The PBA Stalwarts capped off Friday night festivities of the 2016 PBA All-Star Weekend with a victory over the PBA Greats, 99-94 in an entertaining exhibition match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In a game featuring former MVP’s and icons, the older players such as Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc and even boxing champ Senator Manny Pacquiao bannered the PBA Stalwarts.
Pacquiao had a field day scoring-wise as his nine first half points led all scorers entering the break.
On the other hand, Team Greats had legends such as Johnny Abarrientos, Noli Locsin and Bong Ravena. The two teams had a mix of rising stars from the PBA D-League teams as well.
The two teams paraded their young guns in the entire final period, wherein defense picked up a bit. The trio of Mike Tolomia, Chris Banchero, and Raymond Almazan finished the deal, as they built a 10-2 push to win the game.
The game was played with four 10-minute quarters, and an 18-second shot clock to work with.
Rain or Shine’s Raymond Almazan was named the best player of the game with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and two “three-point dunks.”
“Sobrang saya. Ang gusto ko lang talaga maglaro at mag-enjoy yung mga fans,” Almazan said. “Basta sabi nung mga legends na pakitaan mo sila. Nung bata ako pinanunuod ko lang sila.”
“Sabi ko nga dati kahit mahawakan o makamayan lang nila ako, masaya na. Ngayon nakalaro ko pa.”
The PBA All-Star weekend continues tomorrow with a 10:00am event of Referees Clinic at Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City and a 4:00pm Basketball Fair and Meet and Greet/Autograph at the Big Dome.
Quarterscores: 25-18, 41-43, 66-71, 99-94
Photos courtesy of PBA Media Bureau
