Ronjay Buenafe nets 25 as Rookies tops Sophomores

Credits: PBA Online

Ronjay Buenafe of Coca-Cola scored a game-high 25 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 steals leading the Rookies past the Sophomores 101-97 and was named the MVP(Most Valuble Player) in the Blitz Game of the 2008 Smart PBA All-Star Week at the West Negros University Gym here.

The win is the Rookies' 2nd straight over the Sophomores.

"Malaking bagay ito dahil naka-back-to-back na ang rookies tapos nakatabla pa," said Buenafe, referring to the head-on duel of both teams since the event began in Laoag City in 2004.

"Magagaling lahat ng teammates ko. Hindi ko siguro nakuha ito kung hindi dahil sa suporta nila kaya gusto ko din siyempreng i-share ito sa kanila.," said Buenafe, who had four other teammates scoring in double figures led by the 17 of Chico Lanete. The Purefoods guard added seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Chico Lanete of Purefoods had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Air21's Marvin Cruz added 14points, 6 assists and 4 boards for the Rookies.

"Ang taas ng kumpiyansa ng mga bata na mananalo kami at makaka-back-to-back sa Sophomores. Wala akong masabi kasi napaka-coachable din nila," said Rookies coach Adonis Tierra, whose team trailed by as much as 14 points in the first half.

LA Tenorio of Alaska led the Sophomores with 19 points. Brgy. Ginebra's Chris Pacana added 14 points and 10 assists, Jay-R Reyes of Welcoat 13 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.

Scores:

Rookies 101 - Buenafe 25, Lanete 17, Cruz 14, Devance 14, Bono 10, Aljamal 8, Kramer 7, Eman 6.

Sophomores 97 - Tenorio 19, Pacana 14, Reyes 13, Ibanes 12, Andaya 12, Membrere 11, Cabatu 10, Isip 6.

Quarterscores: 20-27, 46-54, 77-75, 101-97