Gilas Women's promising Asia Cup 3x3 run ends vs Chinese Taipei - Manila Bulletin

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1. Gilas Women's promising Asia Cup 3x3 run ends vs Chinese Taipei  Manila Bulletin
2. Gilas Men exit FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup winless; unbeaten Gilas Women eye gold on Easter  Rappler
3. Gilas women fall to Chinese Taipei FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup quarters  Philstar.com
4. Gilas Pilipinas Women gun for semis berth in FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup  The Manila Times
5. Gilas Women dominate Kazakhstan to advance in main draw of FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup  ABS-CBN News

Gilas Women's promising Asia Cup 3x3 run ends vs Chinese Taipei - Manila Bulletin
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PBC on Prime Video results, highlights: Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz batters Rolando Romero to earn WBA title - CBS Sports

Premier Boxing Champions

Rolando "Rolly" Romero entered his bout with Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz on Saturday night viewed by many as the weakest world champion in boxing. Cruz took advantage of Romero's technical deficiencies to score a TKO in Round 8 of their bout on the undercard of Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora to win the WBA junior welterweight championship.

It didn't take long for Cruz to break through the defense of Romero, cracking with a heavy left hook to the temple in the opening round that sent Romero stumbling around the ring on rubber legs. Somehow, Romero managed to not only survive the frame but manage to avoid a knockdown.

Cruz continued to navigate his height disadvantage by slipping inside Romero's looping shots to score with power punches to both the head and body. When Romero managed to land punches, he was quickly met by hard counters from Cruz, who refused to be kept on the outside of Romero's reach.

Romero attempted to stifle Cruz's constant forward momentum by circling around the perimeter of the ring as well as holding when Cruz effectively closed the distance. That approach cost Romero in Round 5, when his repeated holding led to a point deduction after multiple warnings.

Romero was again badly hurt in the seventh round. Again, he managed to survive the round and remain on his feet, but it was clear that the fight was quickly getting away from him because he could not hurt Cruz, nor could he keep the shorter man at bay.

Cruz did not stop the onslaught in the following round. After the ringside physician had given Romero a check and said the fight was very close to over, Cruz continued to pour on the attack and after a big flurry took Romero's legs again, the referee jumped in to stop the fight at the 0:56 mark of Round 8.

"I'm very happy and humbled to win this title for my family and for Mexico," Cruz said after the win. "I was prepared for this. I wasn't here to just fight. I was here to terminate him...I did my talking right here in the ring. And I did this not just for me, but for everybody that is here at T-Mobile Arena. There's going to be a Mexican champ at 140 pounds for a long time."

Cruz has been seeking a rematch with Gervonta "Tank" Davis after losing a competitive fight in December 2021. With a victory that cements Cruz as a world champion for the first time in his career, that dream rematch is closer than ever.

Romero was making the first defense of his title, which he won in controversial fashion after being knocked down by Ismael Barroso in May 2023 before a very fast referee stoppage in Round 9 of the fight. That fight came one bout after being knocked out by Gervonta Davis in their highly-anticipated 2022 bout.

"I am not here just to be a dangerous fighter," Cruz said. "I now have a title that is backing me up. So anybody that is available, I'll be ready."

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PBC on Prime Video results, highlights: Isaac 'Pitbull' Cruz batters Rolando Romero to earn WBA title - CBS Sports
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Melvin Jerusalem, Jake Amparo seek world crowns against Shigeoka brothers in Nagoya - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Melvin Jerusalem and Jake Amparo tangle with unbeaten brothers Yudai and Ginjiro Shigeoka, respectively, in their bids for world titles on Sunday, March 31, at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.

Of the two Filipino warriors, Jerusalem is given a better chance of ending the Filipinos’ woeful stints in Japan as he has the edge in experience over the 26-year-old Yudai, who holds an 8-0 record with five knockouts.

Amparo is less prepared, being a last-minute replacement for compatriot ArAr Andales, the top challenger who was forced to withdraw due to medical concerns.

With a 14-5-1 card and only 3 knockouts to show, Amparo will be the huge underdog, given less than 10% winning chances by Japanese bookmakers, against Ginjiro, who has decked 8 of 10 opponents thus far.

Jerusalem, one of the stalwarts of the SanMan stable headed by JC Manangquil, is 21-3 with 12 knockouts and has prepared long and hard under trainer Michael Domingo.

Adhering to a strict diet, Jerusalem checked in at a light 104 pounds during the official weigh-in on Saturday, March 30, against the 104.9 pounds of Yudai, less than 24 hours before their battle for the World Boxing Council minimumweight belt.

Despite Jerusalem being a huge +640 underdog, Manangquil believes his ward has a good shot of upstaging Yudai, having seen him during training in General Santos City.

Amparo and Ginjiro will dispute the International Boxing Federation version of the 105-pound crown.

Marlon Tapales, Jerwin Ancajas and Jonas Sultan suffered knockout losses in Japan last December and February, sending the Filipino boxers’ stocks plunging. – Rappler.com

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Melvin Jerusalem, Jake Amparo seek world crowns against Shigeoka brothers in Nagoya - Rappler
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Jerusalem, Amparo challenge Shigeoka brothers for world titles - Manila Bulletin

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. Jerusalem, Amparo challenge Shigeoka brothers for world titles  Manila Bulletin
2. Melvin Jerusalem, Jake Amparo seek world crowns against Shigeoka brothers in Nagoya  Rappler
3. Jerusalem, Amparo hope to end jinx in Japan title fights  Sports Interactive Network Philippines
4. Last-minute replacement Amparo vies for IBF crown in Japan today  The Freeman
5. SPORTS FACTS AND FIGURES 65: MELVIN JERUSALEM AND JAKE AMPARO VERSUS SHIGEOKA BROTHERS IN WORLD TITLE DOUBLE HEADER ON MARCH 31 IN JAPAN  PhilBoxing.com

Jerusalem, Amparo challenge Shigeoka brothers for world titles - Manila Bulletin
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LeBron has triple-double as Lakers beat Grizzlies - The Manila Times

(UPDATE) MEMPHIS: LeBron James had a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists; Rui Hachimura scored 32 points; and the Los Angeles Lakers built a big lead in the third quarter and beat the Memphis Grizzlies 136-124 on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

Coming off a 128-124 double-overtime victory in Milwaukee without James on Tuesday night, the Lakers won their fifth straight to pull within 2 1/2 games of idle Dallas for the sixth spot in the Western Conference, a spot that would avoid a play-in game.

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LeBron has triple-double as Lakers beat Grizzlies - The Manila Times
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Hawks vs Celtics: Game Preview, Injury Report, Projected Starting Lineups - Sports Illustrated

For the second time in four days, the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics will square off in Atlanta. The first game on Monday night saw the Hawks pull off a fantastic comeback, coming back from 30 points down to defeat the NBA's best team and secure one of the most improbable wins of the season.

Atlanta will be massive underdogs tonight vs Boston, even bigger than they were on Monday night. The Hawks are at a big disadvantage when it comes to rest and the Celtics might be healthier than they were on Monday. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White did not play on Monday, leaving Boston without their two best defensive guards. They are questionable for tonight's game and if they both play, they will have a big upper hand on Atlanta. The Hawks are also on the second night of a back-to-back, haviing beaten the Portland Trail Blazers last night. The injury report has not yet been released for Atlanta, but they could be without seven players again tonight. It might take an even bigger miracle for the Hawks to pull this game off tonight than on Monday.

Let's preview tonight's matchup.

Game Preview

Not much has changed in just a few days between these teams, other than Atlanta beating Portland.

It was a team effort to beat the Celtics on Monday night, with Atlanta getting big games from De'Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Vit Krejci, and Dejounte Murray. Last night, it was all about Murray, who led the team with 30 points in the win over the Blazers.

The Hawks offense has been playing well during this brief three-game winning streak, especially their three-point shooting, which is what propelled them to a win over the Celtics on Monday night. Boston is the league's top three-point shooting team, but they went ice cold against the Hawks on Monday night.

Murray scored 30 points against the Blazers last night after scoring 19 against the Celtics on Monday. Murray is the catalyst of the offense, but the supporting cast around him was the difference on Monday night. On most nights that Murray does not have a big game, the Hawks offense suffers, but that was not the case on Monday. I still think Murray will need to have an effective game to give the Hawks a chance tonight.

Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 22 points in the last meeting between these two teams and looked good shooting from three, going 4-7. Bogdanovic can get hot in a hurray and the Hawks will need him tonight.

Vit Krejci and De'Andre Hunter were aruguably the best players for the Hawks on Monday, but both struggled last night vs Portland. Krejci scored 13 points in the third quarter on Monday vs Boston, including hitting four threes. Hunter led the team with 24 points, but he struggled to shoot the ball last night, going 1-6 from three and scoring 12 points. Hunter and Krejci will have to better than they were last night if the Hawks want to pull another stunner.

Clint Capela played one of his best games of the year on Monday. HIs rebounding and defense was fantastic. Bruno Fernando will get the back up center minutes tonight.

The bench for the Hawks will need to find guys to step up. Garrison Matthews and Dylan Windler had big games last night, but Trent Forrest and others will also get minutes.

The Hawks come into this game 5th in PPG, 20th in field goal percentage, 7th in three-point attempts, 14th in three-point percentage, 2nd in offensive rebounding, and 14th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 9th in points per 100 possessions, 16th in effective field goal percentage, 10th in turnover percentage, 5th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 9th in free throw rate.

The Celtics might be getting Holiday and White back tonight, which will make the game tough on the Hawks offense. Boston is currently 6th in PPG allowed, 2nd in field goal percentage allowed, and 3rd in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Celtics are 3rd in points allowed per 100 possessions and 2nd in effective field goal percentage allowed.

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis all started out strong, but Tatum was the only player to keep his level of play up throughout the game. These three players will be arguably the best on the court tonight, but the Celtics will need more from their supporting cast. If Holiday and White were to be ruled out, then Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard will need to be better than they were on Monday. Hauser is an effective three-point shooter, but was just 2-10 on Monday.

It is not just the defense that the Hawks should be worried about. Boston has one of the league's best offenses and a big reason for that is they are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA and they shoot the most threes in the NBA. Every player on the Celtics is dangerous as a shooter and it makes them very difficult to defend.

Boston is 2nd in the NBA in PPG, 9th in field goal percentage, 1st in three-point attempts, 1st in three-point percentage, 22nd in free throw attempts, 13th in offensive rebounding, and 2nd in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, Boston is 1st in points per 100 possessions, 1st in effective field goal percentage, 2nd in turnover percentage, 10th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 17th in free throw rate.

The Hawks defense started off horribly vs Boston in their last matchup, but got lucky with the Celtics three-point shooting going cold. Atlanta is 27th in PPG allowed, 28th in field goal percentage allowed, and 28th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 29th in effective field goal percentage allowed.

Injury Report

Because they are on a back-to-back, the Hawks injury report is not out yet. I would still expect Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Saddiq Bey, AJ Griffin, Kobe Bufkin, and Mouhamed Gueye. There could be a surprise addition as well.

Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Xavier Tillman, and Jaden Springer are all questionable for Boston.

Viewing and Betting information

Tip-off time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast,

Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be big underdogs at home tonight, as they are currently 16.5 point underdogs according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 225.5.

Projected Starting Lineups

Hawks:

G- Bogdan Bogdanovic

G- Dejounte Murray

F- Vit Krejci

F- De'Andre Hunter

C- Clint Capela

Celtics:

G- Derrick White

G- Jaylen Brown

F-Jayson Tatum

F- Al Horford

C-Kristaps Porzingis

if Holiday is in, expect him in the lineup.

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Hawks vs Celtics: Game Preview, Injury Report, Projected Starting Lineups - Sports Illustrated
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Men's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024: Full schedule, match timings, squads, and live-streaming details - Sportskeeda

The Women's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 commenced on Wednesday, March 27, and will conclude on Sunday, March 31. All matches of the competition will be played at the OCBC Square in Singapore.

The women's competition will see 20 teams competing across five days. Eleven teams will compete in the qualifying draw across three groups. Republic of Korea, Iran, and Macau are drawn in Qualifying Draw A, while Tahiti, Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Philippines are pitted in Qualifying Drawn B.

The Qualifying Draw C consists of Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, and Northern Mariana Islands. The top team from each draw will make it to the main round of the competition.

China, Chinese Taipei and Singapore are drawn in Pool A, while Pool B consists of Japan, Thailand and the team that finishes atop Qualifying Draw A. Mongolia, Malaysia, and the nation finishing first in Qualifying Draw B are pitted in Pool C. Meanwhile, New Zealand, Australia and the team finishing atop Qualifying Draw C will compete in Pool D of the competition.

The top two teams from the main round will qualify for the quarter-finals, which is slated to be held on Sunday, March 31. The semi-finals and the final will be played on the same day.

Australia head into this tournament as the favorites, having won the previous edition of the women's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.

---

Women's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024: Full Schedule and Match Timings (All Times in IST)

Wednesday, March 27

Qualifying Draw B - Philippines vs Tahit, 9:20 AM

Qualifying Draw B - Kazakhstan vs Maldives, 9:50 AM

Qualifying Draw B - Kazakhstan vs Tahiti, 11:45 AM

Qualifying Draw B - Maldives vs Philippines, 12:10 PM

Qualifying Draw C - India vs Northern Mariana Islands, 5:40 PM

Qualifying Draw C - Indonesia vs Hong Kong, China, 6:05 PM

---

Thursday, March 28

Qualifying Draw B - Tahiti vs Maldives, 9:20 AM

Qualifying Draw B - Philippines vs Kazakhstan, 9:50 AM

Qualifying Draw A - Islamic Republic of Iran vs Macau, 12:10 PM

Qualifying Draw C - Hong Kong, China vs India, 1:30 PM

Qualifying Draw A - Republic of Korea vs Macau, 1:55 PM

Qualifying Draw C - India vs Indonesia, 4:25 PM

Qualifying Draw C - Northern Mariana Islands vs Hong Kong, China, 4:50 PM

Qualifying Draw A - Islamic Republic of Iran vs Republic of Korea, 5:15 PM

Qualifying Draw C - Indonesia vs Northern Mariana Islands, 6:05 PM

---

Friday, March 29

Pool A - People's Republic of China vs Chinese Taipei, 12:35 PM

Pool C - Mongolia vs Malaysia, 1:05 PM

Pool A - People's Republic of China vs Singapore, 1:55 PM

Pool C - Mongolia vs QD B/I, 4:00 PM

Pool A - Chinese Taipei vs Singapore, 4:25 PM

Pool C - Malaysia vs QD B/I, 5:40 PM

---

Saturday, March 30

Pool B - Japan vs QD A/I, 11:45 AM

Pool D - New Zealand vs QD C/I, 12:10 PM

Pool B - Thailand vs QD A/I, 1:30 PM

Pool D - New Zealand vs Australia, 4:50 PM

Pool B - Japan vs Thailand, 5:15 PM

Pool D - Australia vs QD C/I, 6:05 PM

---

Sunday, March 31

Quarterfinals - A/I vs C/II, 8:30 AM

Quarterfinals - D/I vs B/II, 8:55 AM

Quarterfinals - B/I vs D/II, 10:15 AM

Quarterfinals - C/I vs A/II, 10:40 AM

Semifinals - QF game 1 winner vs QF game 2 winner, 12:35 PM

Semifinals - QF game 3 winner vs QF game 4 winner, 1:05 PM

Third Place - SF game 1 loser vs SF game 2 loser, 4:00 PM

Final - SF game 1 winner vs SF game 2 winner, 4:50 PM

---

Women's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024: Live-Streaming Details

The Women's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 will be live-streamed on FIBA's official YouTube channel and the FIBA 3×3 YouTube channel.

---

Women's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024: Full Squads

Australia

Anneli Maley, Lauren Mansfield, Marena Whittle, Alex Wilson

---

China

Wenxi Ha, Hong Wang, Jian Zhang, Xianyuan Zhang

---

Chinese Taipei

Yu Chieh Chen, Hui-Tzu Cheng, Shih-Han Hsu, Hung-Ting Kuo

---

Hong Kong, China

Tsu Khwan Li, Tan Fung Ma, Hiu Lui Tong, Chan Wai Ping

---

India

Aneesha Cleetus, Puspha Senthil Kumar, Kavya Singla, Sreekala Rani

---

Indonesia

Jesslyn Angelique Aritonang, Lea Kahol, Fizzatus Shoimah, Thasya Hery Saputera

---

Iran

Mahla Abedi, Farnaz Khodamoradi, Negin Rasoulipour, Faezeh Shahriari

---

Japan

Ayumi Chiba, Riko Furuki, Mana Kaneda, Miwa Kuribayashi

---

Kazakhstan

Xeniya Abdurashitova, Valeriya Kapitonova, Dilnaz Yerkebay, Tamila Zhakipova

---

Macau

Ka I Chan, Man Kei Chan, Hio Tong Ng, Chi Cheng Sou

---

Malaysia

Nur Adila Shahira Binti Juraimi, Wong Chah Yee, Ky Lie Hiew, Ke Hui Toh

---

Maldives

Zuha Ashraf Ali, Fathmath Ifa Athif, Aishath Inasha, Fathimath Rishma

---

Mongolia

Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene, Tserenlkham Munkhsaikhan, Khulan Onolbaatar, Indra Ulziibat

---

New Zealand

Gabriella Fotu, Lauryn Hippolite, Esra McGoldrick, Sharne Pupuke-Robati

---

Northern Mariana Islands

Madeleine Saldivar Alegre, Jan-Nasia Jean Baay Travilla, Michelle Marie Legaspi Kautz, Kaia De Jesus Travilla

---

Phillipines

Mikka Cacho, Camille Clarin, Jhazmin Joson, Kaye Pingol

---

Republic of Korea

Dunarang Kim, Hyeona Kim, Sojung Lee, Hyeonyi Yu

---

Singapore

Jie Ying Choo, Jermaine Lim Jia Ying, Choong Si Ying Sara, Choy Ting Tang

---

Tahiti

Maea Marion Poeiti Lextreyt, Herehau Éléonore Teissier, Poehei Cassandra Teissier, Hereiti Keany Viriamu

---

Thailand

Rujiwan Bunsinprom, Kanokwan Prajuapsook, Rattiyakorn Udomsuk, Sasiporn Wongtapha

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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee

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Men's FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024: Full schedule, match timings, squads, and live-streaming details - Sportskeeda
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Austin Reaves helps rally Lakers past Bucks in 2OTs - The Manila Times

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin: Austin Reaves had a triple-double as the Los Angeles Lakers overcame the absence of LeBron James and rallied to beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 128-124, on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

Reaves had 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in 47 minutes as the Lakers opened a six-game trip by winning their fourth straight despite trailing by 19 points in the fourth quarter and never leading in regulation.

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Austin Reaves helps rally Lakers past Bucks in 2OTs - The Manila Times
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Davis leads Lakers comeback over Bucks in overtime thriller - The Manila Times

LOS ANGELES: Anthony Davis led a stunning late fightback as the Los Angeles Lakers overturned a 19-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 128-124 in double overtime on Tuesday.

With LeBron James ruled out through injury, a banged-up Davis spent nearly 52 minutes on court to rally the Lakers to victory against an in-form Bucks side who went into the clash on a six-game winning streak.

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Davis leads Lakers comeback over Bucks in overtime thriller - The Manila Times
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Schedule and race start times for the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix - Formula E

Formula E lands in Japan, the highly anticipated new stop on the calendar as all-electric single-seater racing takes the streets of the modern metropolis of Tokyo.

PREVIEW: What to look out for ahead of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix

The series couldn't arrive at a better time for the Japanese fans, with 100s of overtakes and four different winners across the last four rounds. The championship fight is looking healthy and Nissan are on form following back-to-back podiums for Oliver Rowland, and NEOM McLaren's Sam Bird taking his Nissan-powered GEN3 machine to the top step in thrilling style last time out.

Schedule for the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix

Friday 29 March

• Free Practice 1 - 16:30 local (07:30 UTC)
  The first track action gets underway with 30 minutes of practice on Friday afternoon.

Saturday 30 March

• Free Practice 2 - 08:00 local (23:00 UTC-1)
  Race day kicks off with the final 30 minutes of practice ahead of qualifying and the race
• Qualifying - 10:20 local (01:20 UTC)
  It's time to set the best lap as the drivers duel for the Julius Baer Pole Position
• Race - 15:00 local (06:00 UTC)
  The main event with 33 laps for the big prize

View the full schedule in your time zone and check the broadcaster listings or tap the Ways to Watch button above to find out where to watch all the racing action where you live.

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Schedule and race start times for the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix - Formula E
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NBA roundup: Hawks shed 30-point deficit to edge Celtics - beIN SPORTS

DiVincenzo broke the mark set by J.R. Smith on April 6, 2014, and matched by Evan Fournier on Jan. 6, 2022. Fournier, who was traded by the Knicks to the Pistons on Feb. 8, played for Detroit on Monday night and spent much of the second half covering DiVincenzo.

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NBA roundup: Hawks shed 30-point deficit to edge Celtics - beIN SPORTS
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Philippines ready to host, compete in FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship - BusinessWorld Online

FROM LEFT is Roberto Alabado III director Office of Film and Sports Tourism Dot, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano chairperson Local Organizing Committee,   Ramon Suzara PNVF president and Jane Basas president and chief executive officer (CEO) Cignal TV, during the press conference of the Volleyball Men’s World Championship at Marquis events place in Taguig City. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL PALM

THE Philippines assured to leave no stone unturned in the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025 — in terms of hosting for the first time ever and competing anew after 50 long years.

In an official press conference yesterday for the hosting launch with more than a year to go, the country brims with confidence that it can serve as the warmest home to the visitors and at the same time fly the flag high in front of Filipino fans. “I am ready. We are ready. The team is ready. The Philippines is ready to face the challenges and fulfill a dream as our hearts beat collectively to serve the sport,” vowed Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara in the massive gathering of volleyball officials, coaches, players and stakeholders at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“If you love volleyball, then you will surely love the Philippines. We will make them feel at home right at our own home.”

The FIVB in Switzerland last week welcomed the Philippine delegation to formally award the hosting rights of the world joust slated Sept. 12 to 28 to a single country for the first time in a decade since Poland staged the event in 2014.

As host, the country gained an automatic slot to snap a five decade-drought since its last participation in the 1974 edition in Mexico, to complete the stacked 32-team cast led by reigning world champion Italy and world No. 1 Poland, which also won the Volleyball Nations League 2023. Senator Alan Cayetano, who’s also the chairman emeritus of the PNVF, will chair the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), similar to his post in the hosting success of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“It’s how we, as a people, welcome the rest of the world. I believe that our hope for a successful hosting will be by faith and action — faith in God and action as a community. I believe that it’s time for the world volleyball to see a united volleyball community in the Pilipinas,” said Mr. Cayetano, joined by Department of Tourism Office of Film and Sports Tourism Director Robert Alabado III and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Basas.

The PNVF will also host the official draw in September to mark a year-long countdown and formally start the training camp of the Philippine men’s national team under the watch of Brazilian mentor Sergio Veloso.

World-class Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum will serve as the playing venues as the Philippines becomes home to yet another world championships after hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup last year.

Like Gilas Pilipinas, the Filipino spikers will have an official moniker for the world joust set to be announced soon by the PNVF that has also sealed team partnership with PLDT and Cignal led by sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan.

Cignal will serve as the host broadcaster with a promise to showcase the best of volleyball here and abroad through multiple TV and online platforms. — John Bryan Ulanday

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Philippines ready to host, compete in FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship - BusinessWorld Online
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Warriors' Steve Kerr Defends Steph Curry Playing Only 30 Minutes in Loss to T-Wolves - Bleacher Report

Cole Burston/Getty Images

Steve Kerr isn't backing down from his decision to play Stephen Curry just 30 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"We can't expect to just ride Steph game after game after game," Kerr told reporters. "We've put the burden of this franchise on his shoulders for 15 years. We can't expect him to play 35 minutes ... If you want to say that him playing 30 minutes instead of 32 is a difference between a win and a loss, I totally disagree with that. We're trying to win the game. And we're trying to keep him fresh, too."

Curry sat out a stretch of around 11 game minutes between the third and fourth quarters in Golden State's 114-110 loss to Minnesota. His 30 minutes played were nearly three minutes less than his season average, and the All-Star guard said he expected to play more.

"I want to play as many minutes as I'm fresh and able to, so I'm a little bit [surprised] knowing that they were going on a run," Curry said. "Our lead was withering away."

Curry is in the midst of his worst stretch of basketball this season. He's averaging 22.3 points on 40.8 percent shooting overall and hitting just 36.2 percent of his threes in March.

The prolonged slump may have played a part in Kerr attempting to give his franchise cornerstone some more rest. Curry has hoisted the Warriors on his back all season amid the struggles of Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins and the inconsistent availability of Draymond Green.

The result has been a disappointing campaign that has the Warriors sitting at 36-34 overall and barely hanging onto the final Play-In Tournament berth. Having Curry on the bench for long stretches likely isn't the best way to turn things around over the final 12 games of the season.

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Warriors' Steve Kerr Defends Steph Curry Playing Only 30 Minutes in Loss to T-Wolves - Bleacher Report
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NBA roundup: Lakers score season-best 150 vs. Pacers - beIN SPORTS

The Heat, who led by as many as 45 points, nearly set a franchise record for the largest margin of victory. The record is 43 points in December 1994 against the Los Angeles Clippers. Miami fell six points short of that mark. Miami got a team-high 18 points from reserve Haywood Highsmith. Starter Jimmy Butler had 15 points and six assists in 24 minutes.

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NBA roundup: Lakers score season-best 150 vs. Pacers - beIN SPORTS
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PREVIEW: What to look out for ahead of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix - Formula E

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championships charts a course for a new location in the series' history, as Japan becomes the 24th country to host an E-Prix with the 34th different venue to see racing action, as the future of motorsport lands in the modern metropolis of Tokyo.

Taking to the streets of Tokyo, the all-electric single-seater championship is going to be the first event of its kind in the city. No FIA-sanctioned world championship motorsport event has ever been held in Tokyo with Formula E breaking new ground on what’s possible once again.

The 2024 Tokyo E-Prix gets underway at 15:00 local time on Saturday 30 March. Find out where to watch and sync your calendar for all the latest updates and session times.

As it stands...

After four rounds, the milestone 10th season of Formula E is becoming one for the ages. Mexico maestro, Pascal Wehrlein opened up Season 10 with more success in Mexico City, as the TAG Heuer Porsche driver converted a pole start to his fifth victory in Formula E, at the locale of Porsche's first win in the series - secured by the German back in Season 8.

Heading to Round 2 in Diriyah, reigning champion Jake Dennis (Andretti) scored a masterful victory under the lights after perfectly timing an ATTACK MODE overcut to romp away to his sixth win in Formula E by over 13 seconds - registering the second-largest win margin in Formula E history.

Round 3 wouldn't see a repeat of the Diriyah double as Dennis was unable to carry over the previous day's pace, but this opened up the door for Jaguar TCS Racing's Nick Cassidy to swoop in and score a victory at only the third time of asking since moving to the factory team. The New Zealander finds his new surroundings to his liking with a hat-trick of podiums to start Season 10, and a lead in the Drivers' standings.

A return to Brazil for Round 4 and a country steeped in motorsport history, and the second São Paulo E-Prix did not disappoint. After an exciting debut in Season 9, the streets of the Anhembi Sambadrome were awash with even more wheel-to-wheel action with racing right down to the wire.

It was Sam Bird who came out on top following a daring last lap dive for the lead, coming round the outside of Jaguar's Mitch Evans to score NEOM McLaren's first win in Formula E and ending his 37-race winless streak that stretched back to New York City in 2021.

A DNF for Drivers' championship leader Cassidy saw the gap close up at the top of the standings after São Paulo, but with four different winners in four races - the title fight is still wide open heading into Tokyo this weekend.

Homeward bound

Tokyo marks an important round on the calendar for Nissan as their first home race in Formula E. The Japanese manufacturer's headquarters are close to the Tokyo circuit and they will want to put on a show for the home fans.

This round comes at an opportune period for Nissan, the Japanese manufacturer has been on the rise this season and is closing the gap to the dominance we've seen from the Jaguar and Porsche powertrains from last season.

Fenestraz hugs Rowland after the Brit claimed the Julius Baer Pole Position for Round 3 in Diriyah

Nissan's Oliver Rowland has been on the podium in the last two races, and thanks to a dramatic final lap overtake to victory the Nissan powertrain went to the top step in the papaya colours of NEOM McLaren's Sam Bird - marking only the second race to be won by someone using a powertrain other than Porsche or Jaguar in the last 16 races.

It's cherry blossom season across Japan right now, will we see the Nissan powertrain continue to blossom at home?

It's also somewhat of a second race for Nissan's Sacha Fenestraz and Nick Cassidy (Jaguar TCS Racing), as the pair honed their race craft in Japan in the Super Formula and Super GT series. 

Nick Cassidy racing in Japan's Super Formula series

Speaking on the return to racing in Japan, Fenestraz said: "I’m extremely excited of course, I did a big part of my career in Japan so going back there will be awesome and I cannot wait for the race. I know how amazing and crazy the Japanese fans are, so that will make it even more special.

"It’s the first time the team and Formula E are going to Japan, so we are looking forward to seeing all the amazing support in the grandstands. It will be almost like a home race for me, the track looks really interesting so I’m excited to go racing!”

Current Drivers' standings leader, Cassidy will have fond memories of racing here, having secured the coveted ‘Triple Crown’ of Japanese motorsport titles: Japanese Formula 3 in 2015, Super GT in 2017 and the Super Formula Championship in 2019. After crashing out of the race in São Paulo and ending his podium streak, this will be the perfect place for the New Zealander to return to the rostrum.

Where does Formula E race in Tokyo? What's the circuit layout?

The challenging 18-turn, 2.582km street circuit will surround the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre – the largest venue in Japan also known as Tokyo Big Sight – only minutes from downtown Tokyo.

The track includes three long straights, technical sequences of tight corners, and high-speed combinations set against the stunning Tokyo metropolis backdrop.

READ MORE: The Formula E grid previews the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix

The drivers are raring to sample this 2.585km circuit that's set to be a true test of their skills, having only experienced this circuit on the simulators. Andretti driver and reigning champion Jake Dennis is eager to lap the circuit for the first time, saying on Formula E show The Added Lap: “I can’t wait to be honest, it’s going to be an incredible circuit. I have driven it on the simulator and it’s tight, twisty and bumpy.

"It will be fun to watch on TV, I don’t know about the driver's spines! It is going to be challenging with the really fast tight corners. It’s a little bit like Rome really!”

SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix Round 5

The Tokyo E-Prix gets underway on Friday 29 March with Free Practice 1 at 16:30 local time.

WATCH: How to watch or stream Formula E's Sao Paulo E-Prix where you are

Then it's on to race day on Saturday 30 March as Free Practice 2 kicks off the day at 08:00 local, qualifying follows at 10:20 local with lights out on Round 4 at 15:00 local/06:00 UTC.

View the full schedule in your time zone and check the broadcaster listings or tap the Ways to Watch button above to find out where to watch all the racing action where you live.

Follow the race LIVE on web and in the Formula E app!

Follow all the action on-track as it happens in the Race Centre.

Keep across Live Timing – which includes a real-time interactive track map and the ability to follow your favourite driver during every session of every E-Prix – plus highlights, detailed session reports, exclusive interviews, all the standings and results as well as data, insight and reaction from trackside.

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Minglanilla Archangels rule Gullas Cup - SunStar Philippines

THE Minglanilla Archangels sure found an angel in the second half against Talisay.

After hitting nothing but bricks in the first half, Abante Minglanilla overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to stun Talisay Aksyon Agad, 72-58, and capture the basketball championship in the 2024 Rhea Gullas Cup last Saturday night at the packed Minglanilla Sports Complex.

“The team was very tense in the first half. We wanted to start strong and I think the players felt the pressure,” said Minglanilla coach Boyet Velez.

Talisay City got off to a fast start and led 19-11 after the first before extending their lead to 15, 39-24, at halftime.

“Talisay also played man-to-man and we’re able to trap our ballhandlers,” said Velez.

At half-time, Velez told his players to relax and not to hurry their shots and they also changed their inbound play.

“Wala na sila ka trap sa amo ball handers and we were able to score nine straight points and we got our confidence back,” said Velez.

However, Minglanilla entered the second half with renewed focus and fought back with a 29-11 blast in the third to take a 53-50 lead heading to the fourth canto.

With the Minglanilla crowd in a frenzy, the Archangels poured it on, extending their lead to 64-55 at the halfway point of the fourth and keeping Talisay City at bay to win Game 3 and take home the coveted title.

JC Rex Sanguenza, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, scored 20 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and five steals to lead Minglanilla to victory. He was later named the Finals MVP.

James Lim added 18 points, while Lance Salma contributed 12 markers.

John Lasola had 16 points for Talisay, which sputtered in the game’s last 20 minutes, scoring only 19 points in that stretch.

Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, who treated the team and coaching staff to an overnight stay at a resort in Moalboal, lauded the team for their achievements.

“To our Abante Minglanilla Basketball Team and Coaching Staff, kinasing-kasing nakong pasalamat for making Minglanilla Proud! All your Hard Work, blood, sweat and tears have earned us the CHAMPIONSHIP! Thank you for showing us nga indeed, Walay Imposible Basta Mag Kugi!” he said on his social media account. / JNP

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Bolick completes 5-point play as Team Mark seals draw with Team Japeth - The Manila Times

MANILA, Philippines: NLEX's high-scoring guard Robert Bolick completed a five-point play with 17.8 seconds remaining in regulation to help Team Mark score a 140-140 draw with Team Japeth in the 2024 PBA All-Star Game on Sunday at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod.

The sweet-shooting Bolick got fouled while burying a four-point shot with 17.8 seconds to go.

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Bolick completes 5-point play as Team Mark seals draw with Team Japeth - The Manila Times
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NU deals UST its first loss; Ateneo routs UP - Manila Bulletin

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1. NU deals UST its first loss; Ateneo routs UP  Manila Bulletin
2. Lady Bulldogs snap Tigresses’ unbeaten run  Philippine Star
3. Emotional Bella Belen gushes as team-wide NU effort pays off over once-unbeaten UST  Rappler
4. Belen, Solomon star as vengeful NU ends UST streak  GMA News Online
5. "NU" sweep as Lady Bulldogs snap UST's perfect UAAP Season 86 run with emphatic win  One Sports

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Hawks 132-91 Hornets (Mar 23, 2024) Game Recap - ESPN

ATLANTA -- — Dejounte Murray made a season-high seven 3-pointers while scoring 28 points and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Charlotte Hornets 132-91 on Saturday night to strengthen their hold on the final spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.

Bruno Fernando scored a career-high 25 points and Garrison Mathews had 20 for Atlanta, which opened a five-game homestand with its first home win over Charlotte since Nov. 20, 2021. The Hornets took home wins in the first two games of the season series.

Murray was 7 of 9 on 3s and set a season high with 12 assists.

The Hawks are 5 1/2 games ahead of No. 11 Brooklyn for 10th in the East.

Miles Bridges scored 27 points for the Hornets, who have lost four straight and 11 of 13. Brandon Miller had 13 points while Nick Richards added 12 points with a season-high 16 rebounds. Vasa Micic scored eight points, ending his streak of 10 consecutive games scoring in double figures.

Hawks All-Star point guard Trae Young (finger) missed his 14th consecutive game as the most prominent member of the team's long injury list. Forward Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe) was held out after playing in the final two games of a five-game road trip.

Okongwu missed 13 consecutive games with the toe injury before his return on the road. Coach Quin Snyder would not say before the game if Okongwu aggravated the injury.

Fernando helped fill the void left by Okongwu's injury. Fernando tied his career high of 19 points with a powerful one-handed jam to open the fourth quarter. He set his career high with a short jumper two minutes later.

Forward Jalen Johnson sprained his right ankle in Monday's loss at the Los Angeles Lakers. He missed 16 games with a wrist fracture earlier in the season and is expected to miss at least one week with the ankle injury.

Hornets forward JT Thor (left shoulder) did not play.

Following the last tie at 39-all, the Hawks closed the first half with a 27-9 run to lead 66-48 at halftime.

UP NEXT

Hornets: Visit Cleveland on Monday night.

Hawks: Host Boston on Monday night in the first of two games in a four-day span against the Celtics, who visit Atlanta again on Thursday night.

------

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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Oftana, Almazan crowned three-point kings; Calma rules obstacle challenge - Manila Bulletin

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

1. Oftana, Almazan crowned three-point kings; Calma rules obstacle challenge  Manila Bulletin
2. Raymond Almazan wins PBA three-point shootout among big men  Sports Interactive Network Philippines
3. Room to improve: Oftana still wants to be better after 3-Point Shootout reign  Rappler
4. Oftana dethrones Paul Lee, reigns supreme in Three-Point shootout  The Manila Times
5. Marcio Lassiter shoots for elusive PBA All-Star 3-point title  Inquirer.net

Oftana, Almazan crowned three-point kings; Calma rules obstacle challenge - Manila Bulletin
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Fantasy Hockey Mailbag: Can Liljegren maintain spot on Leafs’ top power play? - Sportsnet.ca

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1. Fantasy Hockey Mailbag: Can Liljegren maintain spot on Leafs’ top power play?  Sportsnet.ca
2. Geek of The Week: Banger Additions For Your Fantasy Playoffs  dobberhockey.com
3. NHL Fantasy Playoffs Power Rankings: Top Available Performers for a Winning Team  BVM Sports

Fantasy Hockey Mailbag: Can Liljegren maintain spot on Leafs’ top power play? - Sportsnet.ca
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‘Enjoy lang’: Paul Lee just taking it easy during PBA All-Star weekend - Inquirer.net

PBA guard Paul Lee. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

BACOLOD CITY—Paul Lee would rather be casual than pressure himself in trying to replicate what he had done in last year’s PBA All-Star Weekend.

“Enjoy, enjoy lang tayo,” said Lee, who was the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player from the previous edition and the defending champion of the three-point shootout.

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The Magnolia star was the star of stars in the previous edition of the annual extravaganza held in Passi City, Iloilo, topping all comers in the long-distance contest before capitalizing on the special four-point line in leading Team Japeth to victory over Team Scottie.

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READ: PBA: Paul Lee looks forward to All-Filipino Cup after stinging loss in Finals

Many expect him to at least put on a show this weekend here, particularly in the three-point shootout. Lee, however, prefers to copy what NBA three-point king Damian Lillard did recently.

“I guess I’m going to do what Lillard did by just going there to compete,” said Lee in Filipino. “I’m not going to pressure myself because if it worked for Dame, maybe it would work for me. I guess I just have to go there and compete.”

He’ll have some stiff competition in two-time winner James Yap of Blackwater and San Miguel Beer’s Marcio Lassiter, who made it to the finals last year only to fall short to Lee.

READ: Team Japeth, Team Barroca vow competitive PBA All-Star game

Other participants are Ginebra’s Maverick Ahanmisi, Converge’s Alec Stockton, Meralco’s Chris Newsome, NLEX’s Robbie Herndon, NorthPort’s Arvin Tolentino, Phoenix’s Kenneth Tuffin, Rain or Shine’s Andrei Caracut, Terrafirma’s Javi Gomez de Liano and TNT’s Calvin Oftana.

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Lee made seven shots from the special four-point line, and he’s out to make more at University of St. La Salle Coliseum for the All-Star Game.

It’s no stranger that Lee keeps on working on perfecting his ability to hit threes from beyond the 22-foot line.

“It’s normal for me to hit those long shots and I just took advantage of that rule,” said Lee.

Lee was one of the 24 players voted by the fans to participate in the exhibition classic, marking the 10th time he’ll don an All-Star Game jersey.

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“I think one of the signs of my hardwork is that the fans still appreciate you,” said Lee.

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WATCH: Veloso: No shoo-ins in PH men's volleyball team - The Manila Times

No one is a shoo-in for the Philippine men's national team in the FIVB World Championships which the country will host in September 2025. Popular or not, senior or beginner, you need to earn your spot. National team head coach Sergio Veloso made this comment on Wednesday, March 20 2024 in the wake of the FIVB's announcement that the Philippines' won the hosting rights for the World Championships. Veloso talked to the media about this following the game of his Ateneo Blue Eagles and the UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. VIDEO BY NIEL VICTOR MASOY

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Saintfiet harps: PH football team ready to compete against Iraq - Inquirer.net

Tom Saintfiet talks strategy with the national team. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Coach Tom Saintfiet offered plenty of positives to the way the Philippine men’s football team conducted its preparation for the first of two matches with Iraq in this month’s World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers window.

“I was satisfied with the progression we made. The motivation and cooperation is on a high and we are ready to compete against Iraq,” said Sainfiet as the team formerly known as the Azkals looks to steal points against the Iraqi side on its home turf.

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Saintfiet’s coaching debut is set on Thursday local time in Basra (early Friday Manila time) where the Philippine side look to display what the new man in charge has been harping on.

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READ: ‘Balanced group’ of PH booters out to upset fancied Iraqis

The team spent the past week in Dubai where the Belgian coach held camp for the 28 players composed of veterans, youngsters and first-timers.

“They are all good players,” said Saintfiet. “I have a team of quality players with the right mentality with a lot of discipline and it will be tough for me as the coach to make the choice.”

Among those expected to play for the Philippines for the first time are brothers Matthew and Michael Baldisimo, who were tapped by Saintfiet for this window.

READ: Azkals moniker goes the way of Malditas–with no replacement just yet

But Saintfiet will be missing a key piece in Spain-based Santi Rublico, who’ll be serving a one-match ban for accumulating two yellow cards during the November window against Vietnam and Indonesia.

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Rublico will be available for the return match with the Iraqis on Tuesday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Philippines is in third place in Group F with one point, equal with Indonesia, but five below Iraq and two behind second-running Vietnam.

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Iraq won its first two matches against Indonesia at home and Vietnam away during the November window.

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Celtics hold off Bucks for seventh straight win - Manila Bulletin

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FIBA officially draws groups and schedule for Paris Olympics - NBA.com

Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards helped lead Team USA during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

(AP) — USA Basketball’s men’s team will see Serbia and South Sudan in two of its three group-stage games at the Paris Olympics, while the U.S. women will open their schedule in a gold-medal-game rematch against Japan in France this summer.

FIBA, the sport’s global organizing body, held the draw for the Paris Games in Mies, Switzerland, on Tuesday, slotting the fields for the 12-team basketball tournaments. The women’s field is complete; the men’s field still has four spots that will go to winners of qualifying tournaments in early July before the Olympics open on July 27.

The U.S. men will be coached by Steve Kerr and are seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal, the U.S. women will be coached by Cheryl Reeve and are seeking an eighth consecutive Olympic title. Both are ranked No. 1 in the world, and both programs have been — by far — the dominant force in Olympic basketball since its inception.

The U.S. men open with Serbia on July 28. The U.S. women open with Japan on July 29. Other group-stage games for the U.S. men are July 31 against South Sudan and Aug. 3 against a qualifier. The U.S. women also play on Aug. 1 against Belgium and Aug. 4 against Germany.

Mark your calendars ✍️

July 28 vs 🇷🇸 Serbia
July 31 vs 🇸🇸 South Sudan
August 3 vs Winner of OQT Puerto Rico

🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/ZSi0FvkfhC

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 19, 2024

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of preparing for and playing in the Olympic tournament,” Kerr said. “The excitement continues to build, especially now that we know we will face both Serbia, who finished second at the World Cup last summer, and South Sudan, who we will get to host in London as part of the USA Basketball Showcase.”

The American men will play South Sudan in London a few days before arriving in Paris as part of a pre-Olympics series of exhibitions.

But particularly on the men’s side, gold for the Americans is no longer assured. The U.S. didn’t medal at the 2019 World Cup in China nor the 2023 World Cup in the Philippines, and although the Americans intend to send a more star-studded roster to the Olympics — LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid and others have said they want to play — that doesn’t guarantee anything.

Carmelo Anthony, who was at the draw as a FIBA ambassador, said it’s clear that international men’s teams “feel confident and comfortable enough to go out there and compete with the USA.”

“It’s all about confidence that these other players and countries have,” said Anthony, one of two three-time men’s basketball gold medalists — fellow U.S. standout Kevin Durant, who will bid for a fourth gold in Paris, is the other. “As far as USA goes, I am praying and hoping that we send the correct team out there. I know what it feels like when you have the right team that’s out there and you go out there trying to win. I’m sure the U.S. will bring the guys that they need to bring in order to get that feeling back.”

The U.S. women will have a gold-medal game rematch from the Tokyo Olympics in the group stage. The Americans open their quest for an eighth consecutive gold medal with group-stage games against Belgium, Germany and Japan — the host three years ago that fell to the U.S. 90-75 in the final at Saitama, Japan.

🇺🇸 #USABWNT Olympic schedule is in!

July 29 vs 🇯🇵 Japan
August 1 vs 🇧🇪 Belgium
August 4 vs 🇩🇪 Germany pic.twitter.com/2krCVSORwn

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) March 19, 2024

The U.S. also played Belgium in the most recent women’s World Cup, winning 87-72 in 2022 in a matchup that was a single-digit game in the second half.

That said, the world’s top-ranked team will still be a huge favorite.

“Obviously, you can never go past the U.S. They’ve proven their dominance and they’re at the pinnacle of the game,” FIBA ambassador and former Australia star Penny Taylor said. “But what I love to see is teams bringing their unique style of play to the Olympics. I love watching Japan and what they do and what they do so well. China, obviously, has always been competitive. My heart is always with Australia and I love to see them out there and I hope they know past Opals are right there with them.”

USA Basketball plans to announce the men’s and women’s teams for the Paris Games later this spring.

Serbia’s men’s roster will likely feature Denver star Nikola Jokic, an NBA MVP and NBA Finals MVP who is one of the game’s most dominant players. Serbia finished second to Germany at the World Cup last summer and didn’t even have Jokic on the roster.

In Group C, the U.S. will also face South Sudan and the winner of a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico — either Mexico, Ivory Coast, Lithuania, Italy, Bahrain or Puerto Rico.

In Group A, Australia and Canada await two qualifying tournament winners — one from Spain (participating nations Spain, Finland, Poland, Bahamas, Lebanon, Angola) and the other in Greece (participating nations Slovenia, New Zealand, Croatia, Egypt, Dominican Republic and Greece).

Host France, featuring Victor Wembanyama, headlines Group B and will face World Cup champion Germany, Japan and the winner of the Latvia qualifying tournament (Georgia, Philippines, Latvia, Brazil, Cameroon, Montenegro).

“There are no groups that are easy after this draw,” FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said. “Whoever you see smiling, just say, ‘Well, see you in August.’”

---

Men’s Groups

Group A: Australia (world ranking 5), Canada (7), Spain OQT winner, Greece OQT winner.

Group B: Germany (3), France (9), Japan (26), Latvia OQT winner.

Group C: United States (1), Serbia (4), South Sudan (33), Puerto Rico OQT winner.

---

Women’s Groups

Group A: China (world ranking 2), Spain (4), Serbia (10), Puerto Rico (11).

Group B: Australia (3), Canada (5), France (7), Nigeria (12).

Group C: United States (1), Belgium (6), Japan (9), Germany (19).

---

Schedule

Group stage: Men, July 27-Aug. 3. Women, July 28-Aug. 4.

Quarterfinals: Men, Aug. 6. Women, Aug. 7.

Semifinals: Men, Aug. 8. Women, Aug. 9.

Medal games: Men, Aug. 10. Women, Aug. 11.

---

Format

It is the same for the men’s and women’s tournaments. Teams will play three group stage games. The top two finishers in each group, plus the two best third-place teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.

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