The Stands - An INQUIRER SPORTS NEWSLETTER

 

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February 9, 2024

Calvin Abueva (13) has been warned. (AUGUST DELA CRUZ)

Hey there sports fan, Before anything else, do you know how many players the Games and Amusements Board has suspended since 2021 because of game-fixing? The answer is at the end of this newsletter. Or you could go ahead and read the story here.   The number is quite astounding, never mind if the names, according to one senator, were not really big ones. Elsewhere, consipracy theories also abound. But some, like in the NFL, are quite absurd.  But you don't need a wild imagination to stir up controversies. In the PBA, Calvin Abueva pretty much jumped into one after losing track of his manners in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup. The tireless Magnolia forward, nicknamed "The Beast" because of his tenacity on the court, was recently fined for his antics, some of which bordered on an utter lack of class.  He got away with a warning from Commissioner Willie Marcial, who reminded him about not too long ago when he was slapped with an indefinite suspension that lasted 16 months, a league record. The Abueva Incident was a distraction from the Finals, which started out as a showcase of San Miguel Beer's depth. Somehow, though, coach Chito Victolero and the Hotshots managed to squeeze out a Game 3 win and get themselves back into the series. It's up to Abueva to keep himself in check and help Magnolia on the court and minimize the distractions off it.

The Adamson Lady Falcons have reason to keep their hopes up.  (CONTRIBUTED)

Meanwhile... There are two resons for volleyball fans to get excited. The UAAP women's volleyball tournament is just around to corner with teams like Adamson thriving​ in pocket tournaments to show their readiness for the competition. Also, there is the Premier Volleyball League, which will kick off later this month even as a busy offseason already has the league's ardent followers gasping breathlessly. Much of that excitement has been dampened by injuries old​ and new​, but you can sense that fans are ready to troop to arenas to cheer on their favorites—and soon-to-be idols​. Teams have been competing in pocket tournaments​ to likewise prepare for the new season. These matches provide PVL squads with an inkling of what they need to do​ to be in the best position to succeed in the looming season.  What we're up to next: Keep it here for more updates on the coming Inquirer Sports Awards, which will be held in March. Also, we will bring you stories and features from the UAAP and PVL to further whet up your apptite for their coming tournaments (like you need more prodding t Number of the Week: 60 Points scored by Steph Curry in a loss by the Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks. Currey is just the second player after the late Kobe Bryant to get 60 points after the age of 35.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “For coach Pat and the program, I will always be there—and that will never change” —Jack Animam, on always being ready to play for the national team and for Gilas Women program director Pat Aquino.

For more sports updates, join our Viber community, which features a weekly sports quiz every Friday.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. Have a great and safe Holidays! See you next Friday. Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).