Team Japeth escapes Team Scottie to win PBA All-Star Game

Team Japeth ruled the PBA All-Star Game. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN—Team Japeth ruled the return of the PBA All-Star Game after edging Team Scottie, 140-136, on Sunday night at the City of Passi Arena.

Cebuano star RR Pogoy gave the jam-packed Ilonggo crowd a late delight as he made timely shots, including clutch free throws with 14.3 seconds left, to help the Japeth Aguilar-skippered team escape the Scottie Thompson-led opponent's last dash.

Thompson had a chance to force a draw in the first PBA All-Star Game in four years, but his four-point shot from the right wing didn't even hit the rim as Paul Lee successfully challenged the buzzer-beater.

Lee was named the Most Valuable Player of the traditional mid-season classic as he led Team Japeth with 32 points on 7-of-13 shooting from four-point range, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Pogoy and Jamie Malonzo each added 20 points with the latter finishing with a double-double after also tallying 11 rebounds.

Calvin Oftana and Chris Newsome each chipped in 16 markers as the latter came close to a triple-double with 12 boards and nine dimes.

Kevin Alas fired 35 for Team Scottie, while CJ Perez added 26 points and eight rebounds, Christian Standhardinger contributed 22 points and nine rebounds, and Calvin Abueva put up 15 points and eight rebounds.

Thompson, the only captain who played as Aguilar sat out the game due to an injury, only had two points, but he grabbed nine rebounds.

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