PASSI CITY — Apple David shone the brightest to lift Team Red to the 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend Shooting Stars title, Sunday at the City of Passi Arena here.
The long-time courtside reporter nailed easily the biggest shot of the contest. She sank an underhand shot from the 4-point line a la Rick Barry, much to the delight of the appreciative crowd that filled the stands.
She hit the surprise shot still with 23 seconds left in the clock, making them the fastest to reach the halfcourt although they failed to convert the long shot
Nonetheless, Team Red members received Php 5,000 each for winning the competition, which served as a primer to the All-Star dance-off.
David was joined by Senator Bong Go, veteran sportswriter Jonas Terrado of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and fan Kobe Ordaniel of Iloilo City in beating two other selections in Team White and Team Blue.
CSR Bea Escudero, former Letran player and now Passi City councilor Andrei Pantin, fan Jephe Palmes, and Tiebreaker Times’ own Justine Bacnis made up the White team, who settled for a runner-up finish.
The TBT reporter was actually the first to hit the shot from the 4-point line in just his first attempt, but saw his shot negated when David hit the stunning bucket.
Finishing in third place was Team Blue, which consisted of sportscasting vet Denise Tan, Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph, Passi City sports director Randy Palomaria, and fan selection Christopher Magallon.
