MANILA, Philippines – Marc Pingris became the 86^th member of the 5000-point club after dropping 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the Star Hotshots’ 128-81 demolition of the Kia Picanto Friday, September 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Pingris, who needed 11 points prior to the game, scored 8 points in the payoff period, punctuated by a dunk with just 8 seconds remaining in the game, to reach the milestone which has only been achieved by 82 locals in the 42 years of the Association.

“Aabot ng 10,000 ‘yan (That will reach up to 10,000 points),” Pingris jokingly said when asked about his thoughts on his feat. 

The veteran forward was already subbed out with 8:18 remaining in the game since the Hotshots were up 39 points, 105-66. But Star coach Chito Victolero, who knew Pingris needed only 5 points to secure the achievement, decided to put Pingris back. 

“Sobrang blessed lang, nagthank you agad ako kay Lord kanina tsaka kay coach kasi alam mo ‘yung tiwalang binigay niya sakin kanina kasi pinaupo na ako e (I’m super blessed. I immediately thanked the Lord and coach because he trusted me even when I was already subbed out early in the fourth),” said the 13-year veteran.

Pingris admitted he is still not playing at 100 percent after coming back from a hip injury but Victolero said his ward’s recovery is just in time as the Hotshots prepare for the quarterfinals.

“Tamang tama lang going into the playoffs, wala na siyang nararamdaman ngayon. Tama lang dun sa natitirang games namin at ‘yung playoff games (His recovery is just timely going into the playoffs. He feels good and we can prepare for the remaining games in the elimination round and the playoffs.) – Rappler.com