HERE are the top sports news from Wednesday.
Sports news December 7
Ginebra vs NorthPort Game 1
Barangay Ginebra mainained its strong push that started near the end of the eliminations, rolling to a 118-102 victory over NorthPort in Game One of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at the Philsports Arena.
Justin Brownlee and Stanley Pringle sparked a third-quarter breakaway as the Gin Kings notched a third straight win to move on the verge of sweeping the best-of-three series and reaching the semifinals against the winner of the Magnolia-Phoenix matchup.
The Gin Kings’ coaching staff also unveiled a new look – trading their long-sleeve polos and neckties for simpler black polo shirts.
Coach Tim Cone explained why.
Jorge Gallent on Leo Austria update
San Miguel sustained its success under acting head coach Jorge Gallent, coasting to a 114-96 win over Converge in the opener of their own Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal pairing.
The Beermen stayed undefeated in five games with Gallent calling the shots in place of head coach Leo Austria, who has yet to show up since he was placed under the league’s health protocols last November 21.
Asked about Austria, Gallent said the multi-titled head coach is still “recovering” and gave a vague answer on his exact return.
“We wish him all the best. When he is ready to come, me, coach Peter [Martin, and coach Ato [Agustin], we are just here filling the spot. When he is ready, we will see,” Gallent said.
Jerom Lastimosa in Gilas?
Adamson coach Nash Racela batted for the inclusion of Jerom Lastimosa in the Gilas Pilipinas pool that’s preparing for the Fiba World Cup next year.
Racela made the pitch after the Falcons’ UAAP men’s basketball season came to an end following their 81-60 loss to top seed Ateneo in the Final Four.
"I've always read that he's the best point guard in college basketball. If he really is the best one, why is he not part of the pool of Gilas?" Racela said.
"They'll be surprised, actually. Pag ininvite nila, baka magulat sila."
Lastimosa, though, could only come up with 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting in the semifinal just days after leading the Falcons to a do-or-die win over La Salle to catch the last bus to the Final Four.
Gilas, which has a 5-3 record in Group E of the World Cup qualifiers, is looking to defend its homecourt at the Philippine Arena against Lebanon on Feb. 24 and Jordan on Feb. 27 next year.