UAAP: NU pulls away late vs. UE to book Final Four ticket

GMA Network - Nov 14, 2026

National University unleashed a massive fourth quarter to put University of the East away, pulling off a 91-74 win to clinch the second Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 89 on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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LSGH defends NCAA swimming crown in dominant fashion

Nov 14, 2026

LSGH defends NCAA swimming crown in dominant fashion

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) put on a masterclass in the water, hauling a formidable total of 12 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze medals to successfully defend their championship title in the boys' juniors division of the NCAA Season 102 swimming competitions at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. Swimming phenom Rafael Titus Sia spearheaded the Green Titans' onslaught, claiming a staggering seven golds, one silver, and setting three new NCAA records on his way to earning both the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Year honors.  Sia etched his name in the league's history books with stellar record-shattering performances in the 200m freestyle with a time of 1:57.46, the 800m freestyle clocking in at 8:46.19, and the 1500m freestyle ending at 16:56.81. Not to be outdone, Behrouz Elite Swimming Team standouts Kristian Yugo Cabana and Behrouz Mohammad ‘Madi’ Mojdeh delivered elite performances to cement LSGH's dominance.  “Winning the NCAA championship for the second year in a row feels really special, especially knowing how much work everyone put into this season. We all had our own struggles during the competition. Some races didn't go as planned, and there were moments when we felt disappointed, but we just had to move on, trust our training, and keep fighting for the team,” Mojdeh said. “For me, I'm really happy with my personal bests and podium finishes, but what makes me even happier is that we were able to win the championship together. Every race and every point mattered, and everyone contributed in their own way,” he added. Cabana powered his way to four golds, three silvers and one bronze, highlighted by gold-medal finishes in the 100m and 200m butterfly events.  “For my first NCAA, I'm really happy to have won eight medals and helped our team become back-to-back champions. Breaking the 2:10 barrier in my 200 Fly and winning gold was one of my best moments, although being just 0.09 seconds away from the record was really sayang,” Cabana said. “On the last day, I won bronze in the 50 Fly and ended the competition with a gold in our medley relay, which made it even more special.” Meanwhile, Mojdeh carved out a stellar four-day campaign with two golds, thee silvers and two bronzes.  The 15-year-old Mojdeh was a vital cog in the golden relay squads, anchoring triumphs in the 4x50m and 4x100m medley relays.  He also secured individual silvers in the 200m breaststroke, 200m backstroke, and 200m butterfly, alongside bronze medals in the 400m freestyle and 400m Individual Medley (IM). “I'm not done yet. These four days of racing taught me so much about myself as a swimmer. I learned what I still lack, what I need to improve, and how much more I can push myself,” said Mojdeh. “There were races where I knew I could have done better, and instead of staying disappointed, I want to use those experiences to motivate me to work even harder. I'm proud of what I achieved, but I know I still have so much more to learn and a lot more to give.” Additional firepower came from key contributors such as Gerald Esquivel, who captured four golds including the 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly, 4x50m freestyle, and 4x100m freestyle, alongside two bronzes in the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly.  Gilbert Rodevic added two golds in the relay events, three silvers in the 50m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, and 200m breaststroke, and one bronze in the 200m butterfly.  Rafael Ubiadas also contributed significantly, taking home two golds in the 4x50m medley and 4x100m freestyle relays. The championship defense was masterfully orchestrated by veteran coaches Evan Grabador, Uwy Vega, and Princess Amodia, whose leadership steered the green-and-white juggernaut to ultimate glory. TMT

NBA: Franz Wagner paces Magic in home victory vs. Bucks

Nov 14, 2026

NBA: Franz Wagner paces Magic in home victory vs. Bucks

Franz Wagner recorded 35 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds on Friday night to help the Orlando Magic earn a 107-99 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Cup East Group A play.

NBA: Pacers separate with fourth-quarter run to edge Knicks

Nov 14, 2026

NBA: Pacers separate with fourth-quarter run to edge Knicks

A 10-0 run midway through the fourth quarter gave the Indiana Pacers an advantage they never relinquished en route to a 106-104 win over the New York Knicks on Friday in Indianapolis.

Silva says Portugal ready for spotlight without Ronaldo

Nov 14, 2026

Silva says Portugal ready for spotlight without Ronaldo

BRAGA — Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva said Friday his team could cope with any extra pressure on them following Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement, ahead of their first match without the superstar forward. Jorge Jesus's side host Denmark in Braga on Saturday in the Nations League, with a tribute planned for their all-time leading goalscorer. Real Madrid's Silva, who inherits the captain's armband from Ronaldo, admitted that the striker had been the main focus for much of the past two decades but backed the team to cope with the pressure in the 41-year-old's absence. "Everyone knows the weight Cristiano carries. Most people went to the stadium to see Cristiano, many went just for him, and that's not going to happen now," Silva told reporters. "The national team players are used to the spotlight, the pressure, and the responsibility, as well as being pointed at when things don't go well — so that's not an issue." Portugal will pay tribute to five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo before the game against Denmark, with media reporting the squad will walk out wearing number seven jerseys, Ronaldo's number. Whether Ronaldo will be present is unknown, after he fell out with veteran coach Jorge Jesus in September. Last week Ronaldo said he was bringing down the curtain on his storied international career. Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal in 2003 and went on to play a world record 234 times for his country, scoring 146 goals. "Nobody can forget Cris's 23 years in the national team and everything he did," Jesus told reporters. "I think (paying tribute) is a brilliant idea to continue to remind us that he is a legend of Portuguese football." Portugal have already sealed qualification to the quarter-finals of the Nations League, winning all four matches in Group A4.

Kazakh athlete walks away with new flat, state honour despite losing Asian Games gold

Nov 14, 2026

Kazakh athlete walks away with new flat, state honour despite losing Asian Games gold

More than a month after being stripped of her gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games over unsanctioned shoes, Kazakh race walker Yasmina Toxanbayeva received prizes worthy of a champion back home. At a recent awards ceremony in Astana honouring competitors from the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, the Kazakhstan Athletics Federation and its sponsors presented the 21-year-old with keys to a new flat and a state honour. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Toxanbayeva the Eren Enbegi Ushin Medal...

Batang Pinoy now serves greater purpose following Dakar YOG success

Nov 14, 2026

Batang Pinoy now serves greater purpose following Dakar YOG success

DAKAR, Senegal — The Batang Pinoy now serves a greater purpose following the country’s best-ever campaign in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games coming up next year. "Naomi’s [Marjorie Cesar] silver in the 800 meters and Pi’s [Durden Forward Wangkay]  bronze in the 200 meters in Dakar show the world what the next generation of Filipino athletes is capable of,” Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio said from Manila on Saturday. “Their incredible grit on the track in Senegal proves that our national sports programs and grassroots initiatives are bearing fruit.” Gregorio said. “The PSC remains fully committed to nurturing these young champions as they transition from youth competitions to the global senior stage.” Cesar and Wangkay’s achievements net them financial incentives of P2.5 million and P1 million, respectively, under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Their coaches, too, will benefit from the act and will receive half incentives the two athletes are receiving from the government. Enter the PSC’s flagship program for the youth—the Batang Pinoy which will stage its 2026 edition from December 12 ro 18 Bacolod City is hosting. “With this best-ever finish in the YOG, the International Olympic Committee’s program for the young athletes, the Batang Pinoy now serves a greater purpose,” Gregorio said. "The Batang Pinoy is no longer just a national showcase, it is the direct launchpad for international glory,” he said. “With the hosting of the SEA Plus Youth Games next year, the action in Bacolod City becomes our ultimate talent identification battleground.” The PSC staged the first Batang Pinoy which catered to varied age groups—12 and under and 18 and under—but for this year’s edition, Gregorio has set the maximum age at 15. In almost exactly a year’s time—from December 2 to 14, 2027—the country, through the Philippine Olympic Committee, will host the inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games in Manila, Pasig, Tagaytay and Subic Bay featuring 23 sports. In line with his grassroots thrust, Gregorio reiterated his battle cry since assuming office in July last year. “From grassroots to gold, from gold to greatness!” Gregorio stressed. The PSC supported the campaign of Cesar, Wangkay and seven other athletes in Senegal, the first African country to host an International Olympic Committee event. They were swimmers Jamesray Mishael Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman, cyclist Maritanya Krog, artistic gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III, wushu artist Angel Polo and windsurfer Jade Justine Justiniane. Cesar’s silver and Wangkay’s bronze surpassed the silver won by Christian Tio in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding at the 2018 Buenos Aires Games—the gold Luis Gabriel Moreno shared with China’s Li Jiaman in mixed NOC in archery at Nanjing 2014 didn’t officially count. TMT

Svitolina stuns Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals last four

Nov 14, 2026

Svitolina stuns Sabalenka to reach WTA Finals last four

LOS ANGELES — Ukrainian veteran Elina Svitolina beat world number two Aryna Sabalenka in a rollercoaster three sets on Friday to punch her ticket to the WTA Finals last four, where she'll face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Broken to start the third set, sixth-ranked Svitolina stormed home, winning six straight games to triumph 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. She claimed just her second career victory in eight meetings with the Belarusian star, whose first-serve struggles and 35 unforced errors proved too much to overcome. The match concluded round robin play in the elite season-ending event. Earlier Friday, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva capped an unbeaten run through the group stage with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Diana Shnaider. It was a lackluster end to a disappointing season for Sabalenka. She won three tournaments, including the prestigious "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami in March. But she finished the year without a Grand Slam title, losing in the finals of both the Australian and US Opens, and lost her world number one ranking to Elena Rybakina. After an error-strewn first set Sabalenka steadied in the second, racing to a 5-1 lead. Broken as she served for the set Sabalenka held on to force the third and looked on the ascendant when she broke again for a 1-0 lead. But the errors were piling up again, and Svitolina took advantage. Sabalenka saved three match points in the final game, Svitolina twice responding with an ace before sealing the win with an emphatic forehand winner. "It was an extremely tough match, especially mentally," said Svitolina, who continues her campaign for a second WTA Finals crown to go with the one she won in 2018. "I was just trying to play one point at a time and find my game, find the fighting spirit until the end ... she gave me a few chances here and there so I could find my shots." Andreeva cruises Andreeva, already assured of a semi-final spot as a group winner, needed just 56 minutes to beat Shnaider, a late replacement for ailing Karolina Muchova. The 19-year-old Russian, ranked third in the world, next faces fifth-ranked American Jessica Pegula. She'll be playing Pegula for the first time just a week after Pegula was caught by a practice court microphone describing Andreeva as a "diva". Pegula, who was unaware that the microphone could pick up her comments, quickly apologized and said Andreeva had taken the controversy in stride. "She was totally fine, and she was like 'I'm a diva,'" Pegula said. "Like she embraces it, and so it was kind of funny." The WTA apologized over the incident in which microphones installed to pick up general court sounds for a WTA livestream recorded conversation between Pegula and her coach. Pegula said she knew that even as both players tried to downplay the repercussions the incident would hang over their match. "The storyline writes itself," she said. "I think it maybe gets fans interested ... whatever works. We're all good, but if it gets people to watch I think it's fine."

Jacq Buncio takes road safety advocacy beyond racetrack

Nov 14, 2026

Jacq Buncio takes road safety advocacy beyond racetrack

MANILA, Philippines — For motorcycle racing champion Jacq Buncio, being fast is only part of the responsibility that comes with riding. The Filipina racer is using her experience on the racetrack to remind motorists that public roads are not places to test their limits, stressing that responsible riding means knowing when to slow down. “You can’t be fast if you can’t slow down,” Buncio said in an interview on The Scorecard of Bilyonaryo News Channel. Buncio called on motorcycle riders to be more mindful of other road users, pointing out that reckless driving is not just a personal risk but also a danger to other people. “You can’t be selfish. You can’t be selfish na if you guys don’t want to go home to your families, we want to,” she said. The champion racer also shared that she has encountered road rage incidents, particularly from motorists who appear to challenge her because she is a woman. But Buncio chooses not to engage, saying that responding to such behavior would contradict her role as a road safety advocate. “I have to. I have to. Kasi kapag pumatol ako doon, what’s the point of being a safety advocate, hindi ba?” she said. Her advocacy carries added weight given her accomplishments in a sport traditionally dominated by men. Buncio made history in 2016 when she became the first female motorcycle circuit racer to win an overall Philippine Pirelli Superbike Championship title. She went on to capture the Rookie overall crown in the 2018 Philippine Superbike Championship and the Intermediate category title in 2021. But beyond collecting trophies, Buncio hopes to help make motorsport more accessible to aspiring riders, giving them a proper venue to develop their skills instead of taking unnecessary risks on public roads. She also wants to leave a lasting legacy for women in the sport, having spent more than a decade competing in a male-dominated field. Buncio revealed that her journey began in 2011, following the death of her brother, Maico, who also lost his life in a racing accident. She initially pursued the sport to continue what he had started and to bring back the passion for racing that her family had shared. Now, she hopes her journey can inspire more women to take their place on the starting grid. As she continues her racing career, Buncio’s message to fellow riders remains simple: getting home safely is more important than winning a race. “Always ride safe. Always, you need to go home. Walang championship sa kalsada, guys. Umuwi lang kayo nang safe sa pamilya ninyo, panalo na kayo,” she said. TMT

Race for glory intensifies as SSL quarterfinals action begins

Nov 14, 2026

Race for glory intensifies as SSL quarterfinals action begins

MANILA, Philippines — Four teams seek a quick entry to the semifinals while four others fight for dear life as action in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup quarterfinals erupts on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center. Twice-to-beat defending champion National University looks to continue its unbeaten run against group stage victim Letran in the main game at 5 p.m. The five-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs are on a roll after winning their first seven games, drawing closer to extending their dynastic reign in the league’s centerpiece competition, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, and R&B Milk Tea. NU head coach Normal Miguel has emphasized the importance of finishing off the Lady Knights in one fell swoop to avoid a dangerous deciding match.    “We have to stay focused, stay hungry to win and stay humble. No room for complacency. We'll not waste the twice-to-beat advantage,” Miguel said as his squad eyes to replicate its emphatic sweep of the reigning NCAA champion in the first round. The Lady Bulldogs completed a Round of 8 sweep with a 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, victory over erstwhile undefeated Far Eastern University last week. Meanwhile, Ateneo De Manila University tries to force a rubber match against the twice-to-beat Lady Tamaraws at 1 p.m. The Blue Eagles, who are coming off a shocker over University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, last week, want payback from a straight-sets loss to FEU in the group stage. “I expect the team to work even harder and be hungrier to win more games. I think we definitely showed that we have it in us to work hard and to perform,” Ateneo captain Sophia Buena said. Adamson University is also fighting for survival in the curtain-raiser at 11 a.m. against twice-to-beat UP. The Lady Falcons defeated College of Saint Benilde, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21, last week to build momentum heading into a second meeting with the Fighting Maroons. “It helped us build confidence and momentum heading into our next game. It is very important to the team. We hope to have more wins in the future games and I’m really excited for the next game,” Adamson top gunner Frances Mordi said. On the other hand, last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas puts its unbeaten record on the line as it takes on the Lady Blazers at 3 p.m. The twice-to-beat Golden Tigresses have won six in a row, including an 80-minute sweep of CSB, which dropped its last three outings, in the first round.   If necessary, the do-or-die game for a Final Four seat in the competition, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, Jersey Haven, Solar Sports and 12 Beyond Production as technical partners, is on Sunday at the same Muntinlupa venue. All games in the competition are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports. TMT

Hong Kong bridge half-marathon’s ‘platinum’ status set to boost distance running in city

Nov 14, 2026

Hong Kong bridge half-marathon’s ‘platinum’ status set to boost distance running in city

Hong Kong’s position as the host of one of only five platinum-level half-marathons in the world could be the key to boosting distance running in the city, athletics chiefs said on Friday. This weekend’s Bank of China Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge race was elevated to World Athletics’ highest tier in April, making it the top-rated race in the city. Other platinum events are held in Chonburi in Thailand, Mexico’s Guadalajara, and in the mainland China province of Sichuan and city of Yangzhou. And...

Ginebra coaches shift focus on Gilas Pilipinas

Nov 13, 2026

Ginebra coaches shift focus on Gilas Pilipinas

BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone and several of the team’s coaching staff are shifting their focus on Gilas Pilipinas as part of the sacrifices they are making for the Philippine team, which will play two crucial matches in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in the last week of November. Cone knows how big of a semifinal series the Gin Kings will be having since their reward for beating the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals is facing defending champion TNT Tropang 5G in the next round. “We couldn’t have picked a tougher opponent. We had San Miguel (in the quarterfinals) and we got to go through Talk ‘N Text. We are going to bring that same fire into the Talk ‘N Text series and see what we can do,” said Cone, whose team outlasted San Miguel, 110-94, in their sudden death Game 5 to advance to the best-of-five semifinal series against TNT. Cone recognized how tough the Tropang 5G are with three-time PBA Best Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson back in harness and regaining his old, deadly form. “Obviously, we know how good he is,” Cone said of Hollis-Jefferson. “We know how great the team is and we know how well they are playing. They swept Magnolia right off the floor and three easy wins.” But the all-time winningest coach knows he has to set the semifinal series aside so he can better focus on Gilas Pilipinas, which will have Syria as its opponent on Nov. 27 followed by Iran on Nov. 29 in Seremban, Malaysia. “I’m not going to be focused too much on it right now because I’ve got Gilas duties coming up first. All the other teams, they are going to have an opportunity to rest and prepare. We are not going to have that opportunity with Ginebra," said Cone. "I’ll be gone, (assistant coach) Richard del Rosario will be gone, a lot of our staff will be gone, Scottie (Thompson) will be gone,” he added. Cone mentioned that his other Ginebra deputies Olsen Racela and Johnny Abarrientos will be taking charge of practice while some of them focus their attention on the national team. “That’s the sacrifice that we make, that Ginebra, as an organization, makes for Gilas. It’s a tough one. I certainly would love to have a break, as I know (Scottie) would love to have a break. But we are also proud and excited to coach in this really important window,” he said. Cone said he will rejoin Ginebra in practice by Dec. 2, two days before the semifinal series against TNT begins.

Lakers' Austin Reaves day to day with bruised heel. Luka Doncic's ankle is OK

Nov 13, 2026

Lakers' Austin Reaves day to day with bruised heel. Luka Doncic's ankle is OK

LOS ANGELES — Lakers guard Austin Reaves has a bruised heel that's thought to be a minor injury, and NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic is fine after rolling his ankle in Los Angeles' most recent game. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Friday that Doncic is expected to be available for their next game in Phoenix on Sunday, while Reaves is listed as day to day. Reaves and Doncic both raised cause for concern Wednesday night during the Lakers' 123-112 victory at Milwaukee. Los Angeles' win was its seventh straight to move atop the overall NBA standings at 11-2. Reaves injured his left heel during the third quarter when he landed awkwardly on a dunk attempt. He checked himself out of the game later in the third and didn't return. Redick said the team and Reaves collectively decided not to have imaging exams on Reaves' heel, instead giving him a day-to-day designation. “I would assume a day-to-day injury is minor, yeah,” Redick told reporters at the Lakers' training complex in El Segundo. Lakers guard Collin Sexton is also day to day after bumping heads with Milwaukee's Ryan Rollins, but a concussion has been ruled out, Redick said. Doncic is the NBA's top scorer with 38.6 points per game, while Reaves is 15th with 24.7. The prolific backcourt is the offensive engine driving the Lakers, who have yet to lose in November during their first season after LeBron James' departure. Both Doncic and Reaves were significantly limited by injuries last season. Reaves played in only 51 games, while Doncic played in barely enough games — 64 — to qualify for his second NBA scoring title. After the Lakers made an impressive run through March to stamp themselves as a dark-horse contender, both Doncic and Reaves got hurt in a loss at Oklahoma City on April 2. Reaves didn't return until April 29, while Doncic's season was over.

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