BINAN, LAGUNA – Playing in their first home game this year, Binan City-Luxxe White only had one goal in mind.
With Binan Vice Mayor and team booster Gel Alonte celebrating his birthday in the stands, the Krah Heroes made sure to give back, handing him the perfect present for his day.
“Siyempre, giving back talaga sa kanya, sobrang suporta niya sa amin, suporta niya sa akin kaya sinusuklian lang namin. Paano namin siya susuklian? siyempre sa panalo saka sa magandang laban,” said Binan head coach Denok Miranda.
Facing a struggling Sarangani squad that has lost 25 of its 26 games, the Luxxe White-backed squad pounced on the visitors, taking control of the game right from the kick-off and eventually leading by as big as 20 points, 58-38, in the third quarter off a layup from James Mangahas.
It didn’t end there, though, as Sarangani Province were able to chop the lead down to 10, 56-66, thanks to Jun Dimapiles, Jay Cabanog, Hamsar Macantal, and Miko Estrellante.
Powered by their desire to win the game for their beloved leader, Macky Acosta drained timely buckets to restore order before Jed Mendoza put the game out of reach with a three-pointer, 85-68, with 1:55 remaining.
With the win, Binan pumped life to their playoff dreams, upping their card to 12-14 — a game behind eight seed Bicol in the Southern Division. Moreover, they gave Alonte – who has been very supportive of the team’s campaign – a birthday to remember.
“Napaka hands on niya saka binibigyan talaga niya kami ng importansya. Wala kang masabi,” added Miranda.
In other games, Navotas-Unipak Sardines ended Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions’ playoff chances, 88-83, while JR Taganas towed the Bulacan Kuyas to a 76-69 win over the Paranaque Patriots.
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
