Luisa San Juan came up clutch as Biñan-Tatak Gel pulled off a massive overtime upset against defending champion Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire, 83-79, in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.
San Juan drilled the biggest shot of the game, banking in a three-pointer from the top of the key to give the Angels an 81-79 advantage with 13.9 seconds left in the extra period, putting them in control down the stretch.
Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire forward Afril Bernardino, who missed the Valkyries’ first game due to her duties with Gilas Pilipinas, drove hard to the basket in an attempt to tie the game but missed as she was met by the outstretched arms of Ara Abaca.
(C) WMPBL Images
San Juan then secured the rebound before being fouled by Snow Peñaranda. From the free-throw line, she calmly sank both shots to seal the victory with 7.7 seconds left.
The former La Salle standout finished with a team-high 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting for Biñan-Tatak Gel, which seized the early lead in the tournament backed by Aktive with a 2-0 record.
“Magandang experience sa’min going to this season na this early, nae-experience na namin ‘yung mga ganung laro,” said Angels head coach Jack Azcueta.
Monique Del Carmen flirted with a double-double after finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Justine Domingo and Ria Nabalan added 10 points apiece for Biñan-Tatak Gel.
Chack Cabinbin, who forced a crucial steal to end overtime, finished with eight points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
(C) WMPBL Images
Meanwhile, Bernardino, who converted the layup that tied the game at 74-all and sent it to overtime, delivered a monster performance in her Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire return with 28 points, 23 rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
Peñaranda added 24 points and nine rebounds as the Valkyries dropped to 1-1.
The Scores:
Biñan-Tatak Gel 83 – San Juan 20, Del Carmen 15, Domingo 10, Nabalan 10, Cabinbin 8, Soriano 7, Paraiso 4, Abaca 4, Gonato 2, Pacia 2, Santos 1, Faraon 0, Quingco 0
Batangas-New Zealand Bluefire 79 – Bernardino 28, Peñaranda 24, Castillo 9, Calang 4, Claro 3, Torres 3, Tongco 2, Bariquit 2, Talas 0, Aquino 0
Quarterscores: 17-21, 34-38, 53-52, 74-74, 83-79
