Caloocan bunched seven points in the last five minutes to turn back Parañaque, 86-80, and gain ground in the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Fifth Season Thursday at the Bacoor Strike Gym.
Veteran Mac Baracael drilled in a turnaround jumper and a triple in that span to preside over the Batang Kankaloos’ sixth straight win and an 11-4 record in the single round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Earlier, Sarangani nipped Marikina, 105-103, in overtime, while Makati routed Quezon City TODA Aksyon V Fresh, 92-70.
Baracael ended up with eight points, all in the fourth quarter, to supplement Jeramer Cabanag’s 20-point, four-assist, three-steal effort and Reil Cervantes’ 18-point, three-rebound output.
Caloocan stormed ahead, 58-42, in the third quarter, but Parañaque clawed back behind Keith Pido and Jimboy Solis and knotted the count for the last time at 75 following a jumper by Jeff Egan.
Parañaque, which tumbled to 7-9, got 19 points, four rebounds, three steals and three assists from Jielo Razon; 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks from Solis; 12 points and three assists from Pido; and 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists from Joshua Gallano.
The Sarangani Marlins drew four points from main man Jeff Viernes, a triple from JP Cauilan and two points each from Jessie Saitanan, Rafael Are and Jefferson Comia in the extension period to subdue the Shoemasters and climb to an even 8-8 slate.
Viernes wound up with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists to earn best player honors anew.
He was supported by Cauilan with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists, Comia with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists; Are with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals; and Saitanan with 11 points, eight rebounds plus two steals.
Marikina, which forged overtime, 92-92, following a lay-up by Felipe Chavez, fell to 7-10.
Marwin Dionisio, who fouled out, posted 22 points and nine rebounds, Chavez tallied 18 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Inand Van Fornilos notched 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Shoemasters.
