The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Game delivered an electrifying spectacle on Sunday night, March 8, 2026, at the Candon City Arena in Candon City, Ilocos Sur. In a high-scoring clash, Solid North emerged victorious over Solid South with a final score of 147-142, thanks to standout performances from CJ Perez and Japeth Aguilar.
Dynamic Duo Powers Solid North to Victory
CJ Perez led the charge for Solid North, pouring in 32 points with impressive efficiency and agility on the court. Not far behind, Japeth Aguilar contributed 29 points, showcasing his veteran prowess and athleticism. The game remained tightly contested throughout, but Solid North ignited their offense in the final quarter to secure the win.
Historic Moment for Japeth Aguilar
Following the game, Japeth Aguilar made history by becoming the oldest player ever to be named the All-Star Game MVP at the age of 39. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he dominated the offense early on. By the end of the first half, Aguilar had already amassed 20 points, helping Solid North establish a commanding 43-25 lead.
Aguilar's highlight-reel plays, including a breathtaking three-point dunk with just 24.6 seconds remaining, sent the crowd into a frenzy and sealed the victory for Solid North. His ability to energize both his team and the spectators was a key factor in the outcome.
Solid South's Valiant Comeback Effort
Despite the early deficit, Solid South mounted a fierce comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, led by Alex Stockton who orchestrated the offense with precision. Stockton finished with 29 points, supported by strong contributions from Abarrientos with 26 points and Oftana with 23 points. However, their efforts fell just short as Solid North's defense held firm in the closing moments.
The game featured several other notable performances. For Solid North, Gomez de Liano added 23 points, Nocum scored 22, and Arana chipped in 16 points. On the Solid South side, Tiongson contributed 17 points, Santillan had 14, and Bolick added 13 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the North's offensive firepower.
Final Score and Player Contributions
Here is a breakdown of the scoring for both teams:
- Solid North (147 points): CJ Perez 32, Japeth Aguilar 29, Gomez de Liano 23, Nocum 22, Arana 16, Baltazar 9, Trollano 8, Holt 6, Mamuyac 2, Newsome 0, Cansino 0.
- Solid South (142 points): Alex Stockton 29, Abarrientos 26, Oftana 23, Tiongson 17, Santillan 14, Bolick 13, Fajardo 11, Nambatac 5, Bahio 4.
This thrilling All-Star Game not only provided entertainment for basketball fans but also highlighted the talent and competitive spirit within the PBA. With Aguilar's historic achievement and Perez's stellar play, the event will be remembered as a memorable chapter in Philippine basketball history.
