Zubiri not running for office in ’28

April 1, 2024 | 8:22 pm

SENATE President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri is mulling retirement from politics at the end of his elective term, revealing on Monday that he plans on not running for public office in 2028.

“To dispel any rumors that may arise, I would like to make it clear that I will not be running for any public office in 2028,” Mr. Zubiri told reporters through Viber. “I am in fact contemplating on my retirement from almost 30 years of politics.”

The Senate President spoke ahead of any speculation that he would seek higher office, following a Pulse Asia survey published on Sunday in which 7% of Filipinos would likely vote for him as vice president in 2028.

The list was topped by Senator Mary Grace N. Poe-Llamanzares who polled 35%, followed by Senator Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos who garnered 16%.

Former senator and boxing legend Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao, Sr. tied with Senator Ferdinand “Robin” C. Padilla at third with 14%, followed by Mr. Zubiri who ranked fourth.

“Rest assured that my last four years of service will be dedicated to uplifting the lives of every Filipino through meaningful legislation,” Mr. Zubiri said.

Mr. Zubiri is in his third term as senator and was previously Bukidnon’s third district representative to the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

P21-M smuggled cigarettes seized

April 1, 2024 | 8:21 pm

Customs-cigarettes — IMPORTED cigarettes seized by police in Sarangani on Saturday are prepared for turnover to the Bureau of Customs. — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN FELIX M. UNSON

COTABATO CITY — Police seized P21 million worth of cigarettes from Indonesia, intercepting the boat loaded with the contraband in an anti-smuggling operation in Glan, Sarangani last weekend, authorities revealed on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Percival Augustus P. Placer, Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) director, said his men impounded the P1.7-million watercraft that was carrying the 1,075 cases of cigarettes from Tongkil Island in Sulu province.

The interception by joint police units came following a tip-off that the merchandise was being transported through Tampat Point in Batulaki area in Glan on Saturday afternoon and was due for distribution to buyers in Sarangani and General Santos City.

The seized cigarettes have been turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.

The island municipalities of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, both in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, are known transshipment points of cigarettes from Indonesia, brought in by Tausug and Sama seafarers. — John Felix M. Unson

Makati files graft raps vs. Taguig city treasurer, 2 others

April 1, 2024 | 8:19 pm

THE MAKATI City government has filed graft charges against the Taguig City treasurer and two other employees for allegedly holding out on tax clearance paperwork for three land properties purchased by Makati amounting to over P146 million.

In the 10-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday, the Taguig City government executive and two employees are being charged with grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service — all violations under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail S. Binay, in a statement, scored Taguig City for allegedly disregarding the law by delaying for 11 months the release of tax clearance documents covering the three parcels of land purchased by Makati City from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The complaint accuses the officials of intentionally delaying the process without giving a valid reason and cited the Taguig Citizen’s Charter, which states that the City Treasurer’s Office needs only three days for individuals and five days for corporations to process such requests.

Sought for comment, Taguig’s Public Information Office told BusinessWorld that the case filed by Makati is baseless and “intended only to harass Taguig officials.”

“The cases filed against the officials and employees of Taguig will not detract them from giving the EMBO residents transformative programs that they deserve,” the Taguig PIO said in an email.

The two cities are at odds over jurisdiction of the 10 Enlisted Men’s Barrio or EMBO villages even though the Supreme Court (SC) had already issued a ruling that they are part of Taguig and had been illegally occupied and used by Makati for 30 years.

As a result of that ruling, many public service facilities established and funded for years by the Makati City government are now turned over to Taguig City.

Last month, four Makati employees were trapped in a park previously maintained by Makati City when Taguig City employees locked it up. The Makati City government resorted to suing Taguig City Mayor Laarni L. Cayetano. – Chloe Mari A. Hufana

BuCor releases 783 prisoners in March

April 1, 2024 | 8:18 pm

THE BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) announced on Monday the release of 783 prisoners across all its facilities in the country last month.

BuCor Chief Gregorio P. Catapang Jr. said 132 of those released have been acquitted of the crimes they were charged with, while four were freed on bail and two granted conditional pardons.

As part of efforts to decongest the country’s jails, the BuCor also released 528 prisoners whose maximum sentences had expired, along with 20 more granted probation, and 97 granted parole.

Breaking them down by BuCor facility, Mr. Catapang reported 149 convicts freed from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP)-Minimum Security Compound, 146 from the NBP Maximum Security Compound, 99 from the NBP-Medium Security Compound, 96 from the Davao Prison and Penal Farm, 65 from the Correctional Institution for Women and Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, 55 from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, 48 from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, 44 from the Leyte Regional Prison, and 16 from the NBP-Reception and Diagnostic Center.

The releases allowed the BuCor to move 500 prisoners from the NBP to the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City to aid decongestion efforts. It also recently transferred 500 prisoners from the NBP to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.

According to the BuCor, a total of 12,836 prisoners have been released since President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took office.

“The release of these [prisoners] not only addresses congestion in our prison and other detention centers but allows them to reintegrate into mainstream society,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a statement of Monday.

He urged those released to “march forward with unwavering determination” and never to return to the life of crime.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) to conduct 2024 annual meeting of stockholders virtually on April 23

April 1, 2024 | 8:15 pm

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of stockholders of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will be conducted virtually via http://www.ayalagroupshareholders.com/ on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 9:00 A.M., for the transaction of the following business:

Call to Order
Certification of Notice of Meeting, Determination of Quorum, and Rules of Conduct and Procedures
Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders on April 27, 2023
Approval of Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements
Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and Officers
Election of the Board of Directors (including the Independent Directors)
Election of External Auditors and Fixing of their Remuneration
Consideration of Such Other Business as May Properly Come Before the Meeting
Adjournment

Stockholders of record as of March 4, 2024, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, this meeting.

Stockholders may attend the meeting by remote communication or by appointing the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy.

Duly accomplished proxy forms shall be submitted to the Office of the Corporate Secretary located at 28/F Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Paseo de Roxas Cor. Makati Ave., Bel-Air, Makati City or by email to bpi-asm@bpi.com.ph not later than 5:00 P.M. of April 12, 2024. Validation of proxies is set on April 15, 2024 at 2:00 P.M.

Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should notify the Bank by email to bpi-asm@bpi.com.ph on or before April 12, 2024. Stockholders may vote electronically in absentia, subject to validation procedures. The procedures for participation in the meeting through remote communication and for casting votes in absentia are set forth in the Bank’s website and Information Statement.

For this purpose and in accordance with Article XII of the Bank’s Amended By-Laws, the Stock and Transfer Book of BPI will be closed from March 23, 2024 to April 22, 2024.

Makati City, March 12, 2024.

FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(Sgd.) MARIA LOURDES P. GATMAYTAN
Corporate Secretary

EXPLANATION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING – APRIL 23, 2024

Call to Order

Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of the BPI Board of Directors, will call the meeting to order.

Certification of Notice of Meeting, Determination of Quorum and Rules of Conduct and Procedures

The Corporate Secretary will certify the date when written notice of the meeting was sent to all stockholders of record as of March 04, 2024, and the date of publication of the notice at a newspaper of general circulation.

The Corporate Secretary will further certify whether a quorum is present for the valid transaction of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. Pursuant to Sections 57 and 23 of the Revised Corporation Code which allow voting in absentia by stockholders, the Bank has set up a designated online web address which may be accessed by the stockholders to register and vote in absentia on the matters for resolution at the meeting. The holders of record of a majority of the stock of the Bank then issued and outstanding and entitled to vote, represented by proxy or participating through remote communication or voting in absentia, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

The following are the rules of conduct and procedures for the meeting:

(a) Stockholders may attend the meeting remotely through the online web address (URL) provided. Questions and comments may be sent via e-mail prior to or during the meeting to bpi-asm@bpi.com.ph, and shall be limited to the items in the Agenda of the meeting. Other channels may be opened to address questions and comments.

(b) Stockholders must notify the Bank of their intention to participate in the meeting by remote communication, by sending an email to bpi-asm@bpi.com.ph, to be included in the determination of quorum, together with stockholders who voted in absentia and by proxy.

(c) Voting shall only be allowed for stockholders registered in the Bank’s Voting In Absentia & Shareholder (VIASH) System or through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy. Detailed requirements and instructions pertaining to the VIASH System and the use thereof are provided in the Bank’s website and Information Statement. Stockholders may also contact the BPI Stock Transfer Office for information and assistance.

(d) For items on the agenda for approval, the affirmative vote of stockholders representing at least a majority of the issued and outstanding capital stock is required. Each outstanding share of stock entitles the registered holder to one vote. The election of directors will be determined by plurality of votes and every stockholder shall be entitled to cumulate his votes. All votes received shall be tabulated by the Office of the Corporate Secretary and the results shall be validated by the Bank’s auditor.

(e) The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format.

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders on April 27, 2023

The minutes of the meeting held on April 27, 2023 are available at the Bank’s website, www.bpi.com.ph.

Approval of Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2023

The audited financial statements (AFS) as of December 31, 2023 will be presented for approval of the stockholders. Prior thereto, the Chairman, Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and the President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco, will deliver their report to the stockholders on the highlights of BPI’s performance in 2023 and the outlook for 2024.

A copy of the Bank’s AFS is posted on the Bank’s website.

Ratification of the acts of the Board of Directors and Officers

The acts and resolutions of the Board of Directors and its committees were those taken or adopted since the annual stockholders’ meeting on April 27, 2023 until April 23, 2024, contracts and transactions entered into by the Bank, credit/loan transactions including to related parties, projects and investments, treasury matters, manpower related decisions/approvals, including programs of the Bank’s employee stock incentive plans, corporate governance-related actions, and other matters covered by disclosures to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The acts of Management were those taken to implement the resolutions of the Board or its committees or made in the general conduct of business.

Election of the Board of Directors (including the Independent Directors)

Any stockholder, including minority stockholders, may submit to the Nomination Committee nominations to the Board of Directors not later than March 5, 2024. The Nomination Committee will determine whether the nominees for the Board, including the nominees for independent directors, have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications to serve as members of the Board. The profiles of the nominees to the Board will be provided in the Information Statement and in the company website.

Election of External Auditor and Fixing of their Remuneration

The Audit Committee will endorse to the stockholders the appointment of the external auditor for the ensuing year as well as its proposed remuneration.

Consideration of Such Other Business as May Properly Come Before the Meeting

The Chairman will open the floor for comments and questions by the stockholders, and take up items included in the agenda received from stockholders in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.¹

Adjournment

Upon determination that there are no other matters to be considered, the Chairman shall declare the meeting adjourned.

¹SEC Memorandum Circular No. 14, series of 2020 or “Shareholders’ Right to Put items on the Agenda for Regular/Special Stockholders’ Meetings”

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Cone turns to Bennie Boatwright as backup for Justin Brownlee

April 1, 2024 | 7:52 pm

IN SEARCH of additional ammo, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone is turning to the talented import who helped San Miguel Beer dethrone his PBA club Ginebra in the last Commissioner’s Cup — Bennie Boatwright.

Mr. Cone said Mr. Boatwright, who ultimately powered the Beermen to the championship after their 3-0 semis sweep of the Gin Kings, is a perfect fit for Gilas, much like Justin Brownlee, the naturalized player he will back up in this pool.

“I was the one who asked for him,” Mr. Cone said of the 6-foot-10 prospect on Sunday.

“I think he is a tremendous talent. He’s got great size. And he can play in and out. He is very versatile. Kinda reminds me of a young Justin, just three or four inches taller,” he added.

Mr. Boatwright, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Alfredo “Al” Panlilio, has agreed to come on board as a naturalized player.

“We will start the process,” said the SBP chief.

Like Mr. Brownlee, the 27-year-old Mr. Boatwright will have to go through legislative proceedings, which could take several months.

“It is usually a long process — three, four, maybe eight months, we don’t know. It took Justin a long time to get his,” said Mr. Cone.

The Gilas mentor maintained it would still be Mr. Brownlee in the lead role in his four-year program.

“Without a doubt and this is written in stone right now — Mr. Justin is our guy. And Bennie is going to be his backup, just like Justin was the backup to Jordan Clarkson in the (FIBA) World Cup. So we are going with that at the moment,” said Mr. Cone.

Pending Mr. Boatwright’s naturalization, Mr. Cone said it would be ideal if they can have him in training.

“When we go to Latvia (for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July), it’s going to be Justin being the guy doing it,” he said.

“But if we could get him (Mr. Boatwright) into practice and get him involved in the system (we would) so that if something, God forbid, happens to Justin, he can be ready to step in. So that’s the plan. We don’t know when he’s going to be available or when we can do it. It’s not going to happen ‘til he gets his naturalization papers in and that’s still a long process.” — Olmin Leyba

PLDT, Choco Mucho gun for share of PVL lead against Akari and Galeries Tower

April 1, 2024 | 7:51 pm

PLDT High Speed Hitters — PLDT HIGH SPEED HITTERS — FACEBOOK.COM/PLDTHIGHSPEEDHITTERS

Games Tuesday
(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. — Akari vs PLDT
6 p.m. — Galeries Tower vs Choco Mucho

PLDT and Choco Mucho eye a victory over Akari and Galeries Tower, respectively, today and a piece of the lead in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

Both coming off empathic victories in their last games that propelled them to joint second with 5-1 records, the High Speed Hitters and the Flying Titans will shoot for another one with the former battling the Chargers at 4 p.m. and the latter tackling the Highrisers at 6 p.m.

A victory for both league powerhouses would catapult them back to the top alongside six-time league champion Creamline, who owns a 6-1 mark.

Akari and Galeries Tower tote identical 2-4 marks and should be desperately seeking victories also for semifinal survival.

PLDT is expected to draw strength anew from Savannah Davison, who did most of everything with 21 points including 17 kills and three blocks while helping preside over their floor defense by chipping in seven receptions in a 25-9, 25-13, 25-21 win over Farm Fresh on March 23.

But the do-it-all Ms. Davison deflected the credit to their setter, Kim Fajardo, for serving as the adhesive that kept the High Speed Hitters’ attack relentlessly flowing. “Personally, Kim is really a good setter, I just kind of pick up where she wants me to go,” said Ms. Davison of Ms. Fajardo.

For Choco Mucho, expect another Sisi Rondina show after the reigning Most Valuable Player went supernova in a 25-17, 25-22, 25-21 win over Akari also last March 23 when she dropped 13 hits on top of 17 digs and eight receptions.

Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin stressed everything starts from their rock-solid blocking. — Joey Villar

Saso fades and settles for joint 13^that Ford Championship in Arizona

April 1, 2024 | 7:51 pm

FILIPINA-JAPANESE Yuka Saso faded in the final push for the inaugural Ford Championship crown and settled for joint 13^th on Sunday at the Seville Golf and Country Club in Arizona.

Ms. Saso, who started the day just one shot off the pace, submitted an ending one-under 71 while rivals surged forward and closed out in the high 60s.

The former US Women’s Open titlist finished at 15-under 273 for a take home of $30,795 (about P1.7 million).

World No. 1 Nelly Korda of the US triumphed for the third consecutive event after firing 65 for 20-under 268. Korda beat rookie Hira Naveed of Australia (270 after a final 66) by two.

Korea’s Mi Hyung Lee (68), Denmark’s Frida Kinhult (68), US’ Lexi Thompson (69), Sweden’s Maja Stark (66) and Spain’s Carlota Ciganda (70) shared third at 271.

Ms. Saso’s bid was stymied by early bogeys on Nos. 1 and 4. She recovered and didn’t drop a shot again but managed only three birdies (fifth, 11^th and 18^th) the rest of the way en route to that one-under round.

The 22-year-old Ms. Saso missed a Top 10 finish by one stroke. Still, it was her best for 2024 after winding up 16^th, 17^th and 27^th in her first three events. — Olmin Leyba

TECNO partners with RSG to bring esports competitive gaming

April 1, 2024 | 7:51 pm

TECNO and RSG announced plans for a year-long partnership to support competitive gaming and the esports communities in the Philippines and Malaysia.

As part of this year’s initiative, TECNO will continue to support RSG Philippines and kick-start support for RSG Malaysia in their esports tournaments. The partnership aims to elevate the standards of competitive esports, increase engagement between esports players, content creators and the public, and inspire esports communities in Philippines and Malaysia.

Pulse Nova Entertainment, a full-service gaming entertainment marketing agency and the exclusive rights-holders of RSG’s players, partnerships and sponsorships, worked closely with the two brands to develop the partnership.

Manchester City and Arsenal draw 0-0 to hand Liverpool Premier League title-race advantage

April 1, 2024 | 7:51 pm

MANCHESTER, England — Arsenal nullified reigning champions Manchester City in a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, allowing Liverpool to take top spot on a pivotal day in the Premier League’s three-way title race

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, in the hunt for their first league title in 20 years, are second in the table on 65 points with nine games remaining, while City are third with 64. Liverpool, on 67 points, claimed the lead with their 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier on Sunday.

“No way can you be fully happy (with just a point),” Mr. Arteta told Sky Sports. “Listen, I think we have made a big step today. Coming to these big places not a lot of teams have done what we have done today, especially when there is a lot at stake and the pressure elevates. To respond to it is another step.”

The match failed to live up to its billing as a battle of titans. City dominated possession with 72.2% and came at Arsenal in waves.

But the visitors frustrated Pep Guardiola’s men — including league-leading scorer Erling Haaland — with a textbook defensive display to extend their unbeaten league run to nine games and end their streak of eight losses at the Etihad. “Tough game … take the point and onto the next,” Mr. Guardiola told the BBC. “They make a really good pressing. They are a master of that. It is what it is. In the end we tried. They have really top players in defence, defending perfectly compact. Low block. We tried.”

Usually prolific Man City were restricted to just one shot on goal and it was the first time in 58 games across all competitions that they have not scored at home.

“We want all the three points obviously, and we tried our best to get the win … but we’ll take the point and move on,” Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard said.

“We had to defend a lot, a bit more deep than we would have liked. It was a tight game and a tough one. So much can happen before the end of the season, we have to take it game-by-game.”

‘NOT SATISFIED’
Gabriel Jesus had Arsenal’s best chances, firing two shots just wide in the first half and then narrowly failing to meet an inviting cross from Bukayo Saka.

City’s best opportunity was Kevin De Bruyne’s early corner kick that glanced off the shoulder of Nathan Ake but fell to keeper David Raya. Manchester City parked themselves in Arsenal’s half over a final tense few minutes but the visitors held strong.

The normally reliable Mr. Haaland failed to make contact with the ball when he seemed to have a simple finish from Josko Gvardiol’s header late in the game, holding his head in his hands in frustration while the Manchester City fans groaned.

While Arsenal lacked the firepower of recent weeks — they had scored an astounding 33 goals in eight successive league victories — shutting down Man City was mission accomplished for the Gunners, who were clobbered 4-1 at the Etihad last season before Man City ran away with the title.

“We can’t be satisfied when we draw,” said Arsenal defender William Saliba. “We leave with one point, but we are not satisfied. We know they are the best team in the world, so we have to be focused.

“We didn’t score but we didn’t concede, so we are happy. We defended well. We have to keep going like that.”

The game marked the final clash between two of the top three teams this season. — Reuters

Flawless Jannik Sinner shines to win Miami Open

April 1, 2024 | 7:50 pm

JANNIK SINNER dominated Grigor Dimitrov 6-3 6-1 on Sunday to win the Miami Open for the first time and rise to world number two.

The Italian fired a passing shot howling by his Bulgarian opponent for a crucial break in the first set and captured the opener with a brilliant backhand winner that brought the fans at Hard Rock Stadium to their feet.

The 32-year-old Mr. Dimitrov, who has experienced a career renaissance this season, had no answer for Mr. Sinner’s flawless game in the second set and was broken again when his backhand landed in the net to fall behind 3-1.

Mr. Dimitrov badly missed an overhead to hand Mr. Sinner the 5-1 lead and did not even try to chase down Mr. Sinner’s backhand winner on championship point.

Mr. Sinner won 88% of his first serve points and thumped 15 winners to capture the title in South Florida after finishing as the runner-up in 2021 and 2023.

“I raised my level dramatically for semis and final, which I’ve shown on the court and obviously the result is amazing,” Mr. Sinner said.

“I felt like I was serving really well in the important moments which gives me a lot of confidence… Physically I feel good, I feel fresh even now.”

Australian Open champion Mr. Sinner, who scooped a second Masters 1000 title following his success in Canada last year, has won 25 of his last 26 matches and has only lost three times since last year’s US Open.

The 22-year-old will take over the world number two ranking from his rival Carlos Alcaraz on Monday and said he knows that he has a target on his back heading into the claycourt season.

“Hopefully I can improve because the opponents are going to come for me,” he said.

“They are going to play freely, they are going to hit bigger and harder, and mentally I have to be ready.

“Now, new chapter, the clay is coming. Usually I struggle there a little bit so let’s see what I can achieve this time but this season has been nearly perfect.

“I never expected it to be like this at the beginning of the year but that’s what happened. Now I am just living in the moment.”

Mr. Sinner, who hails from the northern Italian village of San Candido, said it was a great honor to be the highest-ranked Italian in the history of the sport.

“Being number two is an incredible achievement,” he said. — Reuters

Doncic, Mavs end Rockets’ streak

April 1, 2024 | 7:46 pm

LUKA DONCIC matched his career high with nine 3-pointers and finished with 47 points as the visiting Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to seven games, beating the Houston Rockets 125-107 on Sunday.

Mr. Doncic added 12 rebounds and seven assists for Dallas (45-29), which led by as many as 29 and snapped the Rockets’ 11-game winning streak. Mr. Doncic was 18-for-30 from the field and 9-for-16 from 3-point range.

Kyrie Irving scored 24 points, Dante Exum added 13 and P.J. Washington had 12 for Dallas, which has won 11 of its past 12 games. The Mavericks went 24-for-47 (51.1 percent) from 3-point range.

Mr. Doncic set the tone early and scored 22 points in the first quarter to help put Dallas ahead 36-24. Mr. Doncic was 5-for-7 from beyond the arc in the period and recorded eight rebounds and four assists.

Mr. Doncic finished the first half with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Mavericks, who held a 66-45 advantage at intermission after closing the second quarter on a 19-8 run. — Reuters