Pacquiao scores as Kia continues "champ-busting" with upset of grand slam winner Purefoods

By Josh Castro

QUEZON CITY--Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao finally scored a point in his PBA career as Kia shocked last year's grand slam champion Purefoods, 95-84, in the nightcap at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pacquiao converted a free throw early in the seconds quarter for his first PBA point as the Carnival fought back from seven points down at the end of the third quarter to hand the Hotshots their second straight loss after winning four in a row.

Purefoods led Kia, 75-68, entering the fourth quarter, but the latter opened the payoff period on an 11-3 run to take a 79-78 lead.

The Hotshots scored two straight field goals to reclaim the advantage, 82-79, with 4:32 remaining.

But it was all Carnival in the end as they unleashed the game-deciding 16-2 run to win for the second time in the Commissioner's Cup in five outings.

P.J. Ramos continues his dominating performance as he tallied 32 points, while point guards L.A. Revilla and Eloy Poligrates scored 18 and 15 respectively for Kia.

Mark Barroca led Purefoods with 18 points, who saw Daniel Orton being limited to only six because of foul trouble.

Box Scores:

Kia 95-Ramos 32, Revilla 18, Poligrates 15, Pascual 8, Avenido 8, Thiele 4, Yee 4, Cawaling 3, Buensuceso 2, Pacquiao 1, Dehesa 0, Alvarez 0, Bagatsing 0

Purefoods 84-Barroca 18, Devance 12, Pennisi 12, Pingris 10, Melton 8, Simon 7, Maliksi 7, Orton 6, Taha 2, Mallari 2

Quarterscores: 21-19, 44-50, 68-75, 95-84