Sports

National University standout Jake Figueroa confirmed after his final UAAP game that he wants to pursue a professional basketball career overseas, although he has yet to receive formal offers. Speaking at the Mall of Asia Arena following NU’s Final Four loss to La Salle, Figueroa said he will consult his family and representatives while training for potential international opportunities. The former Bulldogs forward remains open to joining local professional leagues if overseas options do not materialize and plans to weigh playing time, role, and development in choosing his first pro team.

Calvin Abueva powered Titan Ultra to a 111-108 comeback win over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo City, erasing a double-digit deficit with a late go-ahead basket and a crucial block on Jerrick Ahanmisi that preserved the victory and kept Titan Ultra in contention for a quarterfinal berth. The tightly fought game featured multiple lead changes in the fourth quarter, key defensive adjustments, and pressured final possessions as Terrafirma missed potential tying shots in the closing seconds, tightening the race for remaining playoff spots.

Hundreds of soccer fans in Houston gathered at a public viewing event to watch the FIFA World Cup draw and learn which national teams could play in the city next summer. Organizers confirmed that Houston will host seven matches and provided details about potential team assignments, stadium operations, and local preparations.

Kevin Durant scored 28 points in Houston to become the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points, but the Phoenix Suns fell to the Houston Rockets, 117-98, on Friday night. The game marked Durant’s first matchup against his former team since a recent seven-team trade involving Jalen Green and multiple assets reshaped both rosters. Houston used balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and tight perimeter defense to control the contest, while Phoenix relied on Durant’s efficient shooting in the loss.

LeBron James and Luka Doncic missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Boston Celtics on Friday night at TD Garden, where Boston posted a 126-105 win. Austin Reaves scored 36 points with eight assists for the Lakers, while Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 30 points. Former Celtics guard Marcus Smart also did not play. The loss halted the Lakers’ strong recent run of eight wins in nine games, as both teams adjusted lineups to cover key absences in this regular-season NBA matchup.

Gilas Pilipinas Women added Sophia Dignadice, daughter of PBA legend Yves Dignadice, to its pool for the women’s 5-on-5 basketball competition at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in 2025. The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed her inclusion as part of preparations to regain the SEA Games gold medal. Coaches will finalize the lineup after training camps, tune-up games, and evaluations of Dignadice and returning veterans before submitting the official roster to SEA Games organizers.

The Philippine women’s football team, led by captain Hali Long and key players Olivia McDaniel, Sara Eggesvik, Angela Beard, Meryll Serrano and Jaclyn Sawicki, will seek a return to the medal podium at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in 2025. The Filipinas will compete in the SEA Games women’s football tournament against regional rivals, with organizers scheduling group and knockout stages to decide the podium. Philippine football officials confirmed the core lineup, coordinated logistics with Thai organizers and set training plans to prepare the squad for the regional multisport event.

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom has been named the American League Comeback Player of the Year, MLB announced Tuesday night during the MLB Awards show on MLB Network.

Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo has confirmed her return to the Southeast Asian Games, her first appearance since 2022, and vowed to do what she always does: give her best for the Philippines.