LOOK: Mapua def. EAC in OT (89-84)

Manila Times - Oct 6, 2026

NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball Tournament   Mapua def. EAC in OT (89-84) Cyrus Cuenco Player of the Game #NCAASeason102

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Gilas Girls escape New Zealand for first win in FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division A
Oct 6, 2026

Gilas Girls escape New Zealand for first win in FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division A

Gilas Pilipinas Girls secured their maiden win in the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup Division A after a thrilling 69-64 win over New Zealand on Tuesday at the Karisma Arena in Malaysia.

San Beda-Letran match  ‘spin tactic’ put spotlight on limits of fan distraction
Oct 6, 2026

San Beda-Letran match  ‘spin tactic’ put spotlight on limits of fan distraction

MANILA, Philippines — Basketball has always been a game of nerves especially in college sport. Fans shout. Students and alumni taunt. School bands make noise. And when an opposing player goes to the free-throw line, the crowd does everything make him lose his concentration and miss the shot But the antics seen during Monday’s NCAA senior basketball match between the San Beda Red Lions and the Letran Knights raise a different question: When does cheering stop being part of the game and become an attempt to interfere with it? Members of the San Beda pep squad were seen on TV behind the Letran basket spinning giant red-and-black spiral boards whenever Letran players shoot free . San Beda eventually won, 74-65, in overtime. The incident has since drawn attention even the day after the match because the display appeared to be deliberate. The issue was the use by San Beda supporters of large, spinning objects directly in the shooter's line of sight. Under FIBA rules, not every form of crowd distraction is prohibited. Basketball crowds are expected to be loud, and there is nothing unusual about fans trying to rattle and distract an opposing player. The rules, however, do address conduct such as excessive taunting and attempts by participants to obstruct an opponent's vision. Those provisions primarily apply to players, coaches and other persons covered by the playing rules, rather than ordinary spectators. And that is where the San Beda incident gets interesting. The people allegedly behind the antic were reportedly members of the Red Corps, an organized cheering group of San Beda University. Whether its actions are covered by a specific NCAA rule is a matter for the league to determine. What does the NCAA rulebook say? This is where some caution is needed. FIBA rules cannot simply be imposed on the NCAA. The international federation itself makes clear that its rules are different from those used by the NCAA which has its own rules and policies. There is no publicly available NCAA provision that specifically says a cheering squad cannot spin large objects behind the basket during a free throw. So it would be premature to declare outright that San Beda violated an NCAA rule. But that does not mean the league has no reason to look into it. The NCAA has dealt with spectator-related incidents before and has made clear that conduct inside the playing venue can be subject to league action. The question in this case is whether an organized cheering activity crossed the line from enthusiastic support into deliberate interference with play. That is a judgment for NCAA officials. Interestingly, the NCAA in the United States has specific guidelines governing cheering squads during basketball games. Those guidelines regulate where cheerleaders and mascots may position themselves and include restrictions designed to prevent them from obstructing the view of players, spectators and others. There are also restrictions on spirit squads standing during free-throw attempts. Again to clarify, those are not Philippine NCAA rules  and should not be treated as such. But it shows that collegiate basketball leagues can draw a line between ordinary cheering and that may be worth considering. Did the spinners affect Letran's shooting? There is no evidence that they did. No player, coach or league official made it an issue. Letran shot just 11-of-27 from the free-throw line, while Letran’s star player, Titing Manalili made only one of seven attempts. Manalili did not blame the Red Corps for his misses. He acknowledged that free-throw shooting was something the team needed to work on. And that is probably the right way to look at it. The question is not whether the spinning images caused Letran’s players to miss their shots. The question is whether that kind of fan distraction should be allowed . Noise is a type of distraction. Visual interference is another. Many years back and especially during crucial matches, supporters of opposing teams buy ringside tickets for seats behind their rival team’s bench where scantily-clad women were made to sit and deliberately distract players There is nothing wrong with a student section trying to get inside an opponent's head. That is part of college basketball. San Beda and Letran have been doing this to each other for generations. The rivalry is built on emotion, school pride and, at times, a fair amount of psychological warfare. But there is a difference between screaming from the stands and deliberately placing a large moving object behind the basket while an opposing player is trying to shoot. One is noise. The other is visual distraction. And if such tactics become accepted, it is not difficult to imagine where they could lead — bigger objects, more elaborate props and increasingly aggressive attempts to disrupt an opponent's concentration. That is why the NCAA may want to take a closer look, even if it ultimately decides that no rule was broken. The league may need to draw the line The San Beda-Letran incident may be nothing more than an unusually creative example of school spirit. But it has also exposed a gray area in the rules. The NCAA does not need to take the fun out of cheering. Nor should every unusual act by a student section be treated as misconduct. What it may need, however, is a clearer standard on organized cheering activities during live play — particularly those conducted by school-affiliated groups and aimed directly at an opposing player. The league's own emphasis on competition, sportsmanship and the values of collegiate athletics makes the discussion worthwhile. After all, home-court advantage should mean having the louder crowd, not necessarily having a moving target behind the basket. The Red Corps may have found a clever way to test an opponent's concentration. Now the NCAA may have to decide whether it wants that tactic to become part of the game. [The author, former managing editor of The Manila Times, covered the NCAA as campus sportswriter for both Letran and San Beda.]

KentOnline’s team of the week
Oct 6, 2026

KentOnline’s team of the week

Find out who’s in KentOnline’s team of the week and vote for your star man.

PH athletics no longer intimidated on world stage — Capistrano
Oct 6, 2026

PH athletics no longer intimidated on world stage — Capistrano

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine athletics team is no longer hesitant to compete at the highest level of international competition. With the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) ramping up its investment in development programs, the national team is poised to become highly competitive in the Asian arena and a consistent qualifier in future world championships. The optimism follows a strong campaign at the recently concluded 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where Ernest John "EJ" Obiena successfully retained his title plus a record-breaking feat and the team added two more bronze medals. Building on that momentum, PATAFA is now setting its sights on more victories at next year's Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia and on qualifying more athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. "We are no longer skeptical to compete at a high level because we have already gained confidence in our capabilities," PATAFA President Terry Capistrano said. "The future is getting brighter. We already have a number of potential stars, and some of them have already stepped up to the challenge." Obiena, one of the country's most decorated athletes, secured back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in the men's pole vault after shattering the Asiad record with a clearance of 5.91 meters. Newcomer Victoria Bossong impressed in her Asian Games debut by clinching bronze in the women's 800 meters, while John Cabang Tolentino added another bronze in the men's 110m hurdles. Their combined effort helped the Philippines surpass its medal output from the Hangzhou Asian Games three years ago, where the country settled for a single gold. The future appears even brighter with a new wave of young talents emerging. Among them are Naomi Cesar, the 800m gold medalist at the 2025 Bangkok SEA Games, fellow SEA Games champion Hussein Lorana, and Pi Durden Wangkay, who topped the 200m at the Asian Youth Games. All are expected to be strong medal prospects in the coming years. "Satisfied? No, not quite. While this is the best showing since 1982, we really think we could have done better. We're hoping to see improvement in every competition," Capistrano said. "Next year will mark the start of Olympic qualifying and the SEA Games. I'm confident Bossong will be formidable there," he added. Capistrano also expressed gratitude to the ICTSI Foundation and Bloomberry for their unwavering support for the athletes and for PATAFA's grassroots and elite development programs. TMT

NBA on Disney+ 2026–27 season starts The Hoop Collective World Tour in Manila
Oct 6, 2026

NBA on Disney+ 2026–27 season starts The Hoop Collective World Tour in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The NBA on Disney+ 2026–27 season starts here! Disney+ Philippines brought The Plus Side of Basketball closer to Filipino fans by welcoming ESPN NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon to Manila on October 5 for the Manila stop of The Hoop Collective World Tour.  The special event celebrated the start of the new NBA season on Disney+ and gave fans the chance to connect with the voices behind the game through a live podcast recording and special fan experiences. Hosted by Windhorst, The Hoop Collective podcast features candid conversations, expert analysis, and insider perspectives on the NBA’s biggest stories.  The highlight of the event was a live recording of The Hoop Collective, featuring Philippine basketball icon Jimmy Alapag as special guest. The former Gilas Pilipinas team captain, PBA MVP, and current head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors has also previously served as the player development coach for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Windhorst, MacMahon, and Alapag engaged in an in-depth conversation on Filipinos’ love for basketball, their experiences in the NBA, and the upcoming NBA season on Disney+.  Prior to the live podcast recording, Windhorst led a sports journalism masterclass for student journalists from key universities across the Philippines. The session covered sports reporting, game analysis, and storytelling, offering participants insights into how journalists prepare for games and bring the stories behind the action to audiences. “When I came to Manila in 2023, I was energized by the passion of Filipino basketball fans and how much they understood the nuances of the game. As soon as I left, I said I wanted to come back and engage with the fans. The fact that Disney+ is where you get the NBA in the Philippines, it’s such a great opportunity for us to come together and promote it,” Windhorst shared. “I’m glad we could bring The Hoop Collective to Manila and be part of that experience as the new NBA season gets underway.”  The Hoop Collective in Manila marks the start of Disney+ Philippines’ “The Plus Side” campaign, bringing fans closer to the NBA as the new season approaches. The 2026–27 NBA season officially tips off on October 22, when fans in the Philippines can stream the NBA on Disney+.  The October 22 NBA Tip-Off on Disney+ opens with a double-header featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves VS Miami Heat at 7:30 AM, followed by the Golden State Warriors VS Los Angeles Lakers marquee game at 10:00 AM. The hardcourt action continues on October 23 with Cleveland Cavaliers VS Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 AM and Denver Nuggets VS Oklahoma City Thunder at 9:30 AM. Alongside live games, Disney+ Philippines’ ESPN coverage and analysis include Inside the NBA, NBA Today, and NBA Countdown, providing more ways to follow the players, teams, and stories shaping the season. The NBA Tip-Off and all the other NBA on Disney+ games will be available on the new Disney+ app. Download the new app on App Store and Play Store starting October 7. For the full NBA on Disney+ game schedule and updates, visit www.disney.ph/NBA and follow Disney+ Philippines on social media. TMT

Cone expects solid Gilas roster by November FIBA window
Oct 6, 2026

Cone expects solid Gilas roster by November FIBA window

MANILA, Philippines — Tim Cone is expecting a solid Gilas Pilipinas roster by the time the national team resumes its training in preparation for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in November. The presence of young big men Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Philips though remains uncertain at the moment, at least, based on Cone’s recent dealing with them or their handlers. “Nothing is ever sure, as we have learned over the last couple of years, but we certainly are expecting them to be available,” Cone told The Manila Times on Monday. Nonetheless, the American said under the ideal circumstances, the three bigs, along with Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu, who plays in Japan, along with Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo, who sees action in the Korean Basketball League should be available by the November window. “Yes, of course. The Korean and Japan leagues are required to release their players for the Windows (and all FIBA sponsored events). The Asian Games was not a FIBA event,” he added. Cone had all sorts of chemistry problems during Gilas’ recent Asian Games stint in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan as Sotto and Co. weren’t there to help the Philippines defend its basketball crown. The result was a 1-2 ledger in the group stage, getting whacked by China by 44 points in the final day of the preliminary round that ousted Gilas from the knockout phase. But knowing Cone, the American coach is now training his sights on keeping the momentum going for Gilas heading to its showdown with Syria on Nov. 27, followed by Iran on Nov. 30 in Seremban, Malaysia in the fifth window. The Philippines will enter the November window with a 4-4 record in Group E, behind Australia’s immaculate 8-0 card, New Zealand (6-2) and Iran as well as Jordan (5-3). Cone admitted the windows in November and even the one in February 2027 are crucial games for Gilas in its bid to punch a ticket to the FIBA World Cup next year in Doha, Qatar. Only the top three teams per group and the best fourth-placed team will advance to the World Cup. -  The Philippine team won its most recent home games in the fourth window, beating  Jordan and Iran at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The 7-3 Sotto played a big role in the twin victories after averaging solid stats line of 15.5 points, 15 rebounds and three assists

Brisbane 2032 launches a cockatoo emblem for Olympics and Paralympics after an accidental leak
Oct 6, 2026

Brisbane 2032 launches a cockatoo emblem for Olympics and Paralympics after an accidental leak

BRISBANE, Australia — The cockatoo has won out over the kangaroo, the koala and the bin chicken to become the emblem of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics — after a bit of an embarrassing social media leak. It's now official. Days after officials in Brisbane were forced to hold a hastily-convened news conference to explain the accidental leaking of the emblem ahead of schedule, the 2032 organizing committee held an official launch on Monday. The Olympic emblem is the crest of a pink cockatoo, an Australian bird, with the color stylized to resemble an Olympic and Paralympic flame, and a shape to resemble the host state of Queensland. Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner on Monday said the emblems "are a celebration of our city, our lifestyle." "They reflect the Brisbane (that) people know and love: vibrant, resilient, connected, friendly, playful and a little bit cheeky," Schrinner said. "They are also a symbol of the excitement building across our city. "With just under six years to go, we are already preparing to welcome the world to Australia's lifestyle capital." Organizers said First Nations elements were contained within the emblems, with "cockatoos seen as messengers carrying cultural meaning and linking people to place, story and ceremony." The emblems are separate to the Games mascot, which will be revealed closer to the Games. An explainer video meant to go live after a planned ceremonial event briefly appeared on the event's YouTube channel on Friday night. Screenshots of images and text soon circulated on social media. Brisbane 2032 vice president Tim Mander and chief marketing officer Brent Hill told the weekend news conference the accidental release was a pleasant surprise. Hill embraced the unexpected opportunity, saying "the publicity has been incredible." Ahead of the community launch Monday evening in the downtown Southbank parklands, Brisbane 2032 chairman Andrew Liveris said the "emblems are an opportunity to promote the unique character of a Games, inviting the world to learn more, visit, invest and be part of an event unlike any other." Lachlan Kennedy, the Brisbane sprinter who set an Australian record for the 100 meters when he ran 9.85 seconds at the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow in July, attended the emblem lauch and told local TV broadcasters: "I love it. I think it represents Brisbane well." "It's unique," he said, "I think it's got soul to it." For Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, who heads the IOC's coordination commission for the 2032 Games, the emblems represented a "vibrant expression" of the nature and character of the region. The Olympics and Paralympics will be centered on the state capital, Brisbane, but cities across the state, including the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, will host competitions. Australia has twice previously hosted the Summer Olympics, at Melbourne in 1956 and at Sydney in 2000. The Sydney emblem design contained representations of famous landmarks including the Sydney Opera House, the city's famous harbor and beaches, as well as boomerangs, sun and rocks.

NCAA: Has San Beda found its next 'King Lion' in Aldous Torculas?
Oct 6, 2026

NCAA: Has San Beda found its next 'King Lion' in Aldous Torculas?

Aldous Torculas isn't exactly a stranger to big moments. But being the one to take the biggest shot when the game is on the line is unfamiliar territory for the high-flying forward.

Gillingham duo recognised after September surge
Oct 6, 2026

Gillingham duo recognised after September surge

Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth and summer signing James Brophy have both been nominated for a prestigious monthly award.

Environment change, finding passion again powered Obiena's resurgent season
Oct 6, 2026

Environment change, finding passion again powered Obiena's resurgent season

MANILA, Philippines -- Changing his environment and rediscovering his passion in pole vault powered EJ Obiena's resurgent 2026 season. Following a down season in 2025, Obiena bounced back and seized 10 gold medals this year including his title defense at the Asian Games in Japan. Obiena aced his second Asiad gold with a meet record 5.91m clearance. "Probably, a different perspective, I'm a little bit happier, I enjoy what I do, I have a much brighter perspective on the sport that I love. Sometimes that matters," said Obiena. A 2-time Olympian, Obiena said his coaching change and moving his base from Italy to Greece last June to train with his friend and world No. 2 Emmanouil Karalis really moved the needle for him. "Of course that influenced a lot of things, I mean, it's hard to change a perspective without a change of venue, change of mindset," said world No. 10 Obiena. "How do you say this, it's a natural course, so with that I'm happy that I'm training with a guy who's jolly, who's enjoying, I'm learning from him as much as he's learning from me, and with that, it's a recipe for good things." Now coached by Marcin Szczepanski, Obiena said it was hard to part ways with his former coach Vitaly Petrov, though. Petrov trained Obiena for 12 years from 2014 to 2026. The 30-year-old expressed gratitude to Petrov who transformed him into a world-class pole vaulter. "Of course, Vitaly and I, we talked, he congratulated me, I told him after the competition, we're good," said Obiena. "I think we both understood, we're at that point in our career, that we decided that it would be better for me to move, and with that, I really love the guy, I love him more than just a coach, so with that, I really appreciate his honesty, his transparency, and he still helped me, he helped me get to where I'm at today,  and with that, I'm thankful."

IAM Worldwide debuts latest campaign featuring World No. 1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters
Oct 6, 2026

IAM Worldwide debuts latest campaign featuring World No. 1 pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters

MANILA, Philippines – Following her official appointment as Global Sports Ambassador, IAM Worldwide has launched its newest commercial starring global pickleball sensation and undisputed World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters.  The campaign spotlights the multi-titled champion promoting the IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies, reinforcing the connection between elite athletic performance and accessible daily nutrition. The launch arrives as pickleball continues its meteoric rise as the world's fastest-growing sport. Sweeping across continents from North America to Asia, the paddle sport has transcended casual recreational play to become a global cultural phenomenon.  The Philippines has rapidly emerged as a key epicenter for pickleball in Southeast Asia. Across Metro Manila and key regions, the sport’s accessible, fast-paced, and highly social nature has ignited a nationwide obsession, with dedicated complexes opening nationwide and thousands of local "picklers" joining the movement. In the playful yet high-energy commercial, Waters is seen engaging in a competitive pickleball rally against a cute, animated IAM Gummy Bear, highlighting the dynamic blend of high-level athletic performance and recreational fun.  But beyond the playful action, the 60 seconder also reflects the mental fortitude and physical drive required for Waters to remain at the very top of her sport.  The campaign’s messaging centers on conquering the unexpected and turning constant effort into physical strength, emphasizing how optimal energy, immunity, and stamina allow athletes to dominate every game while having fun along the way.  As the face of the brand's athletic push, Waters officially champions the IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies. Designed to deliver natural vitality and physical support in a convenient, daily format, the product is tailored for both high-performing athletes and everyday sports enthusiasts.  Through the campaign, Waters aims to inspire pickleball hopefuls and active individuals across the globe to prioritize physical well-being. Together, IAM Worldwide and Anna Leigh Waters continue to advocate a vital message: a truly "wealthy" life is one where wealth is determined by health. "We are beyond thrilled to showcase Anna Leigh Waters in our latest product campaign," stated IAM Worldwide in an official release. "Anna Leigh represents the absolute pinnacle of dedication, athletic achievement, and integrity. Her mindset perfectly mirrors our belief that real success is built on a foundation of health and purpose. Having her represent our flagship barley line of products led by the IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies will inspire young athletes to prioritize their physical well-being as they chase their dreams." The debut of the commercial marks another major milestone for IAM Worldwide as it expands its global footprint, bridging the gap between elite sports excellence and everyday healthy habits. The new commercial is now available to watch across IAM Worldwide's official social media channels, including Instagram (@iamworldwideofficial) and Facebook (@iamworldwideofficialfb). Waters is also scheduled to appear live in Manila for a press conference this October presented by Franklin Sports and IAM Worldwide. TMT

NHL record-breaker Ovechkin says current season will be his last
Oct 6, 2026

NHL record-breaker Ovechkin says current season will be his last

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NHL all-time scoring leader Alex Ovechkin said Monday that the current season will be his last in the North American ice hockey league. The Russian superstar left wing is in his 22nd season with the Washington Capitals, the team he has represented ever since arriving in the United States in 2005. Ovechkin, 41, shared the decision first with his teammates in the locker room in a video shared by the Capitals on Monday. "This is going my last year... it's very important (for) guys to know first. And yeah, it's sad, but you know, it is what it is," said captain Ovechkin. In a statement, Ovechkin said he and his family had decided over the summer that it was time to call time on his NHL career at the end of this season. "I love this game so much, but I know in my heart it's the right decision," he said. "It was important for me to make this announcement before our first home game, so I have the chance to thank all the people around the game, everyone who has been so important to me and my family and helped me through good times and tough losses." Ovechkin captained the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2018. His 929 goals and 141 game-winning goals rank first in NHL history. Ovechkin has also recorded 759 assists. He is closing in on Wayne Gretzky's combined tally of 1,016 regular season plus playoff goals, needing to score just 11 more to overtake the great Canadian. Ovechkin sparked controversy this past off-season by appearing in a Russian political video backing President Vladimir Putin ahead of elections, but later told reporters he had no hesitation in making the video for the United Russia Party. "They asked me to do that. I said yes. So, simple as that," Ovechkin said. "I'm Russian. I support my country." Ovechkin's appearance in the video drew harsh criticism from some, with US Representative Joe Wilson calling on the NHL to review Ovechkin's involvement in the clip. "The thing about video, I'm Russian," Ovechkin said. "As soon as I'm done playing hockey, I'm probably going to stay there. I'm going to live there. My kids are going to live there. Family. "I'm for peace and love and I hope everything is going to be OK. My home is Russia and DC is my second home."

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