Bacoor and Quezon Province took different routes to force Game 3 deciders in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season Playoffs on Saturday at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City.
The Bacoor Strikers pounded the Iloilo United Royals without letup en route to a 92-52 thrashing in the first game, while the Quezon Huskers clustered 10 points in the homestretch to subdue Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, 65-58, in the nightcap.
In doing so, Bacoor and Quezon avenged their Game 1 setbacks to the same teams and arranged winner-take-all encounters in the quarterfinal series.
Showing that Iloilo’s rally from 23 points down to snatch Game 1, 89-86, was a fluke, Bacoor decided the outcome midway through the fourth quarter, 76-42, and assumed the heavy favorite’s role when they clash in Game 3 on 21 October at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor.
Despite their come-from-behind stunner over the Zamboangueños, who won Game 1, 77-68, the Huskers are convinced they’re in for a see-saw encounter in Game 3, preceding the Bacoor-Iloilo tussle.
Trailing, 30-39, in the third quarter, the Huskers poured all they’ve got in the last 10 minutes to endanger the Zamboangueños’ chances of defending their South division crown.
Responding to the goading of the coaching staff headed by Eric Gonzales, Quezon silenced Zamboanga in a four-minute, nine-second span, while coming through with six straight free throws by Robin Rono, Alfrancis Tamsi and Ximone Sandagon, followed by back-to-baskets by Sandagon and Tamsi that put the Huskers in control, 56-45, with 4:22 to go.
Tamsi led Quezon with 13 points, followed by Sandaon with 10 plus eight rebounds, Rodel Garvera with 10 points plus nine rebounds, and Prince Rivero with 10 points, all in the first quarter, plus four rebounds and three assists.
