This time, it’s Jojo Cunanan’s turn to preside on JC2’s offense as he knocked in 21 points while powering the Slashers to a tense 63-60 win over Lancaster Legends and stay unbeaten in the V-Cup 40-andUp Legends Basketball Tournament at the West Rembo Coliseum in Taguig.
Cunanan took charge in JC2 Architecture’s offense, but the Slashers still needed the crucial free throws from Jay Sierra and dodged a potential game-tying three-pointer from Lancaster’s Lito Saygo at the buzzer before escaping with their third win in as many games.
The Slashers are now riding on top of the standings, but surviving another hard-fighting opponent in the Legends, who nearly pulled off a victory in the endgame.
Ricky Ricafuente came through with yet another last-minute heroic performance. His triple shoved Lancaster within striking distance, 60-62, with still 12 seconds left, in the match before Sierra split his charities for the final tally.
Still, the Legends had a golden opportunity to equalize and head coach Bennett Palad, former player of Ginebra San Miguel, was able to diagram a play intended first on Ricafuente, but when his primary option was well covered, Saygo popped out, shook his defender off before letting loose a triple that hit the back iron.
It was the second straight heartbreaking loss for Lancaster, which dropped the match in similar fashion previously against Exile last week.
Exile, on the other hand, made it two in a row, but this time, they were able to achieve it in convincing fashion by blowing past IT Depot Tela.com Athletics, 77-60.
Alfie Grijaldo, who played in the now defunct PBL, but found himself playing in various commercial leagues, including the UNTV Cup, seeing action for DENR, provided stability up front for Exile. He went a rebound short of completing a double-double performance with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Mon Mabayo, Edwin Asoro and Moy de Guzman each produced nine markers in a display of balance production by Exile, produced 57 points from players coming off the bench, 27 more than their counterparts.
