Photo Courtesy: PBA
Juan Karlo Libunao (JKL)
Magnolia forces playoff for 8th spot; RoS secures QF slot
The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots dominated the import-less Meralco Bolts, 129-92, last night, January 31, at the Philsports Arena to force a do-or-die match on Sunday for the 8th and final spot of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
Ricardo Ratliffe waxed hot in the opening half as he took advantage of the absence of Meralco’s reinforcement, Akil Mitchell, who sat out for the second straight game due to back spasm.
The hulking Magnolia import already produced 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field going into the break. He also grabbed nine boards, two assists, and one steal before halftime.
Ratliffe finished with 31 markers, 19 boards, four assists, and two steals, against two fouls and one turnover.
“We’ve been playing our best basketball at this time of the conference. The ball’s moving really well, our defense is clicking, and as long as we continue to bring that same motivation, that same desperation, God-willing, we get past the next one which is going to be another do-or-die,” said Lucero, who was named Player of the Game.
Aside from Ratliffe's big game, Zavier Lucero was also instrumental in Magnolia’s win. He became the firestopper when Meralco tried to rally back in the game behind Raymond Almazan’s third-quarter surge.
Lucero poured 22 points off the bench in just 22 minutes of gameplay. He knocked down 4-of-4 from the three-point area, including back-to-back in the payoff period, to the delight of the Magnolia fans in the arena.
The former Fighting Maroon also grabbed three rebounds and dished off three assists.
“We’ve been playing our best basketball at this time of the conference. The ball’s moving really well, our defense is clicking, and as long as we continue to bring that same motivation, that same desperation, God-willing, we get past the next one which is going to be another do-or-die,” said Lucero, who was named Player of the Game.
Three other Hotshots scored in double figures; Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca put up 18 markers each, while Calvin Abueva added 14.
The 37-point blowout by Magnolia against Meralco was the third straight win for the Hotshots while facing eliminations. And they need to win another one on Sunday.
On the other hand, Alamazan paced Meralco with 23 markers, three boards, one assist, and a block, while CJ Cansino was the only other Bolts who scored in double-digits with 11.
Meanwhile, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured the sixth spot and avoided a do-or-die game after defeating the TNT Tropang Giga in the main game, 106-96.
RoS import Deon Thompson delivered 22 points and 16 rebounds, while Anton Asistio sizzled hot with 21 markers, including six triples, and Leonard Santillan added five three-pointers to have a total of 20.
On the side of TNT, Rondae-Hollis-Jefferson led the team with 23 points, while Calvin Oftana added 20.
With the Rain or Shine's win, the playoff for the No. 8 spot is set between the NLEX Road Warriors and Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday, February 2, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
In the preliminaries, the Road Warriors and the Hotshots went toe-to-toe and the game even went to overtime before Magnolia took the win.
Photo Courtesy: PBA
The Scores:
First Game:
MAGNOLIA 129 – Ratliffe 31, Lucero 22, Sangalang 18, Barroca 18, Abueva 14, Lee 7, Dionisio 7, Lastimosa 6, Alfaro 2, Dela Rosa 2, Laput 2, Eriobu 0, Balanza 0.
MERALCO 92 – Almazan23, Cansino 11, Black 9, Bates 8, Quinto 7, Banchero 6, Reyson 5, Torres 5, Rios 5, Mendoza 4, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Newsome 2, Hodge 0.
Quarter Scores: 35-28, 73-47, 101-75, 129-92.
Second Game:
ROS 106 – Thompson 22, Asistio 21, Santillan 20, Tiongson 13, Caracut 9, Nocum 8, Belga 5, Datu 3, Clarito 3, Malonzo 2, Norwood 0.
TNT 96 – Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 20, Pogoy 13, Erram 13, Nambatac 11, Williams 6, Razon 4, Castro 3, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Exciminiano 0, Aurin 0
Quarter Scores: 23-27, 57-44, 75-74, 106-96.
News
Filipina Muay Thai standout Islay Erika Bomogao is set to make her fourth appearance under ONE Championship as she faces Thailand’s Ploychompoo in ONE Friday Fights 134 this Friday night, November 21, at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
The bout is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. (PHT).
Bomogao, known for her relentless pace and sharp striking, aims to deliver another strong performance as she continues to raise the Philippine flag in the global Muay Thai circuit. Her matchup against a hometown favorite is expected to be one of the event’s most compelling contests.
Filipino fight fans can anticipate a high-energy encounter as Bomogao tests her skills in the heartland of Muay Thai, aiming to further cement her growing presence on the international stage.
Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo has qualified for four final events after a standout performance in the men’s artistic gymnastics team and qualification round of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship on Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
The 17-year-old Yulo advanced to three apparatus finals and made the cut for the men’s individual all-around final.
Yulo finished sixth overall in the horizontal bar, scoring 13.700 points. He followed up with an impressive 14.233 points in the floor exercise, placing second overall. The 2024 Junior Asian MAG Vault Champion also qualified for the vault finals after finishing fifth with 14.200 points in the qualifications.
Eldrew likewise advanced to the men’s individual all-around final, tallying a total score of 78.332 for 15th place overall, with the top 24 gymnasts qualifying.
The men’s individual all-around finals are set for Saturday, Nov. 22, while the men’s apparatus finals are slated for Nov. 23 and 24.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio underscored the importance of sports development in the country, stressing that sports should be viewed as a long-term investment—not a waste of funds.
In a media interview by Scoreline.ph, Gregorio highlighted the PSC’s ongoing push to improve sports facilities nationwide, starting with the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, which is expected to begin in the coming days.
“Sports is an investment,” said Gregorio. “It’s never a waste of money. When a child succeeds because of sports, when a community unites because of sports, that is something invaluable.”
Preparations for WTA Event in Manila
The PSC is gearing up to host a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in January 2026, marking a major milestone for Philippine tennis. Gregorio said bleacher expansion is underway to increase spectator capacity.
“We hope to accommodate at least 2,000 people in January,” he shared. “If we want to bid for bigger WTA events in the future, we may need to move to a larger venue like New Clark City. The BCDA has given us ample land there for future sports development.”
Alex Eala Expected to Join
Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to headline the event, barring any scheduling conflict with the Australian Open.
“The only chance she won’t be able to play is if there’s a conflict with the Australian Open semifinals or finals,” Gregorio said. “But if she succeeds in Australia, we’ll all be very happy. And if she becomes available after the early rounds, then she will join us.”
Gregorio emphasized that hosting a WTA event is not only a showcase of world-class tennis but also an opportunity to highlight Filipino talent.
“One day, we hope to see more Alex Ealas. I’m sure she also wants to be the reason tennis will grow bigger in the Philippines. And that is very exciting.”
WTA in PH for the Next Three Years
The PSC aims to host a WTA tournament annually for the next three years, making international tennis a recurring highlight in the Philippine sports calendar.
“We’re committed,” Gregorio said. “This is just the beginning.”
Undefeated professional boxers Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro, together with Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, will spearhead the Philippines’ 13-man boxing delegation for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.
The lineup was formally announced by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) during a press conference in Pasig City on Wednesday.
ABAP Secretary General Marcus Manalo shared: “We have a total of 13 boxers — seven men and six women — which is the maximum number we can field for the SEA Games, so we are sending a full lineup.”
Marcial and Mindoro: Powering the Men's Team
Four-time SEA Games champion Eumir Marcial returns to his Olympic weight class at 80kg, while pro standout Weljon Mindoro will compete in the 75kg division. Marcial brings in a spotless 7-0 pro record, while Mindoro holds a 15-0-1 slate.
Marcial acknowledged the expectations on him: “Kapag bayan ang nangangailangan ng laban, lalo na sa SEA Games, priority ko talaga yan… Medyo pressure kasi fans expect gold, but amateur boxing requires a different preparation.”
Mindoro, making his SEA Games debut, expressed gratitude: “Nagpapasalamat ako sa opportunity… Isa akong napili. Mag-aadjust ako sa amateur techniques para dito.”
POC President Abraham Tolentino is confident both pros can deliver podium finishes: “Definitely, God willing, it will be a podium for the two. Pipilitin natin na ginto yan.”
Notable Absence: Carlo Paalam
Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam will not compete after withdrawing from a box-off due to illness and insufficient preparation. Manalo explained: “He caught a bad flu and couldn’t train for weeks… He respected the selection process and timeline, and begged off.”
Women’s Division Led by Olympians
Petecio (60kg) and Villegas (50kg) team up with Olympian Hergie Bacyadan (70kg). Completing the roster are Ofelia Magno (48kg), Claudine Veloso (54kg), and Riza Pasuit (57kg).
Limited Weight Classes Due to Host Restrictions
The Philippines can only participate in 13 of 17 weight classes due to host restrictions. “We’re limited to seven of nine weight classes in men’s boxing and six of eight in women’s,” Manalo noted.
He added that the inclusion of pro fighters reflects ABAP’s evolving approach: “It’s a good opportunity to show that pro boxers can also be part of the national team… Our objective is always to send the best lineup possible.”
Poised for a Strong Showing
Most of the team is already in Thailand for training camp and will stay there until the Games. The Philippines aims to surpass its 2023 SEA Games medal tally of 4 golds, 5 silvers, and 1 bronze.
Eldrew Yulo — younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo — takes center stage as the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships officially open Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.
Fresh from months of intensive training in Japan under esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, Eldrew banners the host nation’s campaign alongside women’s division representative Elizabeth Antone.
“He’s been working so hard to win medals,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion during the tournament’s opening press conference.
Yulo begins his campaign at 6 p.m. in the men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) qualifications and team rankings, marking the start of the five-day competition running from November 20–24. The women’s qualifications follow on Friday, while the MAG and WAG all-around finals take place on Saturday. Apparatus finals for both divisions are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.
A silver medalist in vault at the Asian Junior Championships last July in Jecheon, South Korea, Yulo is seen as the country’s strongest medal hopeful. Carrion expressed optimism that the teen standout could contend for gold in the floor exercise, parallel bars, rings, and vault.
“He assured me he can do it. I feel he can give us one medal, or maybe even two,” Carrion said. “I’m happy with two medals.”
As the Junior Gymfest gets underway, Carrion appealed to Filipino fans to rally behind the athletes—especially in a sport that has delivered the Philippines its historic second and third Olympic gold medals.
“Cheer for our athletes, cheer for everybody, and let’s show the world that gymnastics is a very important sport,” she said.
A total of 75 nations are competing for junior gymnastics glory, making this the largest and most prestigious edition of the event ever held—right here on Philippine soil.
