Has Gilas Peaked Too Early?

In the elimination round, Smart Gilas was a virtual Goliath, running roughshod over everyone in its path.
Now, they're struggling against a veteran team with giant-killing ways.

Ginabra import Nate Brumfeld played the role of the hero again as he scored 8 of Ginebra's last 10points in leading the Kings to victory over the Nationals 110-103.

Patrombon Loses Again!

Jeson Patrombon is discovering just how tough it is on the pro tour.

In his second professional match, the former top junior Pinoy netter lost to Indian Srirambalaji Narayanaswamy, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, in the qualifying round of the India Futures Tournament in Noida, India.

Patrombon earned a wildcard entry to the tournament but could not parlay it into a win as he seemed unsure in the opening game. He regained his composure in the second game but grew increasingly tired and tentative in the third set.



Still, this was a better performance for patrombon, compared to the 6-1, 6-0 shellacking he absorbed in his first pro match.


Patrombon hopes to earn his first pro tour victory in the third leg of the India Futures in Chennai, India.

More on this story, here.

Bacolod Booters Trump Iloilo In PFF U-23 Match!

For some, it was a football game.
But for the players, it was a battle for regional supremacy, pride and bragging rights.

The country's football hotbeds Bacolod and Iloilo lived up to their pre-tournament billing as the teams to beat with the championship caliber match in the Visayas Regionals of the PFF Suzuki Under 23 Cup in Dumaguete.

Upsets In The West!

In the first day of the NBA Playoffs, we had 3 almost upsets and 1 semi-upset.
The second day featured 2 Goliath-sized upsets.

First, there was 8th seed Memphis, taking down the league #1 San Antonio 101-98. Memphis stalwart Shane Battier hit the go-ahead 3 pointer to lock down the victory for the Grizzlies. Zach Randolph proved to be unstoppable down low, scoring 25points and hauling down 14 rebounds. Spurs superstar Tim Duncan ended up with 16points and 13rebounds. The Spurs sorely missed Manu Ginobili, who is out with an injured elbow. This is Memphis' first playoff victory in 16 years and 3 playoff sweeps.

Then there was 7th seed New Orleans, shocking 2nd seed LA, 109-100. Chris Paul scored 17 of his 33points in the 4th quarter, leading a furious rally to offset the Lakers' huge size advantage. Carl Landry added 17points while Lakers counterpart Pau Gasol struggled with only 8points. Kobe Bryant scored 34 points but his teammates lackadaisical play spelled doom for the Lakers.

Still playing are NY vs Boston and Denver vs OKC. Will we see more upsets today?

Was The First Round Supposed To be This Exciting?

The first four games of the 2011 NBA Playoffs are proving to be humdingers.

You've got 8th seed Indiana holding a lead against Chicago for all but 48 seconds of the game. Too bad the 48seconds that Chicago had the lead was the last 48 seconds of the game.

There's also #7 seed Philadelphia taking a 12 point lead at the end of the first quarter against the Miami Heat. The Heat roared back to take a 14 point lead in the fourth, which is when the Sixer unleashed a 12-0 run to cut the lead down to 2. Miami managed to pull away but the Sixers have prrof that they can play with the Heat.

And don't forget 5th seed Atlanta, who pulled off an upset against Orlando despite Dwight Howard's 46points and 19 rebounds. Last year, these two teams met in the most lopsided series of the year, in favor of the Magic.

And finally, the #3 seed Mavs needed a career high 6 threepointers in one game from Jason Kidd and some clutch shooting from Dirk Nowitzki the upset conscious #6 seed Trailblazers. 

So, on the first day of the NBA playoffs, we had 3 near-upsets and 1 upset. Can't wait for tomorrow's games,

Playoff Preview: Thunder Vs. Nuggets

Here's a quick look at the most interesting matchups in the upcoming NBA Playoffs!

Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs. Denver Nuggets (5)
Thunder Starters: The Thunder starting five is a potent blend of brushfire offense (Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook), quick and tenacious defense (Serge Ibaka, Thabo Sefolosha) plus monster rebounding (Kendrick Perkins). That lineup is very scary.