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If there's a basketball referee today who belongs to the elite ranks of FIBA, it is none other than Filipino referee Glenn Cornelio.

One of Cornelio's greatest aspirations is to officiate in the FIBA World Cup. Currently, he holds a FIBA Black License, allowing him to officiate both men's and women's competitions.

He was also part of the recently concluded East Asia Super League (EASL) championship finals in Macau.

Aside from Cornelio, five other Filipino referees are accredited by FIBA—Totie Celeste, Aaron Canete, Harry Santos, Ralph Moreto, and Christian Penaojas. However, Cornelio is the only one recognized at the elite level for the 2023-25 cycle.

“My goal is to officiate in the World Cup’s main competition. In the last World Cup, I was only a reserve referee,” Cornelio said.

For Cornelio, being a basketball referee is no easy task. He believes that referees must always be ready, well-prepared, and highly knowledgeable about the rules, while also maintaining top physical condition.

"Readiness and preparedness in terms of rule knowledge and physical conditioning should always be a referee’s mindset. Our motto is ‘learning never stops’ because basketball is constantly evolving and improving. Referees must continue studying to stay updated. Basketball knowledge and refereeing expertise should go hand in hand,” he added.

Cornelio began his officiating career in 2002 during his third year in college. He later advanced to officiate in prestigious leagues such as the UAAP, NCAA, FilOil, Liga Pilipinas, PBA, and FIBA.

His international experience includes officiating in the SEA Games (twice), FIBA Asia and World Cup qualifiers, the FIBA Asia Cup, BCL, WASL, ABL, EASL Final Four (twice), EASL Terrific 12, PBA 3x3 and 5x5, and the FIBA U19 World Cup.

Cornelio’s journey serves as an inspiration to fellow Filipino referees who aspire to reach the highest levels of the profession.

Barangay Ginebra bounced back in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, finishing with a hard-fought 71-70 victory over TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday, March 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena and now tying the series 1-1.

Justin Brownlee carried the offensive load for Ginebra, finishing with 35 points and 11 rebounds in another stellar performance. Scottie Thompson added 16 markers, 12 boards, and a game-high seven dimes while coming up with a crucial defensive stop in the crucial moments of the game.

Japeth Aguilar contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while Stephen Holt made his presence felt on both ends, especially on guarding TNT’s import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all night.

Holt held his ground and teamed up with Thompson for the game-sealing defensive stand. He also added seven points, four rebounds, and two steals.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge for TNT, posting 25 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Despite his dominant play, he was neutralized in the final two possessions, allowing Ginebra to escape with the win.

Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy were the only other Tropang Giga players to score in double figures. Nambatac chipped in 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists, while Pogoy provided 11 points, including a clutch three-pointer at the 3:40 mark that gave TNT its first lead of the game.

Ginebra controlled most of the contest, but Pogoy’s late triple with 3:40 left in the game, briefly put TNT ahead, setting up a tense finish. However, Brownlee and the Gin Kings responded with timely buckets and defensive stops, holding on to win in front of over 12,000 fans.

A key factor in Ginebra’s victory was their perimeter defense. After allowing TNT to shoot 14-of-37 from deep in Game 1, the Gin Kings tightened up in Game 2, limiting Tropang Giga to just 6-of-31 from beyond the arc.

With the series now tied, both teams will look to make adjustments to get one game ahead as they battle in the pivotal Game 3.

After stepping away from the basketball scene for quite some time, Oliver Agapito is now recalibrating his skills with Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball, set to compete in the World Masters Tournament from May 17-30, 2025.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Agapito shared his basketball journey, life beyond the sport, and how he found himself drawn back to the game.

Being a three-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion is a significant achievement, especially during the competitive era of the 1990s to 2000s. That wealth of experience is precisely what Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros brings to the table as he prepares to compete for Master Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the upcoming World Masters Tournament in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ballesteros shared the contributions he plans to make to the Philippine 45up team as they compete on the international stage.

"The number one thing I can bring to help the team is my experience in the PBA and international competition," Ballesteros said in Filipino.

"It will be a big boost since we will be facing stronger and heavier opponents," added the sweet-shooting big man, who will be representing the country as a basketball player for the third time in his career.

Ballesteros previously played for the RP Team in 1996 before entering the professional league in 1997. That’s why he feels honored and privileged to wear the Philippine colors once again, joining forces with fellow former PBA players such as Roger Yap, Gherome Ejercito, Gilbert Malabanan, Oliver Agapito, and Marlon Basco.

The Hiroshima Dragonflies, reigning B. LEAGUE champions (2023-24), edged the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, P. LEAGUE+ champions (2023-24), with a 72-68 victory on Sunday night, March 9, to claim the EASL 2024-25 championship in Macau.

This marks the second consecutive season that a B. LEAGUE team has won the EASL title, following the Chiba Jets' triumph in 2023-24.

NorthPort extended its campaign in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup by securing a 108-103 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 on Wednesday, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After suffering blowout losses in the first three games—losing by an average of 20.6 points—the Batang Pier finally found a way to stay alive and force a Game 5 on Friday, March 7.

The TNT Tropang Giga took a step closer to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals after outlasting the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-85, on Wednesday night, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Calvin Oftana spearheaded TNT’s attack, delivering a stellar 26-point performance along with three rebounds and four assists. RR Pogoy complemented his effort with an all-around showing, posting 22 markers, four boards, three dimes, a steal, and a block.

In the post-game interview, Oftana dedicated the win to veteran guard Jayson Castro, who has been ruled out for the season due to a knee injury.

“Malaking bagay na wala si Kuya Jayson. Itong remaining games namin, inoffer namin sa kanya,” said Oftana.

“Big factor si Kuya Jayson sa amin, pero hindi lang isang tao ang makakapuno sa kawalan niya. Kailangan namin magtulungan bilang isang team,” he added.

Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball 45-Up team is gearing up for the World Masters Tournament this coming May. Strengthening their lineup is two-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Gherome Ejercito.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ejercito shared how he plans to contribute to the team’s success on game day.

“I spoke with Coach Arlene (Rodriguez) and Boss Rey (Punongbayan) about what I and my fellow ex-pro players can bring to the team. Our experience playing in the PBA—alongside Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, and Gilbert Malabanan—will be a huge advantage,” Ejercito told us in Filipino.

“And as long as we continue our regular practices, we will be ready to compete,” he added.

PBA legend Roger Yap was known as “The Predator” during his time in the pro league, a moniker he carried with pride every time he stepped on the court.

But this time, Yap will take on a new role as “The Director” of the Pinoy Masters Pilipinas Basketball team, which is set to compete in the World Masters tournament from May 17-30 in Taiwan.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, the four-time PBA champion shared his contributions to the team as they represent the country on the hardcourt.

That’s what former PBA player and current Lyceum Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan emphasized in an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph. Malabanan is set to join the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball team, competing in the World Masters 45+ category from May 17-30, 2025 in Taiwan.

Malabanan shared that commitment is the biggest challenge he and his teammates face as they juggle work, basketball, and other responsibilities. However, as a professional, he has learned to manage his time effectively, driven by his dedication to the game—especially when representing the country.

“First of all, the most challenging part is commitment. Of course, all of us have jobs. But when it comes to commitment, how do you manage it? Especially with our practices,” Coach Gilbert said.

“We want to be complete during training because this is our preparation for the Masters tournament in May,” he added.

Barangay Ginebra moved one step closer to another Finals appearance in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semi-finals after dominating the NorthPort Batang Pier, 127-100, on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jamie Malonzo, named Best Player of the Game, led the Gin Kings with 27 points, including an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, while grabbing eight rebounds. It was a breakout performance for Malonzo, who returned to action last January after missing several months due to a left calf injury.

Ginebra’s resident import, Justin Brownlee, provided solid support with 22 points, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range.

Veterans Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Troy Rosario also contributed significantly, scoring 17, 15, and 10 points, respectively.

Off the bench, RJ Abarrientos made an impact with a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists, posting a plus-24 rating whenever he was on the floor.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally broke their two-game skid, securing a crucial 103-98 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals series against the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Import Deon Thompson led the charge for Rain or Shine, delivering a double-double performance with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in over 44 minutes of action. His dominance in the paint and relentless effort on both ends of the floor helped RoS stay competitive throughout the game.

Caelan Tiongson also played a vital role in the win, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Adrian Nocum, who started once again, showcased another impressive outing with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Supporting the trio was Anton Asistio, who chipped in 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers, while Gian Mamuyac added nine points and was perfect from the free-throw line, sinking all four of his attempts.

Barangay Ginebra relied on their balanced scoring to capture the win in Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series against NorthPort, 115-93, last night, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee led the charge for the Gin Kings, pouring in 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in just 32 minutes of play.

Brownlee was supported by his local teammates, led by Troy Rosario, who scored 15 points, followed by RJ Abarrientos with 14, while Japeth Aguilar added 11.

The first half of the match was a close battle, with Ginebra holding only a five-point lead over the Batang Pier, 56-51.

However, in the third quarter, the Gin Kings unleashed a barrage of points while locking down NorthPort defensively, outscoring them 32-14.

Heading into the fourth period, Ginebra never looked back, maintaining their commanding lead and still outscoring the Batang Pier 28-27 to secure the victory.

Despite the dominant win, Ginebra coach Tim Cone remained cautious, saying it was just one win in a long series.

Still, the victory is a big boost for a Ginebra team that struggled to get ideal training during the long break, with Cone, Brownlee, Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar, and LA Tenorio all serving duties with Gilas Pilipinas.

The TNT Tropang Giga showcased their strong defense with crucial stops in the final moments to secure an 88-84 win over Rain or Shine in Game 1 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven semifinal series on Wednesday night, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite being ahead by just three points with 1:59 left in the game, TNT shut down Rain or Shine's offense. The Tropang Giga capitalized on the Elasto Painters’ mistakes, forcing four turnovers, including a crucial steal by RR Pogoy off an inbound pass from Andrei Caracut with just three seconds remaining after a timeout.

Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao designed a play for a potential game-tying four-point shot, but the attempt was spoiled by a bad pass.

While RoS struggled in the final moments, TNT’s shooting, especially from beyond the arc, was on point. They hit 14-of-34 three-pointers, with Jayson Castro and Calvin Oftana leading the charge. Castro scored six three-pointers, missing only one, while Oftana also nailed six.

Gilas Pilipinas character will be tested tonight, February 20, when they face a Chinese Taipei team that's fighting for survival in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at 7:00 PM at the Taipei Heping basketball gymnasium.

The Philippine team will put their unbeaten record on the line against the home team that is seeking to finish third place in Group B and make it to the Qualifying Tournament among third placed teams and a possible last-minute shot of making it to Jeddah.

Gilas are on top of Group B with a 4-0 win-loss record, followed by the New Zealand Tall Blacks with a 3-1 slate, then the Taipei team sitting in third with a 1-3 record, while Hong Kong is still winless in four games.

Though the Filipinos have already qualified for the Asian Cup tournament set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5-17, Gilas head coach Tim Cone emphasized that they will use this third and final window as preparation for the said tourney.

After their game tonight, Gilas will have another battle on February 23 against New Zealand in Auckland.

Like Gilas, the Tall Blacks have already qualified for the Asian Cup and will also use the final window to prepare for the next battle.