The mighty alliance of U-belt, Mandaluyong, and Las Pinas repulsed the union of Intramuros and Taft as the East All-Stars downed the West All-Stars, 104-97, in the inaugural National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-Star game yesterday at the San Juan Arena.

Arellano star point guard John Pinto and Jose Rizal’s star rookie Teytey Teodoro towed East to victory, figuring prominently in an 18-7 run early in the fourth quarter to turn the neck-and-neck match to a rout, 96-80, halfway in the fourth quarter.

Pinto, named All-Star Most Valuable Player, scored eight of his ten points in the pivotal fourth quarter, while Teodoro started the run with back-to-back long shots to finish with nine points.

“Coach (Boyet Fernandez) told us to enjoy the game,” said Pinto. “I don’t how my shots were falling. It’s just good timing.”

Unlike the usual showtime play in a typical All-Star game, the NCAA All-Star showcased pinpoint passing skills and set plays that defied the showcase on one-on-one skills of the players. Both teams combined for 46 assists, with East issuing 25.

Aside from Pinto and Teodoro, San Beda’s Arthur de la Cruz, who sparked East in the third quarter, added 12 points while Perpetual’s Juneric Baloria tallied 11 points.

Mapua power forward Jeson Cantos led the way for West with a game high 18 points off a perfect eight-for-eight shooting. Emilio Aguinaldo’s John Tayongtong added 14 points while St. Benilde’s Mark Romero had 12 points.

Box scores:

East 104 – A. de la Cruz, 12, Baloria 11, Pinto 10, Caperal 9, Teodoro 9, Guinto 8, Perez 8, Thompson 8, J. de la Cruz 7, Arboleda 6, Paniamogan 6, Mabulac 4, Ciriacruz 4, Pascual 2

West 97 – Cantos 18, Tayongtong 14, Romero 12, Gabayni 10, Cruz 8, Saitanan 8, Arquero 7, Taha 7, Bartolo 6, Jamon 5, Zamora 2, Estrella 0, Nambatac 0, Racal 0

Quarter scores: 22-22, 45-45, 76-71, 104-97