No big 20 but it's Crispa on top at the wind up (Dec. 19-26, 1980)

Vic Villafranca of the Sports Weekly Magazine with his take on the Crispa's victory in the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference championship series also marred by Toyota management's firing of coach Fort Acuna.

No big 20 but it's Crispa on top at the wind up

ON THE LINE 

By Vic Villafranca

Sports Weekly Magazine 

Dec 19-26, 1980

Nine-thirty Thursday evening, December 11 was supposed to have been the time when the clock was to toll midnight for the Crispa Redmanizers in their mind-blowing bid to win their fourth PBA All-Filipino championship on the wings of an unprecendented 20-game sweep.

But in the night of shocks, both on the hardcourt and away from it, the Redmanizers saw their awesome winning streak snapped at 19 by the Toyota ballclub that lost its coach, Fort Acuna, at halftime only to make up for that loss with a resurgence in its old fighting heart to win, 97 to 94, and send the best of five playoffs to Game 4.

Column: 8th title for Redmanizers (Dec. 15, 1980)

Bulletin Today sports editor Lito Fernandez with a look back at the 1980 PBA season that ended with Crispa’s triumph in the All-Filipino Conference.

8th title for Redmanizers

NEUTRAL CORNER
By Lito P. Fernandez

Bulletin Today

Published Sunday Dec. 15, 1980

By winning the 1980 Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino title, the Crispa Redmanizers took their eighth PBA crown, increasing their overall lead to two over the Toyota Tamaraws who have won six PBA championships.

Only three other teams, including one foreign squad, have won titles in the country’s play-for-pay loop, which started in 1975 and has held 18 conferences since.

Game 94: Crispa 105, Toyota 91 (Dec. 13, 1980)

Crispa delivered the knockout blow on Toyota to win the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference crown after winning their best-of-five finals series, 3-1.

Crispa beats Toyota, bags All-Filipino title

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Sunday Dec. 14, 1980

Crispa cast off the frustration of not completing a 20-game sweep last night and played with vengeful fury to knock out Toyota, 105-91, and to capture its fourth Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino championship before some 25,000 fans at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Redmanizers tried to blow the Tamaraws off the court with a 24-point lead and then fought off the spectre of defeat that struck them in the third game of the best-of-five title series to win pulling away.

Silverio backs firing of Acuna (Dec. 13, 1980)

Delta Motors Corporation President Ricardo Silverio backed the firing at halftime of Fort Acuna as Toyota coach during the third game of the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference championship series against Crispa.

Silverio backs firing of Acuna

By Lito Fernandez

Bulletin Today

Published Sunday Dec. 14, 1980

“If I was there, I would have kicked him in the ass.”

Thus said Ricardo C. Silverio, president of the Delta Motor Corp., yesterday in support of the decision to fire Fortunato Acuna as coach of the Toyota Tamaraws.

Acuna, a former Tamaraw himself, was fired by Pablo Carlos, Jr., Toyota team manager and vice president of the same firm, during the halftime of the Toyota-Crispa game last Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

In a press statement last Friday, Carlos said he was forced to fire Acuna because “he ignored me three times” during the first half of the game when he (Carlos) asked Acuna why he was not using Jaworski.

Dalupan: The boys now know where they are (Dec. 12, 1980)

The pressure is off as far as coach Baby Dalupan is concerned after Crispa’s bid for a 20-game sweep of the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference was derailed by Toyota in Game 3.

Crispa plays revived Toyota team tonight

Bulletin Today

Published Saturday Dec. 13, 1980

Defending champion Crispa, humbled but still sharp, tries to wind up unfinished business today when it takes on suddenly alive Toyota in the fourth game of their best-of-five series for the PBA All-Filipino championship at the Araneta Coliseum.

With the burden of the 20-game sweep lifted off their like a deadweight, the Redmanizers can now play without much pressure and end it all when they collide with the Tamaraws at 7:30 p.m.

Toyota, at the cost of firing its coach before some 20,000 fans, sprang back to life by coming from behind to win the third game, 97-94, and extend the series.

Why Carlos fired Acuna (Dec. 12, 1980)

Toyota team manager Pablo Carlos, Jr. released a statement about his decision to fire Fort Acuna during halftime of Game 3.

Why Carlos fired Acuna

Bulletin Today

Published Saturday Dec. 13, 1980

Following is the statement of Pablo P. Carlos Jr., Toyota team manager.

It was with great reluctance that I had to fire Fort Acuna. However, I believe the public interest is over and above personal interests. Hundreds and thousands of people go to the stadium and watch on television to see Robert Jaworski play. Benching Jaworski is certainly cheating the public, depriving them of the opportunity to watch one of the country’s best players in action. When Acuna refused to listen to me, I was left with no choice but to do what I did.

Jaworski: We've proven our point (Dec. 12, 1980)

Robert Jaworski shared his sentiments on the firing of coach Fort Acuna during halftime of Toyota’s win over Crispa in Game 3 of the 1980 PBA All-Filipino championship series.

We’ve proven our point, says Big J

By Ding Marcelo

Bulletin Today

Published Saturday Dec. 13, 1980

“By winning over Crispa, we have proven our point.”

Thus, declared Robert Jaworski, the Toyota team captain who is in the center of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most intriguing and beguiling development since Crispa attempted and failed to complete a 20-game sweep of the All-Filipino Conference.

Jaworski was the reason that led to the firing of Toyota coach Fort Acuna which in turn was perhaps the motivating factor that fired up the Tamaraws to stop the Redmanizers’ winning streak at 19.

The 33-year-old superstar did not specifically saw that Acuna’s firing moved the team to play its best, “but we have proven our point.”

Acuna lashes at Jaworski (Dec. 12, 1980)

Fort Acuna took shots at Robert Jaworski after he was fired as Toyota coach during halftime of Game 3 of the 1980 PBA All-Filipino championship series against Crispa.

Acuna lashes at Jaworski

‘He’s immature and insecure’

By Ding Marcelo

Bulletin Today

Published Saturday Dec. 13, 1980

Fortunato Acuna, fired from his post as coach of the country’s leading ball clubs, yesterday, labelled Robert Jaworski as “immature and insecure” who could not accept the fact that he, indeed, was the coach of the Toyota Tamaraws.

Meeting the press less than 24 hours after he got his walking papers from Toyota team manager Pablo Carlos, Jr., Acuna said Jaworski sowed the seeds of demoralization in the Toyota camp and deliberately ignored game instructions to the detriment of the team.

“I believe he is immature and insecure,” Acuna said of the Toyota star who was the PBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1978 when Acuna was still playing guard for the Tamaraws.

Game 93: Toyota 97, Crispa 94 (Dec. 11, 1980)

Toyota denied Crispa an unprecedented 20-game sweep of the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference after coach Fort Acuna was fired at halftime of Game 3 for benching Robert Jaworski in the first half.

Toyota stops Crispa, 97 to 94

20-game sweep goes pffft; Acuna fired midway in game

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Friday Dec. 12, 1980

Toyota sprang back to life at the cost of firing its coach in the middle of the game last night and robbed Crispa of a monumental 20-game sweep with a stunning 97-94 victory that extended the All-Filipino championship series at the Araneta Coliseum.

The leadership crisis that plagued Toyota for some time now broke into the open when Fortunato Acuna was given his walking papers after the first half in a move that as unprecedented as the sweep Crispa was setting its eyes on, adding a new twist to this emotional-filled playoffs.

For some 20,000 fans, it was like watching a gripping, drama played on and off the court with actors acting real life roles.

Game 92: Crispa 122, Toyota 102 (Dec. 9, 1980)

Crispa moved one win from taking the 1980 PBA All-Filipino title via a 20-game sweep after pummeling a demoralized Toyota side in Game 2.

Crispa a game away from 20-game sweep

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Wednesday Dec. 10, 1980

Crispa was again at its deadliest last night as the Redmanizers continued their mastery of the Toyota Tamaraws with an easy 122-102 win that moved the defending PBA All-Filipino champions within a game of completing an unprecedented 20-game sweep.

The victory, Crispa’s 19th straight, gave the Redmanizers a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five championship series. It was also Crispa’s fifth straight win over Toyota in this conference and it gave the Redmanizers a 49-43 edge in their continuing rivalry.

Robert Jaworski, dragging his injured foot, played his hearts out, but none of his teammates displayed the same fire as the Redmanizers virtually toyed with the Tamaraws.

Game 91: Crispa 108, Toyota 101 (Dec. 7, 1980)

Crispa capitalized on the absence of Francis Arnaiz to beat Toyota in the opener of their 1980 PBA All-Filipino championship series and move two wins shy of completing an unprecedented 20-game sweep.

Crispa repulses Toyota, 108-101

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Monday Dec. 8, 1980

Crispa moved closer to its date with basketball history with an epic 108-101 win over Toyota before the biggest crowd this season in the opener of their best-of-five series for the PBA All-Filipino championship at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was the hardest game the Redmanizers passed through in the tournament as they worked hard for every point in the face of a tenacious and well-planned Toyota defense.

Game 90: Crispa 143, Toyota 114 (Dec. 2, 1980)

Crispa continued its unbeaten run in the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference, this time beating Toyota in the semifinals behind 45 points from Freddie Hubalde.

Redmanizers crush Tamaraws, 143-114

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Wednesday Dec. 3, 1980

Defending champion Crispa, displaying devastating form, crushed Toyota last night, 143-114, to virtually capture the first finals berth in the PBA All-Filipino conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

It was the 16th straight win for the Redmanizers and it came the easy way as they practically toyed with the outclassed Tamaraws in a manner that stunned some 12,000 fans.

The Redmanizers are now only four games short of a 20-game sweep.

Game 89: Crispa 98, Toyota 91 (Nov. 23, 1980)

Crispa defeated Toyota in the 1980 PBA All-Filipino quarterfinal round in a match that began moments after former Redmanizer Bogs Adornado tied a then-record 64 points for U-Tex against San Miguel Beer.

Crispa tops Toyota; Adornado unloads 64

Bulletin Today

Published Monday Nov. 24, 1980

Crispa squandered a 16-point lead and had to do a lot of scrambling before coming through with a 98-91 win over Toyota that stretched its winning streak to 13 games in the PBA All-Filipino Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

With Robert Jaworski missing the action with a foot injury, the Tamaraws looked real goners for more than two quarters but the old fire came back starting late in the third period to turn a rout into a thriller.

Game 88: Crispa 111, Toyota 101 (Oct. 26, 1980)

Crispa won its first meeting against Toyota in the 1980 PBA All-Filipino Conference behind the presence of center Romy Mamaril, who saw action for the first time in the historic rivalry.

Crispa crushes Tams, 111-101

Bulletin Today

Published Monday Oct. 27, 1980

Crispa paraded its tall guys practically throughout last night to seize control of the slot and crush Toyota, 111-101, before some 20,000 fans at the Araneta Coliseum.

Statistics showed the Redmanizers were ahead over the Tamaraws by a single rebound — 55-54 — but what was not shown was the intimidating presence of Romulo Mamaril and company that to take hurried shots from outside.

Game 87: Toyota 116, Walk Tall 109 (Sept. 4, 1980)

Toyota earned a finals berth at Crispa Walk Tall’s expense for the second straight conference and arrange a best-of-three duel with guest team Nicholas Stoodley for the 1980 PBA Invitational title.

Toyota, Stoodley win to gain finals

Bulletin Today

Published Friday Sept. 5, 1980

Toyota came through with just the needed winning margin last night in pulling off a 116-109 win over Crispa to arrange a best-of-three series with Nicholas Stoodley for the PBA Invitational championship at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Fashionmakers, scoring practically at will in the fourth quarter that saw them lead by as many as 24, routed Adidas, 103-87, in the first game.

Toyota and Nicholas Stoodley start their championship series at 7:30 p.m. today with the second match set tomorrow at the same time.

Game 86: Walk Tall 118, Toyota 109 (Aug. 26, 1980)

Import Silvester Cuyler carried Crispa Walk Tall past Toyota in their first round meeting and tie Adidas France for the lead in the 1980 PBA Invitational.

Crispa quint trips Toyota

By Ding Marcelo

Bulletin Today

Published Wednesday Aug. 27, 1980

Crispa gave Toyota one of its most rough beatings in their fabled rivalry last night, 118-109, as the Jeanmakers moved significantly to a share of the lead at the halfway mark of the PBA Invitational at the Araneta Coliseum.

Moving about with the smoothness of a finely tuned orchestra, the Jeansmakers exploded with unbelievable accuracy in the third quarter where they anchored their victory as the Tamaraws never regained their bearings after falling behind, 75-89, going into the last quarter.

Game 85: Toyota 102, Walk Tall 100 (July 22, 1980)

Andy Fields’ three-point play in the final seconds gave Toyota a dramatic win over Crispa to arrange a best-of-five meeting with U-Tex for the 1980 PBA first conference crown.

Toyota edges Crispa five, gains finals

By Al S. Mendoza

Bulletin Today

Published Wednesday July 23, 1980

Six-foot-eight (203.2 cms) Andrew Fields scored the winning points last night as Toyota nipped Crispa, 102-100, in an exciting down-the-wire match to arrange a title showdown with U-Tex in the PBA first conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Fields had only 12 points for the night but his last three shoved the Tamaraws to a 102-100 lead from a 99-100 deficit, seven seconds to go.

Crispa had a quick inbound on the return play but Fortunato Co, Jr. missed a hurried shot on the three-point line although a pass to a waiting Larry Boston under the goal would have been safer as there were still four ticks left.

Game 84: Toyota 127, Walk Tall 116 (July 17, 1980)

Toyota stayed in the hunt for a spot in the finals of the 1980 PBA first conference after beating Crispa Walk Tall in their second semis meeting.

Toyota tops Crispa, 127-116

Bulletin Today

Published Friday July 18, 1980

Toyota displayed its old killer’s instinct last night and crushed Crispa, 127-116, to gain at least a playoff for the finals berth in the Philippine Basketball Association first conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Francis Arnaiz, the man they call “Mr. Clutch,” banged in a game-high 28 points, including a pair of baskets that gave the Tamaraws a safe 120-110 lead with less than two minutes left, a spark Toyota to its fourth victory.

The win gave the Tamaraws the lead in the four-team semifinals with a 4-1 record, a full game ahead of the Jeansmakers and the U-Tex Wranglers, who share second with identical 3-2 slates.

Game 83: Walk Tall 112, Toyota 103 (July 12, 1980)

Crispa Walk Tall arrested its five-game slide against Toyota by winning their first meeting in the semifinals of the 1980 PBA first conference. The victory also put the Jeansmakers one victory shy of making the finals.

Crispa downs Toyota by 9

By Al S. Mendoza

Bulletin Today

Published Sunday July 13, 1980

An extra sharp Crispa team squandered a 20-point lead but got its second wind in time to beat Toyota, 112-103, and virtually nail down the first of two finals berth in the PBA first conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 20-point bulge came seconds after the start of the fourth quarter, 97-77. But suddenly, the lead was down to just four points, 105-101, as Toyota cut loose with a scorching 24-8 attack sparked by Robert Jaworski.

Twice, the Tamaraws had a chance to inch closer but each time, Larry Boston foiled them with back-to-back blocks.

Game 82: Toyota 107, Walk Tall 105 (June 12, 1980)

Toyota, already assured of a berth in the semifinal round, held off Crispa Walk Tall in their second meeting in the eliminations of the 1980 PBA first conference.

Toyota edges Crispa by 2

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Friday June 13, 1980

Toyota lost a pair of 17-point leads in the third quarter but held on to a 107-105 victory over arch rival Crispa last night, before some 32,000 fans — the biggest crowd to watch a PBA game this season.

It was a game that had all the ingredients of the fabled Toyota-Crispa rivalry as the Tamaraws, already assured of a semifinal berth, elected to mix it up with the Jeansmakers in a thrill-packed running game.

Game 81: Toyota 112, Walk Tall 107 (March 16, 1980)

Robert Jaworski and imports Andy Fields and Bruce “Sky” King powered Toyota to victory over Crispa Walk Tall in the opener of the 1980 PBA season.

Toyota whips Crispa; Honda edges Tefilin

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Monday March 17, 1980

Toyota backed up its advantage in teamwork with sharp outside shooting by Robert Jaworski last night to roll back Crispa Walk Tall, 112-107, in the openers of the PBA first conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jaworski collected nine of his 22 points on hits from beyond the 22-foot marker for three-point field goals while Andrew Fields and Bruce “Sky” King outplayed the still adjusting Crispa duo of Glen Mosley and Sylvester Cuyler.

It was, however, the Jeansmakers’ inability to come out with clutch hits that finally decided the outcome of the exciting match played before some 20,000 fans.

Exhibition: Crispa 110, Toyota 110 (Feb. 29, 1980)

Crispa and Toyota settled for a draw during an exhibition game aimed at raising funds for the 1981 visit of Pope John Paul II.

Crispa, Toyota fight to 110-all deadlock

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Friday Feb. 29, 1980

Danilo Florencio missed a jumpshot from the right wing with two seconds left last night and Toyota and Crispa fought to a 110-all stand-off in a surprisingly fierce exhibition game at the Araneta Coliseum.

Florencio, set up for what was intended to be the winning play following a Toyota timeout after Fortunato Co, Jr. had tied the score, took a hurried shot and the crowd of some 18,000 reacted with contrasting cheers and jeers.

That miss denied Florencio a touch of drama to his comeback, although he appeared as dependable as ever despite the obvious weight he has put on as a result of his long lay-off.