Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

With Bulanadi in Gilas, Jhaps Bautista steps up for Basilan


BACOOR CITY — Third seed Basilan-Jumbo Plastic was missing an integral piece when they faced sixth seed Iloilo on Wednesday night. 

Allyn Bulanadi, who came in the tail-end of the Steel’s elimination round, playing in their last seven regular season games has never failed to score in double digits. However, Basilan missed his 21.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists averages as he needed to attend to Gilas duties.

But head coach Jerson Cabiltes takes pride in his team “that is built for games like these”.

MPBL-2019-2020-Basilan-vs.-Iloilo-5TH-PHOTO-BASILAN With Bulanadi in Gilas, Jhaps Bautista steps up for Basilan Basketball MPBL News  - philippine sports news

“We built this team for these situations. Next man up attitude. Kung may mawala, kung sino ang susunod, he needs to contribute.”

The main catalyst for the Steel was Jhapz Bautista, who finished with 21 points, on a very efficient 8-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 5-of-5 from the two-point area while also draining three triples.

Moreover, his efforts powered Basilan to a 1-0 advantage in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan quarterfinals after breezing past the United Royals, 83-68, at the Strike Gym here.

Entering the fourth period, the Steel were already ahead by eight, 61-53. Then came Bautista to put the nail in the coffin.

He sparked a 14-2 telling blast, scoring 10 of those on an and-one, two layups, and a triple while Bobby Balucanag and Gab Dagangon also putting two points apiece to build an insurmountable 20-point lead with 4:40 left, 75-55.

MPBL-2019-2020-Basilan-vs.-Iloilo-1ST-PHOTO-JERALD-BAUTISTA-BASILAN With Bulanadi in Gilas, Jhaps Bautista steps up for Basilan Basketball MPBL News  - philippine sports news

“Always ready lang ako. Kung may mawala sa amin, step up lang ako, focus lang.”

Bautista also had an additional motivation to grab the victory. The mission? To close out the series in front of their hometown crowd on Monday, February 24.

“Gusto ko lang manalo talaga dito ngayon kasi ‘yung Game Two, sa Basilan gaganapin. Kailangan namin makuha ito para pagdating namin doon, maganda ang maipakita namin sa kanila.”

In the other quarterfinals matchup, second seed Bacoor feasted on GenSan-Burlington, 95-72, for the 1-0 lead.

#ReadMore  Kalei Mau looks to come back stronger next PVL season

Story by Justin Valencia
Photos by Nicks Hernandez

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) has secured a significant partnership with Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, marking a pivotal moment for the Generals program as they gear...

Basketball

Just a month before the 2024 MPBL season begins, Jerson Cabiltes and Nueva Ecija have ended their long partnership. Cabiltes has parted ways with...

Basketball

Jerson Cabiltes has netted one of the most sought-after prospects in the NCAA. Cyrus Nitura has completed his transfer from University of Perpetual Help...

Basketball

In just his first year as the head coach of Emilio Aguinaldo College, Jerson Cabiltes brought the Generals as close as they could to...

Basketball

Despite being eliminated from what could have been its first Final Four in NCAA Seniors Basketball Tournament history, Emilio Aguinaldo College entered its final...

Basketball

With both the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and Emilio Aguinaldo College fighting to keep their Final Four dreams alive in the NCAA...

Basketball

With the fourth spot in the standings hanging in the balance, Jose Rizal University kept Emilio Aguinaldo College at bay after a 77-64 victory...

Basketball

After a disappointing and controversial campaign in NCAA Season 98, King Gurtiza has capitalized on the second chance given to him by new head...

Advertisement