Team America routs PBA legends in exhibition game

MANILA, Philippines – Jason Williams and Scotty Pippen towed the favored USA team as they combined for 46 points, to conquer Team Philippines, 112-93, in the PLDT All-Star Basketball challenge, Wednesday night, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Williams had a team-high 26 markers, 15 of which came from the three-point region while the former Chicago Bulls star Pippen added 20, to spearhead the American Team composed of NBA legends including Dennis Rodman and Horace Grant.

The visitors rode on a scintillating start from downtown, as they connected four three-pointers early in the first quarter to set the tempo of the game and gain a 17-10 advantage midway the opening quarter.

Marlou Aquino however bounced back for the home team as he scored seven consecutive points, including an and-one play against Pippen to reduce their deficit to just four in the 2-minute mark of the first.

The Philippine team then came within two points but Team USA caught them sleeping in the defensive end, scoring six quick unanswered points to end the quarter with a 28-20 advantage.

The visitors didn’t look back for a long time as they looked more menacing in the open court, connecting on fast-break plays that left the Philippines flat-footed.

To make matters worse for the PBA legends, they were forced into penalty situation with a little less than four minutes more before half time.

The Americans entered the dug-out with a 59-44 lead.

The Filipinos, however didn’t give up easily as they put on a mini-rally in the third, led by Kenneth Duremdes and Bong Hawkins who poured in basket after basket to come to within 6 points, 83-77, at the start of the final canto.

The Americans were ready to foil them however with Pippen and Robinson providing the knock-out punches to break away in the fourth and eventually take the game, 112-93.

Duremdes top-scored in the game for the Philippines’ losing cause with 29, while Aquino and Hawkins each had 11.

The event was the first international exhibition basketball game held at the recently-opened arena. – Rappler.com