Mindanao PBA All-Stars, Gilas Pilipinas battle to a tie in Cagayan de Oro

MANILA, Philippines – The first leg of this year’s 2017 PBA All-Star Week ended in a tie, with the Mindanao All-Stars and national team Gilas Pilipinas battling to a 114-all draw on Wednesday, April 26, at the Xavier University Gym.

There usually isn’t any overtime played for All-Star Games.

Matthew Wright of the Gilas side and Troy Rosario of the Mindanao side won co-MVP honors as they led their respective teams with 22 and 28 points, both off the bench.

Terrence Romeo missed all 7 of his 3-point attempts but still wound up with 18 markers to go with 6 rebounds and 8 assists for Gilas. His teammate June Mar Fajardo added 16 points and 15 rebounds, smiling ear-to-ear for most of the friendly contest.

PJ Simon chipped in 14 points for the Mindanao All-Stars while Mark Barroca added 13, including the game-tying deep 3-pointer with 44.5 seconds left in the game.

Romeo tried to break his outside shooting slump in the ensuing play but bricked his attempt. Neither team scored from there.

In Cagayan de Oro, the Mindanao All-Stars conducted a basketball clinic for kids earlier in the day, which was also attended by league commissioner Chito Narvasa, Mindanao coach Chito Victolero, and assistant coaches Jason Webb and Mon Jose.

Both sides also competed in a hilarious dance-off prior to Wednesday’s game.

The PBA and Gilas All-Stars completed the first leg of the week-long break and will move on to Lucena by Friday, April 28.

The annual side events – the slam dunk contest, 3-point shootout, and obstacle challenge – will be held there.

Gilas coach Chot Reyes will also announce his final 12 for the upcoming SEABA Championships to be hosted by Manila in May on Friday, making the final Cebu leg on Sunday the national team’s first real scrimmage.

Scores: 

Mindanao PBA All Stars (114): Rosario 28, Simon 14, Barroca 13, Amer 10, Lastimosa 9, Baguio 8, Tautuaa 8, Jalalon 6, Khobuntin 6, Reavis 5, Thoss 4, Thompson 3, Belo 0.  

Gilas Pilipinas (114): Wright 22, Romeo 18, Fajardo 16, Pogoy 14, Cruz 11, Revilla 10, Tolomia 10, Ferrer 7, Torres 2, Gotladera 2, Guinto 2, Pessumal 0. 

Quarter scores: 24-24, 59-55, 86-93, 114-114.

– Rappler.com