Utah Jazz Steals Homecourt Advantage

The undermanned Utah jazz, behind Deron Williams 33 points, 14 assists and Carlos Boozer's own double-double with 2o points and 15 rebounds outlasted the Denver Nuggets-led Carmelo Anthony, 114-111. It was a see-saw battle from the start through finished. Without Kirilinko and Okur, the Jazz will try to grab 3-1 lead securing homecourt advantage in games 3 and 4.

Golden Stags going up against the Red Lions

The San Sebastian Stags will face the defending champions San Beda Red Lions in the finals of the NCAA tomorrow. Fresh from the repulsing off the JRU Heavy Bombers, the Stags will have to overcome lack of experience competing against the defending champs.. MVP-Like Jimbo Aquino will lead the way for the Stags while Sudan Daniels, playing for his first time in the finals will lead the charge for the Red Lions.

UE Red Warriors VS Ateneo Blue Eagles

The University of the East Red Warriors will face the heavily favored Ateneo Blue Eagles in the much awaited showdown of the UAAP this Thursday. Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, Eric Salamat and Jai Reyes will spearhead the team once again following the drubbing of the UST Growling Tigers 81-64 in their final four stint. However, the UE Red Warriors, the real underdogs of this series, will again in the person of Paul Lee, Elmer Espiritu and Pari Llagas. The upset-minded Red Warriors will be doing a huge task of upsetting the defending champions. They are coming off with an emotional win against the talented FEU Tamarraws, which the latter, having a twice to beat advantage. Expect a great battle between this two schools.

Team Pilipinas Turns Back Chinese Taipei

Team Pilipinas avenges its loss from the hands of the Taiwanese in the Jones Cup with a win over the same team, 77-70. Chinese Taipei, leading for the most part of the game, could not sustain its momentum as James Yap, leading the way for the Filipinos,scorches hot, scoring 23 points in the game,with four triples mainly in the pivotal third quarter run that put the team ahead for eight points..but an early run by the Taiwanese early in the fourth quarter tied the score. Willie Miller came to the rescue with key baskets down the stretch. The last one, with a key three-pointer,75-70. Chinese Taipei,could not convert its last attempts in the final seconds, as the Filipinos picked up its third win of the tournament with only lone defeat. Tomorrow will be an acid test for the Filipinos as they will face the reigning FIBA-ASIA Champions IRAN tomorrow.

Lakers Are the NBA champs

Back from a frustrating finals appearance last year, the Los Angeles Lakers avenged its loss by dominating and outlasting the Orlando Magic on their way to their 15th franchise title. Kobe Bryant, carried the team with his experience and leadership,as he was named the NBA Finals MVP. Proving his worth in the team and returning the favor to his critics, Bryant was all business in the Finals, "Silent but very vocal on the court".Backing him up is the veteran guard Derek Fisher,who was instrumental with their victory in game 4 ..Trevor Ariza, who provides the needed firepower, with suffocating defense and hustle plays..Pau Gasol, who is consistent throughout the playoffs and in the finals with the post presence..Lamar Odom, who is the all-around player on the team..And Andrew Bynum, who provides the energy and an incredible performance of facing Dwight Howard.

This was also the 10th title of Phil Jackson... 15th title of the Los Angeles Lakers' franchise and the fourth title for both Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant..



For Bryant, this was the missing piece from his resume, his fourth championship and first without former teammate Shaquille O’Neal