PBA Legends upstage Pink Tower

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the fact that their energy level had been slowed down by age, it still boiled down to experience as the PBA Legends banked on their vast hardcourt maturity to fend off their younger rivals.

The “Captain Marbel” Kenneth Duremdes from South Cotabato and the “Gentle Giant” Bonel Balingit from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte figured prominently as the PBA Legends escaped with an 84-81 victory over the Pink Tower All-Stars in an exhibition game the other day at the Cordova Sports Complex.

The game was tied at 79-all after an undergoal stab by Pink Tower’s Romulo Benedicto Jr. still with 1:04 left in the ballgame, but in the return play, Duremdes cooly sank a perimeter jumper to push the PBA Legends ahead for good, 81-79. Peter Naron gave the PBA Legends an added cushion with a breakaway layup, 83-79, with 30 ticks left before the final buzzer.

The Pink Tower mainstays failed to capitalize on their strength and quickness as the PBA Legends were too smart in their defense, forcing their youthful rivals to change their shots.

The PBA Legends led by 13 points, 69-56, at the end of the third period on a layup by Al Solis.

Duremdes, a former PBA MVP who is now the head coach of the Coca-Cola Tigers, hauled 27 points to pace the Legends. Balingit submitted 16 points followed by Naron with 12.

Benedicto paced the Pink Tower with 21 points while Jarjar Degamo added 15 points.

In the preliminary match, host Cordova defeated the Pink Tower selecion, 93-82.

The event was promoted by Balingit in partnership with JJ Farr and the local government of Cordova under the leadership of Mayor Adelino Sitoy.

The scores

First game

Cordova Selection (93) - Berido 17, Tarona 17, Alegado 16, Biongcog 8, Tiro 7, Ando 6, Tiro 6, Varron 5, Alibog 4, Jamin 4, Baguio 1

 Pink Tower Selection (82) - Seje 18, Mendoza 11, Pepito 10, Barameda 9, Estrera 8, Torrefranca 5, A Pepito 4, Cedilio 4, Bughao 4, Anhao 3, Ycong 2, Jussac 2

Second game

PBA Legends (84) - Duremdes 27, Balingit 16, Naron 12, Demape 6, Cardel 5, Fernandez 5, Cabahug 4, Solis 4, Galinato 4, Duran 1

Pink Tower All-Star (81) - Benedicto 21, Degamo 15, Sendrijas 8, Premacio 8, Aguilar 8, Regis 5, Gaviola 4, Bungcaras 4, Quintana 4, Lao 2, Lastimosa 2 (GGM) THE FREEMAN)