MANILA– The exploits of Jeff Viernes was crucial to lead the South All-Stars in defeating the North All-Stars in overtime period, 126-122, of the 2019-2020 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Cup All-Star in SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City that reached as late as Friday morning.
Viernes conspired with Gabriel Banal in
the extended period for a 10-nothing offensive barrage for the South All-Stars
to possess a 122-112 lead over the North with 3:19 left in the game.
The North, meanwhile, answered with their own set of a 10-nothing offensive run
behind Renato Ular, Michael Juico, Aris Dionisio, and Jeric Teng to shackle the
scores at 122-all.
However, Viernes was too hot for the opponents as he carried the South on his back once more, converting four unmissed free throw attempts in the final seconds to ice the game for good.
Viernes nabbed his second-straight All-Star game Most Valuable Player award after finishing the game with 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists for the South.
Alvin Pasaol added 19 points and nine boards, William McAloney and Banal chipped in 16 and 11 points, respectively, while Negrenses Robby Celiz and Mark Yee combined for 22 points.
“I’m happy that the fans got a good game. In games like these, you want it to be thrilling. I enjoyed it, had fun and the entire bench also,” said South head coach Don Dulay.
For the North All-Stars, Michael Juico top-scored with 23 points, nine boards, and four dimes, John Wilson added 18 points built on three triples, while Ular had a double-double outing of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
In the other All-Star events, David Carlos of the Makati Super Crunch retained his Slam Dunk throne, while Lester Alvarez of Bulacan Kuyas nabbed the three-point shooting title./PN
