Parañaque overcame the odds to stun Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, 72-70, in Game Three of their quarterfinal series, advancing to the South Division semifinals of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Monday at the Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.
Zamboanga had a chance to send the game into overtime, but Joseph Gabayni missed a close-range shot at the buzzer, allowing the Patriots to steal the series 2-1.
The victory set up a best-of-three semifinal clash with Quezon Province, who were awaiting the winner.
Despite entering as underdogs after a lopsided 72-94 loss in Game Two, the Patriots started strong, opening the game with a 7-0 run, similar to their Game One win, 83-79.
Kristan Hernandez led the way for Parañaque, using his 6-foot-6 frame to register 17 points and 6 rebounds, earning Daily Fantasy Best Player honors.
Hernandez received crucial support from John Uduba, who contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds, Jielo Razon with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, and JP Sarao, who added 9 points and 3 rebounds.
While Philip Manalang scored only 2 points, he made a significant impact with a game-high 13 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals.
The Patriots, coached by Mike Saguiguit, overcame adversity after their flight was diverted back to Manila on Sunday due to poor visibility at Zamboanga airport, causing them to arrive late on Monday afternoon. They also persevered despite Sarao fouling out with 7 minutes and 27 seconds left in the game.
Veteran Chito Jaime, who turned 41 on the day of the game, knocked down a three-pointer with 5 seconds remaining to bring Zamboanga within one, 70-71.
After being fouled, Uduba split his free throws to set the final score.
Zamboanga’s Renzo Subido contributed 13 points and 3 assists, while Jaycee Marcelino had 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.
Galanza chipped in 10 points but missed a crucial three-pointer and committed a costly passing error in the final moments.
The MPBL playoffs resume on Wednesday, October 23, with the Game 3 decider between South Cotabato and Biñan Tatak Gel in their South quarterfinal series, tied at 1-1. The game will take place at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna, with the winner advancing to a best-of-three semifinal series against Batangas.
