THE Pangasinan Heatwaves suffered a gut-wrenching loss against the Negros Muscovados’ 18-point comeback rally, 87-86, last July 22 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

JP Maguilano provided an instant offense for Pangasinan early on with 5 points and 4 rebounds. For the counter, Renz Palma buried three straight triples to give Negros the advantage in the opening period, 25-17.

Heatwaves’ Ralph Robin caught fire in the second quarter with back-to-back three-pointers reinforced with Nat Cosejo’s alley-oop plays to snag the lead at the halftime, 46-34.

Trailing 55-37 in the third, Jon Rey Villanueva sparked the Muscovados’ run with 4 three-point connections and lay up drives. Midway in the fourth, JR Raflores joined the scoring surge with 8 points to even up the score at 75 all.

Barely leading at 86-85, Pangasinan’s JP Maguilano committed a turnover when he tried to squeeze a pass between two defenders. Negros’ Miguel Ramos grabbed the loose ball and scored a go-ahead lay-up to snatch the lead, 87-86. With 7.4 seconds remaining, Heatwaves’ Ralph Robin had an opportunity to turn the tide for Pangasinan but missed the potential game-winning jumper.

John Rey Villanueva and Raflores garnered 18 points apiece alongside the 15-point contribution of Renz Palma for Negros’ ninth win of the 6^th MPBL season.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan collected  19 points and 6 boards from Maguilano combined with18 markers of Ralph Robin.

The Pangasinan Heatwaves will see action to defend its home floor against the fifth-seeded Batangas Rum Masters on July 27 at the Calasiao Sports Complex. (Kim Gealogo)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments