Christmas Clasico ends in a thriller buzzer-beater

John Amores is returning to professional basketball after signing a one-conference contract with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. 

Titan welcomed him through a Facebook post, announcing his comeback representing the team.

"A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores. Welcome to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers family. Let’s get to work," they wrote. 

Before his professional basketball license was revoked, Amores averaged 5.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the NorthPort Batang Pier during the 2024-2025 PBA season. 

John and his brother were involved in a shooting incident in Laguna in September 2024, which led the suspension from the PBA, along with revoking his license by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

Earlier this week, he posted a video of himself at GAB, where he officially retrieved his license, and is now cleared to resume playing in professional leagues. 

Ahead of his PBA comeback, Titan is set to face Terrafirma this Friday.

Alas Pilipinas Women's team shared photos on its Instagram account during training for the upcoming SEA V.League and the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games. 

Taka Minowa, a former head coach in the Premier Volleyball League with the Akari Chargers, will take over as the new head coach of the nat'l team after being recruited by the POC for his service.

The roster is composed of setters with captain Jia De Guzman, Marionne Angelique Alba, Maria Angelica Cayuna; liberos Justine Ylizeth Jazareno, Jennifer Nierva, Dawn Nicole Catindig, Shaira Jardio.

They will also be joined by outside hitters Mhicaela Belen, Vanessa Gandler, Ejiya Laure, Alleiah Jan Malaluan, Angel Anne Canino, Shaina Marie Nitura; as well as middle blockers Janette Panaga, Dell Palomata, Thea Gagate, Mereophe Sharma, Amie Provido, Nina Ytang. 

Completing the line-up are opposite hitters Alyssa Solomon, Erika Santos, and Arah Panique. 

Alas secured bronze in the 2025 SEA V.League after sweeping Indonesia 25-17, 25-17, 28-26. The team also qualified for the Asian Games due to its current FIVB rankings among asian teams, standing at No. 10.  

SEA V.League will take place in Vietnam on July 31 to August 2, while the Asian Games will be held in Japan beginning September 19.

Evan Nelle has been traded from the Phoenix Fuelmasters to the NLEX Road Warriors. 

TNLEX welcomed the guard on their official Facebook Page, highlighting the contributions he is expected to bring to the team for the upcoming season. 

"A floor general who thrives under pressure, sees every play before it unfolds, and keeps the offense rolling, you’re built for the road ahead," they wrote. 

NLEX receive:

- Evan Nelle

Phoenix receive:

- Sidney Onwubere

Nelle averaged 8.08 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 4.5 per game in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The Fuel Masters reached the quarterfinals but were eliminated by the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, which eventually won the conference title. 

Jimmy Alapag, the current head coach of NLEX, had already made key moves to strengthen the core as the Road Warriors aim to contend for a title. 

He and Nelle are already familiar with each other, as he personally trained Nelle in California before the PBA Season 49 Draft, where Evan was selected as the No. 14 pick. Alapag was still the developmental coach of the Sacramento Kings at that time. 

GILAS PILIPINAS FALLS SHORT AGAINST NEW ZEALAND IN DOUBLE-OVERTIME THRILLER

Gilas Pilipinas fell to host New Zealand Tall Blacks, 102-106, on their home court to open Window 3 of the FIBA Asia World Cup Qualifiers on Friday, July 3, in Auckland.

New Zealand emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle, with both teams locked in a tightly contested first half.

Team Philippines trailed, 39-44, at halftime, but the Gilas shooters kept the game close, with Carl Tamayo leading the offense with double-digit scoring.

The second half remained intense as New Zealand forced several turnovers, while Gilas answered with its outside shooting.

Gilas eventually took the lead at the end of the third quarter after putting together a 10-1 run.

The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where Gilas built a seven-point lead, but the Tall Blacks refused to back down.

New Zealand battled back and regained the lead in the final minute, leaving Gilas on the verge of defeat.

Then came a miracle. With his team needing a bucket, Juan Gomez de Liano knocked down a clutch three-pointer to tie the game and force overtime.

The first overtime featured back-and-forth action, with both teams trading baskets as defense became the deciding factor.

When New Zealand looked ready to pull away, Gomez de Liano delivered once again, sinking another crucial three-pointer to give Gilas a two-point lead.

However, New Zealand veteran Shea Ili tied the game by making two free throws, sending the game into double overtime.

2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup Best Import Justin Brownlee later buried a three-pointer to give Gilas the lead once again.

Still, New Zealand answered, tying the game with under a minute remaining.

The Tall Blacks eventually sealed the victory by converting their free throws in the closing moments of double overtime. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines' missed crucial free throws and costly turnovers proved decisive in the loss.

Gomez de Liano finished with an efficient 23 points, while Kevin Quiambao also scored a scorching 23 points. Dwight Ramos added 18 points, and Carl Tamayo contributed 17.

Gilas Pilipinas will look to bounce back against Australia on Monday, July 6.

Alex Eala made history for Philippine tennis by becoming the first Filipina player to advance to the 3rd round of Wimbledon with her victory over Maya Joint, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, in the 2nd round of the tournament.

The filipina tennis ace bounced back against a struggling first set, and won the next two to secure the victory.  

The win also served as payback for Eala, who fell short to Joint in the Lexus Eastbourne Open final, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7, in June 2025.

Up next, the 21-year old's 3rd round opponent will be World. No.3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek.

The two are tied at 1-1 in their meetings. Eala defeated Swiatek in the 2025 Miami Open quarterfinals, while Swiatek evened the series with a victory in the 2025 Madrid Open round of 64. This upcoming match-up will be their tiebreaker. 

The filipina acknowledged that it will be a difficult challenge to overcome against Swiatek.

"I think it's going to be tough for me," she said. 

Eala will face Swiatek tomorrow, July 4.