BALANGA — Pasay strengthened its playoff chances after booting out Biñan City-Luxxe White, 68-57, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season, Friday at the Bataan People’s Center here.
With the victory, Pasay upped their record to 15-12 to remain at the eight spot of the Northern Division, one-and-a-half-games ahead of ninth-place Caloocan.
“‘Yun nga, sabi ko kailangan naming mag-stack up ng wins. Kasi ‘yung Caloocan, they still have three games pa. Baka mamaya hindi kami makapag-pile up ng wins at makahabol sila,” said Pasay head coach Marlon Martin.
Behind Gio Lasquety, Raymund Ilagan, and Ronnel Lastimosa, the Voyagers were able to build a 51-42 cushion over Biñan heading into the fourth quarter.
Jason Opiso and Jan Jamon sustained the momentum, igniting a 15-9 rally. That then saw Pasay take its biggest lead of the ball game at 15, 66-51, off a lay-up from Ilagan with 2:38 left.
Axel Iñigo led Pasay with his all-around game, finishing with 13 points, six assists, seven rebounds, and two steals. Opiso provided 11 points and six boards, while Ilagan added 10 points and eight boards.
On the other hand, Jed Mendoza had 11 points, four assists, and seven rebounds for the Heroes.
Ivan Villanueva, who has been playing well in the first half, was called for a disqualifying foul after a hard hit on Elvin Chan in the third period. The bulky big man finished with eight points for the Krah Heroes.
Pasay is now out of the playoff race with a 12-16 standing in the South Division.
The Scores:
Pasay (68) — Iñigo 13, Opiso 11, Ilagan 10, Jamon 8, Lastimosa 6, Chan 6, Belencion 4, Reverente 4, Lasquety 4, Lomtong 0, Hilario 0, de Villa 0, Pasia 0, Moradas 0
Biñan City-Luxxe White (57) — Mendoza 11, Stevens 10, Villanueva 8, Acosta 7, Neypes 6, Parala 5, Mangahas 5, Mangahas 3, Rivera 2, Adorio 0, Bautista 0
Quarterscores: 17-18, 35-33, 51-42, 68-57
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
