ALLAN THE MAN

A day after reports came out about Air21 negotiations with Petron and Barangay Ginebra for high-scoring off-guard Joseph Yeo and big man Kerby Raymundo, information has reached Spin that the Express are also in talks with the Meralco Bolts.

But the Tams, led by Terrence Romeo, never gave up, and they embarked on a remarkable 8-1 scoring run in the final 17 seconds of the first overtime to force another extra period.

There’s a lot more at stake than just the WBO International welterweight title when Manny Pacquiao battles Brandon Rios in Macau on Nov. 23. Pacquiao is fighting for redemption, vindication and national pride. That’s why it’s a must-win situation for the Filipino ring icon who’s coming off back-to-back losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Those who are quick to write off Pacquiao, like Floyd Mayweather who called him a “has-been,” should think twice. Now more than ever, Philippine boxing needs a shot in the arm after bitter losses suffered by Pacquiao, Brian Viloria, Nonito Donaire, Denver Cuello, Malcolm Tunacao, A. J. Banal and Ana Julaton.

He later confirmed the news on his official Twitter account, thanking his supporters, but also adding, "Stay tuned."

When center Marcus Douthit limped off the court in the second period of Gilas Pilipinas’ semifinal game against South Korea never to return, it could’ve been the best thing that happened to the home team at the recent FIBA Asia Championship here.

Without Douthit in the middle, Korean coach Jae Hak Yoo took it as a signal to attack the interior. That was Yoo’s biggest mistake. The Koreans tried to exploit the mismatch at center with 6-8 Kim Joo Sung, 6-8 Eric Sandrin, 6-9 Lee Jong Hyun and 6-8 Kim Jong Kyu taking turns manning the slot. Left to play the five spot for Gilas was unlikely center Marc Pingris, who’s 6-5, with Ranidel de Ocampo, also 6-5, at the four position. Douthit could only watch helplessly from the bench, the pain throbbing in his swollen right shin like it was whacked by a sledgehammer.

A unanimous vote by the 11 member associations of Asean Football Federation (AFF) in Dili, Timor Leste, resulted in Australia becoming a full member of the AFF, Football Federation Australia announced Monday in a release on their website.

“Football Federation Australia is honored to be admitted to the ASEAN Football Federation. We look forward to being an active member, and to contributing to the ongoing development and success of football in our region”, said FFA General Secretary and CEO David Gallop.

Team James Younghusband recovered from an early deficit before pulling away with a 4-1 victory over Team Phil Younghusband  in the 2013 CLEAR Dream Match on Saturday night at the University of Makati football field.

With the teams beefed up by international football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Dennis Wise, the match was be competitive at the very start. Phil Younghusband quickly made his presence felt by burying a breakaway goal at the fourth minute to give his team an early 1-nil lead. Team James won 5-1.

WATCH 2013 Clear Dream Match Full Football Game Replay Video BELOW: