Quezon Province is going back to the MPBL National Finals, but it made everyone sweat first.
The Quezon Huskers held off a furious Biñan Tatak Gel rally, 69-68, on Friday, November 13, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, to win the best-of-five South Division Finals, 3-1. The win gives Quezon its third straight South Division crown and a spot in the National Finals against the winner of the North Division clash between the Abra Solid North Weavers and San Juan Knights.
A 19-Point Lead Nearly Disappears
Quezon had this one in hand. It led by 19 points, 54-35, going into the fourth quarter and was up 66-55 when many fans began heading for the exits. Biñan wasn’t done. Nic Cabañero hit two triples and Ryan Sual added a four-point play as the home team ripped off 10 straight to threaten at 66-65 with 19.6 seconds left.
Judel Fuentes, Quezon’s top gunner, split two free throws with 11.5 seconds left to give Biñan a chance to turn things around. Cabanero slipped, however, and Cyrus Tabi stole the ball and got fouled. He made two free throws with 4.6 seconds left to seal it. Cabañero hit a triple at the final buzzer to cap an unlikely run, but it was not enough.
How Quezon Got Here
Quezon had to fight back in this series. After losing Game 1, 74-83, at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, the Huskers won three straight:
- Game 2: 74-54 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
- Game 3: 81-67 at the Alonte Sports Arena.
- Game 4: 69-68 at the Alonte Sports Arena.
They also beat Biñan, 3-2, in last year’s South Finals.
Who Stood Out
Christian Pagaran was named the SportsPlus best player of the game with 12 points and four rebounds. Tabi, the hero of the final seconds, had 11 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Cholo Anonuevo added 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists, Fuentes had seven points and four rebounds, and Jolo Manasala chipped in five points and three rebounds.
Cabanero, the MVP race pacesetter, had a game-high 27 points and 14 rebounds for Biñan with three assists, while Carlo Lastimosa and Kenny Rocacurva had 12 apiece.
Next Up: A Date With Abra or San Juan
The North Division Finals resume later today at 6:30 p.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Defending champion Abra Solid North holds a 2-0 lead after wins of 59-58 and 76-65 and is looking to sweep the second-seeded Knights.
If Abra wins, Quezon could face a familiar foe. Abra swept Quezon, 3-0, in last year’s National Finals.
