South rules first all-star weekend; David is best 3-point shooter, Carlos rules slam dunk tilt

Batangas City guard Jeff Viernes sparkled with a third-quarter outburst as South overwhelmed North, 109-84, in the first MPBL All-Star game at Mall of Asia Arena—one that may be remembered for how late it started and ended.

A wildcard selection by coach Don Dulay, Viernes proved unstoppable early in the second half, pouring 14 of his 19 points there as South pulled away to claim the P500,000 prize dangled by MPBL founder, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who stayed on until the end of the game around 1:30 a.m.

Pregame festivities, including the side events, pushed the start of the game late, thus the early morning finish.

Celebrity Gerald Anderson of Marikina also proved his worth with two buzzer-beating triples in the second and third periods on his way to nine points on top of a game-high five steals.

Veteran Gary David, now playing for the Bataan Risers, came out on top of a 17-man field in the 3-point shootout, while pro dunker David Carlos, who is part of the Makati Super Crunch lineup, ruled the dunk contest.

It was the first-ever 3-point shootout victory in a decorated career for the 40-year-old David, the former PBA star, who had 23 points in the final round to beat John Wilson of San Juan (17).

The Executives Game that featured team managers and owners of the league’s 26 teams saw the North edging the South, 102-100, with Makati co-owner Paolo Orbeta named MVP after a 27-point, 14-rebound night.

Pacquiao paced the South Executives with 32 points and 10 rebounds.