MPBL South stars outshine North foes

MANILA, Philippines — The South All-Stars edged out the North All-Stars, 126-122, in a thrilling double-overtime duel in the Chooks-To-Go/MPBL Lakan Cup All-Star Game at the MOA Arena late Thursday.

In the side events, Makati high-flyer David Carlos defended his crown as Slam Dunk king while Bulacan’s Lester Alvarez copped the Three-Point Shootout crown.

Batangas City Athletics gunner Jeff Viernes shone brightest, posting a  game-high of 28 points on top of six rebounds and six assists to win a second All-Star MVP award.

Despite fouling out in regulation, Zambaonga’s Alvin Pasaol finished with solid 19 markers and nine boards while PBA-bound Will McAloney of Cebu added 16-4 for the Don Dulay-mentored squad.

“I’m happy that the fans got a good game. In games like this, you want it to be thrilling. I enjoyed it, had fun and the entire bench also,” said Dulay, mentor of no. 1 Southern squad Davao Occidental Tigers.

Proving their mettle as the league’s finest, the All Stars engaged in a fierce shootout through four quarters and two extra sessions before Viernes took over to give his squad a comfortable 122-112 upper hand.

But North, behind Pampanga’s Michael Juico, countered with a 10-0 blast to tie the game in the last minute before Viernes sealed the deal with four cold-blooded freebies.