Pangasinan takes down Pampanga in MPBL, 81-77
THE Pangasinan Heatwaves displayed shooting power when they out-dueled defending champions Pampanga Giant Lantern in a thriller, 81-77, in a game held March 28 at the Caloocan Sports Complex for the 7th Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
During the opening frame, Mike DiGregorio towed Pangasinan’s offense with seven points off perimeter jumpers to tally the first lead, 18-16.
The Giant Lanterns commenced its counterattack in the second period through the seven markers of Archie Concepcion and 5-point output of Raymond Binuya to even up the score at the half, 39-39.
At the third juncture, Pampanga demonstrated its collective scoring prowess when John Lloyd Clemente, Archie Concepcion, and Jeepy Faundo synchronized for 12 points.
Heatwaves’ Jay Collado made his presence felt off-the-bench and produced five points together with the 6-point burst of Jorey Napoles through inside hits to regain the advantage, 54-53.
Trailing 64-71 midway in the fourth, Pangasinan’s DiGregorio and Hesed Gabo joined forces to stage a 7-point cluster to rally.
With two minutes remaining on the clock, Heatwaves’ Vic Manuel converted a shot off a foul called on Lanterns’ Larry Muyang to snare the lead, 76-73. In the following possessions, Manuel and Hesed Gabo sank four consecutive free throws to widen the gap, 80-73.
Although Pampangas’ Binuya buried a triple with 23 seconds left, DiGregorio sealed Pangasinan’ fourth win through a free throw. Pangasinan relied on Manuel who chalked up 22 points and six rebounds alongside Jorey Napoles and DiGregorio with 13 points apiece.
The Pangasinan Heatwaves maintained its fourth spot behind Nueva Ecija, Rizal, and Quezon Province with a 4-1 win-loss record in the current MPBL’s Northern Division rankings. (Kim Gealogo)
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