South squad nip North in MPBL All-star game

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The South All-stars prevailed over the North squad in overtime, 126-122, in the 2020 MPBL All-star game.

It was Jeff Viernes from Batangas who carried the South all-stars as his scintillating display of offensive prowess was in full action, finishing the game with 28 huge points, 6 boards, and 6 assists.

Also, Viernes’ poise under pressure was tested big time as he sank clutch free throws forcing the game into overtime where he also sank the game-sealing free throws, rewarding him the 2020 MPBL All-star MVP award.

It was a tough back and forth game as both squads answered each basket from the first to the overtime frame.

Michael Juico of Pampanga still got a look to give the win for the North after Viernes’ free throws but the shot did not connect.

Alvin Pasaol also came up big for South as he contributed 19 points and 9 rebounds off the bench that provided to be the spark and the leader of the second-stringers.

In the slam dunk contest, Makati Super Crunch high-flyer David Carlos won his second straight MPBL Slam-dunk championship title after jumping over four MPBL officials including Sen. Manny Pacquiao and his son Jimuel as his winning dunk.

For the three-point shootout, Lester Alvarez from the Bulacan Kuyas was named as the new King from downtown after sinking 24 points in the final round to eliminate James Martinez of Nueva Ecija and Bicol’s Jerome Garcia.