Down to just two just players in Jai Reyes and Gab Banal, Nueva Ecija was still able to gut out a 21-19 (6:41) win over Bacolod-Masters Sardines to sweep Pool D of the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas President’s Cup powered by TM on Wednesday night, October 21.
The Rice Vanguards lost Juan Gomez de Liaño, who sprained his right ankle after landing on Chris Lalata’s foot, with 5:15 left in the game. The UP Maroons stalwart did not return.
Nueva Ecija big man Mac Sabellina was also thrown out of the contest after being assessed his second unsportsmanlike foul with 4:10 remaining.
Down 17-19 after back-to-back triples by Bacolod’s Anton Asistio, Banal and Reyes used their wits to rack up the win.
After Reyes connected on a free throw that sliced the lead down to one, Banal threw a wild triple that missed. But the MPBL Datu Cup MVP managed to swoop in for the rebound, throw a putback, and get a foul against Alfred Batino for the and-two and the victory.
“Got nothing to lose. We only had two players but I don’t know if that’s even possible? That might be the first time in 3×3 history,” said Banal, who ended up with 4 points.
Reyes also had 4 points in the game of this tournament leg that has a P100,000 prize up for grabs.
“If Juan can’t play, that’s a big loss for is… [pero] hindi tayo magpapatalo (but we won’t back down),” Banal said of the possibility of not having Gomez de Liaño in the playoffs.
Earlier, Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks and Uling Roasters-Butuan City swept Pools A and B, respectively, in this FIBA 3×3-endorsed tournament.
Joshua Munzon scored 9 points as Zamboanga City averted disaster against the Sarangani Marlins 22-19 (7:17).
Franky Johnson, meanwhile, had 5 deuces for 10 points in powering Butuan City to a 21-13 (7:02) wipeout of Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors.
Porac was able to advance to the next round after a 21-14 triumph over Bicol-PAXFUL 3×3 Pro. Big man James Laput proved his worth in the contest with 5 points. – Rappler.com
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