Gilas Pilipinas and Team Mindanao battled to a 114-114 deadlock to tip off the 2017 PBA All-Star Week on Wednesday at Xavier University Gym in Cagayan De Oro City.
Troy Rosario led all scorers with 28 points, 18 of which came in the first half, for Team Mindanao to cop the All-Star MVP award.
He shared the accolade with Matthew Wright who poured in 22 points, three rebounds and four assists for Team Gilas.
As it was an exhibition game, the match didn’t go to overtime. It was the second time in five years that the annual showcase ended in a draw after Gilas Pilipinas and PBA All-Stars also settled for a tie in 2013.
PJ Simon added 14 markers while top All-Star vote-getter Mark Barroca tallied 13 points including clutch shots down the stretch that fueled Team Mindanao’s rally in the highly competitive game.
June Mar Fajardo registered 16 points and 15 boards as RR Pogoy collected a surprise double-double of 14 point and 13 boards for Gilas Pilipinas.
After making just two out of 17 triples in the first half, Gilas Pilipinas came alive in the third period, overtaking Team Mindanao which had led 59-55 at the break.
The national team suddenly waxed hot from downtown, sinking six triples, three of which came from Carl Bryan Cruz, in the period that helped Gilas Pilipinas grab a 93-81 edge.
But Team Mindanao countered with its own run, as an 14-2 spurt capped by a Scottie Thompson triple tied the game at 95-all early in the final stanza.
Gilas Pilipinas then launched an 8-0 run, but Team Mindanao kept fighting in the dying minutes.
Barroca then played big in the clutch, making a layup and draining a booming triple to knot things up at 114-all with 49 ticks left.
Terrence Romeo missed a jumper on the other end, opening the door for Team Mindanao to snatch a win. But Thompson missed his layup on a drive attempt as time expired, forcing the game to end in a draw.
The week-long PBA-All Star festivities will continue in Lucena, Quezon on Friday where the side events will be held. Gilas Pilipinas will then take on Team Luzon to cap off the day.
