Magnolia imports Tyler Bey’s dunks during their match against Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. – PBA PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines – The PBA Manila Clasico rivalry has a new hero in Tyler Bey.
Getting his first taste of one of Philippine basketball’s greatest rivalries, Bey earned a chance to join Magnolia Clasico imports such as Romeo Travis, Denzel Bowles and Marqus Blakely.
After trailing by as many as 26 points, the Hotshots were pulled in the clutch by Bey and cruised to a 93-91 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.
“It was fun. The crowd was fun. We had to deal with adversity, we were down 25 minutes, but all I can say is it was fun. We came back, we did our job and we were tested,” Bey said of the 6-foot-4 7 inches.
“We have been working hard, we have been working on this for several months now. I worked on those shots in training, in the second half I just took responsibility. It was fun, that’s all I can say.”
Tyler Bey. – PBA IMAGES
Bey recorded a double-double of 31 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and two blocks.
Fellow hotshot Jio Jalalon, who played a supporting role in the comeback with 15 points, also praised Bey.
“Even in training he is competitive. At the beginning of the first half, it wasn’t him. He relaxed. His play came in the third quarter. If he wants to play, it’s hard to defend him. “He has length and a ton of skill,” said the badass guard, who also had five rebounds and three assists.
Bey also drew praise from Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson.
Scottie Thompson, who flirted with a triple-double of 12 points, nine dimes and eight rebounds, praised Bey after the Hotshots remained undefeated in four appearances.
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“He is very persistent. We couldn’t match his persistence in the second half and I think he’s the real winner. It really got them back into the game,” Thompson said.
