The UAAP has upheld its ruling barring players from joining the PBA Draft while retaining their collegiate eligibility, despite an appeal from PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag emphasized that the decision affects not only basketball but the entire UAAP sporting program.“We can’t grant the request, at least for this season, because it has implications for our other sporting events,” Saguisag said.He added that the UAAP Board must conduct a thorough review before allowing players to enter the PBA Draft mid-season.“We’re committed to referring this matter to a committee for a deep study of its impact across all our 20 sporting events,” Saguisag explained. However, he noted that the UAAP isn’t closing its doors to the idea and may implement changes as early as Season 89.Saguisag said Marcial and the PBA understood the UAAP’s need for consistency with its regulations. In the UAAP’s view, any player who enters the draft—even if undrafted and a free agent—is considered a professional and thus ineligible to continue playing at the collegiate level.The ruling means top prospects like La Salle’s Mike Phillips and other graduating UAAP players will have to wait about a year before they can enter the PBA Draft if they wish to retain their eligibility this season.

The UAAP is ramping up health and safety protocols ahead of Season 88, which opens September 19, following the recent tragic deaths of two young basketball players during training.UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag stressed at Wednesday’s preseason press conference that while emergency medical services and health protocols have long been in place, the league is now doubling down on caution—especially during training sessions. “We already have emergency medical services in place for competitions. But we’re making sure that athletes undergo proper pre-participation medical screening and reminding schools to be even more vigilant at their training venues,” Saguisag said. The renewed push for athlete safety follows the deaths of National University’s Ashlyn Abong, 18, who collapsed during training on June 28, and University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday, 19, who died after collapsing at practice on August 20.In response, member schools have also implemented stricter protocols. At UP, the Office of Athletics and Sports Development now requires all students, including athletes, to undergo medical evaluations before enrollment. Student-athletes must also pass a Pre-Participation Medical Sports Evaluation (PMSE) and additional cardiovascular screenings before joining their teams.“They have to undergo tests. Even if they’ve completed the PMSE, further clearance is needed to detect any existing medical conditions,” explained UP’s Bo Perasol.As Season 88 approaches, the UAAP is sending a clear message: while competition is central to collegiate sports, athlete safety remains the top priority.

Rookie wing spiker Alleiah Malaluan wasted no time making her presence felt in her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut, powering PLDT to a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-20 over Chery Tiggo in the 2025 PVL Invitational on Thursday, August 21, at the Philsports Arena.The De La Salle University standout fired 11 points built on 10 attacks and one ace, while also anchoring PLDT’s defense with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.Fresh from her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Malaluan expressed her gratitude for finally joining her mother club.“I’m really grateful for this opportunity because I’ve been with the team for a few months already, and this experience has been a stepping stone for me to build a connection with them. Of course, I need to develop that chemistry with everyone,” Malaluan said after the match.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has formally asked the UAAP to allow college players to enter the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft without losing their eligibility for the UAAP basketball season.PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the request, which comes with the Rookie Draft scheduled for September 7—just 12 days before UAAP Season 88 tips off at UST on September 19.Marcial assured that drafted players would still be able to complete their UAAP commitments before reporting to their PBA teams.“We believe this is a win-win for both leagues. Players will be motivated to give their best in the UAAP, knowing their college exposure will help launch their pro careers,” Marcial said.The PBA’s 50th season opens on October 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Philippine Cup as the season-opener.Marcial added that the league and its teams are prepared to assist student-athletes as they transition to the pros while fulfilling their collegiate duties.“We’re open to extending support to UAAP draftees so they can compete at the highest level in the UAAP,” he added.If approved, the proposal would allow top collegiate stars to explore professional opportunities without sacrificing their final UAAP campaigns—creating a smoother bridge between the country’s premier collegiate and professional basketball leagues.

Olympian weightlifter Vanessa Sarno will be sidelined indefinitely after accepting a two-year ban from the International Testing Agency (ITA) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation, combined with personal circumstances including her pregnancy.Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella confirmed that the 20-year-old Asian champion and SEA Games gold medalist is currently on leave from the national team. “She got pregnant,” Puentevella shared, adding that Sarno has been away from the squad for months.According to the ITA, Sarno’s suspension began on August 4, 2025, and runs until August 3, 2027, following three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period. She did not contest the sanction.Puentevella emphasized that Sarno’s absence is primarily due to her failure to report and her personal situation, declining further comment on the doping issue.“She’s out for failure to report,” Puentevella added.Sarno, long regarded as the heir apparent to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, was expected to spearhead the Philippines’ weightlifting campaign in upcoming international events. With her absence, the country faces a significant gap in its medal hopes.Puentevella declined to comment further on the doping issue but reiterated that Sarno’s absence from the national team was primarily due to failure to report and her personal situation.Sarno, widely seen as the heir apparent to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, was expected to lead the country’s weightlifting campaign in upcoming international tournaments. With her sidelined, Philippine weightlifting faces a significant gap in its medal hopes.

The NLEX Road Warriors capped their preseason with a championship run, capturing the 40th Kadayawan Invitational crown after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 101-84, on Sunday night, August 26, at the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City.After trailing by as much as 11 early in the game, NLEX turned things around with a blistering 34-12 surge in the second quarter, sparked by Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres, to grab a 52-36 lead at halftime.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the UAAP has denied the league’s request to allow graduating and one-and-done players to join the upcoming September 7 PBA Draft while still completing their collegiate eligibility.Marcial said he received a letter from UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who explained that the issue was thoroughly discussed by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. “This matter involves a policy issue across all our sports programs. We are unable to favorably act on the request at this time. We must also ensure consistency in our regulations concerning student-athletes entering professional leagues,” Saguisag wrote.As a result, graduating UAAP players will have to wait another nine months before they can apply for the next PBA Draft, potentially stalling their transition to the professional ranks and affecting their career momentum.Saguisag also added that the matter would be referred to the UAAP’s sports and eligibility committees for further review and possible amendments in future seasons.In contrast, the NCAA allows its graduating players to enter the PBA Draft as long as they finish their final collegiate season before turning pro—a policy seen as more supportive of athletes’ career development.Among the UAAP standouts who could have entered this year’s draft are La Salle’s Michael Phillips, UP’s Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and several others. With the UAAP’s decision, these prospects must now wait until next year’s draft to begin their professional journey.

Just weeks after being appointed as head coach of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, LA Tenorio is already making bold moves — the latest being the blockbuster Javi Gomez de Liano–Jerrick Ahanmisi trade.In the deal approved by the PBA, Gomez de Liano will now don the Magnolia jersey after previous stints with Terrafirma, the Korean Basketball League, and the Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup. Meanwhile, the sweet-shooting Ahanmisi will suit up for the Dyip. The trade also includes Magnolia’s second-round pick, which now belongs to Terrafirma.With the transaction complete, one question lingers: Who really won the trade?On paper and in the eyes of many analysts and fans, Magnolia appears to have the edge. Gomez de Liano offers a more complete package: size, versatility, and a well-rounded skill set.That said, Ahanmisi’s scoring potential should not be underestimated. He has the ability to heat up and take over a game when given the opportunity, a weapon that was not fully maximized under his former coach. With Terrafirma, he could rediscover that spark and become a major offensive threat.

Laoag City threw its full support behind the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship by staging the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at Laoag City over the weekend.Cignal stars Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao attended the festivities, which included a mini-tournament at Dap-Ayan Park. The Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, claimed victory over North Western University, the Laoag men’s team, and Pasuquin.PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the efforts of local officials and partners in making the event possible.“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.The tour, which launched at SM Seaside Cebu, will culminate at SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro.Fans enjoyed appearances by official mascots KidLat and Hataw, as well as participation from Department of Tourism officials and SM City Laoag representatives.The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kicks off September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena, with Alas Pilipinas debuting against Tunisia at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony will feature a performance by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.The tournament runs through September 28, bringing together 32 nations for one of volleyball’s biggest events.

Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, embarks on a new chapter in her volleyball career after officially signing with the Denso Airybees in Japan’s SV.League.The Airybees confirmed her arrival on Wedsnesday, August 27, marking the Filipina middle blocker’s seventh season in Japan’s premier league and her third stint with a Japanese club.The 6-foot-5 standout recently concludied a successful two-year run with Osaka, where she played a key role in delivering the championship in the previous SV.League season. Before that, she spent four productive years with the Saitama Ageo Medics.

A mini volleyball tournament featuring four local teams will highlight the “Set Na Natin ‘To” Trophy and Mascot Tour this Saturday, August 24, at the newly-opened SM City Laoag.Competing at Dap Ayan Park are Block Builders, Laoag MVT, PSQ, and NWU, in what organizers say will be both a celebration of the sort and a showcase of Ilocos Norte’s grassroots talent.

On National Heroes’ Day, Alex Eala delivered her own brand of heroism in New York, pulling off a dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) comeback win over world No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark in her US Open main draw debut.The 20-year-old Filipina staged a stunning rally from 1-5 down in the deciding set, then survived a marathon tiebreak to claim her first-ever Grand Slam main draw victory—becoming the first Filipino player to achieve this milestone.“I’m super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third. I’ve lost these tight tiebreaks before, so to come out on top is unforgettable,” Eala said.Eala, now ranked No. 75, next faces either Spain’s Cristina Bucsa (No. 35) or American qualifier Claire Liu, in a tough bracket stacked with top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, and Elena Rybakina.For Eala, the win was made even sweeter by the home-like energy from over 8,000 fans—family, coaches, and Filipino supporters—cheering her on at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.“I don’t have a home tournament, so having this community at the US Open made me feel at home,” she added.The thrilling win reverberated back in Manila, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. among those celebrating Eala’s grit and history-making feat: “She’s only getting started. Congratulations Alex Eala. The entire Philippines is with you every step of the way.”From the brink of defeat to a place in history, Alex Eala’s US Open breakthrough is a win for herself and for Philippine tennis.

Stallion Laguna FC Women are poised to make history as they represent the Philippines in their maiden appearance in the AFC Women’s Champions League this month.Drawn into Group A for the preliminary stage, Stallion will take on Khovd Western (Mongolia) on August 25, Strykers FC (Guam) on August 28, and ISPE WFC (Myanmar) on August 31 at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, but only the group winner advances to the main group stage in November 2025.This continental breakthrough is a milestone for Stallion Laguna’s women’s program, which has built momentum at home and is now set to test its mettle on Asia’s biggest stage.“We arrived here early to acclimatize, know the culture, enjoy the food, and the hospitality of Myanmar,” said head coach Ernie Nierras.“Winning is a habit, and our girls have been working hard. Make no mistake, we came to win,” Assistant coach Clint McDaniel added.Team captain Chandler McDaniel echoed the team’s excitement: “We’re super excited to be here. There’s a great vibe in the team, and we want to show what Stallion and the Philippines can do at this level.”Stallion Laguna boasts a mix of veterans and rising stars, including Chandler and her sister, national team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, plus Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Pasion, Charisa Lemoran, and Yanzie Yalong.With their historic debut, Stallion Laguna aims to carry the Philippine flag with pride and show that Filipino women’s football belongs on Asia’s grandest stage.

Half Court Group earned a coveted slot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger this September after an impressive showing in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) men’s division over the weekend.Despite falling to Kuala Lumpur, 21-15, in the title game, the Filipino squad emerged as the top local finisher out of 12 teams, booking their place in the Manila Challenger.Playing shorthanded in the finals after key import Adeshokan Odou went down with a knee injury in the semis, veteran Chester Saldua led the charge with nine points.However, Kuala Lumpur’s Ting Chun Hong sealed the championship with a clutch putback, earning the Malaysian a slot in the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October.Half Court Group’s resilience was on display as they ousted Taho Story A, 21-14, in the quarters and survived Solaris, 20-17, in the semis. On the other hand, Kuala Lumpur stunned Taho Story B, 21-18, in the semis after dispatching SBB, 21-16, in the quarters.With their Manila Challenger berth secured, the Half Court Group now looks to regroup and recover, ready to take on international 3x3 competition on home soil. 

Filipina triathlete Kira Ellis delivered a golden performance in her international return, ruling the junior women’s division of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Junior Cup over the weekend.The 20-year-old national team standout clocked 1:05:07 in the sprint-distance race, which featured a 750-meter swim, a 22-kilometer four-lap bike course, and a 5.1-kilometer two-lap run. Ellis powered through the opening swim leg in 12:09, sustained her pace with a 34:27 bike ride, and sealed her victory with a 17:41 run, plus two transition times of 27 seconds each.Belgium’s Luca Vanderbruggen trailed by just 10 seconds at 1:05:17 for silver, while Germany’s Sarah Walter settled for bronze at 1:05:22.

Former Petro Gazz Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara is embarking on a new chapter, having officially signed with the SG Hawks of Mongolia.Tsuzurabara’s contract runs from September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, offering the seasoned Japanese mentor a fresh opportunity on the international volleyball stage. He is set to depart for Ulaanbaatar via Seoul on September 3, where he will immediately begin preparations with his new squad.“It’s a fresh start with a new team. Although it will be a short stay, I’m committed to working hard and giving my best for my new home team,” Tsuzurabara told Scoreline.ph.The move follows his tenure with the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League, where his tactical expertise and steady leadership were instrumental. Last April of this year, the Angels proved to themselves that the win was theirs. They dethroned the Creamline Cool Smashers with a commanding 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 victory in their Game 3 battle.For the former Petro Gazz head coach, their championship was the culmination of a long-held dream.Tsuzurabara then never doubted his team. He believed in the players he had—players capable of going all the way.Tsuzurabara was also fortunate and thrilled to have a talented team, including standout players like Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Philips, who not only secured the championship but also earned the Conference MVP and Finals MVP awards, respectively.“I trust the players we could win. I’m lucky to have a great team with great players,”  Tsuzurabara said.And now in Mongolia, Tsuzurabara aims to bring the same experience and passion as he leads the SG Hawks in their upcoming campaign.

Philippine billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes was honored with a heartfelt tribute at Pacman’s Cue Club in Mandaluyong City as he celebrated his 71st birthday last Tuesday, August 26.Known worldwide as “The Magician,” Reyes was surrounded by friends, fellow legends, and fans who gathered to celebrate the man regarded as the greatest pool player of all time. “It feels like I’m not growing old—like I’m still a kid. This birthday celebration makes me really happy,” Reyes said, beaming with gratitude.Fellow icons Marlon “The Marvelous Captain” Manalo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante were among those who paid tribute.“My wish for Efren is for him to keep playing and stay strong. Don’t stop playing, because if you stop, you might lose your edge,” said Manalo.“This tribute is from me and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Happy Birthday. You know I love you so much. Even as we grow old, we’re still here. I hope you have many more years ahead, ”  Bustamante shared.Reyes delighted the crowd with his signature trick shots, proving that his magic remains. Despite his legendary status, his focus is on the future of Philippine billiards. He expressed his desire to mentor young talents, especially in the provinces, and emphasized the need for more support and sponsorship for rising stars.“We have so many talented players who haven’t emerged yet because they lack sponsors. They need to showcase their skills,” Reyes explained.A longtime advocate for billiards’ inclusion in the Olympics, Reyes hopes the next generation of Filipino cue artists might one day achieve that dream. “I may never see billiards in the Olympics myself, but I want our young players to have that chance,” he added.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has arrived in New York, ready to make her mark in the US Open main draw as she continues her transition from junior standout to full-time professional.Eala announced her arrival with an Instagram post from Manhattan, simply captioned: “New York, New York.” The 19-year-old secured her main-draw slot through a steady climb in the WTA rankings, highlighted by strong showings earlier this year, including an impressive run at the Miami Open.A recent shoulder injury forced Eala to withdraw from both the Cincinnati and Monterrey Opens, causing her to slip to World No. 70. Now, she’s aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in the season’s final Grand Slam.This US Open campaign marks another pivotal chapter in Eala’s budding career—as the former US Open girls’ doubles champion seeks to make her presence felt among the sport’s elite. With Filipino fans rallying behind her, she’s hoping for a breakthrough performance.The US Open kicks off on August 26, with Eala entering as an unseeded player likely to face a tough opening challenge. Still, her track record suggests she’s ready to spring a surprise on tennis’s grandest stage.

Alex Eala’s US Open campaign ended in the second round with a 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa on Thursday morning (Manila time) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.Despite strong support from Filipino fans on Court 7, the 20-year-old Filipina couldn’t build on her dramatic first-round win over world No. 14 Clara Tauson. Eala, ranked No. 75, led 4-3 in the opening set but lost momentum after a crucial forehand error, allowing the 95th-ranked Bucsa to take control and save three break points to secure the set.The second set slipped away after a 2-2 tie, as Eala’s unforced errors and a double fault proved costly. The result evened their head-to-head at 1-1, with Eala’s lone win over Bucsa coming in 2021.Despite the loss, Eala’s round-of-64 finish marks her best Grand Slam result to date, improving on earlier exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.Her breakthrough run to the US Open main draw came after a strong showing at the Miami Open, which propelled her into the WTA Top 100.Next up, Eala is slated to compete as the third seed at the WTA 250 São Paulo Open in Brazil, starting on September 8.