San Beda, Benilde battle for third spot as play-in begins - The Manila Times

San Beda University and De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde battle for the third spot as the newly-introduced play-in tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 97 men's basketball tournament begins at the Filoil Flying V Center on Sunday.

The third seed Red Lions (7-2) and the fourth seed Blazers (5-4) lock horns at 12 p.m. The winner takes the third spot while the loser would have to battle the winner between the fifth seed University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and sixth seed Arellano University for the last semis berth.

San Beda is coming off a 56-59 loss to rival Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Friday, a defeat that relegated the Red Lions to third place. Had they beaten the Knights, the Red Lions would have been the top seed team with twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.

Mapua University also finished the eliminations with a 7-2 slate, but it is slotted in second place for beating San Beda, 68-54, last April 23. Thus, the Red Lions were bumped to third place and would have to go through this play-in tourney to clinch a Final Four spot.

This is the first time that San Beda finished outside the top in the eliminations since 2005, but Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez believes that they are still in a good position.

"I still believe that we have a good chance. At least I realized that we are a good team with the way we played tonight and hopefully we continue to improve on that," said Fernandez moments after San Beda lost to Letran.

"I'm sure my boys will be ready for everything, especially we're gonna play Saint Benilde right away on Sunday so just a one-day off. I have so much respect for coach Charles (Tiu) and I know they'll be ready, they almost beat us last time."

Fernandez was talking about the Red Lions' 67-63 win over the Blazers last April 26. In that contest, San Beda star guard James Kwekuteye had to drain a clutch trey to give his team a 3-point cushion.

Luck was even on the Red Lions' side as Blazers' Robi Nayve missed all his three free throws, paving the way for Peter Alfaro to seal the win for San Beda by splitting his charities.

"Tough luck for us at Benilde. Just when we finally make it to the Final Four, the new NCAA play-in forces us to have to win an extra game to clinch it... and we end up having to play San Beda," wrote Benilde coach Charles Tiu in a Twitter post on Friday.

"If there are any CSB alums out there please come watch us at 12 on Sunday at the Filoil Arena!"

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San Beda, Benilde battle for third spot as play-in begins - The Manila Times
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Tallo, Cebu edge Sansar to rule FIBA 3x3 Asia Pacific Super Quest - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Cebu Chooks completed a flawless run in the 2022 Chooks-to-Go FIBA 3×3 Asia Pacific Super Quest with a 17-15 squeaker against Sansar MMC Energy in the final on Saturday, April 30.

Star guard Mac Tallo showed the way with 8 points, including a pair of clutch shots that allowed Cebu to wrap up the tournament held at the Ayala Malls Solenad Activity Center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna unbeaten in five games.

Tallo, the top-ranked 3×3 player in the country, nailed a two-pointer to put Cebu on top 15-14 and hit a layup that determined the final tally as Sansar failed to score in the final minute.

Mike Harry Nzesseu delivered 7 points and Zach Huang added 2 markers for Cebu, which bagged the grand prize of $10,000 (around P500,000) and punched its ticket to the World Tour Manila Masters.

“The team deserved this after everything they went through for the past two years,” said Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas head trainer Aldin Ayo as Cebu ended the Philippines’ title drought in the FIBA 3×3 pro circuit.

Cebu became the first Filipino team to strike gold in the FIBA 3×3 pro circuit since Manila West ruled the 2014 Manila Masters.

“But there is still more games to be won. This is just the start for the team,” Ayo added.

Enkhbaatar Onolbaatar tallied 9 points to lead the visiting Mongolians, who also qualified for the Manila Masters to be held from May 28 to 29.

Sansar pocketed $5,000 (around P250,000) for its runner-up finish. – Rappler.com

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Grizzlies @ Timberwolves highlights 4.29.22 - Memphis Grizzlies

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Chris Paul's PERFECT GAME closes out the Suns' series vs. the Pelicans KJM reacts - ESPN

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Scrappy Letran completes elims sweep, boots rival San Beda to worst finish in 17 years - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – NCAA defending champion Letran asserted its mastery over the entire Season 97 field as it escaped heated rival San Beda, 59-56, for a perfect 9-0 elimination round sweep at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan on Friday, April 29.

In the new format, the Knights still clinch the top seed in the 10-team league, but will no longer enjoy an outright finals berth. But Letran will advance to the Final Four toting a twice-to-beat advantage.

Meanwhile, the Red Lions crashed to the third spot, their first finish outside the top two since 2005, and will face the St. Benilde Blazers in the play-in game on Sunday, May 1, 12 pm, for the third seed.

San Beda actually finished tied with Mapua at 7-2, but the Cardinals claimed the No. 2 spot, which comes with a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four, due to the winner-over-the-other tiebreak.

Louie Sangalang led the balanced attack with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while rookie-MVP candidate Rhenz Abando bucked a scoreless first half to finish with 10 points on just a 2-of-12 clip, 7 boards, 2 assists, and one huge rejection in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.

Abando capped his two-way excellence in the clutch with two pressure-packed free throws with 9.4 seconds left in regulation for a 59-56 lead.

Off a timeout, San Beda had two chances to tie the game, but Peter Alfaro missed a long two attempt from the corner before Tony Ynot crashed the offensive board, and also miffed his long bomb from the opposite corner as time expired.

“It’s all about the breaks of the game. Luck just went our way, and it’s a tight game,” said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan in Filipino after the game. “San Beda fielded a lot of players they didn’t play that much in the last games. We were surprised that they had a lot of good and young players.”

Season 95 Finals MVP Fran Yu was held to just 7 points on 2-of-15 shooting, albeit with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals to make up for his misfires, while graduating forward Jeo Ambohot flexed his defensive chops with 7 points, and game-highs of 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

On the other end, James Kwekuteye paced the heartbreaking loss with a game-high 14 points on a 4-of-15 clip with 7 boards, while former NU gunner JV Gallego sparked the bench with 7 points in 11 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Perpetual Help Altas edged out the scrappy EAC Generals in a tense 63-60 escape to clinch the fifth seed and a play-in spot.

With the win, the Altas finished with a 4-5 record tied with the Arellano Chiefs, who in turn clinched the sixth seed, while the Generals bowed out of contention in seventh with a 3-6 slate.

Kim Aurin scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to lift Perpetual, while Kriss Gurtiza, who missed the potential game-tying three, finished with a game-high 18 points plus 9 rebounds.

Perpetual will now face Arellano on Sunday, 3 pm, for the right to face the loser of the San Beda-St. Benilde match. Then the winner of that match will clinch the fourth seed, and will face Letran in the semifinals on Sunday, May 8, 12 pm.

The Scores

First Game

Perpetual 63 – Aurin 14, Omega 13, Pagaran 10, Razon 9, Egan 6, Barcuma 5, Cuevas 4, Martel 2, Sevilla 0, Abis 0.

EAC 60 – Gurtiza 18, Liwag 12, Robin 11, Maguliano 8, Cosejo 5, Ad. Doria 3, Luciano 2, Taywan 1, Quinal 0, Cosa 0, Bunyi 0, Cadua 0.

Quarters: 18-10, 33-26, 48-44, 63-60.

Second Game

Letran 59 – Sangalang 12, Abando 10, Fajarito 9, Yu 7, Ambohot 7, Mina 5, Javillonar 4, Reyson 2, Paraiso 2, Olivario 1, Caralipio 0.

San Beda 56 – Kwekuteye 14, Gallego 7, Cortez 6, Ynot 5, Penuela 5, Bahio 4, Amsali 4, Jopia 4, Sanchez 3, Alfaro 2, Cuntapay 2, Abuda 0, Andrada 0, Cometa 0, Fornis 0.

Quarters: 15-15, 26-29, 45-39, 59-56.

– Rappler.com

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Kai Sotto declares for NBA Draft after winning NBL Fans' MVP award - South China Morning Post

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1. Kai Sotto declares for NBA Draft after winning NBL Fans' MVP award  South China Morning Post
2. Kai Sotto declares for 2022 NBA Draft  INQUIRER.net
3. Where does Kai Sotto stand in NBA prospect rankings?  Sports Interactive Network Philippines
4. 36ers back Sotto as he pursues NBA dream  ABS-CBN News
5. Sotto declares for NBA Rookie Draft  The Manila Times
6. View Full Coverage on Google News

Kai Sotto declares for NBA Draft after winning NBL Fans' MVP award - South China Morning Post
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Luka Doncic GOES OFF and leads Mavs over the Jazz 33 PTS & 13 REB - ESPN

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RAPTORS at 76ERS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | April 25, 2022 - NBA

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Badminton Asia Championships: Sen, Sindhu eye medals; Prannoy pull out due to injury - The Indian Express

Focus will be on two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and world championships bronze winner Lakshya Sen when they lead India’s challenge at the Badminton Asia Championships, beginning here on Tuesday.

A lot of hope will ride on Sen and Sindhu as the duo has been in good form in the run-up to the continent championships, which is returning after a gap of two years due to COVID-19.

The prestigious event will, however, lose a bit of sheen with the withdrawal of an injured HS Prannoy, who had claimed a bronze at the 2018 Wuhan edition and is in good form.

While Prannoy will miss out due to a “small injury” sustained on way to his Swiss Open final finish, it will be a great opportunity for All England silver medallist Sen.

Update 🚨

Had to withdraw from Asian Badminton Championships this week because of a small injury which happened in Swiss Open ! I think the best decision was to focus on training and focus on next set of events!

Can’t wait to join the rest of the squad for Thomas cup Finals 💪 pic.twitter.com/OFMRcczrHl

— PRANNOY HS (@PRANNOYHSPRI) April 25, 2022

The 20-year-old from Almora has been on a stellar run with title wins at the India Open Super 500 and final appearance at the German Open and All England Championships.

Sen had also won a bronze at the 2020 Asia team Championships, besides bagging a gold and bronze at the 2018 and 2016 Asian Junior Championships.

The fifth seeded Indian will be eager to win a medal from the senior tournament but it will be easier said than done as he faces 22-year-old China’s Li Shi Feng, a two-time world junior championships gold medallist, in his opening round.

All eyes will also be on former world champion fourth seed Sindhu, who had scooped a bronze from the 2014 Gimcheon edition and is coming into the event after securing two Super 300 titles at Syed Modi International and Swiss Open.

The World No. 7 Indian will be eagar to pocket another medal when she begins her campaign against Chinese Taipei’s Pai Yu Po.

Sindhu is likely to come across fifth seeded Chinese He Bing Jiao in the quarterfinals if she can cross the initial rounds.

World championships silver winner Kidambi Srikanth too has been in good touch though he has been guilty of not able to close out some tight matches.

The seventh seeded Indian, who won two bronze in 2016 and 2020 Asia Team Championships but failed to secure an individual medal, will aim to grab the opportunity this time when he opens against Malaysia’s NG Tze Yong.

Tokyo Olympian B Sai Praneeth too will eye a good show when he opens against fourth seeded Jonatan Christie.

Focus will also be on London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal as she looks to claim her fourth medal at the Badminton Asia Championships.

Saina has been on a comeback trial after recovering from some nagging injuries and had skipped the selection trials for the upcoming major events such as Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Uber Cup.

The former world number one will look to silence her critics when she begins campaign against Korea’s Sim Yujin.

Among others, Aakarshi Kashyap, who was picked for all the three major events after she emerged as winner in the trials, will face top seed Akane Yamaguchi, while Malvika Bansod, who missed out of a berth, will cross swords with Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min.

World number 7 and third seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will open against Thailand pair of Apiluk Gaterahong and Natchanon Tulamok.

MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila, who recently made it to the Asian Games and Thomas Cup teams after finishing on top at the selection trials in New Delhi, will also be in action.

The unseeded Indian pair will be up against fourth seeded Indonesian combination of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in its opening round.

Krishna Prasad Garaga and Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala, who had reached the quarters at Odisha Open Super 100 and German Open Super 300 besides finishing runners-up at Syed Modi International Super 300, will look to give a good account of themselves.

In women’s doubles, India will lack the punch following the withdrawls of N Sikki Reddy and Ashwini Ponnappa, and Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.

While Sikki got injured during the recently-concluded selection trials in New Delhi, Treesa and Gayatri also pulled out at the last minute following an injury to the latter.

Ashwini Bhat K and Shikha Gautam, and young pairing of Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker will be in the fray in women’s doubles for India.

In the mixed doubles, Venkat Gaurav Prasad and Juhi Dewangan, and Ishaan Bhatnagar and Tanisha Crasto will look to go deep in the draw.

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'JOHN RIEL CASIMERO IS A RAT, NO TRUE PROFESSIONAL!' PAUL BUTLER GOES IN on PULLOUT opponent - SecondsOut

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Joel Embiid Hits CLUTCH Three To Win It For The 76ers - Bleacher Report

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Brandon Ingram puts on a SHOW with NEAR 37-PT triple-double vs. Suns - ESPN

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PBA 3x3 Grand Finals postponed due to Araneta Coliseum fire - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Grand Finals of the second PBA 3×3 conference has been postponed after a fire broke out inside the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, April 20.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said all 3×3 teams who qualified for the Grand Finals were told to go home as smoke filled the arena and halted play.

Before the incident, the Sista Super Sealers and Pioneer Pro Tibay clinched their respective quarterfinals berths in the tournament that dangles a grand prize of P750,000.

Sista swept Pool A with close victories over Pioneer, 19-17, and the Purefoods TJ Titans, 20-19.

Meanwhile, Pioneer secured the last quarterfinals slot up for grabs in Pool A with a 1-1 record following a 21-16 win over Purefoods, with the TJ Titans crashing out of contention with a 0-2 slate.

The two quarterfinalists from Pool B have yet to determined as Barangay Ginebra (1-0), Terrafirma (1-1), and Platinum Karaoke (0-1) fight for their spots.

Limitless App, TNT, Meralco, and San Miguel – the top four in the tour points standings after the six legs – await in the quarterfinals.

The league also called off Game 6 of the Governors’ Cup finals slated at 6 pm on Wednesday “with the safety of all in mind.”

Up 3-2 in the best-of-seven finals, Barangay Ginebra will go for the clincher against Meralco in its bid to capture its fourth Governors’ Cup title in six seasons. – Rappler.com

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Heat vs. Hawks: Miami takes 2-0 lead as Jimmy Butler joins LeBron James, Dwyane Wade in team's playoff history - CBS Sports

Coming into their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, one of the biggest questions about the top-seeded Miami Heat was how they would create consistent late-game offense. Miami finished the regular season ranked 24th in clutch offense and 21st in fourth quarter offense. They blew the Hawks out in Game 1, so it didn't matter. 

In Game 2, the Heat answered some questions. 

Jimmy Butler was relentless with 45 points, and he took complete control in crunch time. Every time the Hawks -- who didn't play well but managed to hang around long enough to have a chance late -- made a push, Butler had the answer. After Atlanta had cut Miami's lead to three with 3:15 to play, Butler scored seven straight to put Miami back up 10 with 1:20 remaining, and Atlanta never got it back under double digits as the Heat took a 2-0 series lead with a 115-105 victory. 

How great was Butler, who added five assists and five rebounds? Check out this company:

And this:

Interesting note: Butler has been a horrendous 3-point shooter during the regular season in his time with the Heat (24 percent in his first two seasons and 23 percent this year), but he's been much better in the playoffs. He shot 35 percent from deep in the bubble and so far this postseason he's 5-or-9 from 3. 

Butler knocked down four of his seven 3s on Tuesday and, generally speaking, his aggression as a shooter has consistently gone up in the postseason with Miami. That trend appears to be continuing. 

Before we anoint Butler as the closer the Heat need, however, let's keep in mind who he's doing this against. The Hawks are nothing short of a dreadful defense. 

In my preview of this series, I talked about the Trae Young offense-defense tradeoff and how it can only come out as a positive for Atlanta if Young dominates offensively, because his defense completely drowns an Atlanta defense that is already barely treading water. 

Suffice it to say, Young has not been dominant offensively in this series. He finished with eight points on 1-for-12 shooting in Game 1, and had had 10 turnovers and shots 2-for-10 from 3 in Game 2. Frankly, that Atlanta was even close down the stretch of this game with Young playing like that was a small miracle. 

Early in the game, a lot of weird caroms went Atlanta's way that turned into "look what I found" buckets. Bogdan Bogdanovic hit a bunch of really tough shots -- 12-of-18 overall and 5-of-10 from 3 -- to finish with 29 points. No way does Atlanta keep this game at all close without Bogi. 

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It's a lot to put on Young that he has to be brilliant for Atlanta to have a chance, but that's the reality. Miami is a better team at every other spot on the floor and in every other facet of the game. Young's turnovers were a mixture of his own sloppiness and soft/lazy passes and Miami's relentless pressure. The Heat are all over him with size and switches and he's seeing bodies sinking down into his driving lanes at all times. Miami is mixing up coverages, sporadically springing traps. 

Young did get into the paint more effectively in Game 2, finishing with 25 points and seven assists while converting eight of his 10 shots from inside the arc. He found some jump-shot rhythm with some mid-rangers. But one of the biggest leaps Young has made has been his reduction in ill-advised 3-pointers, and on Tuesday, flustered and rushed, he jacked up a bunch of bad 3s. 

Again, he finished 2-of-10 from beyond the arc. The Hawks aren't going to win very many games when Young shoots 20 percent from 3 and commits 10 turnovers, especially not against a No. 1 seed in the playoffs. So now Atlanta heads home for what is essentially a must-win Game 3 on Friday. We'll see what kind of fight the Hawks have left. 

The Miami Heat are two wins away from a berth in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jimmy Butler was fantastic on Tuesday night finishing the Heat win with a game-high 45 points and now they are in the driver's seat in this series as a result. Game 3 will take place on Friday night in Atlanta as the Hawks look to avoid being pushed to the brink of their postseason lives. 

Trae Young finished with 25 points and seven assists but he did not play well, as most glaringly evidenced by his 10 turnovers. In the end, Atlanta was and is just outmatched short of Young being awesome, which he wasn't by any stretch. The Hawks will have to try to figure things out on their home floor if they want to make this a competitive series. 

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Heat vs. Hawks: Miami takes 2-0 lead as Jimmy Butler joins LeBron James, Dwyane Wade in team's playoff history - CBS Sports
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AZ Digest: Johnnie Clark, Jasmine Koo earn titles in PING Heather Farr Classic - The Arizona Republic

Joel Embiid Named MVP Finalist Once Again - Sports Illustrated

After another spectacular season, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been named a finalist for the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award once again.

Last season, Embiid entered the year with a goal to stay healthy and level up his game. While Embiid still dealt with injury issues throughout the season and played in just 51 of 72 regular-season games, he accomplished his other goal by playing at a high level every time he was on the court.

After averaging 28 points per game, 10 rebounds, and two assists while shooting 51-percent from the field and 37-percent from three, Embiid was recognized as an MVP finalist alongside Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic and Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry.

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Once the final results were released, Embiid found out he wouldn’t garner the MVP trophy. Instead, it was Jokic who not only had a spectacular season, but also remained healthy throughout the year. 

Now, for the second-straight season, the two dominant bigs are in direct competition once again as Jokic and Embiid have both been named finalists for NBA MVP. This time, they are joined by a fellow big as Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is the third finalist.

Last season, Embiid’s health was a popular reason he didn’t win the award. This season, he made a better case as he stayed healthy for 68 of 82 games. 

Will the NBA’s scoring champion notch his first MVP after averaging a league-high of 30 points per game along with 11 rebounds and four assists while hitting on 49-percent of his field goals and 37-percent of his threes? Or will Jokic or Antetokounmpo claim it once again? Soon enough, the league will find out. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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Jayson Tatum Will Be The Key To The Boston Celtics Beating The Brooklyn Nets - Forbes

As literally everybody expected when the Boston Celtics decided to play their starters against a shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies team on the last day of the regular season, they booked themselves a first-round playoff rematch against the Brooklyn Nets. So, now it’s time to see whether the decision comes back to haunt them: as good as the Celtics have been this calendar year, they will have their hands full against a Brooklyn team that will be starting Kevin Durant and old frenemy Kyrie Irving. The key to winning this series might just be Jayson Tatum.

Last year, the Jaylen Brown-less Celtics entered the playoffs as underdogs and, to nobody’s surprise, were eliminated by the Nets despite Tatum putting up a monster offensive effort. This year, however, Brown is healthy and the entire team is playing with much greater confidence. If starting center Robert Williams weren’t out without a torn meniscus, they would probably be heavy favorites heading into this afternoon’s Game 1.

However, Williams won’t be available until the end of the series at the earliest, and it might be more realistic to expect his return only if Boston manages to advance to the second round. Meanwhile, the Nets are teasing the potential Brooklyn debut of Ben Simmons, who they received in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden in an exchange of talented malcontents. If one of these two teams is trending upwards, it must be the Nets.

It’s possible, of course, that the Celtics aren’t too hung up on Simmons’s potential return to basketball activites. Simmons, who has somehow gone backward as an offensive player during his time in Philadelphia, flamed out in last year’s playoffs. It’s not inconceivable that the Nets might hurt their chances by attempting to incorporate a player with such a limited skillset as Simmons’ on the fly in the middle of a winner-take-all playoff series, as great of an impact he can make on the defensive end of the floor.

That’s just one reason why the Celtics are a much more functional unit than the Nets this time around. However, here’s the thing about the postseason: great performances by HOF-caliber players can end up erasing whatever advantages better-constructed rosters may have. We’ve seen this recently with players like LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo carrying their particular teams to championships over better-balanced squads.

That’s why the Celtics went with the New Big Three Model by teaming up Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen back in 2007, the last time that the franchise has won a title. Sometimes, the teams that have the greatest players just win: the NBA has always been a star-driven league and most likely always will be.

The Celtics are, unquestionably, a better team than the Nets, particularly given how utterly dysfunctional Brooklyn is on an institutional level. The problem is that the Nets also have two of the three greatest players in this series in Durant and Irving. If they are playing at their peak at the same time—something which, luckily for the Celtics, has not always been the case during the regular season—Boston’s advantages in both team offense and team defense simply might not matter.

This is why Tatum, the Celtics’ best player and a borderline league MVP candidate for his second-half heroics, might be the key to them getting their revenge on Brooklyn. Should Tatum play at the same level as he did in the last two games of the last series against the Nets, the Celtics could make quick work of their rivals. If not, it’s hard not to imagine that this is going to be a long, back-and-forth series, with the victor in question until the bitter end.

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NBA playoffs 2022 live updates: Luka Doncic listed as 'day-to-day' but is out for Game 1 - USA TODAY

Who are the favourites for Champions League, Europa League & Europa Conference League? - GIVEMESPORT

The football season is fast approaching an end and only four teams remains in UEFA’s three major cup competitions.

Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Villarreal are the four teams left standing in the Champions League.

West Ham, Rangers, Frankfurt and RB Leipzig remain in the Europa League.

While Roma, Feyenoord, Leicester and Marseille will battle it out to become the first winners of the Europa Conference League.

But who are the favourites for each competition?

Data analysts FiveThirtyEight have crunched the numbers and worked out the probability of each team winning their respective competition.

View their findings below…

Champions League

FiveThirtyEight have both given Liverpool and Manchester City a 42% chance of lifting the Champions League.

It’s been too close to call between the two in the Premier League this season and they also can’t be separated in Europe’s premier cup competition.

Real Madrid and Villarreal have a tough task of reaching the final, let alone winning it.

Unai Emery’s side, who knocked out Bayern in the quarter-finals, have been given just a 6% chance of becoming European champions for the first time.

Europa League

RB Leipzig are the overwhelming favourites to win the Europa League, with FiveThirtyEight giving them a 53% chance.

West Ham are second favourites, while Rangers have been given just a 10% chance of winning the final.

Europa Conference League

The Europa Conference League is the most open competition of the three, with all four teams being given a decent of winning the competition.

Feyenoord have been made favourites, just ahead of Roma. Leicester have been given a 21% chance of winning a first European trophy.

Ronaldinho quiz: How much do you know about football’s greatest entertainer?

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PREVIEW: Hornets vs. Hawks meet up at play-in - WCNC

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Justin Brownlee ends Best Import drought in Governors' Cup - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra stalwart Justin Brownlee further stamped his mark as one of the greatest imports to grace the PBA.

Brownlee crowned himself the Best Import in the 2021-2022 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, April 13, after putting together a superb campaign that saw him lead the Gin Kings back to the finals.

The 33-year-old won via landslide and amassed 1275 points, more than 400 points ahead of contenders Mike Harris (795) of Magnolia and Tony Bishop (739) of Meralco.

He topped all departments, earning 559 points in statistics, 493 votes from the media, 150 from the PBA, and 73 from the players.

It took a sensational playoff run for Brownlee to claim his second Best Import award and first in the Governors’ Cup.

Brownlee also contended for the honor in the 2016, 2017, and 2019 editions of the season-ending conference but got bested by former Bolts reinforcement Allen Durham in all occasions.

Winning Best Import seemed farfetched for Brownlee early on as he finished outside the top five in statistical points (SPs) at the end of the elimination round, but he turned his play up a notch in the playoffs.

He averaged 33.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 2.3 steals as Ginebra overcame a twice-to-beat disadvantage against TNT and demolished NLEX to reach the finals.

By the time the semifinals ended, Brownlee already vaulted into the top spot with 53.7 SPs built on conference averages of 30.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks.

In claiming another Best Import plum, Brownlee joined an elite group of only 10 players who won the award more than once.

Late PBA legend Bobby Parks, after whom the Best Import award is named, holds the record with seven citations followed by Durham with three.

Brownlee is tied with current Meralco coach Norman Black, Billy Ray Bates, Derrick Brown, Gabe Freeman, Arizona Reid, Jerald Honeycutt, and Kenny Redfield with two each.

It is a double win for Ginebra as Scottie Thompson captured his first Best Player of the Conference trophy.

Brownlee and Thompson became the first teammates to sweep the conference awards since TNT’s Jayson Castro and Terrence Jones emerged victorious in the 2019 Commissioners Cup. – Rappler.com

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Previewing the Timberwolves' young trio vs. Paul George and Clippers | NBA Today - ESPN

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Apr 12, 2022 Game - Scores, Stats & Highlights - NBA.com

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1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets Apr 12, 2022 Game - Scores, Stats & Highlights  NBA.com
2. Nets vs Cavaliers play-in: Kyrie, KD lead Nets to No. 7 seed  Sports Interactive Network Philippines
3. Cavaliers @ Nets | #MetaQuestPlayIn on TNT  NBA
4. NBA: Nets, Pelicans among favorites in play-in  INQUIRER.net
5. Keys to the Game: Cavaliers at Nets  NBA.com
6. View Full Coverage on Google News

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JRU scores breakthrough triumph over Benilde - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Jose Rizal University topped College of St. Benilde, 74-68, to finally enter the win column in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, April 12 at the La Salle Green Hills Gym.

Marwin Dionisio produced the game’s biggest basket – a layup that gave the Bombers a 73-68 advantage with 38 seconds remaining.

“This is really big for us. We saw that we can finish the game. In the past few games, that was really our problem. They showed character and they can finish every possession,” said coach Louie Gonzales after JRU ended a five-game losing skid.

The Bombers also gave the Blazers a bumpy ride in making it to the Final Four outright.

With a 4-2 card, CSB fell one-and-a-half game behind joint leaders Letran and San Beda, which at 4-0 are the only unbeaten teams in the tournament.

JL delos Santos had a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds while Jason Celis, JRU’s leading scorer, added 17 markers to go with 4 boards and 2 assists.

Dionisio scored all of his 9 points in the second half, including 7 in the payoff period and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Will Gozum had a fantastic outing with the Blazers with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks before leaving early in the second half due to a right foot injury.

Prior to his departure, back-to-back baskets by Gozum at the start of the third quarter gave CSB its first lead at 34-33.

AJ Benson chipped in 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Robi Nayve added 12 points, 4 boards, and 3 assists for the Blazers. 

The Scores

JRU 74 – Delos Santos 19, Celis 17, Dionisio 9, Agbong 7, Bongay 7, Jungco 6, Arenal 5, Macatangay 4, Estrella 0, G. Gonzales 0.

CSB 68 – Gozum 17, Benson 13, Nayve 12, Corteza 10, Carlos 10, Marcos 3, Lepalam 2, Flores 1, Cullar 0, Sangco 0, Lim 0, Publico 0, Davis 0. 

Quarters: 17-14, 33-30, 49-50, 74-68.

– Rappler.com

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Pink wave: 3rd-quarter Ateneo surge drowns La Salle anew - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo came out in full attack mode in the second half as the Blue Eagles repulsed rival La Salle Green Archers anew, 75-68, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, April 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In front of a UAAP pandemic record of 11,124 fans, the defending champions completed an elimination sweep of the Archers to roll to an 8-0 record at the start of the second round. The victory also extended Ateneo’s incredible streak to 34 straight wins dating back to October 2018.

SJ Belangel paced the Blue Eagles with 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac also scored 15. Dave Ildefonso and BJ Andrade added 9 points each.

While the Archers kept pace with the Eagles early, and even grabbed the lead a few times in the first half, they just found no answer to Ateneo’s second-half tear. The Archers remained at third at 5-3.

It was the first fan-attended Ateneo-La Salle showdown in over two years. But instead of the usual sea of blue and green, fans of the rival schools showed up united in pink to show support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Coming off a 36-all tie early in the third quarter, Ateneo turned it into another no contest off a pivotal 21-4 run, capped by a Matthew Daves layup at the 2:27 mark for the 57-40 separation.

The Archers tried their best to play catch up in the final frame, but only got within single digits late to set the final score.

“We really had to make adjustments, and we kind of had to get back to the drawing board because Derick [Pumaren] had a great game plan today, and he really forced our offense to struggle to find opportunities,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.

“We figured a few things out the second half, and then our press really helped us out the second half. We got some timely turnovers, and we got some easy points.”

Veteran guard Kurt Lojera led the Archers with 21 points and 6 boards. Evan Nelle, who fueled La Salle’s hot start, finished with a UAAP career-best 20 points plus 4 steals on a 7-of-17 clip.

Meanwhile, both MVP-caliber big men from both sides had themselves quiet outings as Ateneo’s Ange Kouame, who was reportedly not feeling well, finished with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block in under 20 minutes on the floor. La Salle anchor Justine Baltazar, on the other hand, had a low-key 10-point, 10-board double-double.

All teams will get a week off, as Ateneo gets back to business on Tuesday, April 19, in a 4:30 pm match against the unpredictable UE Red Warriors. Meanwhile, La Salle gets a 12:30 pm assignment against the feisty UST Growling Tigers.

The Scores

Ateneo 75 – Belangel 15, Mamuyac 15, Ildefonso 9, Andrade 9, Kouame 7, Tio 6, Verano 4, Koon 4, Daves 4, Chiu 2, Lazaro 0, Mendoza 0.

La Salle 68 – Lojera 21, Nelle 20, Winston 10, Baltazar 10, M. Phillips 3, Nonoy 3, Manuel 1, B. Phillips 0, Cuajao 0, Nwankwo 0.

Quarters: 21-18, 35-32, 60-47, 75-68.

– Rappler.com

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LIVE UPDATES: UAAP Season 84 men's basketball games - April 12 - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – There is no rest for the weary yet in the UAAP as the Season 84 men’s basketball tournament continues on through Holy Week with the start of the second round, and slowly but surely, the real contenders are starting to separate themselves from those who are just not ready yet to take the leap.

UP (6-1) vs NU (4-3)

Right off the bat, fans will get treated with a 10 am match between UP and NU, both teams with a lot to prove in the second round.

While the Maroons look to build on their 17-year-best six-game winning streak, the Bulldogs gun for a statement win after falling short of a massive Ateneo upset last week.

Look for Zavier Lucero to further stir up the MVP conversation alongside other key cogs like Maymay Cagulangan, Malick Diouf, and Ricci Rivero as NU leans on no-nonsense contributions from Michael Malonzo, John Lloyd Clemente, and Shaun Ildefonso.

FEU (3-4) vs Adamson (1-6)

Not far removed from the first Racela vs Racela match in the UAAP, Olsen’s FEU and Nash’s Adamson return for a more serious battle of survival this time around at 12:30 pm.

The Tamaraws have not found the winning groove they wanted, while the Falcons have been consistently inconsistent with at least four losses decided by three points or less.

Jerom Lastimosa will have to get his other ‘klasmeyts’ more involved, especially in endgame situations, as the second round rolls along, while the dynamic duo of RJ Abarrientos and LJay Gonzales continue to polish their playmaking and leadership skills.

UST (2-4) vs UE (0-7)

UST has crashed back to earth following a well-earned two-game winning streak, and is now looking for a sweep of winless UE at 4:30 pm.

Despite their losing records, both the Tigers and Red Warriors have at least identified their go-to guys, and now look to steal as many wins as possible to fast-track their development.

Viral blunders aside, Aurin Catacutan and Harvey Pagsanjan will continue to lead UE’s uphill battles, while Sherwin Concepcion, Joshua Fontanilla, and Nic Cabanero steer UST’s underdog campaign ahead.

Ateneo (7-0) vs La Salle (5-2)

The UAAP is not wasting any time as they plan to send its fans off to Holy Week break with the first fan-attended Ateneo-La Salle rivalry game in the pandemic at 7 pm.

Humiliated in their last meeting, the Archers now look to translate their league-best defense, led by veteran Justine Baltazar and hustle man Michael Phillips, into something better than a dead-last offense, steered by the inconsistent pairing of Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy.

Meanwhile, it is business as usual over at the Eagles’ empire as Ange Kouame, Dave Ildefonso, and pretty much every other man in the rotation continue to take turns showing off the top-tier workings of a well-oiled Tab Baldwin system.

– Rappler.com

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NBA Playoffs 2022: How Celtics will play against Grizzlies with seeding still on the line - MassLive.com

MEMPHIS — The Celtics have at least a couple data points finished when it comes to the standings, but they can still finish anywhere between Nos. 2-4 heading into their final game of the season. The shorthanded Bucks were blown out by the Cavs earlier Sunday while the Nets beat the Pacers.

There are now three potential scenarios as the Celtics head into their 7 p.m. game against the Grizzlies at FeDexForum to close out the season.

If the C’s beat Memphis, they’re locked in as the No. 2 seed in the East and will face the winner of the Nets vs. Cavs game Tuesday of the play-in tourney. If they lose, they could finish No. 3 and face the Bulls if the Sixers lose to the Pistons. But if the 76ers beat the Pistons and the C’s lose, they fall to No. 4 and face the Raptors. Another factor: Philadelphia is sitting both Joel Embiid and James Harden against Detroit.

As teams across the league are resting their starters, the C’s are set to be a full go Sunday as they take on the Grizzlies. Boston coach Ime Udoka said Al Horford has some back tightness, but otherwise, the regulars will play. It’s unclear yet how many minutes, though, as the seeding situation is still firmly up in the air.

“We looked at every scenario, what we kind of kind of concluded was: Let’s do what we do,” Udoka said pregame. “And helping, playing our best basketball is the main focus. And so with all the variables in the plan and teams behind us still jockeying, it’s hard to manipulate anything and so the main thing we said is physically be right, take care of our guys health-wise. And if that’s getting more minutes — or playing less — we can determine that.”

There are multiple pros and cons that come with each spot in the seedings. Most of the seeding discoursed has been about the Nets, who could be waiting for the C’s if they finish second. The Nets are finally starting to heat up, winning their final four games of the season, to nab the No. 7 spot in the East.

But that’s far from a guaranteed win in a do-or-die scenario. The Nets, of course, boast Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but anything can happen in a one-game sample size.

“That’s the thing, everybody’s talking about Brooklyn, but they have a play-in game to win,” Udoka said. “Certain teams can run from certain teams and end up that team not even be in there, so we’ll do what we do and kind of let chips fall where they may.”

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Hobbling Justin Arana leads Arellano skid-stopper over Mapua; Stags sink Pirates - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Arellano University halted a three-game slide with a 72-63 win over Mapua on Sunday, April 10, in the NCAA Season 97 men’s basketball tournament at the La Salle Green Hills Gym in Mandaluyong City.

Star center Justin Arana scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half, and pulled down 15 rebounds as the Chiefs overcame a late Cardinals rally to tie their victims at 2-3.

“I’m thankful that we finally recovered,” said Arellano coach Cholo Martin in Filipino. “That’s what the guys are fighting for, to rise in the standings.”

After starting the season with a 3-0 record, Mapua has now lost two in a row to remain at fourth place.

The Cardinals threatened at 60-62 with 4:11 remaining, before Arana scattered 6 points in the Chiefs’ 10-0 run to put the game away, 72-60.

Martin is making sure that Arana, who played a season-high 36 minutes, is being taken care off as he is recovering from a right knee sprain sustained in Arellano’s season-opening win over San Sebastian.

Jordan Sta. Ana also played big for the Chiefs with 15 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds while Kai Oliva scored 10.

Warren Bonifacio produced 11 points and 10 boards to lead Mapua.

Meanwhile, San Sebastian forced a four-way tie at fifth place following an 83-71 conquest of Lyceum.

JM Calma (23 points and 11 rebounds) and Ken Villapando (12 points and 14 boards) produced double-double outings for the Stags, who also drew 15 points from Rommel Calahat.

“Everybody stepped up. That’s what I’m happy about,” said coach Egay Macaraya after San Sebastian rebounded from a heartbreaking 60-61 loss to San Beda last Friday, April 8.

The Stags’ victory put them in a 2-3 tie with Arellano, Perpetual, and EAC. The Pirates, on the other hand, lost for the fourth time in five games for a ninth-place 1-4 slate. – Rappler.com

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Kiefer Ravena ends miserable 16-game losing run as Shiga sweeps Osaka - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Shiga Lakestars finally found themselves back on the winning side of the Japan B. League after completing a home turf sweep of the Osaka Evessa, 88-78, on Sunday, April 10.

With the productive weekend in the bag, the reeling Lakestars rose to 12-33 for the season after dropping 16 straight games dating back to February 27.

This is the team’s first back-to-back win run since sweeping Kobe Paras and the Niigata Albirex BB back in December 25 and 26 last year.

Coming off a tense skid-stopping 79-78 the day prior, Filipino star import Kiefer Ravena followed up a 13-point outing with 14 markers on Sunday, 8 coming in the fourth quarter alone, along with 9 assists, and 2 steals.

Off a 66-68 deficit with 7:24 left in the final frame, Shiga stormed ahead with a pivotal 10-0 fightback capped by a Ravena and-one finish for a 76-68 lead midway through the period.

Although Osaka got back within three, 74-77, in the final 1:45 of regulation, it was Ravena’s fellow import Novar Gadson who took charge with a five-point swing, ending with a dagger triple for an 82-74 gap with just 39 ticks left.

Gadson led all scorers with 29 points on 13-of-21 shooting plus 9 boards, while team captain Teppei Kashiwagura scored 18 off a 6-of-11 clip.

Import Kyle Hunt paced the 20-26 Evessa with 20 points, 8 boards, and 3 dimes as they dropped their third straight game.

Shiga, meanwhile, hopes to go the other way of Osaka’s streak as it shoots for its third straight win against Levanga Hokkaido next weekend while the other Filipino-reinforced teams try to get healthy bodies back to avert more game postponements.

The Scoes

Shiga 88 – Gadson 29, Kashiwagura 18, Ravena 14, O’mara 8, Hayashi 6, Shibuta 5, Moriyama 5, Smith 3, Imagawa 0.

Osaka 78 – Hunt 20, Doblas 16, Brown 15, Kinoshita 13, Takeuchi 7, Nakamura 5, Goda 2, Donley 0.

Quarters: 24-12, 34-39, 63-62, 88-78.

– Rappler.com

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Alex Eala captures 2nd career pro title with ITF Thailand conquest - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala has served a strong notice to the rest of the field in this May’s Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam: she will be one of the top gold medal contenders. 

Eala made short work of hometown bet Luksika Kumkhum, 6-4, 6-2, to capture the crown in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Chiang Rai on Sunday, April 10 at the Chiang Rai Sports Center in Thailand. 

In ruling the $25,000 event, the 16-year-old Eala clinched her second singles title as a professional player – a feat that came a year after she won last year’s $15,000 ITF event in Manacor, Spain.  

Kumkhum, a 28-year-old Thai veteran, actually kicked off the final match by breaking Eala’s serve in the very first game of the opening set.

Just when the home crowd thought Kumkhum’s experience and savvy would carry her through against her younger opponent, Eala stormed right back and broke the Thai’s serve to even the count at 1-all.

With the score tied at 4-all, Eala faced a double break point at 15-40. The Filipina teen prodigy showed nerves of steel to overhaul the deficit and eventually held serve to go up 5-4. 

That would be the last time Eala would allow Kumkhum to seriously pose a threat as she closed out the first set by breaking Kumkhum in the 10th game.

The second set was all Eala. Kumkhum, an Asian Games doubles gold medalist and singles silver medalist and a two-time SEA Games gold medalist, simply had no answer to Eala’s powerful ground strokes. 

Eala raced to a 4-1 lead and never let Kumkhum, once ranked 66th in the world who has made the third round of the Australian Open in 2018, back into the match. Eala closed out the championship match by again breaking the Thai’s serve.

The Filipina teen returns to the same Chiang Rai courts next week in another ITF $25,000 tournament scheduled to begin on Tuesday, April 12. – Rappler.com

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Ricci Rivero gets 'yes' from Andrea Brillantes after helping UP to 6th win - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Ricci Rivero was a winner on Saturday, April 9, in more ways than one.

After helping the UP Fighting Maroons to a nail-biting 83-76 win over the FEU Tamaraws, the 23-year-old team veteran kept fans’ hearts throbbing way after the buzzer at the Mall of Asia Arena after taking the venue mic, and asking the 19-year-old actress to be his girlfriend.

Brillantes, who was at the stands with two t-shirts behind her with the words “YES” and “NO,” eagerly grabbed the “YES” shirt, marking the start of their relationship.

According to entertainment outlets, Rivero got linked to Brillantes after the latter was seen on TikTok wearing the former’s jersey.

Other users connected the dots, showing comments of the two on each other’s Instagram pages, and other notable events that hinted at their blossoming romance.

Here is the full proposal, as filmed by nowheretogobutUP:

All these post-game events were made sweeter thanks to Zavier Lucero helping UP end the game on a winning note with 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Rivero, meanwhile, made up for a scoreless first half with 10 second-half points en route to the win, and eventually, his big Brilliantes moment to cap off the night.

– Rappler.com

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Highlights: Jock Landale's 6 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST vs. GSW | 2021-22 San Antonio Spurs Season - San Antonio Spurs

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Ryan Garcia vs. Emmanuel Tagoe fight results, highlights: 'King Ry' returns with dominant performance for win - CBS Sports

Ryan Garcia had been on the sidelines for more than a year before returning to the ring on Saturday night to face Emmanuel Tagoe in a 139-pound catchweight fight in San Antonio. While ring rust was expected, Garcia also had to battle a fighter in Tagoe who was looking to survive more than mix it up, resulting in an odd fight that went the full 12-round distance before Garcia took the fight on wide scorecards.

From the opening bell, Tagoe circled around the ring with his back to the ropes. Garcia moved forward, trying to trap his foe in a spot where he'd be able to showcase his speed and power, but those moments rarely came in the fight.

Garcia was able to land a clean right hand in the second round that sent Tagoe spilling to the floor. That knockdown mostly came as a result of Tagoe being off-balance, however, and Tagoe went right back to circling and the fight settled into that same routine round after round.

In Round 10, Garcia landed his best punches of the fight, sending Tagoe stumbling around the ring. Tagoe was able to repeatedly clinch until he had recovered, however, and Garcia would never come close to finishing the fight again.

Despite the lack of a stoppage, Garcia won nearly every second of the fight, with Tagoe doing little offensively. According to CompuBox, Garcia landed 165 punches to 90 from Tagoe.

"I think if I'd started pressing him harder in the beginning of the fight, I could have gotten him out of there," Garcia said in his post-fight interview. "But what can I say? It was a track-down fight. I had to track him down. It was a new experience having to cut the ring off against a guy who was trying to fight to survive. I appreciate it."

At the end of 12 rounds, the official scorecards read 119-108, 119-108 and 118-109 as Garcia remained undefeated as a professional.

Attention now turns to Garcia potentially facing other top names in the division, including Gervonta "Tank" Davis. Garcia did not make any promises for what was next after his victory.

"You know, in the past, I'm always with the callouts," Garcia said. "But I've grown and matured and I'm going to let my team handle it. ... I know it's fun but it's unrealistic and I'm not going to lie to the fans. It is what it is and when we fight, we fight."

CBS Sports was with you throughout the entire way on Saturday, so be sure to follow along with the live results and highlights below. 

Fight card, results

• Ryan Garcia vs. Emmanuel Tagoe via unanimous decision (119-108, 119-108, 118-109)
• Shane Mosley Jr. def. Gabriel Rosado via majority decision (98-92, 97-93, 95-95)
  
• Marlen Esparza (c) def. Naoko Fujioka via unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 97-93)
• Azat Hovhannisyan def. Dagoberto Aguero via second-round TKO
  

Garcia vs. Tagoe scorecard, live coverage

Garcia	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	120
Tagoe	9	8	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	9	107

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Gennadiy Golovkin vs. Ryota Murata fight results, highlights: GGG rallies to stop Japanese champ, unify titles - CBS Sports

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Time is the ultimate opponent of every fighter and for five rounds against Ryota Murata in Saitama, Japan, it appeared time had fully caught up to Gennadiy Golovkin. Mid-fight adjustments and his trademark power were enough for Golovkin to storm back and score a ninth-round TKO to unify the IBF and WBA middleweight titles, and perhaps more importantly, move one step closer to locking down a third fight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez.

Murata utilized a relentless body attack and consistent pressure to throw Golovkin out of sorts. Golovkin's footwork was not sharp and every clean shot to the body by Murata lowered Golovkin's guard more and more.

Golovkin, one day after turning 40, turned the tide in the sixth round with a crushing right hand that sent Murata's mouthpiece flying. The moment appeared to energize Golovkin as he became more consistent with unloading combinations of punches and forcing Murata into fits of defense.

With Murata's offense stifled, Golovkin continued to unload, forcing Murata to battle not only with being hurt but clearly tiring as a result of the brutal and high-output war.

As Murata seemed close to the limits of the damage he could take, Golovkin stormed out of the corner at the start of Round 9, immediately landing a heavy right hand that set the finish of the fight into motion. Murata was sent back into the ropes as Golovkin emptied the tank looking to close the show, eventually landing a straight right hand that took Murata's legs and forced the corner to throw in the towel.

Golovkin has now done his part to lock down his trilogy fight with Canelo Alvarez, who signed a deal stating the two would battle in the back end of the year as long as both won their next outings. Alvarez beating Dmitry Bivol on May 7 is now all that stands between Golovkin and a chance to avenge two fights in which he was given a raw deal on the scorecards.

Can't get enough boxing and MMA? Get the latest in the world of combat sports from two of the best in the business. Subscribe to Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell for the best analysis and in-depth news.

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In, But Not Done: Canes Clinch Playoff Spot - NHL.com

RALEIGH, NC. - For a fourth consecutive season the Carolina Hurricanes have punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

A welcomed feat? Certainly.

The expectation? Also that.

"It's a huge accomplishment. We grinded all year," Rod Brind'Amour began post-game Thursday. "There's bigger and better things we want to accomplish, but you have to get there first and to get there with 11 games to go says a lot about the group."

OFFICIAL! WE'RE HEADED BACK TO THE PLAYOFFS! pic.twitter.com/7SKpNZ6xaZ

- x-Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 8, 2022

Although he's preached a "one day at a time" mentality all season long, the team's head coach allowed himself to be a bit retrospective after the final horn of a 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, looking back on the bigger picture and what he set out to do when he took over behind the bench in 2018.

"That's what we've wanted to accomplish since we set out on this four years ago. It wasn't just to have a good team here and there, it was to be good for a long time," he reflected. "We wanted to give this area a team to be proud of. That's really what it is."

Now with a cumulative record of 166-83-28 and guiding his club to four straight trips to the playoffs, a new best for the club since relocating to North Carolina, it feels safe to say Brind'Amour has done his part in giving the area, the state and the fan base as a whole something to take pride in. 

"I can remember when we got in four years ago, it felt awesome.  But now we're just kind of expected to do it and that's a huge shift in how I think we all perceive us. That's something to be proud of," the reigning Jack Adams Award winner continued fondly.

Four seasons as head coach. Four playoff berths 😤 pic.twitter.com/qdEiAytlmy

- x-Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 8, 2022

But perhaps what makes Brind'Amour's allure even greater is that there's only a certain amount of satisfaction that comes with just getting into the playoffs now. The goal is for more.

All season long we've heard players, coaches and management alike share the common goal of winning the Stanley Cup. The team has had some success in post-season play over the last three years, but from the very first day of training camp, despite the significant turnover of the roster, the goal has been to be the last team standing.

It's why free agents like Ian Cole elected to come play in Carolina, instead of signing a longer-term deal elsewhere.

It's why the team went out and bolstered their lineup with the acquisition of Max Domi, despite already being in first place with the playoffs just about guaranteed.

It's why the overall culture of the locker room, led by Jordan Staal, remains unsatisfied with just getting into the playoffs.

"We've talked all year about how our goal is to win the Stanley Cup and now it's within sight," Cole remarked. "There's still a very long road ahead, but the goal is in sight. That should just build excitement."

Having reached the pinnacle of the sport as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, the veteran defenseman knows what it takes for a team to win it all and is attempting to do his part in helping everyone stay hungry until the ultimate goal is achieved.

"Yes, it's been a long year, but we have a chance to do something really freaking special here and that's an opportunity that I think every single player in that locker room wants to take advantage of," he passionately continued.

"Oh we clinched tonight? That's sweet." pic.twitter.com/wEQEVrf1Sb

- x-Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 8, 2022

Now, with 11 regular-season games left to go, the group remains dialed in on what's left to accomplish before the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on May 2.

There's still a Metropolitan Division title left to play for, home-ice advantage and a potential Presidents' Trophy.

"We're very happy to be where we are at. We can always work on getting better, but the main thing is that we have to be playing our best hockey going into playoffs," the team Captain offered. "We have to stay sharp and be ready every day. Every game we have to be playing the way we want to play."

After all, nothing is a given just yet. Although they're the third team in the NHL to lock up a playoff berth, the New York Rangers are just two points behind them for first place.

Along the same lines, the Canes trail the Colorado Avalanche by just six points for the top spot in the NHL. Either scenario can be changed very quickly.

"It's important for us to just keep playing well," the head coach continued. "We have to keep focusing on getting better every day. Our guys have competed hard all year long, but it's about staying focused, not picking up any bad habits and keeping the pedal to the floor."

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In, But Not Done: Canes Clinch Playoff Spot - NHL.com
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