Laguna, PHILIPPINES – Biñan keeps the series alive after almost getting swept by South Cotabato in the quarterfinals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season 6. Surprisingly, the oldest player on the floor paved the thrilling comeback win for Biñan.
The Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX was down by double digits by the end of the third period (62-50), but the team eventually caught up in the fourth quarter after a 13-2 run to make the deficit down to 1 (64-63). Biñan finally took the lead with just less than 12 seconds to play. The No.6 South Cotabato tried to complete the upset over No.3 Biñan, unfortunately, Jervy Cruz missed the go-ahead triple, and a second-chance jumper by Marwin Dionisio also did not go through.
Age Is Just A Number for 43-Year-Old Marc Pingris
San Miguel/Magnolia and Gilas Pilipinas legend, Marc Pingris, gathered the Best Player of the Game honors after leading Biñan to the dub, forcing a do-or-die game 3. Pingris finished the game with 13 points and 3 rebounds en route to the win. Meanwhile, Jaymar Gimpayan and Kenny Roger Rocacurva recorded 10 points each.
They lost to the Warriors in game 1 but will meet again for game 3 on October 24 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Another Nailbiting Matchup Sees Batangas Finally Sending Davao Home
Batangas City’s Levi Fernandez lights it up again in game 2 after scoring his second 20-point game in the playoffs. Fernandez powered the Rum Masters over Davao in game 1 with his 21 points. This time, he tames the Tigets with another 20-piece, including 4 three-point shots. Cedric Ablaza had a fantastic night, too, chipping in 13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Terrence Tumalip tried his best with 19 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds. Arth Dela Cruz posted a 10-10 double-double (points and rebounds) while Bonbon Custodio gave 10 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Despite his poor shooting night, Cebuano star Mac Tallo was still able to accumulate 11 points and 5 assists. Kenneth Ighalo also helped with 13 points.
The Scores:
- Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters vs. Davao Occidental Tigers (89-86)
- Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX vs. South Cotabato Warriors (70-69)
