North All-Stars trip South anew

Photo by Nuki Sabio, PBA

BORACAY—Marc Pingris shone brightest among the PBA’s collection of superstars last night, sneaking in an

undergoal stab to lift the North stars to a pulsating 133-129 win over the South in the All-Star game at the Boracay Convention Center here.

LA Tenorio squeezed into the lane and found Pingris alone for the winning shot with 12.4 seconds left that completed a historic back-to-back victory for the North since the North versus South format was institutionalized in 1992.

Pingris banged in 20 of his 24 points in the first half before capping his big night with the decisive reverse layup.

North starters Willie Miller and Tenorio crowded James Yap on the next play, forcing the league’s reigning MVP to pass off to Jimmy Alapag for the  potential overtime-sending three-pointer.

But Ranidel De Ocampo chased his Talk ‘N Text teammate from way out and Alapag missed.  Miller grabbed the rebound and was fouled to pave the way for the insurance baskets.

Dondon Hontiveros and Yap also failed to connect from afar earlier and the 129-129 tie stood until Pingris, who was later named the game’s MVP, shattered the deadlock.

Meanwhile, the group of active players headed by reigning three-point king Mark Macapagal of Powerade, Ginebra’s Ronald Tubid and Alapag ruled the Legends Shootout, 43-31, beating the trio of former league superstars Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio and