Host Biñan bucked a slow start then got a big lift from Michael Maestre, who posted a double-double performance as the young guns of Tatak Gel kept their perfect record at home with a come-from-behind 93-79 triumph in the PSL President’s Cup at the Alonte Sports Center here.
But ending their elimination round campaign and wrapping up their regular conference as the No.1 seed didn’t come easy for the Tatak Gel, who had to battle back from as high as 20 points before completing this win via the backdoor.
Maestre’s breakout performance came at a perfect time as he wound up with a double-double showing of 20 points and 16 rebounds while Jimboy Estrada and Kenny Rocacurva each tallied 13 for the Tatak Gel, whose young players more than made up for the absence of PBA legends Marc Pingris and KG Canaleta.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Tigers, who kept the local crowd quiet for the most part of the match until Biñan slowly, but surely kept coming back.
The Tatak Gel were still trailing by nine, 59-68, entering the final quarter, but they unloaded eight unanswered points bridging the third and the fourth periods capped by a three-point basket from Tyrone Chan.
Since then, it has become a touch and go affair, but Biñan had momentum on its side with Chan and Pamboy Raymundo joining the scoring fray.
The Tigers lost their focus and were held scoreless in the last three minutes, allowing the Tatak Gel to book the win.
