Author: John Michael Decierdo Agustin
Photo Credit: MPBL
Quezon Huskers’ Judel Ric Fuentes took off against the Davao Occidental Tigers with a career-high 38 points to take the win in overtime during the Monday night matchup for the 29-team round-robin elimination round of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season 6 in Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The Huskers Almost Blew A Large Lead Against The Tigers
Quezon had the upper hand early in the game and their biggest lead against Davao even ballooned to 28 points (61-33 with 4:30 left in the third period). However, the Tigers came alive in the fourth quarter and ultimately closed the gap in regulation, 80-80, resulting in overtime. Eventually, the Huskers nab the win in OT, 92-85.
Judel Ric Fuentes finished with a career night, posting 38 points including 9 triples. Gabriel Banal also contributed with a double-double: 11 points and 15 rebounds. Louell Jay Gonzales also recorded 15 points including the last two free throws to ice the game.
On the other hand, five Davao Occidental players scored double digits, which almost led to a huge comeback win. Fresh from the 2024 MPBL All-Star game in Zamboanga, Arth Dela Cruz and Mac Tallo scored 13 and 12, respectively. Dela Cruz also had 10 rebounds and 11 assists to complete a triple-double. Chris Lalata had 10 points and 12 rebounds as well, while Keith Agovida and Kenneth Ighalo posted 13 and 16 points, respectively
Quezon Huskers keep the top seed in the South Division as they now go 20-5. Meanwhile, Davao is still in playoff contention with 15-11.
Meanwhile, Quezon City Beats A High-Seeded Caloocan To Keep Playoff Bid Alive
Quezon City TODA Aksyon snapped Caloocan Batang Kankaloo’s three-game win streak in Lucena City, 77-72. The Capitals are still playoff hopefuls now have won three straight and are still playoff hopefuls despite being in the no.9 spot in the North. They now have a win-loss record of 12-13.
QC’s John Paul Cauilan ignited for 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, taking the Player of the Game honors. South All-Star reserve Rhinwill Yambing also tallied 11 points. Hubert Cani also gave 10 points, 4 boards, and 5 dimes.
Batang Kankaloo lost despite former PBA star Gabby Espinas’ 20-point performance. They are now 14-9.
The First Matchup Of The Night Saw A Pasay Team Destroy Bicol
The Pasay Voyages wallops the Bicolandia Dragons, 122-106, keeping their status in the top 5 best teams in the North. The Voyagers went away with the dub behind Player of the Game Cyrus Tabi’s 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 steals. Tabi was also super efficient by shooting 83% from the field. Laurenz Victoria also posted 17 points and Warren Bonifacio recorded a double-double (15 points and 12 rebounds).
The Bicolandia Dragons, despite the epic 34-point performance of Lord Hower Casajeros and the 20-point showcase of Shaquille Alanes, have now lost four straight. They now drop to 3-21 and are out of playoff contention.
The Scores:
- Quezon Huskers vs. Davao Occidental Tigers (92-85)
- Quezon City TODA Aksyon vs. Batang Kankaloo (77-72)
- Pasay Voyages vs. Bicolandia Dragons (122-106)
