PBA: Bay Area's Nicholson a concern for Ginebra | ABS-CBN
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PBA: Bay Area's Nicholson a concern for Ginebra
PBA: Bay Area's Nicholson a concern for Ginebra
ABS-CBN News
Published Dec 23, 2022 04:37 PM PHT
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MANILA -- Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted his coaching staff will need to do something about Bay Area's Andrew Nicholson.
MANILA -- Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted his coaching staff will need to do something about Bay Area's Andrew Nicholson.
Nicholson played a big part in dethroning San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semis, firing 44 points in the series-sealing Game 4.
Nicholson played a big part in dethroning San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semis, firing 44 points in the series-sealing Game 4.
His versatility on offense is something Cone and his wards will have to address when they meet head on in Game 1 of the finals on Christmas Day.
His versatility on offense is something Cone and his wards will have to address when they meet head on in Game 1 of the finals on Christmas Day.
"We are keeping an eye out on Andrew Nicholson because he is an incredibly versatile player," Cone said in an interview with CNN Philippines Sports Desk.
"We are keeping an eye out on Andrew Nicholson because he is an incredibly versatile player," Cone said in an interview with CNN Philippines Sports Desk.
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Nicholson used to play for Orlando Magic in the NBA as the backup for Dwight Howard.
Nicholson used to play for Orlando Magic in the NBA as the backup for Dwight Howard.
Ginebra won its ticket to the finals by closing out Magnolia in Game 4 in the other semifinal pairing.
Ginebra won its ticket to the finals by closing out Magnolia in Game 4 in the other semifinal pairing.
The finals will be a best-of-7 with the Dragons having the chance to become the first foreign squad to cop a PBA title since Nicholas Stoodley in 1980.
The finals will be a best-of-7 with the Dragons having the chance to become the first foreign squad to cop a PBA title since Nicholas Stoodley in 1980.
Cone reminded fans that the PBA series is not just a title fight.
Cone reminded fans that the PBA series is not just a title fight.
"It’s not just about Ginebra vs. Bay Area. It’s about the PBA against a foreign team," he said.
"It’s not just about Ginebra vs. Bay Area. It’s about the PBA against a foreign team," he said.
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UAAP: Raheem makes statement debut as UP outlasts UE in five-set thriller
UAAP: Raheem makes statement debut as UP outlasts UE in five-set thriller
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 15, 2025 12:39 PM PHT
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The UP Fighting Maroons in The UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Olayemi Raheem made a statement in his UAAP debut for the University of the Philippines.
![The UP Fighting Maroons in The UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.The UP Fighting Maroons in The UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.](https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739593599812IMG_6241.jpeg)
The Nigerian standout led the UP Fighting Maroons to a hard-fought 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 victory over University of the East in the Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament opener, Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Nigerian standout led the UP Fighting Maroons to a hard-fought 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 victory over University of the East in the Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament opener, Saturday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The 20-year-old wing spiker posted 25 points on 24 attacks and a block, and he was also pivotal in State U’s 9-3 charge to turn a 13-9 deficit into an 18-16 victory in the deciding frame.
The 20-year-old wing spiker posted 25 points on 24 attacks and a block, and he was also pivotal in State U’s 9-3 charge to turn a 13-9 deficit into an 18-16 victory in the deciding frame.
"For me, it’s kind of like a new experience — having a lot of people, drums, and everything — but I focused on our preparations for the game. The mindset of having to win before going into the game, I was only focused on that and winning. I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role," Raheem said.
"For me, it’s kind of like a new experience — having a lot of people, drums, and everything — but I focused on our preparations for the game. The mindset of having to win before going into the game, I was only focused on that and winning. I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role," Raheem said.
After dominating the fourth, 25-16, to force a fifth and final set, the Fighting Maroons stumbled into an early 7-3 hole, powered by UE’s second-year outside hitter Steven Aligayon.
After dominating the fourth, 25-16, to force a fifth and final set, the Fighting Maroons stumbled into an early 7-3 hole, powered by UE’s second-year outside hitter Steven Aligayon.
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Still down 13-9 in the final frame, Raheem sparked UP’s resurgence with four crucial hits, pushing them to a slim 14-13 lead. The Red Warriors fought to extend the match, but costly errors in the closing moments, combined with Raheem’s relentless attacks, allowed the Fighting Maroons to snatch the win.
Still down 13-9 in the final frame, Raheem sparked UP’s resurgence with four crucial hits, pushing them to a slim 14-13 lead. The Red Warriors fought to extend the match, but costly errors in the closing moments, combined with Raheem’s relentless attacks, allowed the Fighting Maroons to snatch the win.
UE earlier gained control by escaping with a 26-24 third-set victory after trading the first two frames. However, that would be the last set the Red Warriors would win as UP dominated the fourth to send the game to a deciding set.
UE earlier gained control by escaping with a 26-24 third-set victory after trading the first two frames. However, that would be the last set the Red Warriors would win as UP dominated the fourth to send the game to a deciding set.
“It was a very exciting game for us. It was quite a learning experience because half of the team is new to this type of environment ‘eh. We kind of expected that this would happen and that the performance would not go as planned, but the fact that they managed through the emotions, challenges, and issues, that was one of our best games so far as a team,” UP head coach Carlo Cabatingan said.
“It was a very exciting game for us. It was quite a learning experience because half of the team is new to this type of environment ‘eh. We kind of expected that this would happen and that the performance would not go as planned, but the fact that they managed through the emotions, challenges, and issues, that was one of our best games so far as a team,” UP head coach Carlo Cabatingan said.
Cabatingan also marked his debut as head coach with a victory, taking over from Vip Isada, who led UP to a 2-12 finish in Season 86.
Cabatingan also marked his debut as head coach with a victory, taking over from Vip Isada, who led UP to a 2-12 finish in Season 86.
The Fighting Maroons capitalized on their strong net defense, tallying 15 blocks compared to UE’s eight.
The Fighting Maroons capitalized on their strong net defense, tallying 15 blocks compared to UE’s eight.
Raheem received ample support from Daniel Nicolas, who registered 14 points, including 11 attacks. Angelo Lagando and Tommy Castrodes chipped in seven points each.
Raheem received ample support from Daniel Nicolas, who registered 14 points, including 11 attacks. Angelo Lagando and Tommy Castrodes chipped in seven points each.
Clarence Santiago orchestrated UP’s offense with 15 excellent sets and contributed three points, while Castrodes anchored the defense with 13 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Clarence Santiago orchestrated UP’s offense with 15 excellent sets and contributed three points, while Castrodes anchored the defense with 13 excellent receptions and seven digs.
UP will be tested when they face powerhouse Far Eastern University on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
UP will be tested when they face powerhouse Far Eastern University on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
On the other hand, Roy Piojo’s collegiate debut was equally impressive, albeit in a losing effort, as he tallied 22 points, all from attacks.
On the other hand, Roy Piojo’s collegiate debut was equally impressive, albeit in a losing effort, as he tallied 22 points, all from attacks.
Aligayon finished with 17 points, comprising 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Xjhann Camaymayan added 12 points, including two blocks.
Aligayon finished with 17 points, comprising 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Xjhann Camaymayan added 12 points, including two blocks.
UE will aim for its first win when it faces the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the same San Juan arena.
UE will aim for its first win when it faces the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the same San Juan arena.
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