Jason Opiso tipped in the ball with 1.9 seconds remaining, lifting Quezon to a thrilling 65-64 victory over Batangas City Tanduay on Tuesday, forcing a decisive Game Three in the South Division finals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season.
The game, held at a packed Batangas City Coliseum, was the latest dramatic chapter in the best-of-three series, now tied at 1-1.
Opiso’s clutch tip-in came after Judel Fuentes missed a three-pointer, completing a remarkable comeback for the Huskers, who trailed 56-64 with only 1:58 left.
L-Jay Gonzales spearheaded the rally, scoring seven straight points in the closing moments before Opiso’s game-winner.
Gonzales, named the Daily Fantasy Best Player, finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds.
Gonzales had support in Quezon’s victory from Fuentes, who contributed 15 points despite shooting just three of 20 from the field. He also had four rebounds and three assists.
Ximone Sandagon chipped in with eight points and 14 rebounds, while Rodel Gravera added eight points and four rebounds.
Batangas, which led by as many as 10 points (57-47) in the fourth quarter, was paced by Levi Hernandez, who scored 18 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Juneric Baloria added 15 points and 6 rebounds, while John Ambulodto contributed six points.
With just 10.8 seconds left, Batangas still led, but a turnover from Jong Baloria after his dribble went out of bounds gave Quezon the opportunity for the final score.
The decisive Game Three will be played on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Lucena City. Batangas took the series opener, 75-69, on Nov. 9 at the Lucena Convention Center.
The South Division champion will advance to the MPBL National Finals to face North Division champion Pampanga.
The best-of-five championship series will open with Game One and Game Two in Dubai, UAE, on Dec. 1 and Dec. 3.
In the second quarter, Hernandez hit two triples as Batangas mounted a 10-2 run to lead 30-24 with 6:15 remaining.
However, the Huskers responded with a seven-point burst, tying the game at 34 by halftime.
