BIÑAN, LAGUNA – With the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Cup playoff race heading into its most crucial juncture, Ronjay Buenafe made sure to put out his best performance yet for Bicol against Sarangani Province, Tuesday at the Alonte Sports Arena here.
The 14-year veteran dropped 26 points on a 5-of-14 shooting clip, while converting 14-of-16 from the charity stripe. He also tallied seven boards, six assists, and two steals across his name.
Moreover, Buenafe delivered 10 points in a furious 29-10 rally in the final frame to turn back the cellar-dwelling squad, who have stood their ground all-game long.
With the victory, the Volcanoes pushed their slate to 14-13 in the Southern Division – a much-needed cushion from playoff hopefuls Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol (12-13); and Biñan City-Luxxe White (12-15).
“Sobrang importante sa amin ‘yun kasi any time, pwede kaming ma-catch up sa number eight spot. Every game kailangan naming paghandaan, kailangan naming pagtrabahuhan ng mabuti,” said the 35-year-old Buenafe.
And despite his all-around brilliance inside the court, the native of Albay, Bicol instead deflected the credit to his teammates for sticking to the game plan which led to his offensive outburst.
“Siguro ano lang, swerte lang. Naging maganda lang ‘yung mga execution namin ganun. Nagtulungan kami in both offense and defense,” he said.
With three games left on their slate, the one-time PBA champion vows to be the leader that Bicol needs him to be and lead his hometown’s road to the playoffs.
“I can say na ‘yung leadership pa rin. Every time na sa ensayo, lagi ko silang pinu-push na nakikita ko na nagpu-push na sila, dinadagdagan ko pa rin ng extra effort para at least ‘yung tama lang, madadagdagan,” shared the product of Emilio Aguinaldo College.
In other games, Marikina fended off a late-rally from the Gerald Anderson-led Imus, 89-86, while Pasig-Sta. Lucia snapped Biñan City-Luxxe White’s six-game winning streak, 82-75.
Photo by Thel Suliva
Story by Jonash Dannug
