ALLAN THE MAN

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas squad battled back from a double-digit fourth quarter deficit to force the tie in what was the first public appearance of the latest incarnation of the national team.

The PBA All-Stars promised to provide a challenge for the Gilas team preparing for the FIBA Asia Championship, and they made good on it. Arwind Santos, who won co-Most Valuable Player honors for the game, led the selection to a hot 9-2 start to begin the game.

Gilas battled back in what was a nip-and-tuck affair for most of the game. But the All-Stars broke away early in the fourth quarter, taking a 101-90 lead.

The All-Stars were still down by eight points, 118-110, with less than two minutes on a jumper by Arwind Santos. But rattled off a 9-4 run capped by a Gary David three-pointer to come within three points, 122-119 with 27 seconds remaining.

Gilas forced a turnover in the next possession, and Jayson Castro scored two free throws to bring the national team within a single point, 122-121.

JVee Casio hit two free throws in the ensuing play to give the All-Stars more breathing room. Gilas drew up a play for Ranidel De Ocampo after a timeout, but the Talk ‘N Text big man’s shot was stuck on the rim, resulting in a jump ball.

Santos won the tip for the All-Stars, but Castro grabbed possession of the ball, calling timeout. In the final play, Gilas moved the ball around before finding Chan, who faked off a defender before swishing in the game-tying basket.

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