THROWBACK: 14 years ago, Kobe Bryant sizzled for 81 points | ABS-CBN

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THROWBACK: 14 years ago, Kobe Bryant sizzled for 81 points

THROWBACK: 14 years ago, Kobe Bryant sizzled for 81 points

ABS-CBN News

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Overall, Bryant made 28 of 46 from the field, including 7 of 13 from downtown, and 18-of-20 free throws, en route to 81 points on January 22, 2006. Lisa Blumenfield, Getty Images North America/AFP/file

It remains to this day the closest thing to the 100-point game.

On January 22, 2006, Kobe Bryant lit up the Toronto Raptors for 81 points at Staples Center in one of the most unforgettable games in the Los Angeles Laker legend's storied career.

"Not even in my dreams," Bryant said in an interview on NBA.com. "That was something that just happened. It's tough to explain. It's just one of those things."

After a ho-hum first half where he scored 26, Bryant torched the net for 27 points in the third quarter and 28 in the fourth, helping the Lakers surmount an 18-point deficit to beat the Raptors 122-104.

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Bryant's feat — accomplished at a nondescript point of the NBA regular season — was so compelling that it overshadowed the NFL conference championship games on that day.

"We were just watching him shoot," said Chris Bosh, a Raptor then.

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According to the NBA.com story, Phil Jackson, the Lakers head coach at the time, had planned to sit Bryant when he scored 77 points and the Lakers were well on its way to victory.

Wilt Chamberlain's 78 points was the second highest single-game scoring output at that point.

"Jackson reconsidered (pulling Bryant) after discussing it with Lakers assistant coach Frank Hamblen who told him, 'There would be a riot'," the story said.

Overall, Bryant made 28 of 46 from the field, including 7 of 13 from downtown, and 18-of-20 free throws.

Devin Booker is the only active player to come close to Bryant's production, after the Phoenix Suns guard tallied 70 in March 2017.

"That was something to behold. It was another level," Jackson said of the 81-point game. "I've seen some remarkable games, but I've never seen one like that before."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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UAAP: Shai Nitura, Adamson brace for La Salle test

UAAP: Shai Nitura, Adamson brace for La Salle test

ABS-CBN News

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Adamson rookie Shaina Nitura during their game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP MediaAdamson rookie Shaina Nitura during their game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media

MANILA -- After a historic debut in the seniors division, Adamson rookie Shai Nitura will be up for a major test when the Lady Falcons take on De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament.

First serve is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, with Adamson seeking to join defending champion National University and the University of the Philippines at the top of the standings.

All eyes will be on Nitura, a former high school Most Valuable Player who dropped 33 points in her very first game at the collegiate level.

Nitura not only became the league's new record holder in scoring among rookies but also matched Adamson's mark set by Angela Benting in 2009 in a come-from-behind 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12 victory over Ateneo last Sunday.

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"I am grateful kasi grabe yung talent ng mga batang ito," said Lady Falcons coach JP Yude on Nitura. "Kahit na maraming nawala last year, ngayon, may pupuno rin naman sa mga nawala last year."

Aside from Nitura, Adamson drew huge games from Nigeria's Frances Mordi and setter Fhei Sagaysay, making a good impression in their collegiate debut.

"And what we’ll say as the years go by, maging better pa sila and maging best pa sila sa kanilang tatahakin. I am really grateful talaga sa mga bata ito, grabe yung mga talent na meron sila. Hindi lang talent, kundi on how they respond every time to each challenge and situation," said Yude.

They will be up against a La Salle team that is raring to bounce back from a rare opening day loss. The Lady Spikers' 10-match winning streak on opening day ended after the Lady Spikers were swept by the Lady Bulldogs, 23-25, 21-25, 18-25, also last Sunday.

Coach Ramil de Jesus, who has never experienced a 0-2 start in his decorated 28-year career with De La Salle, is looking forward for his troops to respond from the season-opening defeat.

The Lady Spikers lost key players Thea Gagate, Julia Coronel, and Maica Larroza who have all turned pro, leaving Shevana Laput, Angel Canino, and Amie Provido to take the cudgels to carry the tradition.

"Siguro wake up call sa kanila. Lahat naman kapag bagong team, kapag bagong generation mataas 'yung expectations sa La Salle pa lagi eh. Dahil nandoon 'yung may Shevannah Laput ka, may Angel Canino, so mataas 'yung expectations," De Jesus said.

La Salle's Angel Canino during their game against National University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP MediaLa Salle's Angel Canino during their game against National University in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament, February 16, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media

The key for the Lady Spikers on how Jules Tolentino, who became the starting playmaker, will come out with a better performance.

"Pero syempre 'yung tibay naman ng team, lalo 'yung spikers, nasa setter 'yun eh. Siya 'yung driver kasi ng team, so kung medyo rookie 'yung team mo, medyo shaky 'yung team, dapat talaga bigyan mo ng mahabang oras 'yung setter mo," De Jesus said.

University of Santo Tomas and University of the East seek to rebound from their opening-day defeats in the other women's match at 11 a.m.

In the men's division, all four teams that dropped their season openers will see action. The Golden Spikers play the Red Warriors at 9 a.m., while the Green Spikers take on the Falcons at 3 p.m.

UE interim coach Allan Mendoza liked what he saw of his Lady Warriors after giving the Fighting Maroons fits before falling short of a reverse sweep, 18-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-13, 13-15, in the opener.

"Sabi ko nga sa kanila, sobra sobra yung ginawa nila. It is more than what I expected sa ilalaro nila. We’re very happy kasi despite what happened to us in the past few months and weeks, hindi kami naging down. Mas naging motivated kami," said Mendoza.

Khy Cepada, Van Bangayan, Riza Nogales, Tin Ecalla, and libero Ange Reyes left everything on the floor for UE on opening day as it tried to pick up the pieces from the abrupt departure of Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero and Kizzie Madriaga.

UST, last season's runner-up, opened its campaign with a 19-25, 25-16, 14-25, 20-25 defeat to Far Eastern University on opening day.

Still reeling from the loss of Jonna Perdido and Xyza Gula, the Tigresses hope to regroup right away behind Angge Poyos, Reg Jurado, Cassie Carballo, and libero Detdet Pepito. Rookie Marga Altea showed promise for UST as its starring middle blocker.

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