MANILA, Philippines - The Pampanga Tornadoes routed Bulacan, 113-99, to serve notice of their title aspirations in the opening of the Filsports Basketball Association (FBA) recently before a full house at the Malolos Convention Center.
The Tornadoes, the regional-based competition’s first franchisee, uncorked a blistering 12-0 blast at the start of the third to break the game open, 61-48, and went on to enjoy their biggest lead at 102-81 in the fourth.
Levi Hernandez sizzled with 30 points for the Foton-backed Tornadoes and got a lot of support from Melvin Bangal (22), Marlon Gomez (18) and Mikee Reyes (14).
Ernest Reyes fired 26 while Dominic Fajardo added 17 to pace Bulacan, a team bannered by mainstays of Bulacan State U.
“We have been preparing since December and we want to make sure that our team will be competitive in the league, we are happy with the result of the game and we aim to make Pampangueños proud of its team in the FBA, “said Tornadoes team manager Alvin Lu.
Prior to the game, fans were treated to an exhibition match that saw a PBA Legends team with Alvin Patrimonio, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Ravena, Jerry Codiñera, Nelson Asaytono, Noli Locsin and Bong Hawkins, together with guest player Sen. Sonny Angara, toying with a local team, the Malolos Agila, led by Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad
From a 57-57 deadlock at the end of the third, the former PBA superstars asserted themselves and easily pulled away in the final canto to the delight of the crowd.
“Our vision is to discover and develop new talents from the provinces who can become future national and PBA players. We had a good start and we hope to build on that, “ said FBA Commissioner and former Barangay Ginebra superstar Vince Hizon in the opening rites graced by Angara and his bosom friend Dodot Jaworski .
According to Hizon, teams from Manila, Quezon City, and Marikina have confirmed their participation and will join Pampanga and Bulacan when action resumes late Feburary. He added that negotiations with other cities, provinces and private companies are ongoing.