by Jonas Terrado
CALASIAO, Pangasinan — Japeth Aguilar put on a dunking exhibition on his way to sharing Most Valuable Player honors as the North defeated the South, 185-170, in the PBA All-Star Game at the Calasiao Sports Complex Sunday.
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel big man finished with 32 points to help the North extend its mastery over the South in the revival of the regional format following a three-year absence.
Japeth Aguilar of the North All-Stars (PBA Images)
Aguilar was named MVP together with San Miguel Beer’s Arwind Santos, who finished with 34 points including several of his trademark Spiderman dunks that were banned before the start of the season.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said Santos was allowed to perform the maneuver with the risk of a fine given the fun nature of the exhibition contest.
The North won for the fifth straight time over the South, extending its lead in the series to 9-4.
Aguilar, Santos and the rest of the Northeners made it a double celebration by taking the traditional dance-off before tipoff with help from the legendary duo of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc who also saw action for the winning team.
Multiple records were set in the highest scoring game in All-Star history witnessed by a packed crowd in this town.
Magnolia’s Paul Lee hit nine triples to help both teams set the most combined threes made.
His teammate Peter June Simon, winner of Friday’s Three-Point Shootout, finished with 34 points for the South.
Forty-threes and 37 dunks were made which is equivalent to 82 wheelchairs that organizer Double V Productions will donate to Alagang PBA.
Earlier, the team of Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Double V Productions head Vijay Vasandani and lucky JP Galvez won the Shooting Stars contest.
Isaac Go during the PBA All Star 3-on-3 Challege. (PBA Images)
At halftime, Columbian’s CJ Perez, Alaska’s Jesper Ayaay, PBA legend Jerry Codinera and Ateneo’s Matt Nieto and Isaac Go beat the team of NorthPort’s Robert Bolick, Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon, Alvin Patrimonio and Ateneo’s Mike Nieto, 22-19, in the Cignal 3x3 game.