Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez arrested for one kilo of marijuana

NO one is exempted from the intensified campaign against illegal drugs, not even celebrities.

On board a yellow Ford Mustang, actor Mark Anthony Fernandez was arrested by police last Monday night after a kilo of marijuana was found in his possession at a checkpoint in Barangay Virgen delos Remedios.

He was reportedly arrested during an anti-crime checkpoint on MacArthur Highway in the area, but sped off going toward the city of San Fernando. Mark Anthony was later intercepted due to heavy traffic

Six packs of suspected marijuana weighing around one kilo was seized from his possession. He is now currently detained at Angeles City Police.

Mark, son of late actor Rudy Fernandez and actress Alma Moreno, has been reported to have undergone rehabilitation due to substance abuse in the previous years. But he denied owning the bag containing marijuana.

“Hindi po akin yung marijuana na yun. May naglagay lang po sa loob ng kotse ko (That marijuana is not mine. Someone just put it in my car),” he told reporters in an interview.

However, a drug test proved that the actor has been using marijuana as he was tested positive, a GMA News report said.

The actor’s teenage son, Grae who is part of ABS-CBN’s all-male singing group Gimme 5, has expressed his support for Mark, saying in a tweet: “No matter what people say about you, I will always be proud to be your son because you’re the best dad!”

He also changed his Twitter profile photo to that of an old picture of him with his father.

Before Mark’s arrest, actress and sexy model Krista Miller was also nabbed after she was caught red-handed in a buy-bust operation held at a gasoline station in Valenzuela City.

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‘Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X’ rankings: Searching for entertainment on Gen X

There’s a very interesting dichotomy present right now when it comes to “Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X.” If we were to label the tribe we would best get along with, it’d probably be Gen X; sure, we’re technically a Millennial and have a rather unusual job, but we’re not sure what we’d have to talk about with snowboard instructor Taylor or some of the other people over there.

Yet, when it comes to entertainment, there’s no question so far that the Millennials are bringing it more. Gen X is probably more self-aware, and as a result of that a little less willing to be ridiculous and reckless on TV. They also are probably more “shelter people” than “beach people” when it comes to strategy, to use a metaphor first popularized in “Survivor Cambodia: Second Chance.”

For our Gen X rankings this week, we’re numbering them in terms of their gameplay / chance to make it far and win; however, we’re simultaneously discussing them on the basis of their entertainment value and what they’re bringing to this crazy show this week. Yes, we know there’s likely some sort of tribe swap or twist coming tomorrow, but we really cannot assume anything for the future.

9. Paul Wachter (last week: 4) – He’s actually entertaining, mostly as the bold, brash guy who seems to lack any understanding of what other people think about him. He seems like he’s in a good spot because of him leading a majority alliance, but two things: David has an immunity idol, and we could see people be convinced to get rid of him. Also, if there’s a swap this dude may as well pull a Gervase from Borneo and write “target” on himself.

8. CeCe Taylor (8) – In terms of entertainment, CeCe’s not bringing much. Heck, CBS couldn’t even be bothered to craft a narrative around her getting votes week 1! We have no idea where she stands or her opinions on anything, but at the same time we know she’s outside of the numbers and not a huge challenge asset.

7. Ken McNickle (6) – We hate ranking Ken this low, given that we really like him and we do always root for people who at least have some semblance of actual survival skills. Plus, he’s one of the more interesting personalities on the tribe and his alliance with David is delightful. Here’s his issue: Being partnered with a guy who has an idol isn’t great if the majority alliance split the votes and David plays it. If that’s the case, bye bye Ken.

6. Lucy Huang (5) – Who? Okay, we kid sort of. The show completely ignoring Lucy through two weeks likely means she’s not giving them anything super-fun. We don’t know enough about where she stands to rank her higher.

5. Sunday Burquest (7) – We think Sunday’s got upside as a good character, and we think she’s probably a better player than we gave her credit for going into this season. Or major concern is this: Think in terms of a tribe swap. There are still 18 people left, and she’s not a physical force. She could be a target if we got to three tribes.

4. David Wright (9) – Credit to David for getting an immunity idol and getting a close ally in Ken. It’s solely for these reasons that he’s far higher on this list than he was previously — he’s got a week of guaranteed safety so long as he doesn’t do anything crazy. David’s the best thing the Gen X tribe has going for it — a genuine likable underdog who’s funny and understands that this is a TV show and not just a chance to show everyone how loyal he is.

3. Bret LaBelle (3) – Think of this comparison: Bret is Jim Rice. Both are occasionally-funny, occasionally-strategic guys whose popularity is probably compromised somewhat by them being in power alliances that leave out the nerdy underdog. If Bret was more on the outs and he was having to fight to stay alive, he’d probably be better TV and an easier guy to root for.

2. Jessica Lewis (2) – Jessica was a ghost this past episode (like a good third of this tribe), so we’re basing this more on the entertainment and game-savvy we saw from her week 1. We at least know that she is playing the game, and that plus allies is enough to satisfy us for now.

1. Chris Hammons (1) – What’s great about this season so far is that other than maybe Michelle, we’re not seeing a real frontrunner for this. Chris was completely boring last week, but for now he’s probably in the best spot on Gen X. He’s got a tight alliance, but is not considered the figurehead leader of it. People seem to like him, and he’s needed for his physical strength right now.

Who’s ruling Gen X in your mind, and do you think that this tribe is more entertaining than we’re giving it credit for? Share below, and click here to see our weekly rankings of the Millennials! Also, sign up over here to secure some other TV news on everything we cover via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)

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Millennials vs. Gen X: Who will win Survivor?

MANILA, Philippines – The 33rd season of Survivor, the Emmy Award-winning reality show, premiered recently on Jack TV. Twenty new castaways battle it out in Millennials versus Gen X, in the great location that is in Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.

This is the second Survivor to be filmed in Fiji, following the first one shot in a different location in Vanua Levu and aired from Feb. 8 to May 13, 2007. Millennials versus Gen X is preceded by Survivor: Kaoh Rong shot in Cambodia and won by 24-year-old looker Michele Fitzgerald.

The castaways in Millennials versus Gen X are divided into two tribes. Those born between 1984 and 1997 comprise the Vanua Tribe (Millennials team), while those born between 1963 and 1982 belong to the Takali Tribe (Gen X team). They will all be competing for the much-coveted $1M grand prize and the title of Sole Survivor.

Filming started on April 4 and lasted until May 2 this year. Cameras were originally scheduled to grind in mid-March, but strong Tropical Cyclone Zena destroyed the Tribal Council set and other important props. The castaways were evacuated to a safer area until the cyclone was over. The production had no choice but to rebuild the set, so there was a delay in filming.

First to be voted out is 37-year-old Rachel Ako, a recruiting director from Los Angeles, California and a member of the Takali Tribe. She was eliminated by the Tribal Council after an obstacle course and a giant puzzle were completed by the Vanua Tribe, which won immunity.

In the second challenge, the tribe members were tasked to unlock a diving mask and they took turns diving down and unlocking five rings under the water. Then, two divers threw the rings onto a series of targets. The first team to get the ring on all five targets won immunity.

Entertainment ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Gen X won this time. Thirty-one-year-old professional video game player and YouTube host Mari Takahashi from Los Angeles, California, was voted out by her teammates in Vanua Tribe. She is the second person to leave the competition.

Mari’s elimination after only two episodes came as a surprise, if not a shock, to most viewers who were even rooting for her to win. At the Tribal Council, it was a toss-up between Mari and fellow Vanua Tribe member, Jessica “Figgy” Figueroa (a 23-year-old bartender from Nashville, Tennessee). After much deliberation, it was a vote of seven to three, with Mari getting the boot on Day 7 of the competition.

The youngest player this season is 18-year-old William Wahl, a millennial student from Long Valley, New Jersey who’s a member of the Vanua Tribe. Meanwhile, 51-year-old Paul Wachter, a Gen X boat captain from Key West, Florida, is the oldest member of the Takali Tribe.

Early on in the competition, Paul had to be checked by a doctor when he displayed symptoms of a possible heart attack. Members of the Takali Tribe suffered from dehydration following a task and Paul passed out. The doctor, however, ruled out any possible heart trouble and gave the green light for Paul to continue in the competition.

Survivor: Millennials vs Gen X is hosted by Jeff Probst. The reality show airs Thursdays, 2:55 p.m., with a primetime replay at 8:55 p.m. on Jack TV.

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Amer thrilled over Bolts' finals stint

DAVAO City's very own Baser Amer was elated that his team, the Meralco Bolts, is entering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) finals for the first time.

This came after the come-from-behind 94-88 win over top seed Talk N' Text Tropang Texters in Game 4 of their 2016 PBA Governors' Cup best-of-five semifinals duel at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Monday evening, October 3.

The Bolts, coached by Norman Black, became the first PBA team in 15 years to finish last in the season-opening Philippine Cup and reach the season-ending finals since Sta. Lucia Realty in 2001, which was also then coached by Black.

Amer, the seventh overall pick of the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, said, "It's the first time of our team to enter the finals so being part of it is overwhelming itself. Super saya sa pakiramdam dahil everything we worked hard for paid off."

The former San Beda Lions standout said he's upbeat about their best-of-seven finals series opposite either Ginebra or San Miguel Beer who were disputing the other finals spot in Game 5 of their semis series as of Tuesday, October 4.

"I think every player's dream is to enter the finals and win a championship. We are one step closer to our goal. We take it one day at a time. Whoever we go against within the finals, for sure malakas na team, may it be Ginebra or San Miguel. We will definitely challenge ourselves to be better, dahil championship nayun," Amer added.

Cliff Hodge led the charge for the Bolts, exploding with 31 points to secure the much-needed win.

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Lancers nail point

THE University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers made the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers sitting ducks on their way to score an emphatic 98-73 in the college quarterfinal round of the 2016 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum last night.

Not even the fact that the Lancers fielded rookies and second stringers in the final period could prevent a lopsided conclusion that sent the Panthers packing for home as they played their final game of the season.

“The boys just played their best to avoid playing a pressure game. This win gives us another day of rest and prepare for our game plans for the semis. We will just take one game at a time there (semifinal round). We need to correct the mistakes we made in the elimination round. And, hopefully, we play our best,” Cortes told Sun.Star Cebu after the game.

End

The season also ended for the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters as they yielded the semifinal slot to the defending champions University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors following a hardly fought 68-66 decision in the other quarterfinal game.

Victor Rabat doused the hopes of the Webmasters to turn the tide around as he drilled three triples in the final two minutes and 46 seconds of the game that proved to be the winning baskets of the game.

Scottie Ntumba then snapped UC’s last efforts after scoring a put back in the final 14.1 seconds after Justin Dacalos sank a triple that put UC within 64-66 16 seconds earlier.

Ntumba and Kevin Oleodo had 14 points each and Rabat finished with 10 for USC.

Dacalos scored 15 and Garciano Puerto made 10 points for the Webmasters’ final game of the season.

Slot

One more slot is left for the semifinal round and it will be contested by the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats at 5:15 pm on Thursday.

Newly crowned 3-point king Tristan Albina found his marks early as he lead the first quarter blast by scoring 10 of the team 24 points output.

USPF however, was not far behind as they put up a gallant stand behind the hot scoring game of Kimo Bajamunde that prevented UV from pulling away early.

But with only Bajamunde making huge contributions among coach Albert Alocillo’s boys, compared to the three-pronged offensives of coach Gary Cortes, UV started to pull away following a 24-17 blast that gave the Green Lancers a 48-33 lead going to the halftime break.

The third was a nightmare for the Panthers as their offense was clipped by the unforgiving defense of the Lancers.

With Albina again connecting and Bassieru Sackor dominating the middle, UV held USPF to just nine points as the lead ballooned to 30, 72-42.

The huge margin allowed Cortes to rest his starters and field his rookies.

That move however did not helped the cause of the Panthers as coach Alocillo had to reshuffle his players to find a suitable combination inside the court.

Although USPF scored 31 points, UV made 26 that prevented the Panthers from taking over the match.

Albina scored 18 points, Rey Suerte made 17 and Sackor finished with 12 points and 17 rebounds while Bajamunde fired the game high 23 points but was the only USPF player to score in double digit.

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Finally, it’s G-I-N-E-B-R-A!

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra turned an expected thriller of a sudden death into a long, painful dismantling of reigning champion San Miguel Beer, 117-92, last night for a return trip to the finals after a spell of three years.

It was an anti-climactic showdown of a series that ebbed and flowed between the sister teams in the first four games in their side of the PBA Governors Cup Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings showed heart and desire to secure the win for most of the more than 20,000 fans who never got tired of chanting G-I-N-E-B-R-A and the team responded with a murderous run, coming away with the 25-point romp to seal a best-of-seven finale against early finalist the Meralco Bolts.

Ginebra, back in the finals for the first time since the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup, and Meralco, a first-time finalist, begin their title playoff Friday, also at the Big Dome.

The Beermen wheeled back with a wondrous touch from the outside in the second quarter built around a 24-0 run, closing in at 38-45 at the end of the first half.

Two huge quarters – 33 points in the first and 36 in the third – propelled the Kings back to the finals, with a shot to end an eight-year title drought.

Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado all dished out superb performances to carry Ginebra to a big comeback from a stinging 29-point loss in Game Four.

 “After that loss in Game Four, I thought we didn’t have a chance to win Game Five. But the guys came through with an incredible effort. It’s such a nice redemptive win. To come out here like this is really a redemption,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Cone said the big difference was the team coming out aggressively and their lockdown defense on June Mar Fajardo whom they held to just seven points.

Brownlee churned out a near triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists and was the main guy that neutralized Fajardo with Tenorio providing the double-team.

Thompson and Mercado both bounced back hard from a scoreless showing the last time out with the former dishing out a career-high 25 points and 15 rebounds and the latter sizzling with 22 markers, including five three-pointer bombs.

“Scottie was incredible. I asked him to shoot whether he makes it or not. The point is he must be aggressive. He missed his first shot then got fired-up. And he made everybody contagious. It’s like mushrooms,” said Cone.

Tenorio was just as huge with a near triple-double with 18 points, 10 assists and six rebounds in a near no-relief game.

With over five minutes to go, San Miguel coach Leo Austria started to pull out his core players and took a chance on their reserves, to no avail.

After wavering in the second quarter, the Kings worked on another huge attack in the third and sustained the effort to the finish.

Ginebra led by seven at the end of a bizarre opening half marked by a huge salvo by the Kings in the first quarter and an even bigger unanswered run by the Beermen in the second period.

The Kings broke away at 37-12 on a 23-to-nothing roll then the Beermen quickly got back in the game, 36-37, on a 24-0 counterattack – the third all-time longest unanswered run in the league.

Thompson and Mercado presided over their early breakaway, combining for 24 points in the opening period.

Then Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter led the way in SMB’s second-quarter fightback, highlighting their blitzkrieg with five three-pointers.

The Beermen battled back into the game despite a mere one-point output from Fajardo in the first half.

But the Kings came out smoking again in the third and roared all the way to their return to PBA finals.

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SMB’s Fajardo a shoo-in for MVP plum after TnT, Castro bow out

MANILA, Philippines – The last obstacle in June Mar Fajardo’s bid for a record third successive MVP award has seemingly been cleared out after Talk n Text’s ouster by Meralco in the PBA Governors Cup semis on Monday.

Jayson Castro has virtually kissed his own MVP aspiration goodbye on the Texters’ exit.

Fajardo is the runaway leader in the stats race, with his season also embellished by their Philippine Cup title run where he was the Best Player of the Conference awardee.

Castro, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva and Stanley Pringle are the next men behind Fajardo in the stats derby.

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Ben Simmons’ first NBA season is already over, according to a report

AUSTRALIA’S injured No. 1 draft pick Ben Simmons may miss his entire rookie NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to reports.

Simmons was initially expected to be sidelined for three months after fracturing his foot at training last Friday, but there’s now a suggestion he may sit out the season.

The 76ers released a statement on Wednesday (AEST) confirming Simmons had undergone successful surgery to repair a fractured metatarsal bone in his foot.

Simmons, chosen first in the draft, suffered the fracture in his right foot on Friday after landing awkwardly on the foot of a teammate.

Simmons’ agent Rich Paul, who also manages LeBron James, reportedly said he would not let the 20-year-old power forward play this season to let the injury fully heal, even if he was cleared to play.

“I just got off the phone with somebody who I really trust in the NBA, and he’s like there’s no way his agent is going to let him play this year,” Philadelphia Daily News basketball reporter Bob Cooney told radio station 97.5 The Fanatic.

“That’s an injury that you don’t mess around with, and he thinks he’s going to keep him off his feet all year.”

The 76ers said the Australian was operated on by top foot surgeon Martin O’Malley in New York, with early results reported to be encouraging.

“Our sports performance and medical staff was debriefed by Dr. O’Malley following the procedure, and we were encouraged by the positive feedback,” 76ers Director of Performance Research and Development David T. Martin said.

“Moving forward, a comprehensive return to court program will be implemented for Ben, and we will closely monitor his progress throughout the rehabilitation process.”

Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant suffered the same fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone and required three rounds of surgery in six months. Simmons will also most likely will require surgery although the club is yet to confirm any timeframe for the operation.

James said he would be helping his “little brother” Simmons battle through the mental and physical challenges of his recovery.

The Melbourne-born Simmons was scheduled to make his NBA pre-season debut for the 76ers against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT).

“It’s like, ‘damn’,” James said, talking to reporters after Cleveland Cavaliers’ practice on Monday.

“That’s the first thing that came to my mind.” Although they play on opposing NBA teams, James, who led the Cavaliers to an NBA Championship last season, has taken Simmons under his wing.

“I’ve already done that and I’ll continue to do it,” said James, when asked if he had reached out to Simmons.

“He’s like a little brother of mine and I’ve been with him and counselled him for the last four-to-five years now.

“I’ll continue that.”

James said Simmons can’t attempt to rush the recovery process and get frustrated about not playing.

“He has a long career in front of him and he just has to be patient, let the foot heal and when he gets back on the floor then he’ll show why he’s the number one pick.”

— with AFP

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ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE INCREDIBLE IMAGES FROM RED BULL’S ILLUME CONTEST

On September 28, the world’s best action and adventure photographers gathered for theRed Bull Illume Winner Award Ceremony in Chicago. Fifty-five inspiring photographs were unveiled to the world, including the 11 Category Winners and the Overall Winner.

The 2016 Red Bull Illume Image Quest was the fourth edition of the contest, which previously ran in 2007, 2010, and 2013. The competition showcases professional and amateur shots of athletes and adventurers in incredible, sometimes surreal, places. The aim is to highlight the most captivating photography in the industry, and bring the public closer to the world of action and adventure sports.

This year’s Image Quest received 34,624 submissions from 120 countries. Many of the photographs were captured under extremely challenging circumstances (which isn’t exactly unexpected when your subjects are a bunch of death-defying badasses). The resulting images display photographic talent, deep passion for athletics and the outdoors, and split-second timing so good it might be sorcery.

For the second time running, the overall winner of the competition was Lorenz Holder. The German photographer took the top prize with a stunning shot of BMX rider Senad Grosic crossing a stone bridge in Gablenz, Germany. The image also took home the Athletes’ Choice Award.

Lorenz, along with the other winning photographers, will have his work displayed on illuminated light boxes during the Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour 2016. This unique nighttime photo exhibition will travel to cultural hubs and hotspots around the world for the next two years. Tour stops will be announced on redbullillume.com, and while you wait, you can check out the top 11 images above. Inspiration lies ahead.

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Oladipo's Thunder debut provides hope for OKC post-Durant

BARCELONA, Spain — Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder saw exactly what they need to move on after Kevin Durant: buckets in bunches from Victor Oladipo.

The 24-year-old guard scored 34 points in his debut on Monday as the Thunder began their first preseason without Durant in nearly a decade with a 142-137 overtime loss at Real Madrid.

Getting Oladipo off to a good start was clearly the Thunder's focus for the game in the Spanish capital. He made 14 of 24 shots in 33 minutes and dished out five assists, while Westbrook left the team in his hands. Westbrook settled for 18 points in 22 minutes after sitting out the second and fourth quarters.

"I think (Oladipo) did a good job of playing aggressive," Westbrook said of his new backcourt partner. "That's the most important part of going out and competing, being aggressive, and that's what we need for him to do."

Consistently driving to the basket against the nine-time Euroleague champions, Oladipo led an offense that coach Billy Donovan is trying to remake after the departure of Durant and his superb shooting touch from long range.

The problems for Donovan came at the other end of the court. With shot-blocker Serge Ibaka no longer defending the paint after the Thunder traded him to the Orlando Magic for Oladipo and other players, Real Madrid roared back from an early 22-point deficit by scoring 92 points in the second half and overtime.

"We are a work in progress. We replaced faces on our team," Donovan said. "We were very good offensively, we scored an enormous amount of points, but they nearly scored 95 points in the second half. So, to me, it's much, much more us being able to sustain a defensive intensity for the full 48 minutes."

Domantas Sabonis and Ersan Ilyasova, the other players the Thunder acquired from Orlando for Ibaka, also played their first games under Donovan. The newly drafted Sabonis had seven points, five rebounds and four assists before fouling out.

Oladipo, taken second by the Magic in the 2013 draft, led the Thunder in scoring just ahead of forward Enes Kanter's 29 points, despite misfiring from distance. He hit only one of seven 3-point attempts.

Spanish rookie Alex Abrines, however, showed how important he could be to the team built around the driving duo of Oladipo and Westbrook by making four of his five 3-pointers.

"(Abrines) is going to be huge for us. We need him, the way he shoots the ball, the way he can open up the lane for me and Russ, the way he spreads the floor," Oladipo said. "I still got room to improve there obviously. But, again, I feel that I am special in that aspect, that I can do a lot of things pretty good. So I've just got to keep growing, keep getting better."

Next up, the Thunder head east to the Mediterranean coast for Wednesday's game against Barcelona, Abrines' team until he made the leap to the NBA in July.

It will then be back to the US for four more preseason games before the Thunder's season opener at the Philadelphia 76ers on October 26.

Oladipo will have until February 11 to prime his game for the return of Durant to Oklahoma City, this time in a Golden State Warriors uniform.

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Buffalo Bills linebacker Zach Brown named to Pro Football Focus' Team of the Week

Zach Brown's Week 4 performance was one of the best individual defensive efforts that Buffalo Bills fans have seen in a long time.

Brown, a 2016 free agent signing, racked up 18 total tackles, one sack, four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and two forced fumbles in a 16-0 win over the New England Patriots. After such an impressive performance, it's no surprise to see Brown getting recognized by Pro Football Focus. The fifth year veteran was named to Pro Football Focus' Team of the Week. These teams feature the highest graded player at every position. Brown's grade in Week 4 was a 91.4.

Linebacker: Zach Brown, Buffalo Bills, 91.4 Zach Brown was everywhere for the Bills this week. Racking up huge tackle numbers and 11 defensive stops, the most in the league by two clear stops, he was one of the big reasons the Patriots' offense couldn't get going all game.

This is the second time that Pro Football Focus has named Brown to their team of the week.

Brown currently leads the league with 52 tackles on the season.

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Patrick McCaw looks poised in first NBA action

After a long history of poor selections and draft day trades, the Warriors haven’t gotten a lot wrong in recent history. From Stephen Curry to Draymond Green, Golden State built themselves a core that carried them to their first championship in 40 years and to a record-setting season the year after. They may have just won the draft again.

Patrick McCaw is a 6’7 wing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He’s just 20 years old. And he may be ready to be a contributor to a title-contender.

The Warriors played their first preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Of course, Kevin Durant was the main attraction. But it was McCaw who really stood out.

The rookie played 22 minutes and was 5-7 from the field and led the reserves with 11 points. He also came away with 4 assists and 5 steals. He was all over the place in the Warriors’ close loss.

He did most of his work late in the game when most of the regular rotation guys were sitting. But his feel for the game was evident. He was in-control whenever he had the ball in his hands.

A shooting guard/small forward combo, McCaw flashed his point guard-like vision. He hit teammates with some gorgeous passes. He read and reacted to defenses with expert composure. He used screens and threw perfect bounce passes to cutting teammates. There was also a beautiful drive in which he drew four defenders and, in mid-air, made an adjustment and found a wide open Kevon Looney under the basket.

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KINGS BLOW 19-POINT LEAD, FALL TO LAKERS IN PRESEASON OPENER

The new-look Kings built a 19-point lead in the second quarter, but couldn't protect it as the Lakers stormed back in the second half and ran away with the 103-84 victory in the preseason opener at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Tuesday night.

The starters played well for the Kings, but the second unit and the rookies struggled in the second half.

In 15 minutes of action, All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins scored 11 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists.

Free agent acquisition Arron Afflalo led the Kings with 14 points.

Point guard Darren Collison, who will be suspended for the first eight games of the regular season, played 12 minutes and scored two points.

First-round pick Georgios Papgiannis played 17 minutes in his first NBA action and grabbed two rebounds while scoring three points.

Disgruntled veteran small forward Rudy Gayfinished with eight points in 17 minutes.

For the Lakers, in the first game without the now-retired Kobe Bryant, center Tarik Black and Lou Williams led the way with 15 points apiece. Guard Jordan Clarkson came off the bench and poured in 12 points. No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram didn't start but still played 27 minutes. He managed to score just two points, pulled down two rebounds, blocked two shots and recorded one assist.

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BJ Penn pulls out of UFC Fight Night Manila 2 - report

SINGAPORE – A major setback has hit the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s second live event in the Philippines on October 15 as mixed martial arts (MMA) legend BJ Penn has withdrawn from his featherweight bout against Ricardo Lamas.

According to a report from USA Today’s MMAJunkie.com, Penn has suffered an undisclosed injury in training and will not be able to face Lamas in the main event of UFC Fight Night Manila 2, which takes place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Penn, who is one of the only two fighters in UFC history to win world titles in multiple weight classes, announced his decision to come out of retirement this past January after briefly calling it a career when he suffered a brutal third-round stoppage loss to Frankie Edgar in July 2014.

His much-awaited Octagon return at UFC 199 last June was postponed after the two-division world champion was slapped with a 6-month suspension due to a violation of the promotion’s anti-doping policy.

Penn disclosed his usage of IV in the pre-fight drug test, which is prohibited by the United States Anti-Doping Agency.

Penn’s suspension came to an end on September 25, making him available for UFC Fight Night Manila 2 in October.

The 37-year-old native of Hilo, Hawaii is currently on a 3-fight losing skid and has not won a single match since he knocked out Matt Hughes int 21 seconds in November 2010.

The world’s premier MMA organization has yet to release a statement about Penn’s sudden pullout.

In addition, it is unclear if the UFC will be able to find a replacement opponent for Lamas on short notice.

The scheduled co-headliner of UFC Fight Night Manila 2 is a heavyweight clashbetween Derrick Lewis and Marcin Tybura, while the only other featherweight fight on the card is pitting Cole Miller against Mizuto Hirota. – Rappler.com

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Valdez, Customs eye share of lead

Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Laoag try to gain a share of the lead even as fancied Pocari Sweat starts its title campaign today in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Led by former Ateneo star Alyssa Valdez, the BOC Transformers and the Laoag Power Smashers clash at 6 p.m. with the winner tying idle University of Santo Tomas, which notched its second straight following a 25-16, 25-10, 25-23 decision over Philippine Coast Guard.

The Lady Warriors, for their part, tackle the Air Force Jet Spikers at 4 p.m. with the former out to secure their second crown since winning the Open Conference early this year.

Though its two Thai imports sat out on its first match due to technical problems with their papers, Customs still beat University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-23, 25-18, 25-22, two days back.

Aside from Valdez, who fired 18 points in their win over the vastly-improving Lady Maroons, BOC Coach Sherwin Meneses can also count on veteran spikers Lilet Mabbayad and Rosemarie Vargas.

Meneses also hopes their two imports, setter Kanjana Kuthaisong, and open spiker Natthanicha Jaisaen, will jell well with the locals, knowing the Power Smashers are no easy customers.

Laoag will be reinforced by the hard-hitting Gretchel Soltones and seasoned setter Chie Saet.

The Power Smashers will use their 25-8, 25-15, 25-16 triumph over Coast Guard last Saturday as an extra motivation for their big match with the BOC Transformers.

ACCEL BACKS V-LEAGUE

Meantime, the league got another boost with the support ACCEL.

William Ortiz, owner of the shoes and apparels brand, said they are throwing their support to V-League organizers because they share a common goal in promoting Philippine sports, especially volleyball.

For this conference alone, ACCEL assumed the role as the league’s official outfitter.

“ACCEL is in one with the V-League in promoting volleyball in the country,” said Ortiz, who is also an avid supporter of other sports like basketball, mixed martial arts, karate, golf and weightlifting.

The Spikers’ Turf, the all-men tournament, also has ACCEL as its official outfitter.

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La Salle chasers FEU, NU in duel for solo 2nd

MOVING to within two games of a team that has turned the UAAP into its own playground may not seem much, but it is strong enough of a motivation for Far Eastern University and National U when they face off today.

The defending champion Tamaraws and the Bulldogs will go at each other’s throats to end the first round of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball with the goal of moving to solo second beyond rampaging leader La Salle.

“I think the game is crucial because we’re [in] the same position,” said FEU coach Nash Racela. “I think if there’s any value to the game, I guess that’s it.”

The two teams clash at 4 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena, right after the 2 p.m. showdown between an Adamson squad looking to rebound from two straight losses and University of Santo Tomas.

The Tamaraws and the Bulldogs have four victories and two losses and the winner will move within two games of the Green Archers, who logged a 7-0 sweep of the first round.

“They’re (Tamaraws) capable of beating anybody and have shown that they can also beat the top team,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “We just have to play better than how we played last time out.”

The Bulldogs teetered on the brink of disaster against University of the Philippines before a technical foul was slapped on the Maroons’ Andrew Harris, enabling the 2014 champions to pull away for good in the closing minutes en route to an 80-69 win.

“We’re a young team and we expect these things to happen,” said Altamirano. “It’s good that from these experience, we could learn something.”

Matt Salem has become a steady force in offense while Altamirano is also expecting consistency from starters J-Jay Alejandro, Rev Diputado, Alfred Aroga and Reggie Morido.

“NU is a very tough team. They have balance defensively and offensively,” said Racela. “They’re known for their defense but they’re offense is really good as well. It will be a challenge.”

FEU will turn to Allen Trinidad, Raymar Jose, Monbert Arong, Richard Escoto.

Adamson hopes it had learned its lesson from its previous defeat against UE when the Falcons face the Tigers.

“Right now, with all the media attention we’re getting, I just hope they’re not succumbing to pressure,” said Adamson coach Franz Pumaren.

The Warriors registered their first victory of the season at the expense of the Falcons (3-3) while the Tigers want to rise from a poor 2-4 record.

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Adamson back on winning track after drubbing UST

Adamson got it going in the second half and whipped University of Santo Tomas, 79-52, Wednesday to end the first round of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament on a winning note at Mall of Asia Arena.

Papi Sarr was an unstoppable force inside, finishing with 16 points, 25 rebounds and four blocks for the Falcons.

“Basically, I think this is a good springboard for us coming into the second round,” said Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren, whose team held UST to just 27% from the field.

“I guess that even the school got surprised. I don’t think anybody expected us to be above .500 to end the first round and we were already able to break the three wins last year,” Pumaren added. “But we can’t go into the second round feeling satisfied.”

The Falcons broke loose from a tightly-contested first half after outscoring the Growling Tigers, 26-8, in the third quarter.

Everything went well for Adamson in third period that even a Sean Manganti one-hander from beyond-the-arc to beat the shot clock found the bottom of the net and stretched the Falcons lead to 24, 59-35, with under a minute left.

Adamson snapped a two-game losing skid and redeemed themselves from a stunning loss to University of the East last Sunday for a 4-3 slate.

Kent Lao had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Growling Tigers, who wrapped up their campaign in the first round on a four-game tailspin for a lowly 2-5 mark.

Adamson held Louie Vigil scoreless in the last three quarters after scoring eight in the opening period. The UST skipper went 3-of-16 from the field.

The Scores
ADAMSON 79 – Sarr 16, Paranada 14, Ahanmisi 11, Manalang 10, Espeleta 9, Manganti 7, Ochea 6, Pasturan 4, Bernardo 2, Camacho 0, Mustre 0, Chua 0, Ng 0, Bernardo 0
UST 52 – Lao 13, Lee 10, Vigil 8, Sheriff 6, Basibas 4, Faundo 3, Afoakwah 2, Subido 2, Huang 2, Caunan 2, De Guzman 0, Macasaet 0, Tateishi 0
Quarters: 22-19, 33-29, 59-37, 79-52

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