The South recently won the 2019/2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League All-Star Game by scoring a 126-122 rout of the North at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jeff Viernes and Gabriel Banal led a 10-0 scoring run in extended time, giving the South a 122-112 advantage with 3:19 left in the game. However, the North responded with a 10-0 run behind Renato Ular, Michael Juico, Aris Dionisio, and Jeric Teng to tie the score up at 122-122.
Viernes then sealed the win after converting four-of-four from the free throw line.
“I’m happy that the fans got a good game; in games like these, you want it to be thrilling,” South head coach Don Dulay said. “I enjoyed it, had fun, and the entire bench also.”
Viernes, who won his second-straight MVP award, finished with 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists for the South; while Alvin Pasaol added 19 points and nine boards; William McAloney scored 16 points; and Banal chipped in 11.
Meanwhile, Michael Juico top-scored the North with 23 points, nine boards, and four dimes; while John Wilson added 18 points on three triples; and Ular earned a double-double on 13 points and 13 rebounds./ASC, WDJ