Manny Pacquiao explodes for 42 points to nip Dubai All-stars

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Proving he is more than just a boxer, former congressman now-senator Manny Pacquiao showed out on the hardwood.

The boxing icon carried the MPBL executives against the Dubai All-stars, 107-101.

Pacquiao’s 42-point output is a career-high for the senator since joining the KIA motors, a team he owned in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 3 years ago.

Pacquaio, being the CEO and founder of the MPBL, was included in the team that battled two games against the Dubai team.

The first game, Pacman also scored a game-high 35 points but then followed it with a better showing.

After draining his first shot from deep, Pacquiao would continue to shoot and drain three-pointers, eventually tallying 6 made from long-distance.

Also scoring in a variety of ways, Pacquaio numerously caught Dubai with his stop and pop shots from the perimeter.

Aside from his 42-point contribution, Pacman also chipped in six dimes, two boards, and two steals, showing an all-around game that gained praise from his teammates and even from the opposition.

Pacman was joined by MPBL operations head Emmer Oreta, his personal assistant David Sisson, and league analyst Christian Luanzon.

The MPBL executives team were coached by deputy commissioner Zaldy Realubit.