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 three-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 freeze 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,” Abolucion said.
Enzo Navarro led Iloilo with 16 points, 14 assists and three rebounds, followed by homegrown Joshua Flores with 14 points and 10 rebounds, JR Ongteco with 13 points and five rebounds, Shaquille Imperial with 12 points, four rebounds and two assists, and homegrown Omar Larupay with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Bacoor got 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
