BACOLOD, Philippines – The chief executive of the city is requesting that the PBA stars provide the kind of performance for which the PBA is renowned, while also serving as an inspiration to the youth of Bacolod.

As they prepare for a tough All-Star Game, which will differ from previous Showtimes that were more relaxed and free-flowing, the PBA players are more than eager to do so, especially with the support of coaches Tim Cone as well as Jorge Gallent.

At the main event of the 2024 PBA All-Star festivities, which will be held on Sunday towards the University of St. La Salle Gym and hosted by Arena Plus, team captains Japeth Aguilar and Mark Barroca have expressed interest at dishing it out. Bacolod Mayor Albee Benitez appears to be looking forward to a clash.

This also makes me think of the last PBA All-Star Game that took place in the City of Smiles in 2008; it was an intense match that required more time to be decided.

The South All Stars defeated against North counterparts, 163 to 158, in working overtime, in front of a raucous crowd at the West Negros University Gym. Peter June Simon was the team’s shining hero, scoring a scorching 29 points to win the MVP award.

The final outcome in regulation play was 149 to 149.
It was more of a demonstration than a true contest, therefore a draw was the appropriate result.

The supporters, however, would not have it.

The stadium was rocked by cries of “o-ver-time, o-ver-time, o-ver-time!” Soon after, the players joined the boisterous chorus, forcing then-commissioner Noli Eala to concede. And everyone cheered with thunder when the choice was made.

In the match, the winning team was headed by James Yap with 25, Reynel Hugnatan with 23, and Jimmy Alapag with 22. The North team was led by Mark Caguioa alongside 24, Lordy Tugade with 22, Mark Cardona and Jayjay Helterbrand with 19 each.

This All-Star version was undoubtedly one of the greatest ever.

Nobody is ruling out the prospect of a repeat performance of the PBA midseason extravaganza in this energetic Negros metropolis.

Meanwhile, Bolick’s crucial five-point play sends the All-Star game to a deadlock

A sellout audience flocked the University of Saint La Salle gymnasium on Sunday night as Team Mark defeated Team Japeth 140–140 in a dramatic match that included one of the most stunning moments in PBA All-Star game history from Robert Bolick.

In the last 17.8 seconds, Bolick finished a five-point play that tied the score as Calvin Oftana failed to make a game-winning basket for Team Japeth at the buzzer.

While the NLEX star finished with 13 points, he scored 10 of those points in the last quarter, including two clutch baskets from the four-point range.

The second one, which he sank and had a foul to boot from Oftana, was more significant than the others.

Bolick then composedly made the extra free throw to level the game and complete an incredible comeback by Team Mark, who had trailed by as much as 32 points.

It was the first draw in the All-Star game since the 2017 Cagayan de Oro City Extravaganza, in which Gilas Pilipinas and the PBA Mindanao All-Stars matched at 114 each.

Bolick then composedly made the extra free throw to level the game and complete an incredible comeback by Team Mark, who had trailed by as much as 32 points.

It was the first draw in the All-Star game since the 2017 Cagayan De Oro City Extravaganza, in which Gilas Pilipinas and the PBA Mindanao All-Stars matched at 114 each.

In addition, Team Japeth and Team Mark were named joint winners of the traditional dance competition that took place before the All-Star game, earning an additional P150,000 for each team.

Scores at the end of the Match

Team Japeth (140)
Pogoy 25, Lassiter 24, Aguilar 21, Malonzo 17, Tolentino 13, Romeo 11, Lee 9, Newsome 7, Oftana 7, Trollano 2, Pringle 2, Dionisio 2, Ahanmisi 0.

Team Mark (140)
Perez 39, Barroca 20, Abueva 18, Fajardo 17, Rivero 15, Bolick 13, Perkins 9, Tiongson 3, Jalalon 2, Hodge 2, Sangalang 2, Norwood 0, Castro 0, Yap 0, Pinto 0.

Scores per quarter

46-20; 79-68; 111-104; 140-140.