Pacquiao scores 9 points to help team win in PBA All-Star event

Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao brought a little sunshine into an otherwise gloomy first day of the PBA All-Star weekend after playing in the blitz game on Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Mahindra playing coach joined legends Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc, Nic Belasco, and Topex Robinson in the starting lineup of the Stalwarts, which won against the Greats, 99-94.

Pacquiao with the backdoor cut! Nic Belasco finds him open underneath! @gmanews pic.twitter.com/Ggj7e8OYow

— Marisse Panaligan (@marspanaligan) August 5, 2016

Manny Pacquiao for three! @gmanews pic.twitter.com/Q81WhaFGE9

— Marisse Panaligan (@marspanaligan) August 5, 2016

With a small crowd for an All-Star game barely filling seats in the venue, Pacman provided a shot of energy as the audience cheered every time he touched the ball.

Pacquiao, who also serves as a senator, finished with nine points, all in the first half of the game. He even hit two three-pointers, though only one was counted in the game due to shot clock violation.

Stalwarts' Raymond Almazan was hailed as the game's Most Valuable Player after scoring 23 points and scattering three-point dunks in the second half. —JST, GMA News

The scores:

Stalwarts 99 - Almazan 23, Tolomia 14, Belasco 11, Pacquiao 9, Magsanoc 8, Cruz 8, Banchero 6, Robinson 6, Patrimonio 6, Semerad 4, Escoto 2, Banal 2

Greats - Sangalang 14, Grey 13, Belo 10, Ahanmisi 10, Locsin 10, Daquioag 8, Pogoy 7, Semerad 7, Ravena 6, Bugia 6, Abarrientos 3