Behind a balanced outing, the Valenzuela Classic were able to find their extra gear in overtime to avert the upset attempt of Nueva Ecija-MiGuard in overtime, 119-116, Friday evening at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Valenzuela led by as much as 15 points in the contest but were plagued by fouls (34) that led to 46 free throw attempts for Nueva Ecija.
Jason Varilla was the high-point man for Valenzuela with 22 points while Paulo Hubalde and Orin Catacutan chipped in 18 markers each. Hubalde also dished out 10 dimes for the Classic, who are in the midst of a three-game winning streak.
JR Cawaling still managed to finish with 20 points despite shooting just 3-of-15 from the field for Nueva Ecija.
Nueva Ecija dropped to 1-3.
Pao Javelona and Jopher Custodio also found their next gear later in the night, helping the Bacolod Master’s Sardines outlast the hapless Muntinlupa Cagers, 98-86.
Javelona tallied 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while Custodio fired 18 markers to even Bacolod’s slate at 2-2.
Still, it was a brave stand for Muntinlupa, who saw Christian Garcia (ejected for punching Javelona – second quarter), Mheljan Magtoto (entering the court – second quarter), GJ Ylagan (unsportsmanlike foul – overtime), and assistant coach Chris Cantonjos (second technical foul – overtime) ejected from the contest.
Ivan Villanueva paced Muntinlupa with 19 points.
The Makati Super Crunch, on the other hand, scored a resounding 91-71 win over the Paranaque Patriots to go to 3-0.
Juneric Baloria had 18 points to lead Makati while Jeckster Apinan tallied a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Joseph Sedurifa scattered six points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks as well.
Rene Boy Bazali was the sole bright spot for the 1-3 Paranaque with 16 points.
The Scores:
First Game:
Valenzuela 119 – Varilla 22, Catacutan 18, Hubalde 18, Gimpayan 14, Ruaya 12, Mabigat 10, Asuncion 10, Thiele 6, Kalaw 4, De Chavez 3, Alcober 2, Andaya 0
Nueva Ecija 116 – Cawaling 20, Monte 18, Sarao 15, Gaco 14, Armenion 11, Llagas 10, Aquino 8, Dela Cruz 8, Celada 7, Singson 5, Delfinado 0, Guiyab 0
Quarterscores: 25-16, 47-38, 78-69, 102-102, 119-116
Second Game:
Makati 91 – Baloria 18, Ablaza 12, Apinan 10, Lingganay 7, Manlangit 7, Villanueva 6, Sta. Maria 6, Sedurifa 6, Montalbo 5, Cruz 4, Torralba 4, Asoro 3.
Paranaque 71 – Banzali 16, Viscarra 9, Mangalino 8, Saguitguit 6, Pido 6, Begaso 6, Almajeda 5, Abugan 5, Lucente 5, Sunga 3, Solis 2.
Quarterscores: 23-16, 49-33, 74-53, 91-71
Third Game:
Bacolod 98 – Javelona 20, Custodio 18, Dionson 16, Ortega 13, Tallo 10, Alano 9, Cauilan 7, Medalla 3, Danganan 2.
Muntinlupa 86 – Villanueva 19, Ylagan 14, Salaveria 11, Mag-isa 8, Guillen 6, Buenaflor 6, Basibas 4, Magtoto 4, Garcia 3, Maconocido 3, Enguio 3, Koga 3.
Quarterscores: 16-20, 42-38, 66-64, 80-80, 98-86.
