Gilas Pilipinas youth men’s team during a game vs Chinese Taipei in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup classification phase. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After a promising start in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup, Gilas Pilipinas Youth lost steam in the classification games and settled for eighth place in the continental tournament.

On Sunday at Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in India, the Philippines fell to Chinese Taipei, 89-78, in the classification game for seventh place.

Just 24 hours ago, the Nationals absorbed an 80-75 loss at the hands of Japan.

After entering the quarterfinals with a 3-1 record, the Philippines lost its final three games, starting with a 117-103 loss to China.

Against Chinese Taipei, Chog Moral nearly recorded a double-double with 22 points and nine rebounds. Ethan Aguas and Lino Tubongbanua chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively, in the defeat.

Carter Coleman dominated for Chinese Taipei with a monster double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds. Yu-Sheng Xing caught fire with 17, while Ting-Kuan Liu added 13 in the win.

In the 2024 U18 Asia Cup in Jordan, the Philippines was unable to make the quarterfinals after losing to Japan in the qualification round.

The University of Akron is aware its innovative “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” contest has raised eyebrows for several reasons.

The winner will be able to help Akron coach Joe Moorhead script plays for the UA football team’s opening possession of its 2026 home opener against Robert Morris on Saturday, Sept. 12, at InfoCision Stadium.

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On Aug. 4, the Zips launched the promotion by announcing on social media a season-ticket holder selected through a random drawing would become “Offensive Coordinator of the Game.”

Season-ticket sales have soared since then, and the contest has become a national story.

In the meantime, the Akron athletics department has turned to UA’s College of Business and George W. Daverio School of Accountancy to manage the selection of the “Offensive Coordinator of the Game.”

Akron disclosed the identities of nine finalists during a news conference on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at House Three Thirty, and UA plans to reveal the winner on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

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Of the nine finalists, one is a well-known sports media personality, Dan “Big Cat” Katz, another is a popular YouTuber and gamer, James Bordeaux, and three are longtime Zips football season-ticket holders, Martin Alan Whims II, Mike Beck Jr. and Steve Moyer.

Zips sports: Akron football names nine finalists for offensive coordinator contest

University of Akron College of Business backs legitimacy of the Zips football program’s ‘Offensive Coordinator of the Game’ contest

Willy Kollman, Akron’s vice president of university engagement and de facto emcee for events like the one held at House Three Thirty, displayed a sense of humor about the list of finalists as he announced it.

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When Katz of Barstool Sports fame was unveiled as a finalist, Kollman said, “Just to reiterate, the school of accounting drew this name. Akron athletics has nothing to do with this.” And when Whims’ status as a finalist was announced, Kollman quipped, “Marty also has an accounting degree from Akron and is a little suspicious that the school of accounting rigged this in his favor. We’d love to say that’s the case, but it’s not.”

Akron officials are clearly having fun with the promotion while acknowledging at least some of the skepticism its selection process has received. Yet, on a serious note, they’re adamant the university, specifically its college of business, is committed to running a legitimate contest.

Terry Daugherty, dean of Akron’s College of Business, and Julianne Jones, a UA professor and director of the university’s Daverio School of Accountancy, spoke to the Beacon Journal about implementing and executing a process to determine the “Offensive Coordinator of the Game.” They also addressed fans who attended UA’s news conference at House Three Thirty.

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Daugherty and Jones are vouching for the contest in no uncertain terms.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the important responsibility of certifying the selection process, ensuring that the winning fan is chosen with the highest level of integrity,” Daughterty said. “When thousands of fans participate and the eyes of the world are watching, not just in House Three Thirty, you need people you can rely upon to make sure the process is fair, accurate and credible. That is exactly the role of our Daverio School of Accountancy.”

Akron season-ticket holders were entered into the drawing for “Offensive Coordinator of the Game,” with every season ticket counting as a separate entry. For example, Katz tweeted on Aug. 20 he had purchased 18 season tickets, meaning he would have had 18 entries. There is another way a participant could increase his or her odds of winning. UA’s contest rules state, “Season ticket holders will receive additional entries for every new season ticket holder they successfully refer.”

Zips football: Five takeaways from University of Akron’s spring game

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How did the University of Akron form the list of finalists for the Zips football team’s ‘Offensive Coordinator of the Game’ promotion?

Jones shared what she told Akron athletics brass, including Zips athletic director Andrew T. Goodrich, when she was initially approached about assisting with the contest.

“This needed to be a random and independent draw to keep it fair for everyone who was entering in the competition,” Jones said. “How that was done is I’d accessed the files through athletics. Athletics had no idea who the ticket holders were. The files came to me. I had a file for ticket holders and a file for referrals.

“I looked at those files for completeness. They were reviewed to make sure the applicants’ eligibilities were complete following the guidelines. And then with two witnesses from the College of Business, one who’s with us here tonight, they reviewed the process, and I went through and did the process in Excel using a random generator.”

Daugherty and Jones explained the generator created a ranking. The top 10 people in the ranking were the finalists, and the individual filling the No. 1 spot in the same ranking will be unveiled as the winner on Aug. 25. At the time of the Aug. 19 news conference, Jones and only two other people knew who had won the contest, she said.

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One of the contestants who landed in the top 10 withdrew from consideration for “Offensive Coordinator of the Game,” creating a list of finalists with nine names.

“I was surprised to be honest,” Daugherty said of the finalist who bowed out. “Some of these individuals may decide from now until then they don’t want to do it, either, because it’s a lot of pressure, and it’ll put a spotlight [on the winner]. But the intent, this is fun. This is fun and exciting.”

In addition to Katz, Pat McAfee and Jon Gruden are celebrities in sports media who indicated they purchased Akron season tickets to enter the contest. They are not finalists.

Still, Katz and Bordeaux being among the finalists has prompted some fans to posit Akron must have fixed the contest to further build buzz about the promotion.

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“I am a former media and marketing person, so, yes, I get why you would want [celebrities or influencers to be finalists],” Daugherty said. “But I’m telling you when we sat down to do this and talk about and work out these procedures, [Jones] is a magnificent accountant, and accountants are about rules and compliance and policy. And this is what she followed, and she did a wonderful job. I just got to witness it and support her.”

When Katz, McAfee and Gruden were mentioned by the Beacon Journal, Jones didn’t hesitate to respond.

“If it helps, I don’t know any of those names. It didn’t mean anything to me,” she said with a laugh.

Akron announces nine finalists for ‘Offensive Coordinator of the Game’

Here is the complete list of finalists for Akron’s “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” promotion:

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• Brandon Wigen of Bellevue, Nebraska

• Dan “Big Cat” Katz of Barstool Sports

• Jack Rooney of Long Island, New York

• Martin Alan Whims II of Akron (former UA student and longtime Zips football season-ticket holder)

• Mike Beck Jr. (longtime Zips football season-ticket holder)

• Sean Struncius of Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey (now based in Kansas City, Missouri)

• Steve Moyer (1989 UA graduate and longtime Zips football season-ticket holder)

• Tim Sharfman of Austin, Texas

• A 10th candidate was selected but withdrew from the contest, according to UA

When does Akron Zips football start the 2026 season?

Akron is scheduled to open its 2026 season on the road against Wake Forest at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3.

UA’s home opener featuring the input of the “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” contest winner is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, against Robert Morris at InfoCision Stadium.

Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron’s College of Business vouches for offensive coordinator contest

How will Baleba fit into United’s midfield?

United need to add a player who can provide mobility and more cover for the defence with their third midfield signing, and Baleba ticks those boxes. He has more strings to his bow than just winning the ball back, though, and that’s why United have been so keen on him for a while.

Baleba will add legs to the midfield and handle the bulk of the defensive work in the centre of the pitch. Interceptions, duels and turnovers are his meat and drink, but he’s also a decent passer.

If he signs he will play at the base of the midfield, raising the possibility that he will build a strong relationship with Andrey Santos, and he could be the perfect foil for Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans. United planned to overhaul their midfield this summer, and the department will look strong if they can sign Baleba.

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Baleba is a good player, but he’s not at the level for United. Do you agree it’s a big mistake?

I’ve made no secret of the fact I haven’t been a believer in Baleba over the last 12 months, but when the context of the market and the profile of player United need to sign as their third midfield addition are considered, it adds up to the 22-year-old being a good signing.

Brighton wanted in excess of £100m for Baleba last summer. United are hopeful they can sign him for less than £75m, so they will get a value deal if an agreement can be reached with the Seagulls.

But Brighton have knocked down their valuation because Baleba was disappointing last season. He was hooked twice at half-time in the first half of the campaign, and he made just eight league starts in the second half of the season after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Baleba looked like a top talent in 2024/25. United believe he can regain that form and take it to another level, with the data department admiring his underlying metrics.

Then just take a look at the current state of the market. United missed out on Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the window, and most of the midfielders who are still available don’t have much appeal.

Why is the club not signing another striker?

The last time I spoke to a club source about United potentially signing a striker this summer, they suggested it was down the priority list. But many other supporters would like to see it moved up the transfer to-do list, so you’re not alone in thinking United need to strengthen in that area.

Benjamin Sesko is the only recognised striker in the squad, but United have a handful of players who can play down the middle, such as Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and potentially even Amad.

United have considered striker options during the window, whilst knowing that other areas were the priority, and whether a move is made or not will depend on Joshua Zirkzee’s position.

Michael Carrick claimed at his press conference on Thursday that no player has expressed a desire to leave and that he expects no outgoings, but Zirkzee has attracted interest from Italy, so it’s one to keep an eye on.

We are short on the left side of the defence. What are the plans to fill this gap?

United would like to sign a left-back once the third midfield signing is wrapped up. The question is: who could that player be? Newcastle will not sell Lewis Hall in this transfer window and there has been talk in the north east about him signing a new contract.

Speaking earlier this week, Mikel Arteta said that Myles Lewis-Skelly will stay at the Emirates this season. Racing de Santander defender Jorge Salinas is also an interesting name that has cropped up, along with Alejandro Balde.

It feels like United could spring another surprise in the market with a left-back signing. There won’t be much budget left, so a player at the lower end of the price scale could be brought in to be a deputy to Luke Shaw.

Will United give Amass the chance to take over at left-back in the future?

The Harry Amass situation has split opinion among fans. Some believe he is ready to contribute to the first team, while others feel he should spend another season on loan in the Championship.

For me, Amass has done enough to deserve a crack at being around the first team this season. He was excellent for Sheffield Wednesday on loan, and he has looked sharp throughout pre-season this summer.

It might not be that simple, though. Amass wants to play regular football after getting a taste of it last term, and that might push him towards the exit door.

Whether Amass is given a chance to take over from Shaw in the future could depend on what happens in the next two weeks.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen returns to the 1,500m as a thrilling summer of athletics resumes at the Silesia Diamond League.

The competition is fierce, too, with Olympic champion Cole Hocker also in action and the form from both men will be crucial as the Diamond League Final and Ultimate World Championship draw nearer.

It’s a packed evening of track and field in Poland, with world champion Isaac Nader, European champion Stefan Nillessen and Great Britain’s Jake Heyward joining Hocker and Ingebrigtsen, following his first race back to win gold in the men’s 5,000m at the European Championships.

Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Julien Alfred, Sha’Carri Richardson are in the star-studded women’s 100m, too.

Here’s everything you need to know about the meet.

When is the Silesia Diamond League?

The Diamond League event in Silesia will take on place on Sunday 23 August, although the men’s high jump and women’s long jump took place on Saturday 22 August.

How can I watch it?

The BBC has the United Kingdom television rights to every Diamond League meeting, with live coverage of the London Diamond League on BBC Two from 4:10pm BST on Sunday, as well as BBC iPlayer for the earlier events.

View all results from the Silesia Diamond League here.

Silesia Diamond League schedule (all times BST)

Sunday, 23 August

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Dollar Tree 301 is at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. This is the 25th race of the season and will feature 36 drivers competing for 301 laps at the 1.058-mile-long track.

Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney is the defending winner of the event. He will start from eighth position on Sunday.

What time does the NASCAR race start today?

Start Time: 2 pm ET

Date: Sunday, August 23

How to watch the NASCAR race today? TV channel details

The 2026 Dollar Tree 301 will air on USA Network, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio at 2 pm ET in the United States. USA Network has broadcasting rights for complete coverage of the season’s New Hampshire event.

UK

Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the race on Premier Sports at 7 pm BST on August 23 (Sunday).

Canada

Canadian viewers can catch the action on TSN at 2 pm ET.

India

Indian viewers can watch the race by using a VPN at 11:30 pm IST on Sunday (August 23).

New Zealand

The action is listed internationally on Sky Sports NZ and will stream at 6 am NZST on Monday, August 24.

Australia

The race will be available on FOX Sports Australia at 4 am AEST on Monday, August 24.

Sub-Saharan Africa

In Africa, the NASCAR New Hampshire race can be enjoyed on SuperSport at 8 pm CAT on Sunday.

2026 Dollar Tree 301 Live Streaming Options

Live streaming of the 2026 Dollar Tree 301 will be available on USA Network on both Android and iOS devices.

NASCAR Dollar Tree 301 Starting Lineup

Here’s the complete starting lineup for the 25th race of the season:

1. #45 – Tyler Reddick
2. #21 – Josh Berry
3. #24 – William Byron
4. #11 – Denny Hamlin
5. #97 – Shane van Gisbergen
6. #20 – Christopher Bell
7. #54 – Ty Gibbs
8. #12 – Ryan Blaney
9. #5 – Kyle Larson
10. #48 – Alex Bowman
11. #43 – Erik Jones
12. #1 – Ross Chastain
13. #34 – Todd Gilliland
14. #38 – Zane Smith
15. #71 – Michael McDowell
16. #17 – Chris Buescher
17. #19 – Chase Briscoe
18. #60 – Ryan Preece
19. #4 – Noah Gragson
20. #88 – Connor Zilisch (R)
21. #22 – Joey Logano
22. #77 – Carson Hocevar
23. #23 – Bubba Wallace
24. #16 – A. J. Allmendinger
25. #6 – Brad Keselowski
26. #2 – Austin Cindric
27. #35 – Riley Herbst
28. #33 – Austin Hill (i)
29. #9 – Chase Elliott
30. #47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
31. #40 – John Hunter Nemechek
32. #41 – Cole Custer
33. #10 – Ty Dillon
34. #3 – Austin Dillon
35. #7 – Daniel Suárez
36. #51 – Cody Ware