MALOLOS, Bulacan — Basilan-Jumbo Plastic lacked the firepower when they hit the floor against the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors in the 2019 MPBL/Chooks-to-Go Lakan Cup at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here, Tuesday evening.
With Allyn Bulanadi, Shaq Alanes, and Anthony Bringas out due to various reasons and Cris Dumapig playing under the weather, Basilan head coach Jerson Cabiltes knew that he needed someone who could be the spark plug for his team.
Luckily for him, Dennis Daa was up to the challenge.
After averaging 5.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in just 9.6 minutes for the season, the 40-year-old forward logged in 22 minutes against Pasig and dropped 13 points, eight boards, and four steals.
More than the numbers, the product of Las Piñas College became Basilan’s rock in the extended period and drained clutch baskets in the process.
The seasoned veteran dropped four points in a 7-0 swing to give Basilan a five-point 83-78 advantage with 2:44 remaining in overtime.
And when Pasig came knocking, Daa drew a foul from Leo Najorda and converted two from the charity stripe to calm restore order.
The Jumbo Plastic-backed squad went on to win the game, 89-83, pushing their status to the fourth spot of the Southern Division with a 16-9 win-loss standing.
“Number one is veteran leadership talaga e, pangalawa si Dennis kasi, steady factor namin siya anytime ready siya to deliver,” said Cabiltes.
The burly 6-foot-5 veteran, who went undrafted in the 2006 PBA Draft but went on to have a five-year career in the pros, was just glad to help out the team in any way he could. Moreover, he thanked his coach for putting his money on him in crunch time and he hopes that the Steel could get it done in their remaining games.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala na binibigay ni coach sa akin. Sana nga, sabi ko kanina sana ma-sustain namin ito hanggang matapos yung remaining games namin,” said Daa.
In other games, Muntinlupa-Angelis Resort kept its playoff hopes alive with a 90-86 win over Imus-Luxxe Slim while the Bulacan Kuyas defended their home court and fended off pesky Sarangani Province, 76-69.
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
