Two-time Most Valuable Player Willie Miller and Kiko Adriano shone brightest as Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer triumphed at the start of the UNTV Cup PBA Legends Faceoff on Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center.
Miller erupted for 29 points to help the Alaska Milkmen score a 90-83 win over the Ginebra Kings, while Adriano came through a solid all-around performance as the San Miguel Beermen dominated the Purefoods Hotdogs, 88-68.
Five players scored in double figures for the Beermen, but it was Adriano who stood out by posting 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal in the event with UNTV, led by its CEO and president Dr. Daniel Razon, allocating P2 million more for the Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas Foundation Inc., (formerly PBA Legends Foundation) at the end of the month-long tournament.
Razon, along with foundation chairman and one of the stars of the fabled Crispa squad, made the ceremonial toss during a brief opening ceremony, where former PBA players were in attendance.
Chris Calaguio paced the Beermen with 16 points, while former MVPs Danny Ildefonso and Allan Caidic chipped 14 and 13 points, respectively, and Nic Belasco contributing 10 points.
Paul Alvarez also showed up and delivered six points, while Olsen Racela added five for the Beermen who will face the Milkmen on Sunday.
Marlou Aquino, who saw action in the just-concluded 2nd MPBL season, led Ginebra with 24 points followed by Vince Hizon with 23.
Dwight Lago and Roger Yap were the only double-digit scorers for the Hotdogs with 14 and 11 points.
Four-time MVP winner Alvin Patrimonio was held to just 9 points.
