Tamaraws outgunned (May 20, 1978)

Bulletin Today sports editor Lito Fernandez broke down Crispa’s win over Toyota in their first meeting of the 1978 PBA season.

Tamaraws outgunned

THE NEUTRAL CORNER

By Lito Fernandez

Bulletin Today

Published Saturday May 20, 1978

The two Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) heavyweights clashed Thursday night and the team that packed the more powerful punch won.

Crispa, scoring heavily on inside hits, set up Toyota for the kill in the second quarter when the Redmanizers routed the Tamaraws, 37-21, for a commanding 62-48 halftime lead. After the Tams had closed in at 88-85 in the third period, the defending champions delivered the knockout blow in the final quarter with a 35-25 salvo.

Game 54: Crispa 123, Toyota 110 (May 18, 1978)

Crispa halted Toyota’s unbeaten start at six games after winning their first meeting in the 1978 PBA season. The match spoiled new Tamaraw Danny Florencio's debut in the rivalry.

Crispa topples Toyota, 123-110

By Bert Eljera

Bulletin Today

Published Friday May 19, 1978

Defending champion Crispa smashed favored Toyota last night, 123-110, in a rugged game before some 22,000 fans at the close of the first round of the PBA All-Filipino Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

In what Crispa coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan termed as their best game of the season, the Redmanizers oozed with speed and firepower to rout the previously unbeaten Tamaraws.

The victory, which tied Crispa and Toyota for the lead with identical 6-1 records, boosted the Redmanizers’ overall edge over the Tamaraws to 30-24.