Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Former and current Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars converged for Hoops for a Cause at the Cuneta Astrodome on Friday (October 9).
Powered by its past and present players, Barangay Ginebra turned back the Grand Slam team, 113-112, in the charity game that was all fun at the onset but became more interesting down the stretch.
Behind Alaska legend Johnny Abarrientos and Star Hotshots’ PJ Simon, the Grand Slam team conjured magic to climb back from a seemingly insurmountable 20-point deficit.
Simon uncorked back-to-back three-pointers as part of his own eight-point barrage in the homestretch to make it a one-point contest.
Handled by current Alaska coach Alex Compton, the Grand Slam team had the chance to steal the game from Ginebra with 2.1 ticks to go, but Abarrientos’ jumper rimmed out.
“It was fun,” said coach Tim Cone, who called the shots for Ginebra, which featured legends Allan Caidic, Noli Locsin, Vince Hizon, and Marlou Aquino.
The Grand Slam team was bannered by the members of Alaska and San Mig Coffee (now Hotshots) squads along with the special participation of four-time MVP and now Star official Alvin Patrimonio.
Aside from Abarrientos and Patrimonio, other legends who suited up for the team were Jojo Lastimosa and Bong Hawkins.
