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Pangilinan backs broader industry adoption of AI

REUTERS

METRO PACIFIC Investments Corp. (MPIC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan called on Philippine companies to further embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to remain globally competitive.

“AI is touted as this monumental technology that will forever alter the landscape of business. AI will be impactful. For us frontliners in the technology battlefield, it is simply another big challenge,” Mr. Pangilinan said during his keynote speech at the 77th Management Association of the Philippines Inaugural Meeting in Taguig City on Wednesday.

Mr. Pangilinan said the Philippines needs to address data, talent and expertise, and infrastructure issues to boost AI adoption.

“For AI to work, companies need to feed their algorithms vast caches of data, which must be complete, high-quality, and available. Talent and expertise are probably the scarcest resources because AI needs to be customized for particular business needs. Open-source solutions may not always work,” he said.

“(There is a need for) robust data networks and hyperscale data centers with humongous and ultra-fast computing capacities,” he added.

Mr. Pangilinan, who is also MPIC’s president and CEO, said workers should not be worried by greater AI adoption, citing its potential to transform employee roles.

“The end of one job often signals the beginning of another. AI reflects not just the rhythm of progress, it is the heartbeat of mankind. Humanity has never been shaped by the jobs we lose. Instead, we are defined by the future we create,” he said.

“Every generation, but especially those who come next — millennials, Gen Zs, alphas, and betas — are allies, not adversaries. AI with its immense power, is not an existential threat; it is a tool. Together, they form the scaffoldings of the next great cathedrals of progress,” he added.

Mr. Pangilinan said AI could also help address the Philippines’ food insecurity issues.

“Imagine if we could develop an end-to-end digital map of our nation’s food supply chain. We should know exactly which food items are consumed monthly per individual, how much are in inventory nationwide, how much are in transit, and what and where we produce or import our food items,” he said.

MPIC is one of the three key Philippine units of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority share in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

John Hay investments projected at P10 billion

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO
PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said that it expects to generate investments of up to P10 billion in Camp John Hay (CJH) after its reversion to government control.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said that he expects “big things” from CJH.

“Here, we aim to replicate our successes in Bonifacio Global City and Clark by implementing infrastructure projects that will empower the community and by bringing in high-impact investments that will enable us to contribute more to the state coffers,” he said.

“To achieve this, we will determine areas that need improvement and explore new opportunities for development, all while ensuring the preservation of Baguio’s natural and cultural heritage,” he added.

According to the BCDA, a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone is ongoing to position CJH as a “premier ecotourism destination.”

The plan involved the development of around 70 hectares of untapped land inside the former US military facility through a joint venture with the private sector.

It also includes the redevelopment of Mile Hi Center to expand its retail and restaurant offerings.

“Moreover, the BCDA is committed to enhancing public infrastructure inside the camp to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for tourists,” BCDA said.

“This will be done by improving roads, jogging trails, and pedestrian lanes; installing solar street lights; and establishing a smart transport system,” it added.

The BCDA is also negotiating fresh contracts with existing establishments as a means of providing “recourse to affected stakeholders” in CJH.

The BCDA said it has received queries from potential joint venture partners, including Landco Pacific Corp., which will be the interim manager of The Manor and Forest Lodge, and a new consortium of Golfplus Management, Inc. and DuckWorld, the interim managers of the CJH golf course.

BCDA also entered into a deal with Stern Real Estate and Development Corp., the operator of Le Monet Hotel and the Filling Station.

“The company intends to pursue improvements and redevelopment plans in its leased property to maximize economic activities in the area,” it said.

Commercial lease agreements with Amare La Cucina and Top Taste and Trading, Inc. have also been reached, it said.

The BCDA regained control of CJH after a Supreme Court decision allowed the recovery of the 247-hectare leased area. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

BIR sees further collection growth in 2025, assuming passage of pending tax measures 

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is expecting further growth in collections in 2025, assuming that Congress passes a number of stalled tax bills.

“We are doing a lot to improve our efficiency and our collection targets. So, I think that the collection will be better also for 2025,” Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui said on the sidelines of a Congress hearing last week.

For 2025, the BIR is tasked with collecting P3.2 trillion, while the Bureau of Customs’ target is P1.06 trillion.

Earlier this week, the BIR said that it exceeded its revised P2.85-trillion collection goal in 2024, which is expected to further increase when the totals are finalized around mid-February.

In 2024, the BIR’s collection target was 22% higher than the P2.34-trillion goal in 2023. That year, revenue rose 8% but missed its P2.64-trillion target.

“This double-digit growth also presumes that (pending tax bills) will be passed. So, that’s one thing,” he said.

The BIR said these bills include the excise taxes on single-use plastics, pre-mixed alcoholic beverages, sweetened beverages, as well as the rationalization of the mining fiscal regime.

The proposed excise tax measure on single-use plastic received final approval from the House of Representatives but remains stalled at committee level in the Senate.

Similarly, the measure rationalizing taxes for large-scale miners has hurdled the House but remains at second reading in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and pre-mixed alcoholic beverages remains in committee at the House. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Oversight team organized for swine recovery project

REUTERS

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is organizing the oversight mechanisms for the Swine Industry Recovery Project (SIRP), which will help pig farms rebuild following the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.

In a Special Order, the DA ordered the creation of a project steering committee, technical working group, and a project management office to oversee the SIRP.

“The project seeks to strengthen the industry by enhancing biosecurity measures, modernizing farm infrastructure, improving genetic quality, and expanding market access,” the DA said.

It added that SIRP will support smallholder farmers, cooperatives, commercial breeders, and at-risk agricultural communities. It will provide tailored assistance to restore, modernize, and sustain swine production.

“The allocated funds will be distributed to various livestock agencies and operational units under the guidance of the Undersecretary for Livestock,” the DA added.

The Philippines saw a resurgence of ASF cases in August, prompting the government to fast-track its limited vaccine rollout to commercial and small growers.

Recent outbreaks were blamed on the spread of contaminated water due to heavy rains and tropical cyclones during the second half of 2024.

As of Dec. 27, 67 municipalities across 11 provinces had active ASF cases, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry. — Adrian H. Halili

Dairy farmers seek more funding for school milk feeding program

REUTERS

DAIRY FARMERS are calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) to raise its budget for the school milk feeding program, which it said would assure producers of guaranteed volume sales.

“The extension of the milk feeding program duration would provide dairy farmers with a guaranteed market that would lead to higher incomes while addressing the nutritional needs of schoolchildren,” according to Danilo V. Fausto, president of the National Federation of Dairy Farmers and Stakeholders’ Association (Dairy NatFed).

Republic Act 11037, or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, requires the incorporation of fresh milk and dairy products in school meals for a limited period of the year.

Dairy NatFed is calling for the extension of the milk feeding program to at least 120 days, from the current 55 days.

DepEd has allocated P11.78 billion for its school-based feeding program this year, which also involves the distribution of milk.

DepEd currently runs a 120-day feeding program involving hot meals. The milk feeding component of the program is 55 days.

“It is imperative that milk is provided consistently throughout the 120-day period. Milk should not be left behind in the program,” Mr. Fausto said in a statement.

He added that extending the milk feeding program would also help address the concerns about malnutrition in schoolchildren.

According to the Philippine Dairy Industry Roadmap 2020-2025, the expansion and extension of DepEd’s milk feeding program was among the measures intended to boost dairy-farmer incomes. — Adrian H. Halili

Transmission rates to rise in December

JEROME CMG-UNSPLASH

TRANSMISSION CHARGES for the December period, which will be reflected in the January electricity bills, increased by 5.5%, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

“In general, our consumers can expect an increase in the overall transmission charges in their electricity bills this January 2025,” Julius Ryan D. Datingaling, head of business and regulatory development, said in a briefing on Wednesday.

Overall transmission rates rose 5.5% to P1.1243 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in the December supply month, the NGCP said in a presentation.

Transmission charges reflect the cost to deliver electricity from power generators to the distribution system.

Mr. Datingaling said transmission wheeling rates, or what NGCP charges for its primary service of delivering power, rose 7.22% month on month to P0.5315 per kWh.

Ancillary services (AS) charges, on the other hand, rose 4% from a month earlier to P0.5928 per kWh.

AS charges reflect the cost of power sourced from the reserve market and providers holding bilateral contracts with NGCP who step in when supply from long-term providers is inadequate.

It has said that it does not earn from AS and did not benefit from the increase in prices as it is a pass-through cost paid to generation companies.

For the February billing period, customers may expect an increase in AS cost as the NGCP collects the remaining P3.05 billion for power generators that supplied the reserve market in March.

“In the next billing statement of NGCP to the customers next month, we will see the 70% charge for AS that generators were not able to charge from the March 2024 billing period. It will now be collected from Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao,” Mr. Datingaling said.

The reserve market allows the system operator to procure power reserves from the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) — the trading floor of electricity — to meet the reserve requirements of the grid.

Referring to issues raised by legislators, the company’s representative said that the presence of Chinese nationals on its board “does not pose a threat.”

NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia P. Alabanza said that the presiding dispatchers are Filipino citizens.

“Naiintindihan ko, Filipino rin ako, nakakabahala rin ’yung issue sa WPS (West Philippine Sea), kaya kong sabihin na walang ganung threat sa look ng NGCP (I understand, as a Filipino myself, that the WPS issue is worrying, but I can say that there is no threat from within the NGCP,” she said.

The NGCP has said that it is a Filipino-led company, with 60% of its shares owned by Filipinos.

The consortium that controls the company — Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., Calaca High Power Corp., and State Grid Corp. of China — won the bid to operate the transmission grid for $3.95 billion.

Monte Oro Grid Resources and Calaca own 60% of the company while State Grid Corp. of China holds 40%, meeting the law’s requirement for foreign investors.

Ms. Alabanza said that the NGCP has six Filipino citizens and four foreign nationals who sit as board directors, which is a “proportionate share” to its investment.

The grid operator’s board is led by Zhu Guangchao, a Chinese national, as its chairman. The members are Robert G. Coyiuto, Jr., Henry Sy, Jr., Jose T. Pardo, Francis Chua, Anthony L. Almeda, Paul P. Sagayo, Jr., Yao Yousheng, Wang Lijin, and Liu Xinhua.

“Is the chairman of the board more important? Is his vote heavier than the others? No,” Ms. Alabanza said. “In fact, kailangan presiding officer lang siya (he serves only as a presiding officer).”

The NGCP officially started operations as a power transmission service provider in 2009, it said. Under a congressionally granted 50-year franchise, the company has the right to operate and maintain the transmission system and related facilities, and to exercise the right of eminent domain as needed to construct, expand, maintain, and operate the transmission system. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Here comes the VAT refund for tourists

2025 has finally rolled in and social media posts about the possible long weekends throughout the year brought about by the declared regular and special non-working holidays are all over the place. Of course, when we speak of long weekends, people tend to see these as possible out-of-town holidays or even long haul flights to other countries. One good way to get ideas and to plan for these holiday vacations, particularly for those overseas, is to watch content from travelers regarding their latest trips, which often showcase their budols or splurges.

One thing that has always captured my attention whenever I watch these vlogs is when the travelers are able to save on their luxury purchases by having the value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax refunded. I see their delight at getting the refund, enabling them to save money to spend on their other expenses during the trip. Also, certain vlog entries have been very helpful in sharing tips on obtaining VAT refunds, highlighting the ease and smoothness of the process, which is a factor they considered in pursuing the VAT refund.

Shopping is a huge part of tourism, not only in other countries, but also here in the Philippines. Indeed, having a portion of the total price paid, such as the VAT, returned to the buyer, can definitely be an incentive for tourists to procure more locally made pasalubongs for their loved ones.

Fortunately, tourists coming to the Philippines are now entitled to a VAT refund for the goods that they purchase, thanks to Republic Act (RA) No. 12079, which was signed into law on Dec. 9 and took effect on Dec. 24.

Under the law, non-resident tourists are eligible for a VAT refund provided: (1) the goods are purchased in person by the tourist in duly accredited stores; (2) such goods are taken out of the Philippines by the tourist within 60 days from the date of purchase; and (3) the value of goods purchased per transaction is at least P3,000.

The VAT can be refunded either electronically or in cash. The VAT refund system is to be operated by one or more reputable, globally recognized, and experienced VAT refund operators providing end-to-end solutions to the government. The Secretary of Finance, in consultation with the other administrative agencies and departments, is tasked with issuing the rules and regulations to faithfully implement the provisions of the law.

The VAT refund for non-resident tourists is definitely a welcome change considering the projected increase in revenue to boost the economy and the growing level of tourists. However, like all changes, there are challenges to be overcome.

From a tourist’s perspective, the weight of the benefits of the refunded VAT over the cost or burden of going through the refund process is one of the main challenges once the refund system is implemented.

Taking into account that the VAT refund threshold amount is just P3,000 per transaction, 12% of that amount may be too small for a non-resident tourist to bother with a cumbersome process. Establishing a refund system that is quite simple and easy to follow would be a key success factor for this government initiative, particularly if the price of the goods to be purchased barely exceeds the P3,000 threshold.

On the other hand, the option to refund the VAT electronically and the engagement of a VAT refund operator for the implementation of this refund system aligns with the BIR’s ongoing efforts to digitalize tax administration. To further modernize the process, the Secretary of Finance in the law’s IRR can also explore the option for an automatic or on-the-spot VAT refund, where tourists can avail the refund by just presenting passports and return tickets. A streamlined process will encourage tourists to purchase more goods in the Philippines by refunding the VAT outright, which will allow them to use the savings to further increase their domestic spending, thereby boosting the economy.

All in all, the idea of a VAT refund for tourists is a gesture of reciprocity for what our own residents have been enjoying in other countries. However, in order to fully realize the potential of the system, its implementation should consider both efficiency and effectiveness, which are part of the considerations of tourists in availing of such opportunities.

In the meantime, all we can do is wait for the implementing rules and regulations, which would hopefully include a more detailed process and procedure that the law has kept broad and open. Fingers crossed that in the next long holiday weekend, we would see more social media content where non-residents share their positive experience with our VAT refund system, enticing other tourists to visit our country.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Maryanne Patricia Uno is an assistant manager at the Tax Services department of Isla Lipana & Co. the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

maryanne.patricia.uno@pwc.com

Djokovic flattens Jaime Faria in second round of Australian Open

NOVAK DJOKOVIC — REUTERS

Teenager Fonseca crushes Rublev in dream Slam debut

MELBOURNE — Novak Djokovic continued to build into the Australian Open with a 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-2 victory over Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round on Wednesday, taking another step towards a 25th Grand Slam title.

For the top players, the first week of a major is all about finding a groove in the full heat of competition and Djokovic could not have wished for more from his first two opponents, both making their Grand Slam debuts.

On Monday, inspired American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy gave the 10-time Melbourne Park champion the runaround for the first hour of their first-round clash, and 21-year-old Faria presented another set of problems for Djokovic to solve.

Faria’s victory in the opening round was his first at tour level, while Djokovic moved out of a tie with Roger Federer to claim another record merely by taking to the court for his 430th Grand Slam match.

The gap in experience looked like a chasm in a one-sided opening set but Faria stormed back into the contest by winning the second set in a tiebreaker on the back of some fine ball-striking and all-court athleticism.

Djokovic, with one-time adversary Andy Murray again in his coaching box, broke for 4-2 in the third set, however, and fully quashed the threat offered by the world number 125 in the fourth to set up a meeting with Czech Tomas Machac.

TEENAGER FONSECA CRUSHES RUBLEV
Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca launched his Grand Slam career in spectacular fashion as the qualifier took down Russian ninth seed Andrey Rublev 7-6(1), 6-3, 7-6(5) in the opening round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Fonseca became the last player to book a second-round spot but the wait was well worth it as the 18-year-old delivered a stunning display that lived up to the hype.

He looked completely at home on his Grand Slam main draw debut having waltzed through the qualifying draw without dropping a set and all those who stayed late on Margaret Court Arena will not forget him in a hurry.

One almost felt a little sorry for Rublev who became Fonseca’s first victim at a major. The Russian, well-known for chastising himself on court, often painfully, could do little to stem the flow of brilliance across the net.

The Brazilians in the crowd loved it and so did the neutrals as a new star of the men’s game illuminated the night. Fonseca is only the second teenager since 1973 to defeat an ATP top 10 player in their maiden Grand Slam main draw match.

Fonseca arrived on court on the back of a 13-match winning streak at all levels and brimming with confidence.

There was nothing between the players in the opening set with the only break point being saved by Fonseca at 3-4.

But the tiebreak was one-way traffic as Fonseca’s forehand left Rublev reeling.

There was a swagger about Fonseca in the second set as he used the energy of the crowd to surge further in front of a player who reached the quarter-finals last year.

Rublev, 27, was not about to be humiliated though and provided some stiff resistance in the third set, perhaps hoping to hang in and wait for any dip in Fonseca’s energy levels.

But the Brazilian answered every question in emphatic fashion, showing not the slightest hint of nerves despite playing on the biggest stage of his fledgling career.

Rublev smashed a racket in frustration in the third-set tiebreak but offered a warm embrace and a smile as he congratulated Fonseca at the net after a 51st winner from the Brazilian flashed past him on match point.

Fonseca, ranked 112 but surely heading much, much higher in a hurry, will face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego next. — Reuters

UP grabs volleyball star Casiey Dongallo with bevy of UE standouts

CASIEY DONGALLO — UAAP

THERE’S no stopping the University of the Philippines (UP) from bolstering its entire sports program — more than just basketball.

In a massive move, UP scooped up the services of development coach Dr. Obet Vital and rising volleyball star Casiey Dongallo alongside a bevy of other standouts from the University of the East (UE) to shore up its rebuilding stage for the UAAP volleyball tournament. 

A high school MVP in PNVF and SSL national leagues, the 5-foot-7 spiker Ms. Dongallo has completed her transfer this week to finally end rumors of UE’s core breakup for good.

She (Dongallo), along with pals Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero and Jenalyn Umayam, will redshirt this upcoming tournament before being eligible in Season 88 for UP women’s volleyball team (WVT) backed by Strong Group Athletics (SGA) and business tycoon Frank Lao.

All the said players made up the core of the fancied California Acacemy in Antipolo, which ruled multiple junior competitions, under the watch of Mr. Vital before their collective transition to the UAAP collegiate play with UE.

Mr. Vital, known for his scientific methods in developing budding players, served as deputy of head coach Jerry Yee in UE and will fill the same role under Benson Bocboc in UP, while manning Diliman’s grassroots program.

Former pro standout Alohi Robins-Hardy is also part of Mr. Bocboc’s staff as UP stamped seriousness in snapping an eight-year title drought.

“Their arrival is a sign that Mr. Frank Lao, SGA, and OASD (Office for Athletics and Sports Development) are really sincere in developing the UP volleyball program. Their addition to our roster, together with our recruits this year, will definitely make our team a contender in the following years,” said UP volleyball program director Oliver Almadro.

“It’s about time to make our volleyball teams strong because they have great potential to be another source for unity ng UP community. We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players to women’s team, but to also show that we’re turning serious about competing in volleyball,” added UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.

UP is coming off a championship in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball and the hope is similar for the WVT down the road starting with a Final Four bid this season since last making it in 2017 led by now pros Isa Molde and Tots Carlos. 

With Ms. Dongallo and company still serving residency, responsibility will be on former Second Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang and former UAAP juniors MVP Kianne Olango alongside veterans Nica Celis and Irah Jaboneta, as well as youngsters Yesha Noceja, Bienne Bansil and Kassy Doering. — John Bryan Ulanday

Zheng stunned at Melbourne Park, Sabalenka battles through

MELBOURNE — Zheng Qinwen was the first big name to exit the women’s draw at the Australian Open on Wednesday after the Olympic champion was stunned by Laura Siegemund while top seed Aryna Sabalenka made heavy weather of her second round match before going through.

Jessica Pegula, who lost to Sabalenka in last year’s US Open final, safely advanced while Tokyo Olympics champion Belinda Bencic moved on after a brief spell of rain delayed proceedings on the outer courts on the fourth day.

China’s Zheng had been bidding to emulate compatriot Li Na’s 2014 triumph at Melbourne Park but her hopes evaporated at John Cain Arena, where unseeded German Siegemund pulled off a stunning 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.

The fifth seed left the court looking like she was about to burst into tears while world number 97 Siegemund was beaming from ear to ear after a famous win.

Zheng said it was just not her day.

Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman to win three straight titles at Melbourne Park since Martina Hingis from 1997-99 and while the Belarusian beat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-3, 7-5 she did not have it all her own way.

After easing through the first two games of the match on Rod Laver Arena, Sabalenka twice swapped breaks with the world number 54 before taking control for a 5-2 lead and closing out the opening set on serve.

The three-time Grand Slam champion’s serve came under intense pressure in the next set and she found herself trailing 4-1 as an inspired Bouzas Maneiro began hitting stinging winners on both sides of the court.

Sabalenka found a spark from somewhere and fought back from 5-2 to level at 5-5 and fired a backhand winner to break again in the next game before wrapping up the contest to extend her win streak at the hardcourt major to 16.

American seventh seed Pegula beat Belgian Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena while Bencic beat Suzan Lamens 6-1, 7-6(3) after Olga Danilovic stunned 25th seed Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-2. — Reuters

Middle blocker Risa Sato transfers to Chery Tiggo from Creamline

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

MULTI-TITLED middle blocker Risa Sato has crossed over to Chery Tiggo from Creamline.

The transfer was made official on Wednesday after the team announced it on social media and Ms. Sato could suit up anytime for the Crossovers, who will resume their Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign against Galeries Tower on  Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

“Yokoso Risa-san,” it said. “To our new addition to our growing family, welcome. Your skills and energy are a game-changer and we can’t wait to have you on the court with us.

Ms. Sato had amicably parted ways late last year with the Creamline franchise where she was part of its 10 storied championships in the league.

This has allowed her to sign up with any club and it turned out it was Chery Tiggo, which is eyeing its second championship and add to the only one it had won in the Bacarra, Ilocos Norte bubble four years ago.

Ms. Sato will join a team that is already loaded with talent like Mylene Paat, Ara Galang, Abigail Maraño, Jasmine Nabor, Pongay Gaston, Jen Nierva and Princess Robles among others.

She could also fill in to the massive void vacated by Eya Laure, who has also left the team late last year.

Chery Tiggo is currently at No. 4 in the standings with a 4-2 record and there is hope Ms. Sato could help it improve even higher. — Joey Villar

Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers avenge loss to Indiana Pacers

DONOVAN MITCHELL scored 27 of his game-high 35 points in the first half, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Indiana Pacers 127-117 in Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Darius Garland added 24 points and seven assists, while Evan Mobley had 22 points and 13 rebounds for Cleveland, which avenged a 15-point home loss to the Pacers on Sunday. Jarrett Allen chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds, and Max Strus had 13 points off the bench.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points, followed by 19 from Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner’s 17. Jarace Walker scored 11, while Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell each had 10 for the Pacers, who had their six-game winning streak snapped. Nembhard added nine assists.

After leading by one point at halftime, Cleveland extended it to eight on a 3-pointer by Strus at the 5:02 mark of the third quarter. Indiana took a timeout, but Cleveland had seven straight points. Strus made one of two free throws, and Georges Niang and Mobley nailed 3-pointers widened the cushion to 92-77 with 3:36 remaining in the third.

McConnell scored the final two baskets of the third for Indiana, trimming the Pacers’ deficit to 100-89 entering the fourth quarter.

Sam Merrill’s triple gave Cleveland a 111-99 advantage with 8:49 left, but Thomas Bryant hit a 3-pointer, Mathurin scored on a put-back layup, and Walker made a midrange jumper and pulled Indiana within five with 7:11 remaining.

Garland answered the run with Cleveland’s next six points, beginning a 12-5 run for the Cavaliers to push the lead back to 12 points. Turner’s dunk trimmed Indiana’s deficit to 10, before Allen’s dunk and Garland’s finger roll iced Cleveland’s victory.

After Turner’s free throws tied the game at 26 with 3:17 left in the first quarter, baskets by Niang and Mitchell began a 9-2 Cleveland run, pushing the Cavaliers’ lead to 35-28. Mitchell’s midrange jumper with 5.6 seconds left gave him his 19th point of the opening quarter and extended Cleveland’s first-quarter advantage to 37-30.

Walker’s dunk to open the second quarter was followed by Mitchell’s layup. From there, Bryant’s layup jump-started Indiana’s 9-0 run, taking its first lead on Siakam’s layup with 9:55 left in the second quarter.

Mitchell’s three-point play then began an 8-0 Cleveland spurt, as the Cavaliers grabbed a 47-41 lead at the 8:03 mark.

Mitchell’s floater gave Cleveland a 59-51 advantage, but Siakam’s layup with 33.6 seconds left capped a 10-3 run by the Pacers to finish the first half with Cleveland on top 62-61.

Mitchell led all scorers in the half with 27 points, while Siakam paced Indiana with 21. — Reuters

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