Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
Photo by PBA Images

Basketball

Paul Lee looks back on another Clasico without fans


It still felt weird for Paul Lee to not see any fans in attendance when another chapter of the Manila Clasico was written Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Magnolia-Ginebra rivalry remains one of the highly anticipated matches every PBA season. But the ball clubs’ supporters can only wait until they can again troop to the venue to watch live.

This, as the league continues to play games with zero spectators due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Siyempre nakakapanibago kapag wala ‘yung mga fans natin,” Lee expressed moments after the Hotshots’ 89-79 conquest of the Gin Kings.

This marked the second time in a row that a Clasico took place without fans. The first one was in the secluded Philippine Cup bubble in Clark last year, where Magnolia also reigned victorious with a 102-92 decision.

This year’s edition would have definitely drawn a huge crowd, since it featured two new faces who will add more flair to the rivalry in years to come.

The Hotshots have Calvin Abueva in tow, while the reigning champions have Christian Standhardinger in their arsenal. The former BPCs arrived to their new teams via blockbuster trades during the offseason.

Both players made a good account of themselves in their first Clasico. Abueva made 15 points and nine rebounds in a turnover-less performance. Meanwhile, Standhardinger finished with 13 markers and 11 boards.

As much as he would want fans around, Lee understands that times are different. For him, what’s important is that basketball is back.

“Wala tayong magagawa roon. ‘Di na natin control ‘yun,” said the 32-year-old guard, who had 22 points to lead Magnolia to their third win in as many games.

“Pero ang importante, nakabalik ang PBA at nakapaglaro ulit kami.”

#ReadMore  OhMyV33NUS hopes Blacklist V will compose SIBOL in Worlds
Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

The PBA has decided to scrap the Slam Dunk Contest in its 2024 All-Star festivities in Bacolod as the supposed participants are out due...

Basketball

Christian Standhardinger was selected first overall once more in the PBA All-Star Game Draft on Monday night at the TV5 Media Center in Pasig....

Basketball

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unveiled the schedule for the season-ending Philippine Cup, set to kick off on February 28 and conclude on May...

Basketball

Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar will be headlining the 2024 PBA All-Star. The decorated veterans topped the fan voting and will therefore serve as...

Basketball

Paul Lee turned 35 on Valentine’s Day but celebration plans fell through after Magnolia saw its PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup title hopes get...

Basketball

Poise was simply the difference as San Miguel turned back Magnolia, 104-102, to annex the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup title, Wednesday night. Chris...

Basketball

Mark Barroca is unperturbed by the dangerous situation Magnolia has fallen into after losing Game 5 of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup Finals....

Basketball

A2Z has announced the cessation of its PBA coverage. The PBA games, which were part of a content deal with A2Z, will no longer...

Advertisement