ABS-CBN not only delivered all the thrilling sports action through free TV and cable TV, but also created online hubs where Kapamilyas can also watch games and matches live and immerse in the experience by voicing out and exchanging opinions. Basketball reigned supreme with the hard-court action of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Men’s Basketball, National Basketball Association (NBA), Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) and the ’27th Southeast Asian Games Men’s Basketball.”
Season 76 of the UAAP Men’s Basketball ended in October and fans caught the the dramatic showdown between De LaSalle Green Archers and the University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tigers live on Studio 23 and the official website of the UAAP. The heart-stopping game three of the series had the highest rating of a local college basketball game in Philippine television history.
That same month, ABS-CBN Sports brought the 2013-2014 NBA season on free TV. ABS-CBN Sports achieved record ratings earlier in the year with the seven game series 2013 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs. ABS-CBN Sports prioritized the fans by airing the games live after high demand from the viewers.
ABS-CBN continued to fuel the fire amongst basketball fans in December with the live telecast of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) and the same-day telecast of the 27th Southeast Asian Games Men’s Basketball (SEAG) on Studio 23. Basketball teams of regions outside Metro Manila showcased their talents during the PCCL while the nation united through basketball as Sinag Pilipinas, the Philippine basketball team of SEAG captured another gold medal.
Boxing fans then got their fist fights in November. ABS-CBN Sports aired same-day telecast of Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire’s come-from-behind TKO of Armenian Vic Darchinyan and the special telecast of Donnie “Ahas” Nietes’ domination of Mexican Sammy Gutierrez in “Pinoy Pride XXIII” on ABS-CBN Channel 2. Their victories embodied the fighting spirit and resilience of the Filipino people who were going through the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.
Aside from basketball and boxing, Pinoys have steadily broadened their sports interests as football, and volleyball enjoyed increased viewership, live spectatorship, and participation this year.
The biggest sports news in 2013 was immense growth and popularity of volleyball in the country. Season 75 of the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament was highlighted by the 19,638 turnout at the Mall of Asia Arena as well as record ratings on Studio 23. UAAP 76 built on last season’s success and held games at the Araneta Coliseum for the first time in history.
Football also gained significant following and ABS-CBN Sports debuted a live coverage of the UAAP Football tournament for the first time on Studio 23.
ABS-CBN Sports also followed the Azkals during the Philippine Peace Cup (PCC) where they successfully repeated as champions. The Azkals’ won 3-1 over Pakistan and became the highest-ranked Southeast Asian team at 127th place in the FIFA ranking.
The sports drama, excitement and action in 2013 were just a prelude to 2014. ABS-CBN Sports will continue to bring the best and latest sporting events to the Filipino people this year.
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