North outlasts South in PBA All-Star showdown

MANILA, Philippines – After a lackluster opening night, the hoop hostilities on Sunday proved to be the redeeming factor in the PBA's All-Star weekend at the Araneta Coliseum, with the North surviving the South All-Stars, 154-151.

 

The two squads, both peppered with the league's young talents, put on a scoring show, with RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo's providing the fireworks.

 

GlobalPort's Romeo, who second to North All-Star's topscorer Alex Cabagnot, scored 25. The San Miguel guard tallied 29.

 

The North squad also drew a brilliant performance from Talk 'N Text rookie and Gilas member Troy Rosario. He finished with 21 markers -- four of which came off tantalizing dunks -- along with a late basket at 5.7 to put the opposing team away for good.

 

Alex Cabagnot | Philstar.com/Jonathan Asuncion

 

Cabagnot was named Most Valuable Player of the Game.

 

June Mar Fajardo was in his usual MVP form, providing anchorage for the South with 25 points.

 

First-time All-Star RR Garcia, whose career got a rejuvenation after a move to Star, chimed in 22 points to keep the game within reach.

 

Cabagnot provided the crucial baskets in the early phase of the final period, to fend off late spurts by the South.

 

The North All-Stars | Philstar.com/Jonathan Asuncion

 

The North All-Stars have won back-to-back All-Star showcases. 

 

Taulava, the oldest in the bunch and who many sports scribes expect to retire this year, only had four markers. But his animated display was also one of the many brightest spots of the game.