Parañaque leaned on the late-game heroics of JP Sarao and JR Olegario to edge out Zamboanga Master Sardines, 83-79, in Game 1 of their quarterfinal playoff in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Sarao and Olegario combined for four consecutive three-pointers, propelling Parañaque ahead, 78-77.
While Jaycee Marcelino briefly regained the lead for Zamboanga with two free throws, Sarao answered back with a clutch hook shot and three free throws to secure the win.
Sarao, now the Patriots’ undisputed leader, finished with 21 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter. He also contributed 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, earning him Daily Fantasy best player honors.
Jielo Razon chipped in 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Olegario added 11 points, highlighted by three triples, along with 3 steals.
Philip Manalang also made his presence felt for Parañaque coach Myk Saguiguit, tallying 4 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Saguiguit praised his team for “believing in each other” and expressed hope that they can maintain their dominance over Zamboanga, whom they also defeated, 65-62, in the elimination round of the two-division, 29-team tournament.
Parañaque will look to close out the best-of-three series when they face Zamboanga on Monday, Oct. 14, on the latter’s home court.
Zamboanga, who started flat and trailed 1-13 early in the game, managed to recover and tied the score at 36-36 by halftime.
Marcelino led the Zamboanga charge with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Rey Joey Barcuma contributed 11 points, and Joseph Gabayni added 10 points and 8 rebounds.
The MPBL playoffs resume on Tuesday with North Division matchups featuring No. 3 seed Nueva Ecija against No. 6 Pasay at 6 p.m., followed by No. 7 Abra taking on No. 2 Pampanga.
