Hotdogs sizzle in Kerby’s town

BALANGA, Bataan — The Purefoods Hotdogs gave Kerby Raymundo a stirring homecoming party in his home province, repulsing the Shell Turbochargers and their new import Melvin Robinson, 95-82, in another Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Cup visit at the Bataan People’s Center here last night.

With Raymundo given a plaque of recognition being an outstanding Bataan son in the field of sport, the entire Purefoods team responded by dishing out a solid game together, snapping a sorry five-game losing skid to the delight of Raymundo’s cheering kababayans in this town celebrating its fiesta.

Raymundo, a former national player, himself had a decent game with 12 points, three rebounds and two assists.

Noy Castillo went 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and, with a total of 18 points, led six Hotdogs who scored in double figures as they checked their slump and caught up with the Turbochargers with identical 5-6 win-loss cards.

"Big, big relief," said coach Ryan Gregorio.

"Obviously, they’re not used to playing with their new import and we’re really lucky," added Gregorio.

The Turbochargers did struggle with Robinson groping for form in his first game in the local pro league.