Behind the game-long brilliance of Paul Lee and the crucial baskets of Jamie Malonzo and Roger Pogoy, Team Japeth emerged triumphant in the 2023 PBA All-Star Game with a close 140-136 beating of Team Scottie on Sunday night at the Passi Arena in Passi City, Iloilo.
Lee bagged the All-Star Game MVP honors after finishing with 32 points, anchored on seven 4-pointers, seven rebounds and six assists.
Malonzo and Pogoy each scored 20 points and connived in a crucial run in the endgame that towed Team Japeth to the victory and the P150,000 top purse.
Malonzo and Pogoy teamed up in a 7-0 run that shoved Team Japeth to a 133-127 lead, heading into the final two minutes.
Malonzo also sank two free throws that gave Team Japeth a crucial 140-136 cushion with 14.7 seconds left.
Team Scottie then failed to connect on a 4-point shot in the game’s final play that sealed Team Japeth’s victory.
The All-Star Game featured a four-point shot and a dunk that is worth three points.
The Tim Cone-coached Team Japeth also drew a solid game from Chris Newsome who recorded 20 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
Still recovering from an MCL sprain, team captain Japeth Aguilar opted not to suit up.
Louie Alas led Team Scottie of coach Yeng Guiao with a game-high 35 points.
CJ Perez added 26 points and eight rebounds while Christian Standhardinger made 22 points and nine rebounds.
Calvin Abueva added 15 points and eight boards while Robert Bolick scored 14 for Team Scottie which settled for the runner-up cash prize of 75,000.
THE SCORES
TEAM JAPETH (140) – Lee 32, Malonzo 20, Pogoy 20, Oftana 16, Newsome 16, Santos 8, Jalalon 8, Mamuyac 7, Pinto 6, Almazan 4, Gray 3, Cabagnot 0.
TEAM SCOTTIE (136) – Alas 35, Perez 26, Standhardinger 22, Abueva 15, Bolick 14, Tolentino 7, Barroca 7, Pringle 4, Castro 4, Yap 2, Thompson 0, Lassiter 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 37-28, 74-65, 100-104, 140-136.
Image courtesy of PBA Media Bureau
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