Yves Sazon showed nerves of steel on his milestone night, pushing Marikina past the pesky Rizal-Xentro Mall, 87-86, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season Cup on Wednesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Sazon — who already had a total of 980 points heading to this game — tallied 21 points on 9-of-22 shooting, becoming the second player in MPBL history to enter the 1000-point club. He also had six rebounds and three assists.
With 2.4 ticks left in the game, Sazon rose up to tip in a miss from Ato Ular, 87-86. That also gave Marikina a one-point edge — making his milestone much sweeter.
Joemari Lacastesantos tried to salvage the victory for Rizal, but Von Tambeling was able to block the shot, sealing the deal for the Shoemasters.
“Ngayon medyo nag-ma-mature na ‘yung ibang players, so magandang sign din ‘yun. Sana madala namin next season,” said Marikina head coach Elvis Tolentino.
Ular finished the game with a monster performance of 23 points and 23 rebounds along with four assists, two steals, and two blocks for Marikina.
Meanwhile, Von Tambeling and Daryl Pascual chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Marikina finished the season with an 8-22 win-loss slate in the North Division.
On the other hand, Lord Casajeros spearheaded the 7-23 Golden Coolers with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
The Scores:
Marikina (87) — Ular 23, Sazon 21, Tambeling 15, Pascual 13, Casajeros 7, Mendoza 4, Cadorna 2, Fortuno 1, Dysam 1, Padua 0, Gines 0, Ybañez 0
Rizal-Xentro Mall (86) — Casajeros 17, Rios 15, Benitez 13, Vidal 9, Leynes 8, Lacastesantos 7, Raflores 6, Bautista 4, Gregorio 3, Bacay 2, Saliente 2, Regalado 0
Quarterscores: 25-18, 43-38, 67-62, 87-86
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
