

Curry, who sprained his right ankle in a home loss to the Bulls on Thursday, was scheduled for a re-evaluation on Tuesday. He is expected begin practicing in the Bay Area and will join the team for Friday’s practice in Los Angeles. The Warriors visit the Lakers on Saturday.

Chris Paul, who had 24 points in the earlier loss to Dallas, was the star of Monday’s victory in San Antonio with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Afterward, the veteran praised fellow veteran Andrew Wiggins, who chipped in 16 points, for having risen to the occasion alongside his first-year teammate.

“I told Wiggs before the game: Me and him needed to be more aggressive,” Paul said. “Our team is a lot different when Steph is out here playing. When he’s out, we have to figure things out.” – Rappler.com

Guinto, who will turn 16 this July, put together a clean slate of 5-0 in the opening round at Pool No. 9 of six fencers in his first campaign in the continental meet for 17-and-under fencers.

Guinto defeated Ali Albusaidi of Oman 5-3, then pulled off a thrilling 5-4 victory against Dhruv Tyagi of India, followed by a convincing 5-0 win over Uzbekistan’s Radmir Vorojeykin, and came through with identical 5-3 wins in his last two bouts, Abdulaziz Kandari of Kuwait and Trevor Wu of Chinese Taipei.

A Grade 10 student at Paref Southridge, Guinto advanced to the direct elimination round as the No. 7 ranked fencer and dispatched No. 58 Albusaidi with a 15-12 win in the Round of 64. 

Faris Alblooshi of United Arab Emirates won the gold medal in men’s foil, Rui Hayashikawa of Japan took the silver medal, while South Korea’s Beomjun and China’s Gao Tian settled with the bronze medals.

Although he suffered a 15-5 loss to Japan’s Shun Shiraogawa in the Round of 32, Guinto managed to finish at No. 17 among 80 fencers in the four-day tournament organized by the FIE or the International Fencing Federation.

Ramil Endriano, the coach of Guinto, said that while the ‘all wins’ feat was impressive, it was the drive and passion of the fencer that really made its mark as far as he is concerned.

“It’s rare to have an all-wins in a tournament like the Asian Cadet Fencing Championships, especially for a Filipino,” Endriano, currently the head coach of the fencing national team, said in Filipino.

“I think the last all-wins was Samantha Catantan in the Under-23 Asian Fencing Championships.”

“But for me, what made a mark is his drive and passion,” the coach added. “Prior to the Asian Cadet, he lacked training because of conflict of schedule with his studies. I think he only trained three times a week. Yet he performed well in the tournament.” 

Guinto, whose brother Yllac also competed in the foil and epee events of the tournament, said it was all about having the right mindset going to the event despite the challenges.

“I knew that I had to do my best. I am already there on the big stage, I need to make the most out of it for myself and for those who have helped me — my coaches, my parents, family and teammates,” said Guinto.

“I’ve built up my confidence and grit. All I needed was to apply everything that I have learned and to give it my all, while staying relaxed and having fun.”

“I felt ecstatic (with the result). It was very rewarding to win all bouts in the pools. It’s something,” added the teen fencer, who had national team fencer Michael Nicanor as his coach in Bahrain.

“I didn’t expect yet I knew I worked hard to be there and achieve such. Especially in a big competition like the Asian Championships, I am very proud to represent the Philippines by doing my best and winning all my (pool) bouts.”

Next for Guinto, a member of the Admirals Robotics Varsity Team, is the World Cadet Fencing Championships in Saudi Arabia next month.

“I’m very excited to again participate in the World Championships in Riyadh, at the same time carry the Philippine flag once more. This competition gives me something to aspire for, to work even harder as I’m up against the world. I know I deserve to be there and I will try my best to win,” said Guinto, whose initial campaign in the world was in Dubai in 2022.

Aside from the Guinto brothers, other Filipino fencers who competed in the Asian Cadet were Antonio Manuel in men’s foil; Miyake Capina, Kaijinsei dela Serna, Ina Pascual and Jodie Tan in women’s foil; Oscar del Castillo, Enrico Fuentes and Diego Son in men’s epee; Nina Canlas, Ashley Mae Harrison, Ivana Salvador and Solana Trinidad in women’s epee; Matthew Luis General, Mairon Jeremiah Moulic, Julian Guile Rosaros and Enrico Joaquin Ronsayro in men’s saber; and sisters Medivh and Maiev in women’s saber. – Rappler.com

Leonard, 32, played all 12 minutes of the first quarter, scoring 6 points on 2-of-4 shooting to go along with 2 rebounds and 2 assists before Minnesota went on to win, 118-100 on Tuesday, March 12 (Wednesday, March 13, Manila time). 

He missed the Clippers’ 124-117 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, March 10, because of left groin soreness.

On the TNT broadcast, Leonard could be seen walking back to the Clippers’ locker room in the second quarter, and then leaving the locker room in street clothes.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said postgame, “He’s been dealing with [back spasms] for a couple days … Wasn’t sure if he was going to go this morning, but he came to shootaround, got some treatment, did what he had to do and tried to get on the court and play today. And it just didn’t loosen up for him.”

Asked if Leonard would travel with the team for games at Chicago on Thursday and New Orleans on Friday, Lue said, “Not sure. I hope so.”

Leonard had been listed on the injury report before the Tuesday game due to groin soreness and was questionable, but he was in the starting lineup.

The Clippers led 34-21 after one quarter and had a 22-point lead nearly seven minutes through the second quarter before the Timberwolves pulled off a 20-2 run after Leonard departed. 

Leonard is averaging 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists through 58 games (all starts) this season. In 12 NBA seasons, he has averaged 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 686 games (657 starts). 

Anthony Edwards scored 37 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 28 to lead the visiting Timberwolves, who ended a two-game skid.

Mike Conley scored 23 points, Rudy Gobert added 11 rebounds and Kyle Anderson had 10 points as the Timberwolves improved to 2-2 since Karl-Anthony Towns went down with a knee injury. 

Towns underwent surgery earlier Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. – Rappler.com

The former rookie project of the defunct F2 Logistics led the way with 17 points in just three sets – her best scoring outing yet in a Chameleons uniform – to go with 11 excellent digs, while fellow young hitter Lycha Ebon scored 15 on 11 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace as Nxled broke through with a 1-3 record.

“I think I’m 90% healthy, just so Coach Taka [Minowa] won’t overthink,” Lacsina joked in Filipino. “I can’t really say what percentage I’m at. It depends on what I’m able to do.”

“It’s not totally 100%, but our physical therapists and coaches are doing what they can to lessen the pain,” added Lacsina, one game after captain Dani Ravena accidentally crashed on her left leg on a routine ball reception in Nxled’s loss against Cignal last Thursday, March 7.

Meanwhile, the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers likewise cruised in the first game of the PhilSports Arena double-header, manhandling the winless upstart Strong Group Athletics (SGA), 25-13, 25-13, 25-19, to rise to a clean 4-0 slate.

Reserve spiker Bernadeth Pons made the most of her spot start with 12 points in just two sets played as captain Alyssa Valdez added 9, also in just two frames.

Notably, Pons’ fellow national beach volleyball team standout Dij Rodriguez made her long-awaited Creamline debut against SGA, tallying 5 points off the bench, and Pons couldn’t be happier for her friend’s entry to professional volleyball.

“I’m happy because our talks of returning to indoor volleyball finally materialized,” she said in Filipino. “We even all wanted to be on the same team, but of course, there’s a reason why one (Sisi Rondina) was separated from us.”

“But still, I’m very happy for [Dij] because we all know that she can perform well,” added Pons, who came to Creamline in June last year, while Rondina landed with sister team Choco Mucho around the same time.

Dolly Versoza paced SGA’s losing cause down a 0-4 record with 8 points, while Alyssa Eroa tallied 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions for Galeries, now also at 0-4 in the standings’ cellar. – Rappler.com

So far, six Filipino standouts have qualified to fly the flag in Paris, with many more in the wings waiting for their shot at ultimate sporting glory.

The Philippines will have a lot to prove in the 2024 Olympics after a historic 2021 run in Tokyo, where living legend Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first-ever gold through a masterful weightlifting display.

Additionally, the 19-strong Filipino delegation also secured the nation’s biggest medal haul ever in a single Olympics, with Diaz’s gold topping a big four-medal tally, boosted by two silvers and one bronze from boxers Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, and Eumir Marcial, respectively.

Here is the updated list of athletes hoping to make more history for the Philippines in Paris, in chronological order of qualification:

EJ Obiena

First on the list is one of the Philippines’ best hopes for a 2024 Olympics medal, pole vaulting superstar EJ Obiena.

Ranked No. 2 in the world just behind reigning Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis, the 28-year-old is looking to capitalize on a monumental 2023 season highlighted by notching a new personal and Asian record 6-meter jump on June 10 and an early Paris qualification on July 3.

Carlos Yulo

Looking to prove doubters wrong after a controversial split with his old coach, artistic gymnastics phenom Carlos Yulo punched his Olympic ticket on October 1, 2023, and has continuously trained to perfect his craft just in time for Paris.

At just 24 years old, the two-time world champion, six-time Asian champion, and nine-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games champion is gunning for his first Olympic gold, particularly in his floor exercise pet event.

Aleah Finnegan

Prior to even stepping foot in Paris, Aleah Finnegan is already a history maker for Philippine gymnastics, as her qualification on October 3, 2023, marked the first time a Filipina gymnast qualified for the Olympics since 1964.

Only representing the Philippines for two years so far since her 2022 SEA Games debut, the 21-year-old prodigy is out to make herself a household name with a stellar Olympics debut, and perhaps, win even more hearts with her first medal.

Eumir Marcial

Another familiar face in the upcoming Olympics, boxing star Eumir Marcial is up for another round (or two, or three) with the world’s best, and is looking for a better shine to his 2021 bronze medal.

Qualified for Paris on October 4, 2023, the 28-year-old veteran makes a forced jump to the men’s 80kg class after his favored 75kg division was scrapped for the 2024 Games and is now out to prove himself and the world that he can still bring his best foot forward in the ring even in uncharted territory.

Nesthy Petecio

One of the Philippines’ best female boxers today, 31-year-old Nesthy Petecio is right in the middle of her athletic prime, and now has a golden opportunity to improve on her historic 2021 Olympic silver with a return trip to the sport’s biggest stage.

After qualifying last March 12, Petecio returns to the women’s 57kg event in Paris, where she has a chance to make more history for Filipina boxing.

Aira Villegas

Making her Olympics debut in July, Aira Villegas joins Petecio as the other Filipina boxer who will give the Philippines a much-needed extra medal chance, this time at the women’s 50kg class.

At 29 years old, the Leyte native already has significant experience under her belt to make her go toe-to-toe with other world-class sluggers and possibly snag an Olympic medal in just her first try. – Rappler.com

Jokic has 21 triple-doubles this season and 126 in his career.

Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. scored 19 points each for Denver, which has won nine of 10.

Toronto was already without Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl due to hand injuries and then ruled out Immanuel Quickley (hip flexor), Gary Trent Jr. (groin strain) and Chris Boucher (knee).

That gave little-used Javon Freeman-Liberty, Jontay Porter and Ochai Agbaji meaningful playing time for the Raptors on Monday.

Jontay Porter, Michael Porter Jr.’s younger brother, scored a career-high 14 points off the bench.

RJ Barrett finished with 26 points, Kelly Olynyk added 24 points, Gradey Dick scored 17 points, Bruce Brown had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Jalen McDaniels contributed 12 points for Toronto, which has lost six of its last seven.

The young Raptors took advantage of their opportunity and stunned Denver in the first half. Toronto led by two at the end of the first quarter and scored the first 11 points of the second to lead 45-32.

Jordan Nwora hit a 3-pointer to make it 56-38 with 5:55 left in the half, and the lead swelled to 22 twice, the last time on Dick’s pull-up jumper 2:22 before intermission.

The Nuggets closed the game to 68-51 at halftime on Murray’s 3-pointer.

Jokic hit a 3-pointer to open the second-half scoring but the Raptors quickly got the lead to 85-64 on Olynyk’s three-point play with 7:37 left in the third.

The Nuggets got rolling from there, ending the period on a 16-5 run to get within 98-93 heading into the fourth quarter.

Denver cut it to 103-102 on a Murray layup with 8:58 left then, after the teams traded baskets, Murray’s floater sparked an 8-0 run that gave the Nuggets a 112-107 lead with 5:35 remaining.

Barrett’s floater cut it to 121-119 with 1:23 left but Michael Porter Jr. hit a 3-pointer and Denver closed it out. – Rappler.com

“(My stay in Sacred Heart) won’t conclude yet since I will play at the MOA Arena for the NBTC National Finals, I would still have a last dance,” he said.

“I am more motivated that Ateneo de Cebu has another chance of redeeming itself this year, so we’re all motivated to win this,” Bahay added.

Bahay, whose Magis Eagles team fell short to three-time defending champion Nazareth-NU Bullpups in the Division 1 semis, will be the league’s top-ranked player for the second year in a row in the NBTC 24 list.

He also bared that he has been practicing with the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team months after going back on his well-publicized commitment with the UP Fighting Maroons.

The pint-sized point guard continued that his exit from State U was amicable, and that he has begun to build camaraderie with his future collegiate teammates courtesy of his ex-high school buddies Michael Asoro and Raffy Celis.

“It’s a different dealing since it’s coach Tab (Baldwin), one of the best coaches in the Philippines, Ateneo’s one of the best programs, I’m confident I could adjust (in the UAAP),” said Bahay.

“Coach Tab has been pushing me, building my confidence. I may be a rookie, but I haven’t been treated as such, since he has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he continued.

Immediately behind Bahay in the NBTC 24 list is UAAP Season 86 juniors’ mythical five member Kieffer Alas of the La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers.

“It feels good. Playing here last year wasn’t really unexpected, and now I’m here again, so I’m just gonna take advantage of the opportunity,” said Alas.

“After the (FIBA Asia U16 Championships), I’ve realized that the Philippines was still far away from Australia and China, but I took that as a slap on the face so I could work even harder,” he continued.

The son of coach Louie and brother of NLEX guard Kevin, Kieffer was named to the tournament All-Star Five, with averages of 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.

Nationwide high school basketball showcase

A total of 32 teams will vie for the NBTC title, including NSNU, UAAP champion Adamson, and NCAA semifinalists San Sebastian and Mapua.

They will be joined by 16 regional teams, two wildcard entries, and seven overseas-based squads.

“We’re excited to once again be back in our original format for the National Finals and this early, we’re bracing for an action-packed week. The future of Philippine basketball is indeed before us,” said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano.

All 32 teams will on Monday, March 18, to determine their placing. Winners will head to Division 1 and losers to Division 2.

The Supreme 16 knockout phase will start on March 20, the Fantastic Eight on March 21, and Fearless Four semifinals on March 22.

The winners will then play on March 24 for the Division 1 and 2 championship game.

It will be preceded by the NBTC All-Star Game on March 23, which will led by Bahay and Alas for Team Heart and Hustle, respectively.

There will also be an NBTC coaches convention from March 21 to 23, as well as the inaugural Manila Live competitions featuring a girls tournament, plus a U19, U16, and U14 boys tournaments. – Rappler.com