Author: John Michael Decierdo Agustin
Photo Credit: MPBL
Biñan, LAGUNA – With just two weeks left before the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 6 playoffs begin, the Quezon City TODA Aksyon keeps their playoff hopes alive after rallying past the Davao Occidental Tigers in an absolute nail-biter finisher.
The Capitals had a very slow start, only managing to score 9 points up until the 7:30-minute mark in the second period. But, even then, they still couldn’t find their rhythm to take over the game. But, QC finally came back alive after finally closing the gap late in the fourth quarter. With 6 seconds left to play, homegrown baller Chino Mosqueda made a crucial offensive rebound and basket to seal the deal for QC and take home the win over Davao, 65-63.
Mosqueda’s Clutch Play And Yambing’s All-Around Game Shine For Quezon City
2024 MPBL Most Improved Player of the Year candidate Rhinwill Yambing posted 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, but it was the clutch Chino Mosqueda who took the player of the game award with his 15-point night, including the game-winning layup. Jason Ballesteros did not score a single point but grabbed 17 huge rebounds for the Capitals. Quezon City now stands at 14-13, tied with Rizal, who is fighting for the 8th spot in the North division. Looming behind them is Valenzuela, 13-13, who’s also gunning to punch a ticket in the playoffs.
On the other hand, Davao’s Arth Dela Cruz was everywhere on the floor – making shots, creating plays, grabbing rebounds, and picking passing lanes. The 32-year-old forward finished with 11 points, 8 assists, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals, but it still wasn’t enough to push Davao over QC. Despite losing 7 straight, the Tigers are still 15-13, the 7th team in the South.
The Best Teams In North and South Did Not Disappoint
Former MVP, Jaycee Marcelino, and the Zamboanga Master Sardines gave the best team in the North, the San Juan Knights, a tough matchup in the elimination round. Both teams are eyeing the championship title, and their battle in Laguna showed what this year’s finals would look like.
It was a pretty close game, but San Juan kept its composure and defeated Zamboanga, 77-72. Michael Caalisan recorded 17 points, 2 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. Dexter Maiquez also contributed with 14 points, while Amiel Cris Soberano and Nikko Polo Panganiban each had 10 points.
Jaycee Marcelino may have had a bad shooting night, but he made up for it by letting his presence on the defensive end be felt. The MVP and DPOY candidate ended the game with 10 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals.
Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Secure 9th Consecutive Win And Playoff Spot
Meanwhile, Biñan wallops Mindoro en route to their 9th straight victory. Biñan finished the season after clinching a playoff spot as the no.4 seed in the South, while Mindoro just fell a couple of games behind Negros for the no.8 seed.
The Scores:
- Quezon City TODA Aksyon vs. Davao Occ. Tigers (65-63)
- San Juan Knights vs. Zamboanga Master Sardines (77-72)
- Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX vs. Mindoro Tamaraws (82-59)
