Latest PBA News and updates

The Philippines’ popular basketball association, the PBA, is currently hosting the Commissioner’s Cup for the 2020-24 season and entering the playoffs. The Commissioner’s Cup started on November 5, 2023 and has ended.

This blog will cover the key and latest PBA news making headlines today, with exciting announcements discussed below.

Cliff Hodge is set to miss the match against Meralco

Meralco is ready to face Phoenix, whether forward Cliff Hodge is available or not. The 35-year-old suffered an ankle sprain during the Bolts’ 116-107 triple overtime win against Phoenix in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Even though the 63-minute game did not end, Meralco is gearing up for Sunday’s winner-take-all match at the Mall of Asia Arena. Coach Trillo seems unfazed by the absence of their key forward and urges the other players to do well to get the victory against Meralco.

“We have to be ready with or without Cliff Hodge,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.

“I’m just saying if Cliff can’t go, we have other guys. I have faith in Kyle (Pascual), Raymund (Almazan) and those other guys, too. We are ready.”

Meralco will face Magnolia in the first Semi-Final of the Commissioner’s Cup

According to the Latest PBA News, Meralco overcame Phoenix Super LPG in a thrilling 116-107 triple-overtime win. In doing so, they have booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2023-24 Commissioner Cup and are set to face the Magnolia Hotshots for a spot in the Finals. Bong Quinto was brilliant in the match and scored 14 of his 19 points in overtime, leading the Bolts on a decisive 10-0 run. Despite Cliff Hodge’s early exit due to an ankle sprain, Meralco didn’t hold back and the balanced contributions of Miller, Maliksi, and Newsome led them to the line.

Phoenix’s Williams put up an impressive 24 points and 24 rebounds but missed free throws cost them. The series is now heading to a deciding game, and fans around the world are excited for the Semi-final showdowns of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Magnolia cemented its spot in the Semis

Magnolia pulled off a dominant 109-94 win over TNT and claimed first place in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Last 4. The Hotshots were good on the court with a 9-0 run in the third and a 14-3 surge in the fourth, they ensured the last place. Tyler Bey led the way with 41 points, and he was backed by balanced efforts from Barroca, Abueva, and Sangalang.

Despite strong opposition from TNT’s Hollis-Jefferson, Magnolia’s team play and Bey’s dominant play proved decisive for the Magnolia Hotshots. Magnolia will enter the semis, and they will look for the winner of Meralco vs. Phoenix to face them in the semi Final of the ongoing Commissioner Cup 2023-24

Magnolia and Phoenix advance to Commissioner Cup Quarter-Finals

Magnolia Chicken Timplados and Phoenix Super LPG are gearing up for the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and hoping for a semifinal spot. The top-seeded Hotshots with a 9-2 record will face TNT at 8 p.m., On the other hand, the fourth-placed Fuel Masters with an 8-3 standing will take on Meralco at 4 p.m.

The Magnolia Hotshots are looking for their fifth semifinal appearance in six conferences, while Phoenix is eyeing its first since 2020. Both teams will be looking at tough challenges, with Magnolia having to face new TNT import Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson and TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa acknowledging the Hotshots’ formidable status as No. 1 team of the season.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson not allowed to watch game after heated argument with Rain or Shine Coach

In the Latest PBA News, TNT Fans are wondering why Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was absent when TNT secured the last playoff berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, following the directive of the PBA Commissioner’s Office. The decision to not allow Rondae to watch the game was made after he exchanged some words and got into a heated argument with Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

However, there were speculations that Rondae was banned by the PBA Committee, but TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa clarified that Hollis-Jefferson was not banned but was advised not to attend the game as part of the league’s sanctions. The incident occurred during a heated match in which Hollis-Jefferson had a verbal spat with game officials. However, the player was fined P20,000 and game absence, while Guiao was fined P10,000.

Rookie Kim Aurin claimed Player of the Week

TNT rookie Kim Aurin, who finally earned a spot in the starting lineup, now earns the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week. The 26-year-old, who was selected in the third round of the draft, showed his worth as he contributed 18 points in TNT’s crucial 116-96 win over Phoenix. Aurin, who used to be with Barangay Ginebra’s 3×3 team, joined TNT after becoming a free agent.

Coach Jojo Lastimosa praised Aurin’s performance, and indicated that Kim deserves more playing time and will get his fair share.

“I think he deserves all the minutes he’s getting right now,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa of Aurin.

“Now we’re looking at a guy who will probably play a little bit more. He deserves what he is getting right now.”

His standout play marked him as the first rookie this season to receive the weekly honor.

The PBA Women’s 3×3 tournament is back after 7 years

After seven years of long wait, the PBA women’s 3×3 tournament is set to return with the Invitational WPBA 3×3 starting January 22. There are Six teams, which include 2 Gilas squads that will participate in single-round eliminations.

These matches are scheduled along with the men’s PBA 3×3 Season 3 Third Conference every Monday and Tuesday.

In the Latest PBA News, PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro revealed that the top four teams from the 15-game eliminations will advance to the knockout semifinals. The finalists then compete for the championship in a winner-take-all showdown. The six-team field includes Uratex Dream, Angeli’s Resort, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force.