Basilan-Jumbo Plastic eliminates Makati from playoff spot in MPBL Invitational
THE Basilan-Jumbo Plastic survived the Makati-FSD, 80-79, to complete a sweep of Pool B in the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational powered by TM on Dec. 20, 2021 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Makati had the tough task of defeating Basilan by 10 points to get a spot in the playoffs. However, they were denied the win by former La Salle standout Encho Serrano who erupted for 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting. He also had five rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes and 41 seconds of action.
The former La Salle standout also scored the clutch free throw in crunchtime to help the Medical Depot-backed team fend off the upset-seeking Makati Blazers.
Rence Alcoriza knocked down a huge trey with nine seconds left to put Makati to within three, 76-79, but Serrano split his freebies on the other end to put a four-point buffer for Basilan.
Jopher Custodio drained another trey with three seconds left but it was not enough as Basilan picked up the win.
“We just need to forget about the eliminations already,” said Basilan head coach Jerson Cabiltes. “It’s gonna be back to zero already. It’s a win-or-go-home game. So, definitely, we’re gonna go all out.”
Michael Juico contributed 13 points, six assists and four rebounds for Basilan. Jay Collado and Jonathan Uyloan each had 10 markers.
Basilan notched the top seed in Pool B after ending the group stage with a 4-0 standing.
Basilan will face Mindoro-EOG Burlington in the quarterfinals while Bicol will take on Imus-Buracai de Laiya.
In other matchups, Pasig-Sta Lucia will square off against San Juan-GFG AICC, while Nueva Ecija will battle Iloilo.
Jess Mar Villahermosa top scored for the Blazers with 18 points along with seven assists and three rebounds while Lord Casajeros followed with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. (JNP)
