SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Aguilar, Arana Take Over Late As North Edges South In PBA All-Star Thriller
Photo credit: PBA
The fans at Candon City Arena were treated to a high-scoring spectacle on Sunday night, and when the dust settled, Team North once again had the last laugh.
Powered by clutch baskets from Japeth Aguilar and Justin Arana in the final minutes, the North squad escaped with a thrilling 147–142 victory over Team South in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 All-Star Game.
The game was neck-and-neck down the stretch until Arana stepped up when it mattered most. The rising big man scored back-to-back baskets that broke the final tie and gave North a 144-142 lead with just 70 seconds left.
Moments later, Aguilar brought the crowd to its feet, finishing a fastbreak with a thunderous dunk that sealed the win.
Aguilar turned back the clock with an impressive performance, finishing with 29 points while going a perfect 7-for-7 on his dunk attempts. The 39-year-old also grabbed six rebounds and dished out two assists on his way to being named the All-Star MVP.
It marked Aguilar’s third All-Star MVP honor. He previously shared the award with Arwind Santos in 2019 and with Robert Bolick in 2024. With the win, he joined elite company alongside Vergel Meneses, who has four, and Terrence Romeo with three.
“I just want to enjoy the All-Star Game and give the fans a show,” Aguilar said after the game.
While Aguilar provided the highlight plays, Arana delivered when North needed him most. He finished with 16 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter during the team’s late push.
Team North also got a huge lift from CJ Perez, who poured in a game-high 32 points, including seven shots from the combined three-point and four-point range. Rookie Juan Gomez De Liano impressed in his All-Star debut with 23 points, while Adrian Nocum added 22.
Coached by Leo Austria, Team North even built a huge early lead, going up 43-25 in the opening quarter.
But Team South refused to go away.
Aleck Stockton dazzled with a series of dunks on his way to 29 points. RJ Abarrientos chipped in 26, while Calvin Oftana scored 23. Caelan Tiongson and Leonard Santillan added 17 and 14 points, respectively.
The South squad, coached by Chot Reyes, even completed a big comeback and grabbed a 121-118 lead entering the fourth quarter. Abarrientos later drained a three-pointer that put South ahead 142-140 — their final lead of the night — before Arana and Aguilar took over in the closing stretch.
With the victory, Team North notched its sixth straight All-Star win over Team South dating back to 2010 and took home P250,000 in prize money.
Earlier in the festivities, the traditional Arena Social dance contest ended in a rare draw, with both teams splitting the P125,000 prize. Meanwhile, the Daily Fantasy Shooting Stars side event was won by the Blue Team led by Nocum, along with Cabugad Councilor Michael Sarmento, sportscaster Jamie Lim, Tiebreaker Times reporter Justine Bacnis, and Rexor Burgos.
One thing was clear throughout the night — the fans got exactly what Aguilar promised: a show.
Powered by clutch baskets from Japeth Aguilar and Justin Arana in the final minutes, the North squad escaped with a thrilling 147–142 victory over Team South in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 All-Star Game.
The game was neck-and-neck down the stretch until Arana stepped up when it mattered most. The rising big man scored back-to-back baskets that broke the final tie and gave North a 144-142 lead with just 70 seconds left.
Moments later, Aguilar brought the crowd to its feet, finishing a fastbreak with a thunderous dunk that sealed the win.
Aguilar turned back the clock with an impressive performance, finishing with 29 points while going a perfect 7-for-7 on his dunk attempts. The 39-year-old also grabbed six rebounds and dished out two assists on his way to being named the All-Star MVP.
It marked Aguilar’s third All-Star MVP honor. He previously shared the award with Arwind Santos in 2019 and with Robert Bolick in 2024. With the win, he joined elite company alongside Vergel Meneses, who has four, and Terrence Romeo with three.
“I just want to enjoy the All-Star Game and give the fans a show,” Aguilar said after the game.
While Aguilar provided the highlight plays, Arana delivered when North needed him most. He finished with 16 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter during the team’s late push.
Team North also got a huge lift from CJ Perez, who poured in a game-high 32 points, including seven shots from the combined three-point and four-point range. Rookie Juan Gomez De Liano impressed in his All-Star debut with 23 points, while Adrian Nocum added 22.
Coached by Leo Austria, Team North even built a huge early lead, going up 43-25 in the opening quarter.
But Team South refused to go away.
Aleck Stockton dazzled with a series of dunks on his way to 29 points. RJ Abarrientos chipped in 26, while Calvin Oftana scored 23. Caelan Tiongson and Leonard Santillan added 17 and 14 points, respectively.
The South squad, coached by Chot Reyes, even completed a big comeback and grabbed a 121-118 lead entering the fourth quarter. Abarrientos later drained a three-pointer that put South ahead 142-140 — their final lead of the night — before Arana and Aguilar took over in the closing stretch.
With the victory, Team North notched its sixth straight All-Star win over Team South dating back to 2010 and took home P250,000 in prize money.
Earlier in the festivities, the traditional Arena Social dance contest ended in a rare draw, with both teams splitting the P125,000 prize. Meanwhile, the Daily Fantasy Shooting Stars side event was won by the Blue Team led by Nocum, along with Cabugad Councilor Michael Sarmento, sportscaster Jamie Lim, Tiebreaker Times reporter Justine Bacnis, and Rexor Burgos.
One thing was clear throughout the night — the fans got exactly what Aguilar promised: a show.
Mar 8, 2026
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