David Murrell soars to dunk contest title

David Murrell sealed the deal with a 360 windmill. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—David Murrell did just enough to rule the PBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest after edging Tyrus Hill in the final on Friday at the City of Passi Arena.

Hill, who tallied a 41 in his first dunk of the final round, his own take of the elbow dunk, turned the PHP30,000 game into a wild one after jumping over fellow former De La Salle Green Archer Jamie Malonzo for the one-handed throwdown that merited a 50 from judges Allan Caidic, Noli Locsin, Gerry Ramos, Andy Jao, and Passi mayor Stephen Palmares.

However, Murrell, who went for 46 on his first try, a two-handed 360 dunk, converted a 360 windmill dunk to score another 46 and beat Hill for the dunk title.

Both Murrell and Hill scored a total of 92 in the first round to set up a final-round date.

Malonzo was initially part of the dunk contest cast but begged off at the last minute due to a lingering shoulder injury.

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