ANGELES, PAMPANGA — Pasig-Sta. Lucia halted its three-game slide after surviving Imus-Luxxe Slim’s fourth quarter surge, 93-88, Thursday in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season at the AUF Gym here.
Jeric Teng posted a career-high 35 points built on seven three-pointers alongside four rebounds, as the Realtors moved to solo seventh in the Northern division at 15-11, ahead by just half-a-game over Caloocan.
“From first to third quarters, napakaganda na nang itinatakbo namin. Pagdating ng fourth quarter, nag-collapse na naman kami sa depensa. Good thing nanalo pa rin kami. We will take this kaysa matalo,” said Pasig coach Bong Dela Cruz.
Josan Nimes chipped in 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting, to go with six boards and four assists for the Realtors. Robbie Manalang had 13 markers.
Francis Munsayac’s layup on the fastbreak cut Pasig’s once 25-point lead to four, 82-86 with 1:05 left in the game. Teng, however, answered right back with a triple, 89-82.
Jay-Ar Ng Sang and Munsayac then countered with back-to-back baskets, before Teng’s steady hands on the stripe put on the finishing touches for Pasig.
Up by just a solitary point, 28-27, the Sta. Lucia-backed Pasig finished the first frame with seven unanswered points. They then completely dominated Imus in the second period, 21-8, to build a 21-point margin at halftime, 56-35.
The Realtors torched Imus’ perimeter defense, canning 14 shots from downtown in 33 attempts.
On the other hand, Jojo Cunanan tallied 19 points, five dimes, and four rebounds. Jayjay Helterbrand chalked up 15 markers, 11 dimes, and five rebounds.
The Bandera slipped to 6-22, 14th in the Southern division.
The Scores:
Pasig-Sta. Lucia 93 – Teng 35, Nimes 23, Manalang 13, Mendoza 8, Gotladera 5, Najorda 3, Medina 2, Tamayo 2, Velchez 2, Grealy 0, Chavenia 0.
Imus-Luxxe Slim 88 – Cunanan 19, Nacpil 17, Helterbrand 15, Cantimbuhan 9, Vito 8, Munsayac 6, Ng Sang 6, Deles 4, Morales 4, Dedicatoria 0, Ong 0, Arellano 0.
Quarterscores: 35-27, 56-35, 76-57, 93-88.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
