PBA: Bay Area's Nicholson a concern for Ginebra | ABS-CBN

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

PBA: Bay Area's Nicholson a concern for Ginebra

PBA: Bay Area's Nicholson a concern for Ginebra

ABS-CBN News

Clipboard

Bay Area
Bay Area's Andrew Nicholson. PBA Images

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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

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.

"It’s not just about Ginebra vs. Bay Area. It’s about the PBA against a foreign team," he said.

RELATED VIDEO

Watch more News on iWantTFC

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Clipboard

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.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 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.

"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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.