by James De VeraToo big, too strong, too good. Qatar boys showed the Philippines why they are the world champions as they win, 21-9, in tonight’s finals of the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 Asian Championships in Malaysia. The Philippines failed to retain their title while Qatar made history by winning their first gold medal in this tournament. Batang Gilas struggled to get their offense going from the start, only scoring nine points in the game which is their lowest scoring output in this year’s tournament. Qatar on the other hand used their huge height advantage to create more scoring opportunities from all sides of the court. Before facing the eventual champion of this tourney, the young Filipinos faced tough challenge from fellow Southeast Asian teams. Batang Gilas survives a gritty Indonesian side in the Quarterfinals 21-16 and avoided an upset to a talented Malaysian team, coming back from a 9-point deficit in the Semi-finals winning it by a solitary point, 21-20.
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by James De VeraGilas boys showed their dominance against Vietnam 21-6 in their last match today at the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 Asian Championships in Malaysia. The defending champions bounced back emphatically after losing their first assignment to Qatar 21-15 by winning all of their last three games in the group stage against Korea 21-9, Japan 21-17 and this game against Vietnam. Batang Gilas waives off their slow start outplaying the Vietnamese 13-4 in the first five minutes of the game. Vietnam had no answer with the hot shooting form of the Philippines hitting 21 points at the three minute mark to end the game early. These young boys will now have all the confidence they need as they face Indonesia in the quarterfinals tomorrow at 1:20 pm. Expect a lot of heart from the Filipino team as they continue to defend and hunt for their second crown in this tournament. by James De VeraBritain celebrates as Andy Murray defeat Canadian superstar Milos Raonic in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2), in the Men's Singles Finals of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club, Wimbledon, London last July 10. Aside from winning his second Wimbledon title, “The History Boy” also captured his third Grand Slam title and won his third tournament trophy for this year. World rank seven Raonic had a good start but his six unforced errors proved to be costly as the world number two Murray prevails in the first set 6-3. Murray had to sweat in the second set but his efficient service was enough to beat the Canadian, 7-6(3).
Raonic refused to give up in the third set, keeping the game competitive against Murray but it was the British’ composure and firepower that won the game, 7-6(2). Raonic could’ve been the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles crown but it was Murray who captured another, adding to his book of legacy. by James De Vera Philippine National Football Team, popularly known as the Azkals, drops to 135 in the recent FIFA/Coca Cola World Rankings released last Thursday, July 14. This is a massive slide down from their rank last month at 120 and from their highest FIFA ranking ever last May at 115.
Philippines also lost their status as number one in Southeast Asia with the Thailand War Elephants recapturing ranking supremacy. Meanwhile in the Asian scene, Iran retains power at number one while the Azkals still hangs on in the Top 20, placing 20th in the list. The Azkals have not played in the international level since their epic 3-2 win against Asian powerhouse Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2019 Asian Cup Joint Qualifiers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last March 29. This dead-air in the international scene contributes to the national team’s fall in the FIFA Rankings. The drop is expected to stop in the next few months with some international matches coming up for the Azkals. This includes two games against Kyrgyzstan, first on September 16 at the opponent’s homeland and on November 9 to be played in the country. by James De VeraGilas Pilipinas cannot handle the might of the Tall Blacks as they lose 89-80 in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night. Having lost in their two assignments in the tournament, the Philippines now waves goodbye to their Olympic dreams. Webster brothers (Corey and Tai) had a great game combining for 48 of the Tall Blacks’ 89 points. New Zealand’s versatile forward Isaac Fotu played a vital role scoring 17 points and hitting timely shots helping New Zealand wave off a 4th Quarter surge by the Philippines. In the first quarter, New Zealand got off to a good start as they lead against the Philippines 21-17. The team continue their good form in the second quarter leading Gilas Pilipinas to a 38-31 advantage.
The Tall Blacks kept their composure coming into the second half closing the 3rd quarter 60-53. However, the Filipino team refused to give up as they cut the lead to only two in the early goings of the final quarter but New Zealand denied Gilas’ comeback as they finish the game 89-80. Blatche led Gilas Pilipinas with 30 points, shooting 50% (6/12) from the field. Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo and Junemar Fajardo also hit double figures scoring 13,11 and 11 respectively. New Zealand will next face European powerhouse team France with the top spot of Group B at stake. Gilas on the other hand will refurnish their armors as they will now prepare for the FIBA Asia Challenge, which will be on September 9-18 in Iran. by James De VeraAnother big three has been formed as former MVP Kevin Durant agrees to a lucrative 54.3 million dollar deal (2nd year - player option) with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Durant who averaged 28.2 points 8.2 rebounds and 5 assists per game last season should be a great addition to the firepower of the Warriors joining the splash brothers, Stephen Curry and Clay Thompson. KD’s former team Oklahoma City Thunder was leading 3-1 in the last NBA Western Conference Finals until his new club, GSW, rally back to beat them in seven games. “It really pains me to know that I will disappoint so many people with this choice, but I believe I am doing what I feel is the right thing at this point in my life and my playing career” Kevin Durant wrote in playerstribune.com Expectations are now piling up for the Warriors with Durant on their side as they start to hunt another title in the next NBA season. |
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