By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--While the entire nation was celebrating after Pia Wurtzbach won the Miss Universe title on Monday, a sad news immediately subdued the hype of the basketball fans.
Former PBA star Lim Eng Beng passed away due to liver cancer at 64 years of age.
The student publication of Lim's alma mater, The LaSallian, first posted the news on Twitter.
SPORTS: Former Green Archer Lim Eng Beng passed away earlier this morning after a long bout with liver cancer.
— The LaSallian (@TheLaSallian) December 21, 2015
Minutes later, the PBA expressed its own condolence to the family of Beng.
Rest in His peace PBA Legend Lim Eng Beng... Our deepest condolences to his family and love ones.
— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 21, 2015
Current and former players from the PBA and even the Green Archers also expressed their own condolences.
Beng starred for U-Tex in the primitive days of the PBA and also had a stint with the fabled Crispa franchise in a career that spanned for 12 seasons with six clubs. He retired with three PBA championships.
However, he became more well known for being the greatest scorer who donned the La Salle jersey.
Lim became an instant leader during his rookie season out of Chiang Kai Shek and led the Green Archers to the 1971 NCAA title.
Despite getting offers to turn pro after the 1973 season, Lim decided to finish his playing years in La Salle and led the team to the 1974 NCAA plum while averaging 32 points a contest en route to an MVP award.
He also set a single-game NCAA record by tallying 55 points in a certain game of the 1974 season. The said feat still stands to this day.
Lim's number 14 jersey was the first men's basketball team kit that was officially retired.
He was also inducted to the De La Salle Sports Hall of Fame and the PBA Hall of Fame. He is also among the pro league's 40 greatest players.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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