Jerom Lastimosa and Kai Ballungay delivered the goods as the Rookies and Sophomores outlasted the Juniors, 154-150, in their 2026 PBA All-Star Weekend collision Friday night at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Lastimosa, the second-year Magnolia guard, poured 20 of his 27 points in the second half, while Ballungay, Phoenix’s vastly-improved big man scored 14 of his 20 in the last period to lead the Rookies and Sophomores’ win.
Lastimosa went on to win the Most Valuable Player award.
Brandon Ramirez of NLEX also had a solid game, netting 26 points which he scored in the first three quarters, before letting Lastimosa and Ballungay take over in the final period.
Blackwater freshman guard Dalph Panopio finished with 17 points, while his Bossing teammate Sedrick Barefield and PBA legend Arwind Santos had 14 apiece.
Guardd Ricci Rivero and Schonny Winston scored 30 and 29 respectively to lead the Juniors.