I still remember the first time I witnessed a truly explosive scoring performance in the PBA. It wasn't just about the numbers flashing on the scoreboard—it was the sheer electricity in the arena, the way every possession became must-see basketball. That experience got me digging into the league's record books, and the question that kept coming up was: who actually scored the most points in a single PBA game? The answer takes us back to one of the most legendary nights in Philippine basketball history.

The record belongs to legendary shooter Allan Caidic, who dropped an unbelievable 79 points for Presto Tivoli against Ginebra San Miguel back on November 21, 1991. Let that sink in for a moment—79 points in a 48-minute game. I've watched the footage, and what amazes me isn't just the volume but the efficiency. Caidic shot 17-of-37 from three-point range, which was absolutely unheard of in that era. He was essentially revolutionizing the game before the three-point revolution even properly began. The man was on such a heater that game, I'm convinced he could have thrown the ball from half-court blindfolded and it still would have swished. His performance wasn't just scoring—it was a masterclass in offensive movement and shooting technique that young players should still study today.

When we talk about modern scoring explosions, we have to consider how the game has evolved. The pace is faster, the three-point shot is more emphasized, and players are more skilled than ever. This brings me to someone like Javi Gomez de Liano, who I've followed with interest during his stint with Terrafirma. De Liano suited up for the Dyip franchise from 2022-24 and was an integral part of the core that reached the playoffs of the 2023-24 Philippine Cup. While he hasn't approached Caidic's record, what fascinates me about players like De Liano is their potential in today's game. His combination of size and shooting ability represents the modern prototype that could theoretically—under the right circumstances—make a run at a big scoring night. The 2023-24 Philippine Cup run showed glimpses of what this new generation can do when they catch fire.

Breaking scoring records requires a perfect storm of factors that go beyond individual talent. The player needs to be in phenomenal condition, the defensive scheme has to be exploitable, teammates must actively feed the hot hand, and frankly, the opponent needs to stubbornly refuse to adjust. Caidic had all these elements align perfectly that night in 1991. In today's more analytical game, defenses would likely double-team or trap a player approaching such numbers much earlier. Still, I firmly believe records are meant to be broken. With the current emphasis on three-point shooting and pace, it's not impossible that we might witness someone challenge that 79-point mark. It would require someone with unlimited range, the greenest of lights from his coach, and a team willing to sacrifice winning for a night of individual glory—which admittedly makes it both unlikely and controversial.

What makes Caidic's record so enduring isn't just the number itself but the context. This wasn't some blowout against a weak opponent—this was against Ginebra, with the legendary Robert Jaworski on the floor. The stakes mattered. Today, when I watch players like De Liano develop their games, I see the building blocks of someone who could potentially have a special scoring night, though likely not approaching 79 points. The game has changed too much for that. But that's what makes basketball so compelling—the constant tension between historical greatness and future potential. Caidic's record stands as both a monument to individual brilliance and a challenge to every generation of Filipino cagers. Someone will eventually make their run at it, and when they do, I'll be watching, remembering that magical night in 1991 when one man proved just how high the ceiling could be.