Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Sarao comes through as Nueva Ecija stuns Batangas to keep slim MPBL playoff hopes alive


Nueva Ecija kept its playoff chances alive after downing Batangas-Tanduay, 85-81, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, Monday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

JP Sarao made the go-ahead freebies with 15.46 ticks left in the game after he was fouled by Batangas’ Jayson Grimaldo on a rebound play to go up 83-81.

In the ensuing play, Rey Suerte drove to the basket but Tonino Gonzaga stole the ball, giving Nueva Ecija the possession.

“I am very happy that we win this one because Batangas is a playoff team, Rey Suerte is a national player, malakas ang kalaban namin, it is a nice win for us,” said Nueva Ecija coach Charles Tiu.

James Martinez posted 18 points, including three triples, alongside five dimes, powering the Rice Vanguards to a 7-16 win-loss card, for the 13th spot in the Northern division — six games behind eighth-running Caloocan with seven games left.

Sarao came through with 14 points and six rebounds for the Rice Vanguards while Adrian Celada chipped in 12 markers, all from behind the arc.

Suerte tallied 17 points and seven boards while Jason Melano added 16 markers, as the Athletics slipped to 13-10, still seventh in the South.

The Scores:

Nueva Ecija 85 – Martinez 18, Sarao 14, Celada 12, De Leon 10, Reyes G. 9, Reyes J. 9, Monte 7, Gonzaga 2, Arana 2, Sabellina 2, Dela Cruz 0.

Batangas-Tanduay 81 – Suerte 17, Melano 16, Grimaldo 14, Santos 12, Sara 12, Koga 6, Bragais 2, Eguilos 2, Salim 0, Basibas 0, Rogado 0, Olivares 0.

#ReadMore  Charles Tiu allays fears of possible Jerwin Gaco injury

Quarterscores: 22-11, 43-44, 66-65, 85-81

Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Nicks Hernandez

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Juami Tiongson nailed the game-winner to help Terrafirma complete a massive comeback against Blackwater, 92-91, and get back on track in the PBA Season...

Basketball

Rey Suerte worried so much that it got the best of him. The fifth-year guard admitted feeling so shaken by one miss that led...

Basketball

NLEX dealt Blackwater its first loss, 103-97, to further its own streak in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the Philsports Arena...

Basketball

Blackwater humiliated Converge, 90-78, to take the provisional lead in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. In arguably...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Rey Nambatac refused to see his debut become a footnote as he saved Blackwater from a massive collapse against Meralco, 96-93, in...

Basketball

Pampanga dominated South Cotabato, 93-75, on Tuesday night, securing the 2024 MPBL Preseason Invitational title at the Lagao Gym in General Santos City. Fueled...

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...

Advertisement