MPBL: Classic, Steel pull off OT wins

The Valenzuela Classic staged a grand comeback while the Basilan Steel showed defensive might as they both won in overtime in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at Valenzuela City Astrodome on Wednesday, June 26.

Trailing by 13 points with 3:22 left and by four with 14 seconds to go, the Classic got the lift from Chris De Chavez who made a spinning step back triple to forge the extension at 71-71 then completed his heroics with five points, including the dagger three, in extension as Valenzuela stunned favored Bataan, 92-86, in the nightcap of a tripleheader.

Paolo Hubale of the Valenzuela Classic (MPBL photo)
Paolo Hubale of the Valenzuela Classic (MPBL photo)

The reinforced Steel, on the other hand, held the Pampanga Giant Lanterns without a field goal in the extra five minutes to tally an 83-74 victory, their second in as many starts.

Jay Collado and Gab Dagangon drilled in a triple each for the Steel in the last 43 seconds to doom the Lanterns, who were within striking distance at 74-76, following two free throws by Levi Hernandez.

Prized recruit Hesed Gabo also played a pivotal role for the Steel as he poured nine of his 12 points in the fourth quarter that ended at 71-all.

Jerald Bautista topscored for the Jumbo Plastics-supported Steel with 18 points, followed by Dagangon with 14. Anthony Bringas also shone with 11 points and as many rebounds for coach Jerson Cabiltes.

The Lanterns, who got 25 points from Hernandez absorbed their second straight loss after a 94-85 victory over the General Santos Warriors on June 13.

Paolo Hubalde topscored for Valenzuela, backed by SPV TOP Marketplace, with 21, followed by Reneford Ruaya with 16, Orin Catacutan with 12, all in the fourth quarter, and De Chavez with the all-important 11.

Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realty rebounded with an 89-87 squeaker over Caloocan Supremos in the opener.

Ahead by 10, the Realtors have to withstand a searing rally by the Supremos to level their slate at 1-1.

Slowly regaining his shooting touch, Jeric Teng paced the Realtors with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Josan Nimes supported Teng with 16 points, and so did Jeric Serrano with 15 and Robbie Manalang with 11.

The Victory Liner-backed Supremos fell to 0-3 despite the 22-point effort of Almond Vosotros.