Tens of thousands of basketball fans and online viewers were already at the edge of their seats after an excruciating nail-biter at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna. 6th seed South Cotabato upsets the 3rd seed Biñan in the do-or-die game 3 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season 6 quarterfinals in a very thrilling matchup.
Missed wide-open layups, diving for loose balls, inconclusive coach’s challenge, and game-changing free throws. These are just some of the thrilling sights in the final seconds of game 3 of South Cotabato vs Biñan.
Double-Cruz Attack
The two Cruzes of South Cotabato, Mark Cruz and Jervy Cruz pushed the team past the star-studded roster of Biñan. Mark Cruz had a solid double-double of 13 points and 10 assists as well as 5 rebounds, while Jervy Cruz stepped up with 18 points.
Carlo Lastimosa went hot even at the beginning, but even that wasn’t enough for the combo of Mark and Jervy. Lastimosa was terrific, recording a game-high 27 points and 9 boards. Kenny Rocacurva, who missed a wide-open layup in the final moments of the game that could have allowed Biñan to tie the game, went home after giving 16 points. Had Rocacurva converted that basket, Tatak Gel’s chances of securing a slot in the semifinals would significantly go higher. On the other hand, former PBA superstar Marc Pingris contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
South Cotabato Warriors Plans on Getting Tipsy Against the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters
After punching a ticket to the south semis, South Cotabato will face a stronger team, the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters on October 28, 2024.
