Sports

MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Thursday announced that it had accepted the sanctions handed down by the FIBA, following Gilas Pilipinas’ role in the brawl against Australia during a World Cup qualifier last July 2. Ten players and two coaches were given suspensions of varying lengths, to be served in the next window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Head coach Chot Reyes, in addition to a one-game ban, was also fined 10,000 swiss francs. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) was also fined 250,000 swiss francs. On top of the suspensions and fines, the Philippines’ next home game in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers – which will be against Qatar on September 17 – will be played behind closed doors. “The SBP accepts the disciplinary panel’s decision,” SBP president Al Panlilio said in a press conference. READ: SBP fined P13 million for the Gilas-Boomers brawl However, Panlilio was also quick to … [Read more...] about SBP accepts FIBA sanctions, appeal still possible

A majority of Gilas Pilipinas’ star players will miss the next FIBA World Cup qualifying game, but will gradually get some of them back as the tournament progresses. The second round of qualifying consists of 3 windows of 2 games each — the first window has Gilas playing Iran on September 13 and Qatar on September 17; the second, Kazakhstan on November 30 and Iran on December 3; and the third, Qatar on February 21 and Kazakhstan on February 24, 2019. 10 Gilas players sanctioned as FIBA cracks down on PH, Australia after brawl READ: Full text of FIBA's sanctions on PH, Australia A total of 10 Gilas players are barred from playing in the September 13 road game against Iran. But Matthew Wright and Japeth Aguilar, docked just one game for the riot that broke out in the Gilas-Australia game at Philippine Arena on July 2, can begin suiting up for the national team in the Qatar game on September 17. Andray Blatche, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo and Troy Rosario — all … [Read more...] about FIBA World Cup: Which Gilas Pilipinas players will miss which qualifying games

MANILA, Philippines – Centro Escolar University (CEU) took one step towards clinching a semifinals spot in the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup after defeating AMA Online Education, 82-71, on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Pierce Chan was the star of the show, as he fired 30 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Scorpions as they hiked their record to 5-4. Rich Guinitaran contributed five three-pointers for 15 points, while Cameroonian big man Gilles Oloume did his part with 12 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks. “It’s very important that we got the win here against AMA,” said acting CEU head coach Derrick Pumaren. “We can’t let the other teams do the dirty work for us. We gotta take care of things for us.” READ: Can No. 1 ROS actually stop Ginebra? The Scorpions went to work early to establish control of the game, eventually taking a 21-point lead, 61-40, off an Orlan Wamar jumper in the third period. It was enough of … [Read more...] about CEU closes in on PBA D-League semis by beating AMA

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Superliga (PSL) on Thursday announced that it has filed a complaint at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against its former president, Ramon "Tats" Suzara, as well as its former corporate treasurer and finance director, Donaldo Caringal. The PSL, which was established in 2013, accused Suzara and Caringal of “irregular and unauthorized disbursements of company funds.” The league, through vice-president Ian Laurel, revealed on Thursday afternoon that they had filed a complaint for “qualified theft.” “The irregularities were discovered after the comprehensive audit conducted by an independent auditor hired by the PSL,” the league announced. “Pending the result of the audit, Suzara and Caringal resigned from their respective positions,” it added. READ: Abella quits Foton, might return to PVL The audit showed that both Suzara and Caringal allowed the release and use of PSL funds for … [Read more...] about PSL files complaint against former president, treasurer

Riding the hot hands of Isaac Go and Thirdy Ravena, the Blue Eagles powered right through the Indonesian nationals, 89-78, on Thursday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan. Go was online from start to finish and finished with 21 points, all but three coming from long distance. Ravena also remained a force as the young UAAP champions are now streaking in the regional tournament. This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website. … [Read more...] about Jones Cup: Ateneo shoots down Indonesia for back-to-back wins