'Linsanity' meets 'Kid Kulafu' at Wild Card Gym

LOS ANGELES – Manny Pacquiao received a visit from fellow Christian athlete Jeremy Lin of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

Pacquiao, coming off 12 rounds of sparring, had only words of praise for Lin, who was similarly complimentary of the "Pacman."

"I can relate in some ways, just being a Christian athlete, being an Asian athlete or just being in the spotlight," said Lin.

The two spoke about their Christian faith and life as two of L.A.'s most high-profile athletes, and even discussed another recent visitor – Tim Tebow, another athlete who is vocal about his faith.

"Tim Tebow is a strong guy," said Pacquiao.

"I'm not that close to him, but when I was in New York, I talked to him for a little bit," said Lin.

Of course, they also talked about basketball.

"It's cool to cross over to different sports and expand the game, whether it's coaching, playing or being in management and what he's done," said Lin.

"I've been able to follow and see that it's really cool, great for the country, great for the sport," he added.

While Los Angeles is a sports hubbub, it is also an entertainment capital, and Pacquiao was thrilled with the recent Philippine premiere of "Kid Kulafu," the Paul Soriano-helmed biopic about the boxer's early life.

"Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta at nanood ng 'Kid Kulafu.' 'Yan po ang story ni Manny Pacquiao before boxing, ang pangalan ko. Ako po si Kid Kulafu," said the "Pacman."

There's also been some Hollywood buzz that Pacquiao could appear in the next "Expendables" sequel.

On Monday, one of the stars of "Expendables 3," UFC champion Ronda Rousey, paid the boxer a visit.

"It would be amazing if he was on there. He'd probably beat every one up on there though. There would be no story, because Manny is just the end card," she said.

However, Pacquiao would rather leave the violence in the ring rather than portray it on screen.

"Depende, depende. Gusto ko naman ng Christian movies," he said.

The speculation could be traced back to Pacquiao's fight against Chris Algieri last year, when "Expandables 2" leading men Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone visited him in his locker room.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

NBA's Iverson planning return visit to PH

MANILA – SIxteen years after he first visited Manila, retired NBA player Allen Iverson is planning to visit the Philippines gain later this year.

Gary Moore, Iverson’s long-time manager, said they are currently negotiating with the Philippines’ Sports Network Management to finalize details for the former NBA scoring champion’s Manila visit.

Moore said Sports Network Management’s Sheryl Reyes has told to them that Iverson remains very popular in the Philippines.

“So he knows just how popular the sport has become there,” he said in a statement released to local sports media.

But Moore denied that Iverson, nicknamed “The Answer,” will be visiting Manila along with other former NBA superstars for a series of celebrity charity basketball events.

“It is my desire not to ever confuse the public. Allen will not be available in July and as his agent I have partnered with Sheryl Reyes and have complete confidence in her expertise as it relates to the market in the Philippines,” he said.

After a brief visit to Indonesia last October, Iverson expressed his wish to see more of Asia and the Philippines is next on his list.

He was the 1996 first-overall NBA draft pick and is best known for his playing years with the Philadephia 76ers.

After playing professionally for 15 years, he announced his retirement at the beginning of the 2013-14 NBA season.

source: ww.abs-cbnnews.com

Azkals' Etheridge suffers injury

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals' top goalkeeper Neil Etheridge suffered a leg injury while playing on loan for Crewe Alexandra FC at the English football League One.

The Filipino-British injured his quad muscle while making a final clearance against their opponents' attempt during their recent 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

“Neil has had a scan after suffering a strain in his quad muscle. He sustained it by making the final kick of the game,” team coach Steve Davis said in Crewe Alexandra’s official website.

Etheridge is officially with the English Premier League’s Fulham FC, which loaned him to Crewe Alexandra.

Davis rued Etheridge’s injury as the Fil-Brit keeper has showed some defensive might for Crewe Alexandra.

He hopes the keeper's injury heals soon.

“We are waiting for the scan results but if he has suffered that type of injury it could be 3-5 weeks maximum. We will know more today,” he said.

“We will have to see but if he is ruled and his loan deal had to come to a premature end then that would be a blow for us, because he was playing well and improving with every appearance.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Stellar defense by Clippers gives Rivers title hopes

LOS ANGELES - All season long, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers has been preaching his mantra that NBA championships can be won only with good defense and his new team finally came up with the goods for all four quarters.

The veteran coach struggled to keep a beaming smile off his face after the Clippers produced an all-round effort against a severely weakened Chicago Bulls lineup at Staples Center on Sunday, romping to a 121-82 victory that was the largest winning margin in franchise history.

The Bulls were always likely to struggle in the absence of their star player Derrick Rose, who is out for the season after injuring his right knee last Friday, and they were routed as six Los Angeles players scored in double-digits.

But it was the Clippers' stingy defense, superbly led by Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, that most excited Rivers, who took charge of the team in June after being acquired from the Boston Celtics in exchange for a future draft pick.

"I am just really happy," Rivers beamed as he spoke to reporters after the Pacific Division-leading Clippers improved to 10-5 for the season. "This is the most active our hands have been defensively.

"It was yesterday's game (against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday) in the first quarter for all four quarters. I thought our bench was wonderful in the first half, second too, but especially in the first half.

"Our bigs were in for the fight. They rebounded, even on makes they were able to get the ball out as quick as possible and move it up the floor. We scored a ton of points after they made shots within six seconds and when you can do that it really hurts the other team."

The Clippers out-rebounded the Bulls 44-39 in front of a capacity crowd of 19,245 with forward Griffin pulling in 12 and center Jordan seven. Los Angeles also came up with eight steals to Chicago's two.

"It was the perfect storm in some way because there was no Rose but I thought our defensive energy was fantastic," said Rivers. "We were sharp offensively, we were making shots and moving the ball."

Asked to assess the performance of Chicago, who were missing both Rose and Jimmy Butler (turf toe), Rivers replied: "I expected them to play great ... but we jumped on them so quickly that I thought it had to have a mental effect.

"If they would have come out early and played well, I would have thought the game would be tight all night, but we came out and played unbelievable."

ERRATIC DEFENSE

Rivers, one of only four active coaches to win an NBA title, has watched the Clippers perform erratically on defense this season, most notably at home against the Kings on Saturday when they eked out a 103-102 win

After defending brilliantly in the opening quarter, the Clippers faltered badly and had to rely on All-Star point guard Chris Paul to bail them out as he hit the go-ahead free throw with 2.5 seconds left to finish with a team-high 22 points.

"At some point we knew we weren't going to shoot the ball as well, but we've got to find a way to sustain our defense," Paul said. "We've got to put teams away and not keep being in all these dogfights.

"It was kind of fitting we won with a defensive stop because we've been trying to improve our defense. Hopefully it gives us some confidence."

For Rivers, the Clippers defense this season has been an improving work in progress.

"It's what's getting us our leads, but then we often break down," he said. "Early on we are scoring and getting stops, scoring and getting stops, and then it seems when we get that lead, we kind of break down in our focus.

"We have to be a better defensive team than we are, and we have to continue to play offense. I know our defense is going to come. You can see it in spurts. We are getting timely stops. We're going to get it."

Rivers spent nine NBA seasons in charge of Boston where he amassed a record of 416-305 in the regular season and 59-47 in the postseason, including an NBA championship in 2008

His Celtics defenses rarely missed their rotations, ranking near the top of the league in defensive field goal percentage and points allowed in each of his last five seasons.

Rivers credited big men Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins for underpinning that successful defense and has targeted Jordan, as the rim protector, and Griffin, as the post defender, to perform similar roles for the Clippers.

"We have to be a connected defensive team and those two guys in a lot of ways are our defensive captains," Rivers said.

(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes; Editing by Frank Pingue)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Roach wants rematches with Bradley, Marquez

MANILA, Philippines – Now that Manny Pacquiao has proven he can still compete at a high level with his beatdown of Brandon Rios, his trainer wants the “Pacman” to avenge the two losses that he incurred in 2012.

Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez in contrasting fashion last year.

In June 2012, he was stunned when Bradley was awarded a split decision victory in their fight, which he clearly won. But in December, Marquez landed a picture-perfect right hand with a second to go in the sixth round that knocked Pacquiao out cold.

Pacquiao bounced back by routing Rios in Macau last weekend in what was his first fight since losing to Marquez last year.

Following the victory, trainer Freddie Roach said that he hopes Pacquiao can avenge both losses.

“Personally, I want Marquez, but the thing is I can’t be sure if we can get him to fight us,” Roach said, as quoted by Boxing Scene, noting that the Mexican wants “a lot of money.”

Marquez has also been reluctant to commit to a fifth fight against Pacquiao, repeatedly saying he is satisfied with having gotten the last word in their rivalry.

Roach told RingTV that he feels it is unfair that Marquez is refusing to give Pacquiao a rematch, considering the history between the two fighters.

“I don’t like the way he gloats about how he finally beat Manny Pacquioa, and that he got robbed all those other times and stuff like that. He turned us down for a rematch, but we gave him three rematches,” Roach pointed out.

“I think he owes us one,” he added.

Bradley, who recently beat Marquez in their showdown to retain the WBO welterweight belt that he won off Pacquiao, is another option.

“Bradley is out there,” Roach said. “I think Bradley is someone that we have to avenge that loss, even though he won that fight so easily.”

Unlike Marquez, Bradley has made no secret of his desire to fight Pacquiao again, as he wants to prove that he deserved his June 2012 victory and is also keen to beat the “Pacman” in more decisive fashion.

Roach also said they still want to fight unbeaten American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao is tentatively scheduled to return on April 12, 2014, and his promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, said they have yet to discuss the return fight.

“We’ll talk to Manny, we’ll talk to Freddie, but I know we are tentatively scheduled for April 12, hopefully in the United States,” Arum said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Roach hides behind his illness, claims Ariza

MANILA, Philippines – Former Team Pacquiao member Alex Ariza took full responsibility for his role in the scuffle that occurred between trainer Freddie Roach and members of Brandon Rios’ team.

At the same time, he also accused the Hall-of-Fame trainer of hiding behind his illness.

Roach, the chief trainer of Manny Pacquiao who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, confronted Rios’ trainer, Robert Garcia, at a gym in Macau on Wednesday. The two wound up exchanging words, and Ariza eventually got involved.

A former strength and conditioning coach of Pacquiao, Ariza wound up kicking Roach in the chest and exchanging insults with him. The two were eventually separated, but Ariza was caught on video mocking Roach’s Parkinson’s and mimicking his stutter.

“I take responsibility for what I did 100%,” Ariza told Boxing Scene the next day. “I know what I said, and I know what I did. I can’t take it back. It was at the heat of the moment.”

Ariza reiterated what he had said in interviews following the incident – that he had acted in self-defense.

“I did what I did because he accosted me, he got close. I know Freddie Roach for six years, and I know he has a tendency to be aggressive. If he did it again, I’d do it again, too,” he said.

“There’s one thing that anger brings out, is the truth,” he added. “He (Roach) hides behind that whole Parkinson’s gig, not to demean Parkinson’s. He feels very threatened.”

“People gave me a lot of credit for Manny’s rise. It’s sad. It’s transparent. He’s at the end of the road, and this is his way of trying to hang on to what popularity he has,” Ariza said.

Roach fired Ariza from Team Pacquiao earlier this year, and the strength and conditioning trainer was subsequently hired by Garcia to work with Rios.

Pacquiao, who was not at the scene at the time of the altercation, called for calm when asked about the issue at a press conference.

“No trash-talking before the fight,” he said. “It’s not a good example for those who follow boxing.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Golden State Warriors to help in 'Yolanda' relief

MANILA, Philippines – The Golden State Warriors are helping in the relief efforts for the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) by hosting the first of two Filipino Heritage Nights at the Oracle Arena.

The Warriors, tied for first in the Pacific Division with a 6-3 win-loss record, are holding the first Filipino Heritage Night this season today, when they play the Utah Jazz at home.

The Warriors announced that they are selling a special edition Golden State shirt, which features the team’s logo surrounded by the sun from the Filipino flag, to help raise funds for the typhoon relief efforts.

The Filipino Heritage t-shirt is available at the Oracle Arena as well as at the team’s website. Ten percent of every purchase will support Doctors Without Borders, one of the organizations helping in the relief efforts.

The team also encouraged their fans to donate to Red Cross, which sent representatives to Oracle Arena as well.

It is the sixth consecutive season that the Warriors are celebrating Filipino Heritage Night. A second event will be held on March 7, 2014, in their game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers donated $150,000 to the Philippine Red Cross to help in the relief efforts. The Miami Heat has also pledged at least $1 million in aid, while the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association donated $250,000 to UNICEF and another $250,000 to World Vision.

Over 3,600 people were killed when Yolanda, one of the strongest typhoons to make landfall, slammed into central Philippines last week.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao can bounce back after KO loss, says Duran

MANILA – Another ring legend has bared his observations regarding the coming Manny Pacquiao-Brandon Rios fight.

Panama’s Roberto Duran, widely regarded as one of the best fighters of all time, said Pacquiao is capable of coming back and that Rios may be in trouble.

Duran said in an interview on Ring TV that the Filipino’s knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez may even make Pacquiao a difficult foe for Rios.

"Sure, he's embarrassed because of the Marquez loss, and because it happened in front of millions of people, and he feels that he needs to redeem himself. So Brandon needs to be very, very careful," said "Manos de Piedra" or Hands of Stone.

Just like Pacquiao, Duran suffered back-to-back losses to Marvin Hagler and Tommy Hearns in the 1980s.

Against Hearns, he fell flat on his face after getting clipped with a big right hand in the second round.

Years later, he was still able to win the WBC middleweight title by outscoring Iran Barkley.

"I was knocked out ... but I was able to come back and win the title, so by no means can you count out Manny Pacquiao,” said Duran.

He said in order for Rios to survive, the Mexican-American will have to give Pacquiao an intelligent fight.

“I just give Brandon Rios the advice to go in and attack and to not hesitate, because he can win if he just fights intelligently," said Duran.

Earlier, Duran's rival "Sugar" Ray Leonard said Pacquiao's knockout defeat could be a factor in the coming bout.

Leonard added that if Pacquiao loses to Rios, then it might be the end of the road for the fighting congressman.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Magnussen will sink or swim, says Button

AUSTIN, Texas - Kevin Magnussen will be thrown into the Formula One deep end when he replaces Sergio Perez at McLaren next season and it will be up to the young Dane whether he sinks or swims, future team mate Jenson Button said on Thursday.

"It's one of those positions where it could light up your career or put an end to your career very early if things don't go well," Button told reporters ahead of this weekend's U.S. Grand Prix.

"It's a massive risk to be put in the deep end, if you like, with a team that should be fighting for a title.

"But if a driver is willing to take that risk, he has a lot of confidence in himself and his ability.

"It could go one way or another and I hope it goes the positive way," said the 2009 world champion, who made his debut as a 20-year-old with Williams in 2000.

The 21-year-old Dane is the son of former McLaren and Stewart racer Jan Magnussen and will be the first rookie to make his F1 debut with McLaren since Britain's Lewis Hamilton in 2007.

He steps into the seat vacated by Mexican Perez amid high praise and even higher expectations.

If Magnussen has any doubts about what is expected of him then he need only consider the fate of Perez, a once highly touted prospect who has been jettisoned by the former champions after one disappointing season.

The Formula One starting grid is a shark tank and the 33-year-old Button, who has been in F1 the longest of the drivers currently in the sport, knows better than to get too attached to team mates.

Button said farewell to Hamilton, the 2008 champion, last year and will now be on his third different team mate at McLaren.

Good feedback

"It's always sad to see a team mate leave," said Button. "I have never really been that close to my team mates but still you spend a whole season with someone who goes through the same highs and lows that you do.

"It's the same as the end of last year. You build a relationship with a team mate, you learn a lot about each other, gain experience and then things change.

"It's a little bit tough initially but you learn to adapt as we all do in life."

Magnussen has shown all the signs of being a quick learner as well as quick on the track and Button is not about to become anyone's nursemaid.

"If he's willing to learn from the go and picking things up, I don't think so," said Button. "I'm sure he's going to learn from me, I've been in this sport for 13 years but you also learn things from young drivers.

"We've seen his speed in other Formulas and I think the team has been impressed with his speed in the test that he has done.

"The bit for me that is more important is feedback but I've heard his feedback is very good from those tests, which is good that I can believe and trust his feedback."

After a brutally disappointing campaign that has seen McLaren finish no higher than fifth in 17 races so far, the team will be looking for a big bounce back next season when there are major changes and a new V6 engine.

"I've said all year that it's important to have a team mate, especially with the new regulations, that has experience," said Button.

"Kevin doesn't have that but his outright speed is very good and the bit that is more important to me is, from the testing he has done in a Formula One car, his feedback has been very good which has to be very important at the start of the year." (Editing by Alan Baldwin)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lakers beat Pelicans to snap 2-game losing streak

Lakers 116, Pelicans 95

Los Angeles power forward Jordan Hill scored a career-best 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, sparking the Lakers to a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni said before the game Hill would start because of his energy. Hill used his frequent bursts of activity and boosted the Lakers on a second-quarter spurt that allowed them to take a double-digit lead and cruise.

The Lakers (4-5) snapped a two-game losing streak and avenged last Friday's setback to the Pelicans (3-5), who lost their second in a row.

Guard Nick Young scored 17 points and guard Xavier Henry added 15.

- - -

Mavericks 105, Wizards 95

Forward Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 points to pass Jerry West on the NBA's all-time scoring list while pushing his Dallas Mavericks to a victory over the Washington Wizards.

Dallas (5-3) overcame an early nine-point deficit and controlled the game throughout the final three quarters.

Vince Carter scored 16 points and center Samuel Dalembert scored 13 of his season-high 15 points in the first half.

Nowitzki passed West (25,192 points in 932 games) for 16th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list late in the third quarter after draining two 3-pointers.

Nowitzki will soon be bearing down on Indiana Pacers great Reggie Miller (25,279) for 15th place.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Donaire suffered injury in Darchinyan fight

MANILA, Philippines – Former world champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire suffered an injury during his 10-round featherweight showdown against Armenian Vic “The Raging Bull” Darchinyan yesterday in Texas.

Donaire overcame a sluggish start and eventually knocked out Darchinyan in the ninth round – but not before contemplating giving up sometime in the middle of the fight.

“When he hit me in the cheek, I felt like he broke my cheek. Part of my mind was like, ‘Is this it for me? I’m losing the fight. Should I keep going?’” Donaire said. “But I put my heart into it, and you know what, I will never ever quit.”

Donaire revealed to "Umagang Kay Ganda" on Monday that he had sustained an orbital fracture in the fifth round.

“Na-injure kasi ako sa fight, sa fifth round. Natamaan ako sa cheek. Orbital fracture ang sabi ng doctor,” explained Donaire.

But Donaire said he drew strength and inspiration from his fellow Filipinos, thousands of whom are dealing with the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

“Parang ang sakit kasi sa mukha. Lumabas sa isipan ko na baka, ‘okay na lang, okay na lang.’ Pero sabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko pwedeng magawa talaga na sumuko,” he said.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko na, ‘I have to do this.’ Hindi lang ito sa sarili ko. Wala ito kumpara sa lahat ng nangyari d’yan,” he added.

Donaire was trailing on two of the judges’ scorecards at the time of the stoppage.

He plans to rest for a while but will fly to the Philippines if given a medical clearance.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Grizzlies, Clippers beat conference rivals

Grizzlies 108, Warriors 90

The Memphis Grizzlies returned to their dominating post play and beat the Golden State Warriors 108-90.

Power forward Zach Randolph led the way with 23 points and 11 rebounds as all five Grizzlies starters and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Mike Miller scored in double-figures.

Point guard Mike Conley scored 20 with six assists, center Marc Gasol scored 18, Miller had 15, shooting guard Tony Allen had 12, and small forward Tayshaun Prince 10.

The Warriors (4-3) have not defeated the Grizzlies (3-3) in three years.

- - -

Clippers 107, Rockets 94




After closing the third quarter with a tip-in at the buzzer and opening the fourth with a three-point play, Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford drilled a pair of three-pointers down the stretch of a 107-94 win over the Houston Rockets.

Crawford finished with 16 points off the bench to lift the Clippers (4-3) and complement strong efforts from power forward Blake Griffin (22 points) and point guard Chris Paul (14 points and 13 assists).


Forward Chandler Parsons led the Rockets (4-3) with 23 points and eight rebounds while center Dwight Howard added 21 points and eight boards.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Green nails game-winner as Celtics stun Heat

Forward Jeff Green hit a buzzer-beating, fall-away three-pointer over LeBron James as the Boston Celtics stunned the Miami Heat 111-110.

Boston won their third game in a row after starting the season 0-4. Green, who scored 43 points in a loss to Miami last season, led the Celtics with 24 points.

James played through a sore back and finished two rebounds short of a triple-double, with 25 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.

- - -

Raptors 115, Jazz 91

Forward Tyler Hansbrough scored a season-best 23 points as the Toronto Raptors snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the winless Utah Jazz 115-91.

The Jazz have lost seven games in a row to open the season, the team's worst start since dropping the first 11 games of their inaugural season in 1974-75 in New Orleans.

The Raptors (3-4) also ended a seven-game home losing streak to the Jazz (0-7) with the victory.

- - -

Hawks 104, Magic 94

The Atlanta Hawks won their 11th straight game over the Orlando Magic, 104-94, behind a balanced attack that featured six players in double figures.

Forward Paul Milsap, one of eight new faces on the Hawks, led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

The Hawks overhauled their roster in the offseason and brought in longtime San Antonio Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer to help the franchise move up the ranks in the Eastern Conference. They are off to a 3-3 start.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Spurs outlast Warriors

Point guard Tony Parker had 18 points to push the San Antonio Spurs past the Golden State Warriors 76-74.

Parker was seven of 14 from the field with four assists. Forward Kawhi Leonard added 13 points, seven rebounds and four steals for San Antonio (5-1), which led the whole game.

Guard Toney Douglas came off the bench to lead the Warriors (4-2) with 21 points.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls could not secure a personal milestone for forward Luol Deng, but they did move past their early season struggles by pounding the winless Utah Jazz 97-73.

Deng's night ended with 19 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and five steals. He finished one assist short of his first career triple-double.

Timberwolves 116, Mavericks 108

Forward Kevin Martin scored 23 of his 32 points in the second half and forward Kevin Love provided the knockout punch as the Minnesota Timberwolves scored a 116-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

Martin had 12 fourth-quarter points for the Wolves (4-2) while the Mavericks dropped to 3-3, losing their second straight game.

Love, who had a double-double by halftime, had 32 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, coming two assists short of his first career triple-double.

Suns 114, Nuggets 103

Forward Markeiff Morris scored a career-high 28 points and added 10 rebounds and guard Eric Bledsoe had nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter as the Phoenix Suns blew an 18-point lead in the third quarter before rallying for a 114-103 win over the Denver Nuggets.

Guard Ty Lawson had 20 of his 29 points in the third quarter when the Nuggets outscored the Suns 40-20 and used a 36-7 run to turn the game around.

But the Suns, who scored a season-high 64 points in the first half, finished with a 30-point fourth quarter to move to 3-0 at home this season.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Wade sizzles as Heat melt Clippers

Miami guard Dwyane Wade scored 29 points to lead the Heat to a 102-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Arena.

The Heat trailed throughout the first half before taking control in the third quarter, mostly on the defensive end.

Wade made 13 of 22 shots and also had seven assists, although he did have a game-high seven turnovers.

Heat forward LeBron James had 18 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Miami (4-2) improved its home record this season to 3-0 while Los Angeles (3-3) have now lost three of its four road games this season.

The Clippers were led by forward Blake Griffin, who had 25 points and 14 rebounds. (Editing by Ben Everill)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

UFC star Gustafsson visits Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Rising UFC star Alexander Gustafsson, the only fighter who came close to beating light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, arrived on Philippine shores to meet Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) fans.

The towering Swedish fighter, nicknamed “The Mauler”, said he is excited to meet local fans during his open training at Trinoma this Sunday.

“It’s good to be here,” said Gustafsson during the press conference held at the ELJ Building inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

“I just arrived last night… I’m really excited. The Filipino people are very respectable and they have good knowledge of the sport.”

The 6’5” Gustafsson is coming off a bruising 5-round encounter with the once formidable Jones, who looked vulnerable under The Mauler’s attacks.

Gustafsson also earned the distinction of being the first fighter to score a takedown against Jones.

It was, however, Gustafsson's first five-rounder fight. The champion was still able to rally towards the end to fashion out a come-from-behind unanimous decision win over the Swede.

“Next time, I would probably do everything differently. I learned a lesson in that fight and I would change a lot of details,” he said of his loss.

“I know what to expect now, it was my first five-rounder.”

When asked if he would be willing to be featured in a UFC fight in the Philippines, he answered in the affirmative.

“Absolutely. I really love this place and it’s my first time in Asia, I’m having a good time so I would love to fight here,” said Gustaffson, who is scheduled to hold a boxing clinic on Saturday before going to his open training at Trinoma on Sunday.

Balls Channel Head Jojo Neri-Estacio said Gustafsson’s visit is part of their commitment to bring UFC closer to the fans.

They previously brought in UFC stars such as Brandon Vera, Mark Munoz, Chuck Liddell, BJ Penn and Georges St-Pierre.

“As you see, the experience of having the fighters here is the best way that we could reach out to the audience,” said Neri-Estacio.

“We continue to do everything we can to help build the [UFC] brand, build awareness.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Lakers pull off squeaker vs Rockets

Lakers guard Steve Blake buried a three-pointer with 1.3 seconds left to give Los Angeles a 99-98 win over the Houston Rockets.

Blake finished with 14 points as the Lakers (3-3) finished 16-for-35 from behind the arc but just five-for-24 in the second half. Guard Jodie Meeks added 18 points and forward Wesley Johnson 16 for the Lakers.

Guard James Harden paced the Rockets (4-2) with 35 points and added nine rebounds, but he missed a step-back jumper with 12.9 seconds left that would have bumped the Houston lead to four points.

Meanwhile, Guard Ty Lawson had 23 points and eight assists and the Denver Nuggets rallied in the final four minutes before holding on to beat the Atlanta Hawks 109-107.

Guard Nate Robinson scored 15 points, including a free throw with 7.5 seconds left, for the Nuggets (1-3), who had six players score in double figures in coach Brian Shaw's first win.

Forward Paul Millsap led Atlanta (2-3) with 29 points and 10 rebounds and forward Al Horford added 21 points. Both missed jumpers in the final seconds that would have sent the game into overtime.

- - - (Editing by Ben Everill)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pacquiao finds MMA 'too dangerous, brutal'

MANILA, Philippines – Former world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is not a very big fan of mixed martial arts (MMA) as he believes it is too brutal.

Pacquiao made the statement in an interview with Time Out Hong Kong, when asked if he was a fan of MMA.

“MMA? No! Only boxing!” said Pacquiao, who laughed after answering. “For me, MMA is good, but I think it’s too dangerous for people, because for me it’s too brutal.”

The Filipino holds nothing against people who watch MMA, however. “Some people like boxing, some people like MMA,” he conceded.

Pacquiao is hoping to boost boxing’s profile in Asia as he is set to fight American Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios on November 24 in Macau, in a bout billed “The Clash in Cotai.”

“It’s good to market boxing in China, because China has a 1.4 billion population. And also, not in China but in the whole of Asia, so it’s not far for people to travel and watch it live,” he said.

Pacquiao expressed his hopes that Macau can become the boxing capital in Asia, just like Las Vegas.

“I believe if we continue this promotion in Macau, it will be like Vegas or more,” he said.

Macau hosted a major fight card for the first time in April, when Chinese Olympian Zou Shiming made his professional debut at the Venetian.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Heat reaping benefits from Birdman's redemption

TORONTO - It is hard for a reserve player to stand out alongside freakishly tall and more talented athletes, but Chris Andersen, the Miami Heat's heavily-tattooed and mohawked big man, is doing just that on the NBA's best team.

Despite having much higher-profile teammates like four-time league most valuable player LeBron James and nine-time All-Star Dwyane Wade, eyes are often locked on Andersen when he steps onto the court with his rock-star looks.

But the brightly colored tattoos that cover his arms, chest, neck, back, hands and legs along with his signature game-time hairdo are not all Andersen brings to the Heat.

"He's brought a lot of energy to the team, something that we needed, somebody that could bring a spark off the bench," Heat point guard Mario Chalmers said before Miami's 104-95 road win against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.

"A great finisher around the rim and an excellent shot blocker. Birdman is constant energy."

Andersen earned the Birdman nickname for his tenacious playing style, which often finds the 6-foot-10 forward flying through the lane to block shots and leaping to the basket for ferocious slam dunks.

He has even embraced his bird-like persona by tattooing a series of feathers across his back and performing a celebratory arm flap after a good play.

But the radical look pales in comparison to the unlikely path Andersen, 35, took before earning a place on the Heat's roster midway through the 2012-13 season, which culminated with a win over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

Andersen's career included stints in the NBA's Development League and China before finally breaking into the league with the Denver Nuggets in 2001. He joined the New Orleans Hornets in 2004 but his career fell apart when he received a two-year ban for violating the NBA's drug policy in 2006.

He made a case for reinstatement and mounted a successful comeback in 2008, playing briefly with New Orleans before signing with Denver.

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But Andersen's career was put in jeopardy again when Denver excused him from all team-related activities late in the 2011-12 season when he became the center of an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children unit.

He was cut soon after but the 15-month ordeal that nearly cost him his career came to an end two months ago when it was revealed that not only was Andersen not guilty of a crime, but he was the victim of a complex Internet catfishing scheme.

Andersen ended up being out of work for about six months until the Heat signed him to consecutive 10-day contracts last January before signing him for the remainder of the season.

He quickly became a fan favorite in Miami and his performance last season earned him a one-year contract with the Heat, who consider him a key player in their bid to capture a third consecutive NBA championship.

"We are ecstatic that Chris Andersen has decided to stay with the Miami Heat," Pat Riley, the team's president, said after Andersen's contract was announced in July. "We would not have won the championship without him and we are looking forward to him having an even better season next year."

The Heat went 39-3 during the 2012-13 regular season in games in which Andersen appeared, a .929 winning percentage that is the highest by any player in NBA history appearing in at least 40 games during a single season.

"The Birdman is always ready to go," said Heat forward Shane Battier. "And for a team that's not the highest energy team he brings something that we were missing."

Andersen averaged 4.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season and, after a vigorous off-season workout regimen, arrived at training camp 10 pounds lighter.

Through the first five games of the 2013-14 NBA season, he is averaging about 4.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in under 16 minutes per game.

While his playing time pales in comparison to the team's starters the energy he delivers is exactly what the team was looking for when they took a chance on him.

"His energy, his defense, that's why we recruited him so hard. He fits the fabric of who we are, defensive minded first. Covers a lot of ground, he's got great athleticism," said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.

"He fits the mold of all our centers ... and we like those type of defensive minded players."

(Editing by Gene Cherry)

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Analysts hope to see more from Donaire

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing analysts believe the best is yet to come for four-division former world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. who is due to collide with heavy-hitting Armenian Vic Darchinyan this weekend.

According to ESPN’s boxing analyst Kieran Mulvaney, Donaire may have lost a bit of his focus heading to the Guillermo Rigondeaux fight last April, which cost him his WBO super bantamweight crown.

“He's taken his eyes off the prize a little bit I think... he hadn't focus on the nuts and bolts of what made him successful, he had to go in whether he still wanted to do this,’ said Mulvaney in ESPN.com.

The analyst said fans will probably see a more eager, more focused Donaire against Darchinyan after the loss to Rigondeaux.

“I think we'd probably see him rededicated,” said Mulvaney, who described the Filipino Flash as a “very skillful fighter.”

“Assuming he's rededicated, i think we'd see a good couple of years of high quality boxing from Nonito Donaire.”

For his part, ESPN analyst Brian Campbell sees the Darchinyan fight as a get-well bout for Donaire, who suffered a slight dip in his career after his loss to Rigondeaux and a six-month hiatus from the fight game.

“He's coming into a rematch with Darchinyan, the guy he knocked out in their first meeting many years ago in 2007. What he's looking to do here is getting his name back out there,” said Campbell.

Although the bout is a rematch, Campbell sees Donaire wanting to prove himself again.

“For him, he's not taking [Darchinyan] lightly,” said the analyst. “He really thinks that Darchinyan coming here at age 37 is going to be motivated for the biggest fight of his life, last stand if you will to come out and get revenge against Donaire.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com