Bigtime Pool

MANILA, Philippines - Efren "Bata" Reyes will play Taiwanese Ko Pin-Yi in the 2012 Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face-Off Series dubbed as "Philippines versus Asia" this Saturday at the Pagcor Airport Casino in Parañaque City. Reyes expects a tough challenge from Ko, a two-time WPA World Junior champion, in this event jointly organized by the Mega Sports World, BRKHRD Corp. and aired live over Solar Sports, Sky Channel 70, and Destiny Channel 34. Known as the first Asian to be inducted into the Billiards Hall of Fame, Reyes defeated fellow two-time world champion Wu Jia Qiang (formerly Wu Chia-ching from Chinese-Taipei), 9-6, in the Philippine Bigtime Billiards (PBB) Face Off Series last Dec. 30.

UAAP Volley

Defending champion La Salle survived Ateneo's gallant stand for an 18-25, 25-14, 21-25, 25-19, 15-7 win on Sunday to gain an outright finals berth in the 74th UAAP women's volleyball tournament by virtue of sweeping the 14-game elimination round. Abigail Marano had 20 points while team captain Cha Cruz added 19 markers as the Lady Archers weathered the Lady Eagles stubborn challenge to win their near two-hour match held in front of 4,800 fans at The Arena in San Juan. Aside from the sweep and an early finals ticket, the Taft-based volleybelles will have a thrice-to-beat advantage against the winner of the stepladder phase being contested by Ateneo, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson and Far Eastern University. Adamson and FEU are playing at presstime for the last Final Four berth for a shot at facing UST on Wednesday. The winner will meet Ateneo, which has a twice-to-beat incentive. Meanwhile, National University secured the No. 1 spot in the Final Four of the baseball competitions at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium with a 19-9 rout of Adamson, also on Sunday. -Jonas Terrado

Mickelson's Magic

PEBBLE BEACH, California (AP) - Phil Mickelson went from a six-shot deficit to a two-shot lead in just six holes, closed with an 8-under 64 for a two-shot victory over Charlie Wi and gave Tiger Woods a thrashing at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on Sunday not many saw coming. Mickelson and Woods played in the second-to-last group, and Mickelson beat him by 11 shots. He won for the fourth time at Pebble Beach, and became only the ninth player in PGA Tour history with 40 wins. "Pebble Beach ... it feels awesome no matter what number it is," Mickelson said. It was anything but that for Woods, who was reduced to a supporting role on a cool, overcast day along the Pacific. Right when it looked as though Woods might still be in the game after holing a bunker shot for birdie on the par-3 12th, Mickelson answered by pouring in a 30-foot par putt. Mickelson seized control for good with a 40-foot par save on the 15th hole, and he played it safe - Mickelson is capable of that every once in a while - on the 18th hole and still made birdie. Wi, who started the final round with a three-shot lead, four-putted for double bogey on the opening hole and never quite recovered. He closed with back-to-back birdies for an even-par 72 and his fifth runner-up finish on tour.

PAL Interclub

Luisita Golf Club arrived in Davao City Monday to sneak in two practice rounds before the start of the Philippine Airlines Interclub seniors golf championship which gets going Thursday. Runner-up last year in Cagayan de Oro, the Tarlac-based squad is fielding practically the same squad, save for Seve Roxas Chua who replaced Carlo Gamban. "I think we have an even chance to challenge Canlubang for the title," declared Luisita team manager Joey Romasanta. Immediately after arrival, the Sweeties proceeded to Rancho Palos Verdes, one of two golf courses to be used in the four-day event that ends Feb. 19. On Tuesday (Feb. 14), Luisita will sample Apo Golf and Country Club, site of the final round.

NBA Results

LA Lakers 94, Toronto 92
Boston 95, Chicago 91
Washington 98, Detroit 77
Miami 107, Atlanta 87
Golden State 106, Houston 97
Utah 98, Memphis 88