Banchero, Almazan lead Stalwarts past Greats in Blitz game
Chris Banchero and Raymond Almazan teamed up in a lethal 8-0 tear at endgame and the Manny Pacquiao-spiced up Team Stalwarts topped Team Greats, 99-94, in the PBA All-Star Blitz Game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Almazan came through with 23 points and 11 rebounds and emerged the Best Player in the highlight game of the All-Star Friday gathering a curious mix including PBA legends, PBA newcomers and PBA D-League top guns.
The Stalwarts that featured old greats Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc, Nic Belasco and Topex Robinson triumphed on the crucial endgame assault of Banchero and Almazan.
The count was tied at 91-all when Banchero and Almazan combined in the 8-0 roll to win it for the Stalwarts under playing coach Magsanoc.
Pacquiao started for the Stalwarts with Patrimonio, Magsanoc, Belasco and Robinson, scoring nine points all in the first half.
The boxing sensation, the biggest fan favorite in the game, missed his first three field-goal attempts before nailing a first one. He later knocked in a trey, finishing with a 1-of-5 clip from beyond the arc. He was 4-of-19 overall.
Pacquiao was there on the floor as the Stalwarts opened a double-digit spread late in the first period.
But D-League mainstays Mac Belo, Roger Pogoy, Jonathan Grey and Ed Daquioag hit their strides right upon entry and Team Greats seized a two-point lead, 43-41, at the half.
Legends Johnny Abarrientos, Noli Locsin, Bong Ravena and Paolo Bugia took over in the third as Team Greats stayed in control and carried a five-point lead into the payoff quarter.
But there’s no stopping Raymond Almazan and Banchero at the finish.
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