By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
MANILA — Barangay Ginebra’s legends got the better of Purefoods’ greats through a 97-89 win in a special reunion edition of the “Manila Clasico” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night.
The said match was the main game of the “Return of the Rivals”, a special doubleheader put up by the PBA Legends Foundation.
The Barangay erupted right after halftime to turn back the Hotshots to the delight of the majority of the raucous crowd inside “The Big Dome”.
After a tight first half, Ginebra erupted for 39 third quarter points to break away from Purefoods for good.
Jayjay Helterbrand put up a triple-double of 21 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds alongside four steals for the Barangay.
Vince Hizon added 19 points, 16 in the pivotal third quarter, nine rebounds, and one assist, while Marlou Aquino chipped in 15 points, eight boards, and one block.
Roger Yap erupted for 27 points with six rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block for Purefoods.
Box Scores:
Ginebra 97 – Helterbrand 21, Hizon 19, Aquino 15, Locsin 14, David 12, Feihl 7, Palad 4, Jose 1, Cheng 0, Gayoso 0, Distrito 0, Loyzaga 0, Ong 0, Isaac 0
Purefoods 89 – Yap 27, Artadi 14, Espinosa 14, Sta. Maria 7, Codinera 6, Patrimonio 6, Yee 5, Capacio 3, Marquez 3, Balingit 2, Solis 2, Magsanoc 0, Pumaren 0, Ravena 0, Naron 0
Quarterscores: 16-17, 38-38, 77-66, 97-89
