Karl Eldrew Yulo Secures Second Bronze at 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior Worlds

Karl Eldrew Yulo added another bronze medal to his achievements at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, placing third in the horizontal bar finals held Monday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City. The 17-year-old gymnast earned a score of 14.000, which comprised a difficulty score of 5.100, an execution score of 8.800, and an additional 0.100 for a stick bonus. Yulo finished behind gold medalist Camilo Vera from Colombia, who tallied 14.533, and silver medalist Danila Leykin from the United States, who scored 14.233. This marks Yulo's second bronze medal in the competition, following his podium finish in the floor exercise event the previous day. In other events, Yulo placed eighth in the all-around finals and narrowly missed the medals with a fourth-place result in the vault finals. His continued success highlights his rising prominence in junior international gymnastics.

Aoi Ishizaki Claims Boys’ Singles and Doubles Titles at ITF J30 Manila

Unseeded Japanese player Aoi Ishizaki captured the boys’ singles championship by defeating fellow countryman Shun Munetoh 7-5, 6-2 in the final of the ITF J30 Manila first leg, held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center hardcourt in Manila on Sunday. Ishizaki, 15, then paired with Kango Endoh to win the boys’ doubles title against Munetoh and Rentaro Otaka with a 6-4, 6-3 scoreline. Ishizaki’s impressive run included victories over No. 3 seed Ariyaphol Leekul of Thailand in the quarterfinals and No. 6 seed Kuranosuke Suzuki of Japan in the semifinals. His finalist opponent, Munetoh, entered the tournament as a qualifier and caused upsets by defeating No. 4 seed Napat Pattanalertphan of Thailand in the quarters, followed by No. 2 seed Ruochen Gao of China in the semifinals. Ishizaki is set to advance to the second leg of the tournament starting Tuesday. In the girls’ division, second seed Park Seojin from South Korea secured the singles title with a straight-set victory, 6-4, 6-3, over top seed Yi-Ching Huang of Chinese Taipei. Huang, an 18-year-old member of her country’s Under-16 national team, acknowledged Park’s strong performance, particularly praising her solid forehand. Huang holds three doubles titles earlier this year. "Park played very well. She has a solid forehand," Huang stated following the match. Their coach, Rau Gau Yu, who has worked with Huang for seven years, remarked, "This is her last tournament in the ITF Juniors and she gave her best out there." The girls’ doubles crown was claimed by the third seeds Paweenon Nualsri of Thailand and Ying Chi Chloe Wong of Hong Kong, who defeated the fourth-seeded Chinese pair Wang Jiayi and Xu Yishan 6-2, 6-3.

Utah Jazz Overcome Houston Rockets 133-125 in Salt Lake City Showdown

The Utah Jazz clinched a hard-fought 133-125 victory against the Houston Rockets Monday evening in Salt Lake City, powered by standout performances from Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George. Markkanen contributed 29 points while George added 28 points and led the team with eight assists. Jusuf Nurkic also played a key role, scoring 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds as seven Jazz players reached double figures, helping Utah secure its second win in three outings. The Rockets, underpinned by Kevin Durant's 32 points and nine rebounds, as well as Alperen Sengun's 31 points and 14 assists, mounted a strong comeback attempt. Amen Thompson added 23 points for Houston. Despite their efforts and a fiery 12-0 run to close the third quarter that cut Utah's 21-point lead to just one point, the Rockets fell short and could not extend their five-game road win streak. Houston has won eight of its last ten games overall. Trailing 114-113 with just over five minutes left, Houston's Durant scored back-to-back baskets, igniting the rally. However, Markkanen and George countered with consecutive three-pointers, pushing Utah's lead to 120-113 with just over four minutes remaining. In the closing minute, Sengun drove for a layup, narrowing the gap to 126-123, but George's clutch free throws (5 of 6) and a crucial steal sealed the victory for the Jazz. The Jazz started strong, quickly avoiding the early double-digit deficit they suffered the previous night. Early in the first quarter, Houston held a four-point lead several times, with Thompson's dunk giving them a 26-22 advantage. However, Utah took control in the second quarter with a three-point play by Walter Clayton Jr. that put them ahead 40-37. They built on this momentum to lead 68-57 at halftime, limiting Houston to just one field goal in the final 2:58 of the half. The Jazz continued to dominate in the third quarter, sparked by back-to-back baskets from George and Kevin Love during a 16-7 run that expanded their lead to 98-77, with Nurkic finishing the rally with a hook shot. The victory marks a strong rebound for Utah after their previous night's loss to Houston, demonstrating their resilience and depth in a competitive matchup.

Jaylen Brown Scores Season-High 42 Points as Celtics Hold Off Knicks 123-117

Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics with a career-high 42 points, including a decisive breakaway dunk in the closing seconds, to secure a 123-117 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night (Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, Philippine time). This game served as a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference semifinal. Derrick White complemented Brown’s performance by scoring 22 points, with seven coming in the final four minutes to help Boston fend off a late Knicks comeback that trimmed a 15-point deficit to just three. Rookie Jordan Walsh contributed six points and grabbed five rebounds in the fourth quarter. For the Knicks, Mikal Bridges led all scorers with 35 points, 17 of which were scored in the fourth quarter. Bridges was especially effective beyond the arc, hitting 8 of 12 three-point attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points for New York, who had been riding a four-game winning streak. With this win, Boston has now claimed victories in four of their last five games, prevailing against four of the top six teams in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks started strong with a 17-4 run and held a commanding 39-25 lead. However, the Celtics responded with a 12-0 run to erase that deficit. A critical seven-point streak culminated in a Brown dunk, giving Boston a 47-46 lead and energizing the home crowd. Brown continued to dominate, posting 18 points in the second quarter and adding 15 more in the third. The Celtics entered the fourth quarter with an 18-point lead and were ahead 102-87 with eight minutes remaining. New York’s Bridges sparked a 12-0 run with a three-pointer, three free throws, and another three-pointer, narrowing Boston’s advantage to three points. Josh Minott hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by back-to-back putbacks from Walsh, extending the Celtics’ lead back to eight. Bridges responded with another three-pointer, bringing the Knicks within four points with 46 seconds to go. However, a potential game-tying three-pointer from Bridges missed in the final moments. In other NBA action that night, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards 121-102, the Toronto Raptors edged the Portland Trail Blazers 121-118, San Antonio Spurs overcame the Memphis Grizzlies 126-119, Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 149-142 in overtime, and Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Golden State Warriors 124-112.

Gilas Pilipinas Faces Turbulence in Finalizing SEA Games Basketball Roster

The path to finalizing Gilas Pilipinas’ men’s basketball roster for the Southeast Asian Games was marked by significant challenges, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) revealed a complex and drawn-out selection process. What was initially a straightforward task became complicated by unexpected rule changes and scheduling conflicts. By September, Gilas had a stable 12-man lineup prepared. However, this was disrupted when Thailand, the host nation, introduced a ban on naturalized players, forcing the SBP to overhaul the composition of its team. These shifting eligibility criteria forced last-minute adjustments and fuelled uncertainty around the tournament format. Further complications arose when the MPBL National Finals unfolded, requiring the commitments of key players Geo Chiu, Jason Brickman, and Dave Ildefonso to their respective teams. Since the MPBL Finals overlapped with the SEA Games, the SBP was compelled to revisit its roster plans. Following extensive negotiations and a nationwide search for replacements, the final 12-man roster was confirmed as Jamie Malonzo, Dalph Panopio, Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, Ced Manzano, Justin Chua, Robert Bolick, Von Pessumal, Allen Liwag, Abu Tratter, and Veejay Pre. Notably, only four athletes—Ravena, Wright, Parks, and Pre—remained from the original lineup that included players such as Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame. The new ban on naturalized players excluded Brownlee and Kouame from the 5x5 team. To adapt, Kouame was reassigned to the men’s 3x3 squad where such players remain eligible, joining talents from the PBA, MPBL, and UAAP leagues. Moreover, a further restriction imposed by Thailand barred players of mixed descent who obtained Philippine passports after age 16, leading to the removal of athletes Remy Martin, Mike Phillips, Kymani Ladi, and Brandon Rosser from contention. This caused another reshuffle, adding players like Malonzo, Bolick, Pessumal, and Tratter to the roster. The success of Abra’s team in the MPBL North Division Finals then forced the release of Chiu, Brickman, and Ildefonso, prompting yet another revision days before the competition. The inclusion of Dalph Panopio, Ced Manzano, Justin Chua, and NCAA standout Allen Liwag helped fill these gaps. Gilas coach Norman Black opted not to include Poy Erram despite late discussions, favoring Liwag, whom he had extensively scouted during the NCAA Final Four. The SBP expressed gratitude to the players and partners across leagues for prioritizing national duty amid busy schedules. "After a tedious back and forth due to initially unclear and constantly changing rules in player eligibility, we at the SBP have submitted this list to the local organizing committee," the federation stated following final roster confirmation. The SEA Games basketball competition will see the Philippines in Group A alongside Malaysia and Vietnam. Gilas will have a bye on the opening day before facing Malaysia and Vietnam on December 14 and 15 respectively. The format guarantees that no Group A team is eliminated in the group stage, while only one team from Group B—featuring Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Myanmar—faces early exit. The tournament culminates in knockout semifinals leading to gold and bronze medal games, with a fifth-place playoff ensuring all teams compete for final placement. Despite the hurdles and ongoing upheaval, Gilas Pilipinas embarks on its SEA Games campaign with hopes that this carefully reassembled squad can overcome adversity and contend for the championship.

UP and La Salle Clash in Decisive Game 3 for UAAP Basketball Championship

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons and De La Salle Green Archers will meet today in a decisive Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 basketball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Scheduled for 3:30 p.m., this winner-take-all game will determine the tournament champion. UP head coach Goldwin Monteverde’s squad enters the contest buoyed by their narrow 66-63 victory in Game 2 last Sunday, which forced the series into this final matchup. La Salle, meanwhile, opened the series with a 74-70 win on December 11. Veteran guard Gerry Abadiano, who is set to graduate, highlighted the significance of the experience his team gained from previous championships. He said, \"Personally, the experience we gained from our past championships is a big factor for me and my teammates, as I’m able to share what a do-or-die Game 3 really feels like.\" Abadiano also acknowledged the special opportunity to play in this high-stakes game, adding, \"All of us young players dream about this and we feel truly blessed. We will adjust as needed and give our absolute best.\" UP will additionally lean on their other senior players, including Harold Alarcon, Terrence Fortea, Francis Nnoruka, Jacob Bayla, and Rey Remogat, as they aim to defend their title. This highly anticipated final game promises intense competition as both teams vie for supremacy in the league’s premier collegiate basketball tournament.

Utah Jazz Overcome San Antonio Spurs 127-114 with Late-Game Surge

The Utah Jazz secured a 127-114 victory on the road against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, powered by strong scoring efforts from Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George. Markkanen tallied 29 points while George contributed 28, as the Jazz executed crucial plays down the stretch to pull away from the Spurs. Utah established control early, holding a 10-point lead at halftime and extending it to 17 points in the early third quarter. Despite this, the Spurs fought back in the fourth quarter, sparking a 14-2 run capped by Stephon Castle's layup to level the score at 106, setting up a tense finish. In response, the Jazz regained momentum with a 7-2 run highlighted by two free throws from George with two minutes remaining, pushing their lead to 123-112 and effectively sealing the win. Bench contributor Waller Clayton Jr. added 17 points for Utah, complementing solid performances from Jusuf Nurkic, who scored 16, and Brice Sensabaugh with 11 points. This victory followed the Jazz's previous night home win over the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, further boosting their confidence. San Antonio saw a strong outing from Victor Wembanyama, who led all scorers with 32 points in his first start since mid-November. Keldon Johnson supported with 27 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Castle and Devin Vassell contributed 20 and 11 points respectively. However, the Spurs' eight-game winning streak came to an end. The game opened with the Spurs leading by 11 points four minutes into the first quarter and finishing the first period up 40-32. The second quarter belonged to Utah, who erased the deficit and went on an 11-0 run highlighted by Markkanen's layup, resulting in a 62-51 lead. Although San Antonio narrowed the halftime gap to 70-60 with contributions from Wembanyama, Johnson, and Vassell, Utah dominated the third quarter, expanding their advantage to 17 points. Despite Wembanyama's three-point play late in the quarter, the Spurs could not close the distance entering the fourth. Utah's resilience in the final minutes ensured the team maintained control and secured the hard-fought victory over one of the Western Conference's top contenders.

Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Dominant 124-95 Victory Over Trail Blazers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the Oklahoma City Thunder’s decisive 124-95 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday at home. With 30 points, six assists, and four steals, Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in securing the victory in a game where Oklahoma City took control early and never looked back. The Thunder, now boasting an NBA-best 17-1 record on their home court, won their third straight game to close out a four-game homestand. Oregon’s Trail Blazers had their two-game winning streak halted. Oklahoma City surged ahead with a 16-4 run midway through the first quarter, largely fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s four points, two assists, a steal, and a rebound during that stretch. After that run, Portland was unable to reduce the gap to fewer than six points for the remainder of the game. By halftime, the Thunder held an 18-point lead, powered by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 18 points in the first half. He finished the game shooting an efficient 11-of-15 from the field, contributing six assists and maintaining ball security with zero turnovers. Gilgeous-Alexander sat out the fourth quarter as the outcome was already secure. The Thunder’s defense played a critical role in the victory, holding Portland to under 100 points—just the fourth time this season for the Blazers to fall short of that mark. Oklahoma City’s defensive intensity led to a dominant scoring margin off turnovers (28-17), in the paint (52-34), on the fast break (25-12), and from the bench (52-33). Key contributions from the Thunder bench included Ajay Mitchell’s 17 points and Isaiah Joe’s 15 points, highlighted by five made three-pointers. Rookie Chet Holmgren impressed with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and a season-high six blocks. Jalen Williams added a well-rounded performance with 13 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. The Thunder forced 15 steals and shot 48.9% from the field, reinforcing their dominant play. For Portland, Sidy Cissoko led the scoring with 19 points, including a career-high five three-pointers, while Deni Avdija contributed 17 points alongside seven rebounds and seven assists. However, the Blazers struggled overall from the floor, shooting only 39.1% despite a respectable 40% from beyond the arc. Closing out the series, Oklahoma City took three of four matchups against Portland this season, winning the last three contests. The Thunder’s home court advantage remains a formidable force as they continue their strong season campaign.

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Achieves Historic Five-Peat in Cesafi Basketball

The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles made history by becoming the first high school team to win five consecutive championships in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) basketball tournament. They clinched the title after a commanding 79-57 victory against the University of Cebu (UC) Junior Webmasters in Game Two of the best-of-three finals on the evening of December 12, 2025. Leading the Magis Eagles to victory was standout player Lian Kent Basa, who posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, earning him the Most Valuable Player award. Contributors to the team’s success included Gabriel Gonzales with 17 points and eight rebounds, Jhonrey Recio who added 15 points, and Jacob Steven Lacson, who recorded a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. Head Coach Rommel Rasmo expressed pride in the team’s remarkable achievement but emphasized the importance of celebrating the current championship before focusing on future plans. "Honestly, for next year we don’t have plans yet. We want to celebrate this Five-Peat championship first," Rasmo stated. The Magis Eagles' historic win not only highlights their dominance in Cesafi high school basketball but also cements their legacy as a powerhouse in the Cebu sports community.

Gilas Pilipinas Secures Spot in 2025 SEA Games Basketball Semifinals with Victory Over Vietnam

Gilas Pilipinas narrowly defeated Vietnam 78-67 on Monday at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, preserving their undefeated streak in the men’s basketball event of the 2025 SEA Games. Despite a slow start, the Filipino squad rallied late in the second quarter to gain momentum. Vietnam responded with a strong third-quarter push, putting the game in contention. However, Gilas Pilipinas managed to withstand the pressure by relying on critical baskets from Robert Bolick in the final quarter, securing the hard-fought victory. With this win, Gilas Pilipinas advances to the semifinals and positions themselves just two victories away from defending their SEA Games championship title.