Team Punks top Team Hype in SLAM Rising Stars Classic

MANILA, Philippines – John “JBoy” Gob and JV Gallego stepped up in the second half and led Team Punks past Team Hype, 103-95, in the second annual SLAM Rising Stars Classic held at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong on Sunday, March 29. 

Gob, a product of La Salle Greenhills who has committed to play for the DLSU Green Archers in the UAAP, finished with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting to go with his 7 rebounds and 2 assists, while Gallego put up 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 dimes.

Ateneo High Shcool third year star Jolo Mendoza was also superb, scoring 16 points and going a perfect 8-of-8 from the foul line – most of which were late in the game that helped seal the win for the winning club.

Former San Beda Red Cub Andrei Caracut led Team Hype with 19 points and 2 assists. 

Mike and Matt Nieto, who led the Blue Eaglets to their recent UAAP juniors title, both missed the contest due to graduation rites. 

The first half was all Hype, as Caracut and company stormed to a double-digit lead and established a 59-49 advantage after 20 minutes of lay.  

But the tide of the game turned in the third period, where quick baskets by Gob and Gallego spearheaded a 26-point quarter from Team Punks. 

On defense, Team Hype was limited to just 11 points during the 10-minute stretch. The scoring outburst continued for Punks in the final quarter, where they put up 28 points.

A three-pointer by DLSU recruit Jollo Go – his lone one in a game where he shot just 1-of-11 – drew his club to 99-93 with less than a minute remaining. But charities by Mendoza, the UAAP juniors finals MVP, iced the contest.

Darius Estrella of JRU finished with 14 points for Team Hype, who also received a 12-point contribution from former NU Bullpup Mark Dyke.

– Rappler.com