Caloocan edges Pangasinan in PSL semis, 71-64
THE Pangasinan Abono Reapers suffered a heartbreaking loss in the hands of the Caloocan Supremos in a win-or-go-home match of the 4th Pilipinas Super League President’s Cup Semifinals, 64-71, last February 25 at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
With the series tied at 1-1, Pangasinan was off to a slow start, shooting 4-out-of-12 from the field while Caloocan came out to play with an eleven-to-nothing run in the first period to carve an early lead, 23-11.
In the second frame, Jorey Napoles stopped the scoring drought for Pangasinan and gathered eight points with two triples to make a push, but these were deftly countered by Chris Bitoon’s driving layups combined with Romel Calahat’s two consecutive three-pointers to preserve their lead heading at halftime, 42-32.
Cruising to the third, Abono Reapers’ Michael Mabulac provided a spark off-the-bench with six points and five rebounds, but the Supremos held their ground courtesy of Ronnie Matias’ two triples alongside the seven-point contribution of Joshua Flores.
Midway in the fourth with six minutes remaining on the game clock, Pangasinan made a run to trim the gap within two, 59-61. However, Chris Bitoon repelled the Abono Reapers’ late-game rally with his clutch defense and playmaking, tallying three steals and three dimes all in the final period.
Chris Bitoon led the Caloocan Supremos with 10 points, six assists and five steals reinforced with Romel Calahat’s 11 points and seven rebounds.
Pangasinan gained 15 points and 11 boards from Jorey Napoles, 10 points and 7 rebound from Michael Mabulac.
The Pangasinan Abono Reapers finished their PSL campaign earning the fourth spot of the standings with 8-2 win-loss record. (Kim Gealogo)
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