PBA All-Star Sunday: Gilas forces a draw with PBA Stars

 

It was a Jeff Chan three pointer for Gilas Pilipinas that pushed the Main Event of the 2013 PBA All-Star game to a happy ending at 124-124. 

Going to the game undersized, the PBA-All Stars lead by James Yap and Mark Caguioa capitalized on open three-point shots for them to score 124 points against a team bannered by top PBA players who now compose of Gilas 2.

The draw ending lead to crowning of co-MVPs, both former Tamaraws in Jeffrei Chan from Gilas Pilipinas and Arwind Santos from PBA All-Stars who lead the charge during the first quarter with a 9-2 run. 

As entertaining as it was, Coach Chot Reyes mentioned in his interview that the game revealed Gilas weakness, "defense", while they were able to score 124 points, their opponent, the PBA selection scored likewise which should not have happened if they played better defense which is important in international play.

Jimmy Alapag did not play for Gilas Pilipinas after straining his calf muscle on Saturday's practice while Coach Chot opted to rest big man Marcus Douthit who is suffering from back spasms. Coach Chot hopes he can play the big man on Monday night for their game vs. Shanghai Sharks.

The scores:

PBA All-Star 124 – Santos 27, Canaleta 20, Cabagnot 15, Belga 15, Ellis 9, Abueva 9, Casio 9, Baguio 9, Lassiter 6, Caguioa 3, Yap 2.

Gilas Pilipinas 124 – Fonacier 18, David 17, De Ocampo 14, Thoss 11, Castro 11, Pingris 10, Tenorio 10, Norwood 10, Chan 9, Fajardo 9, Aguilar 5.

Quarterscores: 31-33; 65-66; 95-89; 124-124.

[Photo: Nuki Sabio/PBA]

Posted in: All-Star Game,Arwind Santos,Gilas Pilipinas,Jeffrei Chan,PBA All-Star 2013,PBA Selection