The Rookies-Sophomores squad opened the PBA ArenaPlus All-Star weekend with a thrilling 154-150 victory over the Juniors in a high-scoring exhibition at the Candon City Arena on Friday, March 6. The contest served as the curtain-raiser for the league’s annual All-Star festivities, featuring rising stars and fan favorites in an entertaining showdown.

The two teams traded baskets throughout most of the contest, keeping the crowd on its feet as both sides unleashed fast-paced offense and highlight plays. The Rookies-Sophomores eventually found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, using a late surge to finally pull away and secure the victory.

Jerom Lastimosa led the charge for the winning side with a double-double performance of 27 points and 10 assists. The Magnolia sophomore guard orchestrated the offense and delivered several key plays that helped his team maintain its edge in the closing minutes.

Lastimosa also produced one of the game’s most memorable highlights when he lobbed a perfect pass to Kai Ballungay, who finished with an emphatic two-handed slam. The play brought the crowd to its feet and capped a strong outing for the rising guard.

Lastimosa powers fourth-quarter push

Lastimosa took control in the final period as the Rookies-Sophomores tightened their grip on the match. His leadership and playmaking allowed the team to sustain its offensive momentum against a determined Juniors squad.

The former Adamson standout was later named the Most Valuable Player of the game for his all-around performance. Lastimosa received a cash prize of P50,000 for earning the honor.

“Sobrang happy ako kasi kahit hindi naman kami teammates, selection lang kami, pero kahit papaano, yung laro namin as team talaga,” said Lastimosa after receiving the award.

His performance underscored the chemistry that the Rookies-Sophomores developed despite being assembled from different teams. The squad showed strong coordination in both transition offense and half-court execution.

Balanced effort fuels victory

The Rookies-Sophomores also received key contributions from several teammates who delivered strong performances throughout the contest. Brandon Ramirez recorded a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds, providing additional scoring and presence on the boards.

Kai Ballungay added 20 points and seven rebounds while delivering one of the night’s most electrifying highlights with his alley-oop dunk off Lastimosa’s pass. The team collected a total of P250,000 in prize money, which included P50,000 for finishing runner-up in the dance contest.

Veteran forward Arwind Santos also proved he could still keep up with the younger players, contributing 14 points and eight rebounds. His experience helped steady the Rookies-Sophomores during crucial stretches in the fourth quarter.

Ricci Rivero paced the Juniors with an impressive 30-point performance while Schonny Winston added 29 markers in the losing effort. Despite the defeat, the Juniors squad claimed the dancefest title worth P75,000 and brought home a total of P175,000 in prize money.