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  Kieffer Alas finds perfect complement in Bonn Daja
Written By

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


You May Also Like

Basketball

Robert Bolick and Xyrus Torres led a furious comeback for NLEX, rallying from a 19-point deficit to hand Magnolia another tough loss, 107-99, and...

Basketball

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is positive that William Navarro will soon get the hang of playing within his new reality, being with a perennial...

Basketball

Ginebra came from behind to beat Magnolia, 85-81, in another thrilling Manila Clasico showdown to throw itself into the Top Four race in the...

Basketball

William Navarro isn’t shying away from the pressure that comes with donning a Magnolia jersey. After all, he’s joining one of the most storied...

Basketball

As the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup enters its crucial stage, Magnolia is eyeing a major roster move in the hopes of ending a long...

Basketball

Paul Lee powered the decisive fourth-quarter assault Magnolia rode toward the 106-97 come-from-behind win against NorthPort to become the first to clinch a quarterfinal...

Basketball

Rain or Shine dealt Magnolia its first loss of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup following a 119-105 statement win at the Ynares Center...

Basketball

Paul Lee went on a heater run in the fourth quarter to help Magnolia finish strong against Meralco, 117-92, and stretch their unbeaten run...

Advertisement