World

fessional leagues like the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and other leagues outside the Philippine Basketball Association.

The GAB said it looks forward to strengthening its partnership with UAAP in “developing a new generation of worldclass Filipino professional athletes, reflecting the shared commitment of the UAAP and the GAB to continually improve the quality and integrity of intercollegiate sports.”

The 31-year-old Souza, a member of Brazil’s gold medal-winning squad in the 2016 Rio Olympics, put Brazil ahead, 10-3, in the second set after forcing the Dutchmen to an error with a placement shot and and ace.

The 37-year-old Saatkamp, Souza’s teammate in the Rio Olympiad, scored on two blocks off three attacks as he led in the first set to hand Brazil the match point, 25-21.

Their young teammate Henrique Honorato and Saatkamp led Brazil with 10 points apiece.

“Today’s game is very important because we did not play the other day. Tomorrow will be harder,” said Brazilian coach Renan Dal Zotto, who saw action in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Honorato joined hands with Judson da Cunha Jr. in the third set, and their blocks saw Brazil moving away, 15-6.

The loss was the Dutchmen’s fifth in 10 outings, putting their aspirations to reach the Grand Finals in doubt. France and Serbia, with their 4-5 cards, remain in contention for the eighth and final seat to the championship round following the Netherlands’ loss to Brazil.

Peter Atencio