Next Up: Azkals VS Al Azraq

The first game of the Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend is in the books, with the Smart All Stars winning over the PBA All Stars 131-105.

Log back in to The Sportster at 12:30am and get updates to the Azkals vs Al Azraq game!

NBA Vs. PBA Game End Of Game Update: NBA 131, PBA 105!

The game finally ends with the Smart All Stars up 131-105 over the PBA All Stars.

Kevin Durant, JaVale McGee and James Harden all scored a ton of points, with McGee being named Player of the Game.

For the PBA All Stars, Arwind Santos and Solomon Mercado distinguished themselves well with the others doing a capable job against a mighty opponent.

All in all, it was exciting and thrilling and it was definitely a dream come true.

NBA Vs. PBA Game Fourth Quarter Update: NBA 121, PBA 88!

The NBA All Stars have started a dunking contest within the game. And the PBA All Stars are eagerly watching them.

The players have basically dropped all pretense of a competitive game as cheers meet every NBA All Star dunk. The PBA All Stars try to mimic their NBA counterparts with appreciative sheers meeting their efforts too.

NBA Vs. PBA Game End Of Third Quarter Update: NBA 107, PBA 78!

Well, the lead may have ballooned to 29 points but it's still a fun game. The NBA All Stars are still dunking, with Derrick Williams, Tyreke Evans and JaVale McGee still at it.

The PBA All Stars on the other hand, are just trying to get whatever they can. They haven't been able to hit outside shots but they have been able to penetrate the Smart All Stars' porous defense. And with Arwind Santos on the bench, points have been hard to find.

NBA Vs. PBA Game Third Quarter Update: NBA 94, PBA 68!

And Kobe, CP3 and DRose finally showed up.

And when they did, they led the NBA All Stars in a blistering run. The run featured 3 alternating threes from Chris Paul, Derrick Rose then Chris Paul again, plus 3 Kobe Bryant alleyoops and a fantastic alleyoop from Kobe Bryant to Derrick Rose.

The PBA All Stars are starting to become spectators except for Arwind Santos who hit 3 straight jumpers plus a beautiful reverse lay up on JaVale McGee.

NBA Vs. PBA Game Halftime Update: NBA 66, PBA 50!

The NBA All Stars are slowly but surely pulling away but the PBA All Stars have had their moments.

The NBA All Stars are led by Kevin Durant's 20 points and JaVale McGee's thundering dunks. James Harden, Derrick Williams and Tyreke Evans have all acquitted themselves well  while Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and Derrick Rose have yet to make an impact.

The PBA All Stars have several players contributing but Solomon Mercado has been showing off his playground skills, taking Derek Fisher off the dribble 3 times and scoring lay ups. Arwind Santos has been active offensively and Alex Cabagnot has held his own but the height difference in the frontcourt is just too much.

NBA Vs. PBA Game Second Quarter Update: NBA 52, PBA 42!

Smart All Stars starting to pull away courtesy of 2 Kevin Durant threepointers. One came on a sweet shake and bake step back move on Rabeh Al-Hussaini, the other, a stop and pop on a fastbreak.

Al-Hussaini got some swag back when he answered with an alleyoop but the inevitable is starting to happen. 

Oh yeah, Kevin Durant already has 20points!

NBA Vs. PBA Game First Quarter Update: NBA 29, PBA 24!

It's been an exciting game so far, with the NBA All Stars showing Filipino fans why they are NBA All Stars. Durant has been hitting from way beyond, Chris Paul and Derrick Rose are distributing the ball, JaVale McGee and Derrick Williams are slamming it home. Kobe Bryant has not made his presence felt yet but it's early yet.

On the PBA side, the PBA All Stars have been very unselfish, giving everyone a chance to shine and unexpectedly staying close to the NBA All Stars.

For how long? I'm guessing another 5 minutes or so.

Still, it's been thrilling and I just can't get enough!

NBA Vs. PBA Game Update: NBA 27, PBA 20!

The Smart All Stars have started connecting from outside, courtesy of Kevin Durant and have put together three straight alleyoops.

 Rookie Derrick Williams of the Timberwolves is showing off some mad skills, hitting two dunks and a long range jumper.

The PBA All Stars are fighting back, with nearly everyone on the floor contributing.

NBA Vs. PBA Game Starts!

Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Javale McGee starts for the Smart All Stars.
Sonny Thoss, Arwind Santos, Mark Caguioa, Jason Castro and James Yap start for the PBA All Stars!

First two baskets for the Smart All Stars are on dunks, one, an alleyoop to McGee, the other a dunk by Durant.

16-12, PBA leads!

Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend In A Few Minutes!

We're 5 minutes away from tip off and the atmosphere in the newly dubbed "Smart Araneta Coliseum" is electric!

From the moment Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Chris Paul stepped out onto the court, the crowd has not stopped cheering.

As the Smart All Stars warm up, the PBA All Stars stare and gawk and take pictures.

The Greates Weekend Yet In Pinoy Sports!

If you're a Pinoy sporting fan, it doesn't get any better than this.

At 7pm tonight, the NBA All Stars go against the PBA All Stars.
At 11:30pm tonight, the Azkals go up against Kuwait.
At 1pm tomorrow, the NBA All Stars go up against Smart Gilas.

And you can log on to the Sportster for any and all updates! 

Young Pinays Could Be Softball Champions Of The World...

...if they can make it to the tournament.

The 16-18 year old girls team from the Philippines will be representing Asia Pacific in the Little League World Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan...if they can get the funds to go there.

With funds from the PSC being funneled to the SEA Games, these young softball belles find themselves in dire need of some support.

Maybe the ever generous Smart sporting system and MVP can help?

More on this story here. 

Dottie Ardina Makes Quarterfinal Round!

Two tough matches, two tough victories.

The 38th seeded Dottie Ardina first had to upset #6 seed Emma Talley of Kentucky to make it to the Round of 16 of the US Girls Junior Championshps. Then she had to come back from a 2 stroke deficit in in just four holes to vault over Emma Feng of Florida to book a ride to the quarterfinals where she now faces Summer Roachell of Arkansas.

More on this story here.

Nowitzki To Play For Germany In Euro Tourney!

He's won an NBA championship. Now he's going for an Olympic ring.

Despite his axtended NBA season, Dirk Nowizki has committed to playing for the German national team in the Europeans Championships, where Olympic berths are at stake.

He will be joined by the Clippers Chris Kaman.

More on this story here.

Azkals Update: Borromeo, Schrock Suspension Upheld!

The Azkals go into tomorrow's match against Kuwait without captain Aly Borromeo, making the Azkals' chances of pulling off an upset even more remote.

More on this here.

Azkals Make FIFA.com Frontpage!

Read the story here!

Kobe To Play In Turkey?

Are we about to see Deron Williams and Kobe Bryant play on the same team?

If Turkey's Besiktas had its way, yes would be the answer.

Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman said that Bryant's representatives have contacted them about the possibility of the Lakers superstar playing there during the lockout. But Ataman said that for that to happen, Besiktas would need a sponsor to help pay Bryant's salary.

Ataman also said that representatives of other NBA players have also contacted them

More on this story here.

Aly Borromeo Aims For A Draw!

For Azkals captain Aly Borromeo, a draw is not just a possibility. It's doable.

Despite the fact that Kuwaiti football pundits expect no less than, at least, a 4-0 win, Borromeo believes that the Azkals can force a draw by going for the Al Azraq's "weak" spot: the midfield.

Ravena 1, Parks 0.

Also known as Ateneo 1, NU 0.

It was a good thing the Ateneo-NU game featured two of the most exciting UAAP rookies because the game itself was over and done by the third quarter.

Ateneo put together a scintillating scoring run in the second quarter to erect an 18point halftime lead and continued on their scoring ways into the third to go up by 32 points.

Kiefer Ravena had 13 points for the Blue Eagles while Bobby Ray Parks topscored for the Bulldogs with 20points.

More on this story here.

Kuwait Al Azraq Against China!

Here are the highlights of the Kuwait-China match earlier this year.

From what I can see, Kuwait is very technically proficient offensively but they suffer from lapses on defense...just like the Azkals.

Steve Nash Funny New Commercial!

Steve Nash, the NBA's 3rd most marketable player, is at it again. And it's hilarious!

Manny MUST KO Marquez-Roach

No more draws. No more splits decisions. No more controversy.

For people to stop asking if Juan Manuel Marquez is Kryptonite to Manny Pacquiao's Superman, the Pambansang Kamao must go into the fight with one thought on his mind.

KNOCK MARQUEZ OUT.

Multi-titled trainer Freddie Roach went as far as saying that he will plead with Pacquiao to do his job and knock Marquez out, so that there will be no doubt which fighter is better.

More on this story here.

Iran, China And Lebanon Are Teams To Beat!

But don't count out Gilas.

That is Gilas coach Rajko Toroman's message to all Pinoy basketball fans who are eagerly awaiting the upcoming FIBA Asia Championships.

Goodbye, Yao!

It all ends.

Not just for Harry Potter, the boy wizard who captivated the world but also for Yao Ming, the gentle giant who captivated the basketball world.

The Return Of Captain Marbel?

Can this be true? Is Kenneth Duremdes, former PBA MVP, three time Mythical Five selection, member of the Centennial Team and known to PBA die-hards as Captain Marbel, actually staging a comeback?

Kuwait Confident Against Azkals!

Kuwait coach Goran Tufegdzik says the upcoming match against the Azkals whould be a thrilling one...but he is confident that Al Azraq, as Kuwait's team is called, will emerge victorious.

Want To Get Paule Weiler Declared Persona Non Grata?

Click this!

Azkals Rape Rumor Update: Statement From Amanda Coling's Lawyer!

Amanda Coling is open to accepting apologies. From whom and for what is the question everyone is asking.

Her lawyer, Atty Apollo Sangalang, has posted in his FB page what is purportedly Coling's side of the story.

The statement specifically says that something happened on June 2. What it was, we don't know yet. But by June 6, a newspaper reporter was already calling her about a supposed "gang rape video" involving her and the Azkals. After remaining silent, her name was exposed without her consent by media people as the victim of the Azkals rape rumor.

Shaq's First Analyst Comments: Miami's Big 2 Will Be Back!

On the first day of his new job, Shaquille O'Neal steps right into controversy.

The outspoken Hall-Of-Famer decides to take a jab at Chris Bosh by raving about the Heat's Big 2, referring to Dwayne Wade and Lebron James.

O'Neal also said he expects the Lakers, Heat, Magic and Celtics to have strong season but expects an upstart team to win it all this year.

More on this story here.

NBA 2011-2012 Shecdule Released!

Here's proof that the NBA is filled with optimists.

Despite the fact that the NBA and its players are miles apart at the negotiating table, the NBA has released the NBA schedule for the upcoming season.

The first day of NBA action pits the defending champions Dallas Mavericks versus the rising Chicago Bulls. The second game in the monstrous double header has the Oklahoma Thunder going up against the LA Lakers.

And the Christmas game? You guessed it, it's the Mavericks versus the Heat.

Now that the schedule is set, let's hope they get cracking on their CBA.

More on this story here.

Did Losses To Bahrain Help Azkals?

I think so. An so does Chieffy.

Azkals co-captain Chieffy Caligdong cited their adjustment to the weather and the much higher level of football competency as positives that they can take to the Kuwait match.

Caligdong shone the brightest during the 2 match series, scoring goals for the Azkals in spectacular fashion while bigger guns Phil Younghusband and Angel Guirado were shackled by the Bahraini defense.

The Azkals are already in Kuwait, awaiting the decision on whether team captain Ally Borromeo and Stephan Shrock will be allowed to play in the Kuwait match.

More on this story here.

The Clash of Future Basketball Superstars!

 Forget NU vs. Ateneo. Let's focus on Kiefer Ravena versus Bobby Ray Parks.

Forget the similarities of how their basketball careers have started. Both were highly touted high school prospects who were rumored to be going to US NCAA Division I colleges. Both represented the Philippines in the Youth Games. Both have impeccable basketball pedigree, being sons of outstanding PBA players.

Bigger Choke Artists: Miami Heat Or US Women's Team?

Definitely the Heat.

Kobe Bryant Plays With UAAP All Stars In Manila!

Man oh man oh man.

Those UAAP All Stars and Gilas Nationals just had the greatest moment of their basketball lives.

Azkals Vs Bahrain Game 2 Highlights!

Chieffy Scores Again, Azkals Lose again!

The Azkals played at almost full strength but that didn't matter much to the Bahrainis as they defeated the Azkals 3-1.

The Azkals matched the intensity of the Bahrainis but the Middle Eastern team still scored first, courtesy of a header off a perfect cross from a corner kick.

Japanese World Cup Champions Set New Heights For Asia!

This is the greatest achievement yet for Asian soccer.

World Cup champions are traditionally from Europe or South America. This year, the women's World Cup champions hail from Japan and the entire continent of Asia rejoices.

Japan VS USA World Cup Penalty Shootout!

Couple of things to note:
Japan came out of their huddle laughing, smiling and hugging each other.
USA came out of theirs tense and serious.

In the final showdown, Hope Solo looked pretty... but so did Saki Kumagai.

Japan VS USA World Cup Highlights!

Japan Wins World Cup!

It's got great goals, fantastic defense and a heart stopping finish.

But in the end, the ladies from Japan prevailed in the penalty shoot out over the USA to win the Women's World Cup.

Brian Villoria A Champion Again!

The Hawaiian Punch has done it again.

Brian Villoria dominated Mexican Julio Cesar Miranda and won the WBO flyweight championship belt.

Villoria dropped Miranda a couple of times with vicious body shots and combinations, leading to a lopsided unanimous decision. Miranda managed to open a cut over Villoria's eyebrow but the Filipino champion shrugged it off and continued pummeling the Mexican.


More on this story here.

Amanda Coling Interview Transcript!

Some excerpts from Amanda:

Amanda: "Im in modeling, its showbiz di ba, its hypocrisy naman if I said no. I also never wish to be known just because of this controversy"

Amanda: "I know but ako nadawit jan, but its something super sensitive natatakot akong magsalita eh dahil ayaw kong magsinungaling at ayaw ko rin makasakit ng sinuman"

Amanda: "Actually, even mga first week pa lang ng June, may komokontak na sa akin na writer para interviewhin, sabi ko ayaw ko talaga hangggang may lumapit sa akin na lawyer, then after more than a month lumabas na ung issue.

Amanda: "Dahil sa negatibong pangyayari, marami na ring nangyaring negatibo sa iyong buhay." 

For more of her interview, go here.

Azkals Vs Bahrain Highlights!

Great goal from Chieffy!

Azkals 1, Bahrain 2!

Not bad against an Olympic team.

The Azkals played competently against Bahrain's U-23 team, which is Bahrain's Olympic Team, yielding just two goals while scoring one of their own.

Gilas Gets A Boost!

Smart Gilas is getting their big guns back.

As the Nationals work feverishly on getting ready for the FIBA-Asia Championships, they are greeted with the welcome news that Asi Taulava and Dondon Hontiveros will be joining Gilas as they battle it out with several possible Asian contenders in the upcoming Jones Cup.

Coch Rajko Toroman has also belatedly identified another PBA player who may be included in the team. This player is Ranidel de Ocampo, who was also a part past national teams.

More on this story here.

DLSU, Meet Kiefer Ravena!

Now that's the Kiefer Ravena we all knew.

Ravena led the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a massive first half lead by scoring 22 points in the first half, 13 of them in the first quarter alone. He was virtually unstoppable despite the best efforts of Simon Atkins and Luigi de la Paz, scoring on a variety of layups, pull ups and jumpshots.

And while he was finally silenced in the second half, his Ateneo teammates rode the crest of his offensive outburst to keep DLSU at bay 81-72.

Greg Slaughter, Ateneo's other highly touted rookie, scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

All I can say is...Kiefer may be the nearest thing to a phenom we've seen in a long, long time.

More on this story here.