Jayson Apolonio did not allow La Union to go down in Game Two of the NBL Season 3 Black Arrow Express Presidents Cup, leading his squad to an 84-80 win over Pampanga, Saturday evening at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
With the game knotted at 80-all with less than two minutes left, Apolonio forced ex-pro Dexter Maiquez for a stop. After missing a triple — then rebounded by compatriot Ervin Silverie — Aponio knocked down the go-ahead jumper.
Levi Hernandez committed a crucial turnover afterward followed by a breakaway foul that led to a free throw from Adrian Caasi. Apolonio sealed the game with another freebie.
The 25-year-old Apolonio scattered 17 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists in a Herculean outing.
Against a stacked opponent, Apolonio also got some help.
Romel Doliente had 12 points; Mitchelle Maynes tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, and four assists; while Roman Gatchalian came off the bench to fire 15 points on three triples.
Hernandez, who had 24 points in Game One, could not find his rhythm in the contest, finishing with just four points on 2-of-12 shooting.
Michael Juico previously had 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Game One. This time, though, hewas limited to just five points on 2-of-12 shooting while committing four turnovers.
Maiquez carried the load for the Delta with 25 points and nine boards.
Game Three takes place on Monday at 6:00PM.
The Scores:
La Union 84 – Apolonio 17, Gatchalian 15, Doliente 12, Maynes 10, Silverie 9, Fontanilla 9, Ablao 6, Francisco 5, Caasi 1, Graycochea 0, Camaya 0.
Pampanga 80 – Maiquez 25, Santos 11, Gania 11, Tamayo 8, Antiza 7, Juico 5, Hernandez 4, Manaloto 4, Llangco 2, Enriquez 2, Binuya 1, Baltazar 0.
Quarterscores: 30-17, 38-36, 49-45, 84-80.
