UAAP's deep bench too much for NCAA selection

The only problem UAAP All-Stars coach Norman Black had during the game was how to give his players equal playing time.

“That’s the only problem because they’re all very talented,” said the Ateneo mentor who coached the UAAP All-Stars past the NCAA All-Stars, 91-80, last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The finest talents from the country’s top two collegiate leagues suited up for a worthy cause, one that would benefit ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Bata 163, a nationwide, child-welfare program.

Black had the likes of Jervy Cruz, JV Casio, Rico Maierhofer, Elmer Espiritu and his very own Rabe Al-Hussaini to go up against coach Frankie Lim’s Carlo Jazul, Ogie Menor, Sam Ekwe, Borgy Hermida and James Sena.

But in the end, it was the UAAP All-Stars that played better as a team. They led by as many as 18 points in the first half, 36-18, then allowed their rivals to equalize at 49, before pulling away anew in the final period.

“It’s a good experience for a coach to be able to handle so much talent,” said Black, adding that he was also happy to be part of the cause. “That’s the whole reason we are all here and I’m happy that all of the players showed up today.”

In the juniors division, the UAAP All-Stars also won, 90-78.

After the game, ABS-CBN Foundation donated P200,000 to Bantay Bata 163, a child welfare program of the media giant that not only rescues and rehabilitates sick and abused children but also provides shelter, therapy and quality homecare. 

Samsung also had a big hand in the event and donated three 22-inch LCD screen to Bantay Bata.

Clark Bautista of Santo Tomas pulled off a big surprise when he ruled the 3-Point Shootout, besting a field of players with bigger names, like Carlo Jazul of Letran, James Martinez of UE and Casio, last year’s winner.