Judel Fuentes and Xyrus Torres hit crucial three-point shots in the last 42 seconds of the game to lift Quezon past host team Manila, 70-65, and cap a thrilling triple header Monday night in the MPBL’s Sixth Season at the San Andres Gym.
Torres came through with a dagger triple to put the Huskers back on the driver’s seat, 65-64, then on their return trip after a completed stop, it was Fuentes’ turn to step up.
Fuentes, the Finals Most Valuable Player in Quezon’s successful title drive in the recent Pilipinas Super League President’s Cup, responded with a trey of his own with 17 seconds left to put more pressure on the Stars and allow the Huskers to notch their third win in as many games.
Quezon won in a defensive struggle and showed more effort in prevailing in the battle of the boards. The Huskers outrebounded their rivals by 20, grabbing a total of 50 caroms, but they turned the ball over 21 times which nearly cost them the match.
Earlier, Batang Kankaloo repulsed a late uprising by the Alex Cabagnot-mentored Bacolod before scoring an 80-73 victory.
The veteran-laden Batang Kankaloo got a combined 24-point production from ex-PBA players Reil Cervantes and Gabby Espinas in turning back the City of Smiles, who got a double-double output from Danny Marilao.
A former player of Caloocan, Marilao wound up with 13 points and 10 boards.
