Asi's statistical points now gone to waste

With Asi Taulava ordered deported by the Bureau of Immigration, wasted along the way were the player's statistical points -- impressive numbers which should have easily made him a prime candidate for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award.

In his steadiest showing in his short-lived career in the Philippine Basketball Association, Taulava amassed 950 statistical points (SPs) in 12 games, staying inside the Magic Five of the race for the conference MVP honors until the sad announcement of the BI verdict.

The hulking slotman was running fourth with 950 SPs behind Sonny Alvarado (1353), Eric Menk (1351) and Dan Seigle (1040), who all had played one more game than the controversial Mobiline star.

Taulava led the league in rebounds with 13.8 caroms a game and was fourth in scoring with an average of 21.5 points.

Despite Taulava's huge numbers, the Phone Pals struggled, though, because of injuries to key players, including Vic Pablo, Gherome Ejercito, Patrick Fran and Jose Francisco.

Meanwhile, Red Bull ended its stint in the PBA All-Filipino Cup on a winning note, repulsing San Miguel Beer, 92-88, in a no-bearing duel last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Devonn Harp came up with a near triple-double job with 18 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists while Jimwell Torion added 18 points, five rebounds and three assists and Mick Pennisi chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists, leading Red Bull to the victory and a 3-11 (win-loss) finish in its initial campaign in the pro league.

San Miguel absorbed its second straight victory but still finished second behind Tanduay Rhum in the eliminations with a 10-4 record.

Harp tipped in a missed layup by Ato Agustin in the last 10.2 seconds of play to clinch the Energizers' come-from-behind win.