CJ Catapusan drilled in a triple with less than two seconds left as Iloilo pulled off a major shocker over Bacoor, 89-86, on Saturday and revved up its drive in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season playoffs at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.
That 3-pointer shattered the game’s 10th deadlock and completed the United Royals’ climb from a deep 23-point hole early in the third quarter.
Iloilo, ranked only eighth in the South division after the elimination round, thus moved on the verge of toppling Bacoor, the division’s No. 1 finisher, in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Just when their supporters were ready to surrender after they trailed, 37-60, the United Royals suddenly found their range and unloaded 26 points, laced by six triples, against a lone three by James Kwekuteye to knot the count at 63.
It was a roller-coaster ride for both teams after that, until Chito Jaime split his two charities to tie the game anew, 76-76.
Unfortunately for Bacoor, Catapusan was able to prevent overtime and put Iloilo on the brink of advancing to the semifinal round for the first time.
Even Iloilo Coach MC Abolucion could hardly believe that the United Royals were able to steal Game 1 from the Strikers.
“They (United Royals) did not give up. I told them the game’s not yet over and they have to trust our system,” said Abolucion. “It’s about guts,” he added, referring to Catapusan’s composure to take the deciding shot.
Enzo Navarro led Iloilo with 16 points, 14 assists and 3 rebounds, followed by homegrown Joshua Flores with 14 points and 10 rebounds, JR Ongteco with 13 points and 5 rebounds, Shaquille Imperial with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assist, and homegrown Omar Larupay with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Bacoor got 23 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assist3 from James Kwekuteye, 23 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists from Jhan Nermal, 11 points, 5 ssists and 3 rebounds from Yvan Ludovice and 10 points from Jaime.
Iloilo’s flashy recovery overshadowed Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines’ 77-68 victory against Quezon Province earlier.
The Zamboanguenos bunched nine points to finally pull away, 73-60, and then repel the Huskers’ final assault to also move within a win of a semifinal stint.
Being the defending South division champion and last year’s losing finalist, Zamboanga is favored over league newcomer Quezon in their own quarterfinal series.
Jaycee Marcelino, showing why he’s the reigning MVP, tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 1 block for Zamboanga, which surged ahead, 59-46, late in the third quarter.
Judel Fuentes provided support with 16 points plus 2 rebounds and so did King Caralipio with 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.
Quezon got 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists from local icon Topeng Lagrama, 11 points and 2 rebounds from Robin Rono and 7 points plus 13 rebounds from RJ Minerva.
Iloilo and Zamboanga will try to take the short route to the semifinals when they tackle the same rivals on Oct. 14, at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The MPBL quarterfinals proceed to the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City on Monday with Makati battling San Juan at 6 p.m. and Pasay tackling defending champion Nueva Ecija at 8 p.m.