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By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
NOOSA SHOES made a rousing debut in the 2008 PBL
Lipovitan Amino Sports Cup with a 73-63 victory over Burger King on
Saturday at The Arena in San Juan.
Rookie shooting guard John Wilson sizzled with
30 points, including 16 in the first quarter which ended with the
Shoe Stars ahead, 24-4. He also had three rebounds and one steal in
25 minutes of action.
“Alam ko ‘yung kapasidad ni Wilson kaya
hinayaan ko lang siya na ipakita ang kakayahan niya. Sana
magtuluy-tuloy ang magandang inilalaro niya. [I know his
capability so I just allowed him to show his skill. I hope he
continues to play well],” said Noosa head coach Leo Isaac, who
steered Arellano University to a second straight title in the
National Capital Region Athletic Association.
Allan Evangelista was the only other player to
finish in double figures for the Dioceldo Sy-owned squad. He had 14
points while Andrian Celada and Noy Javier combined for 15 markers
for Noosa Shoes, which took a 44-22 halftime lead.
“I challenged my veteran players to prove
themselves and I’m happy that they responded well,” added Isaac.
Mike Bravo and Nestor David paced the Whoopers
with 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Marcy Arellano and Kiel
Misa chipped in 10 points apiece.
Bravo and David scored back-to-back baskets as
the Whoopers moved to within 42-54, four minutes remaining in the
third quarter.
An 8-0 run behind the 5-foot-8 Misa and Kelbin
Gregorio enabled Burger King to close in at 53-60, seven minutes
remaining in the fourth.
But the Shoe Stars fought back to post a 72-62
advantage behind the efforts of Wilson and Evangelista going into
the final three minutes.
Burger King topped the rebounding department,
50-37, but had a dismal performance from the field, converting 22 of
67 for a 30 percent clip.
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