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| PBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
BIÑAN--Tanduay's Gelo Alolino expressed nothing but happiness for his fellow former RP Youth Team member, Phoenix's Mike Tolomia, after the latter was named the PBA D-League Foundation Cup MVP.
[Related Story: Tolomia named Foundation Cup MVP]
"Hands down kay Mike kasi pinaghirapan niya yun. Mike's my good friend. Alam naman nating teammate ko siya sa RP [Youth Team]. Happy ako sa kanya na nakuha niya yun," Alolino told a group of sportswriters on Tuesday night.
Alolino, who also made the shortlist of the players who were mainly considered for the individual plum, said it despite outpointing Tolomia in Game 2 of the championship series between the Rhum Masters and the Accelerators at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The former NU guard made up for a dismal showing in the series opener by firing 26 points on 7-of-13 shooting in the rematch as Tanduay sent the finals to a third and final showdown set for Thursday night at the said venue.
[Related Story: Tanduay spoils Phoenix's D-League grand slam bid, forces Foundation Cup finals decider]
On the other hand, Tolomia, who was reportedly suffering from flu-like symptoms, was limited to only eight points on 2-of-10 shooting, but Alolino implicitly downplayed his match-up domination and just raved his friend's brilliance all-tournament long with the said statement.
He also expressed his gratitude to Coach Lawrence Chongson for his confidence on him despite the Game 1 struggles.
"Going to this game, positive siya na babawi ako. Happy naman ako na nakapag-deliver ako," Alolino continued.
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