Pasig poised for comeback
Pasig MCW Sports is poised to complete their remarkable comeback in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Fifth Season North Division quarterfinal series against Caloocan.
After a gutsy 65-61 victory at the Caloocan Sports Complex last week, the fifth-seeded Pasig team is determined to face the home crowd once again and replicate their success against the fourth-seeded Caloocan team in the decisive Game Three.
This pivotal match will take place at the same venue on Friday, October 20 starting at 8 p.m.
The victor of this contest will advance to the North semifinals, where they will square off against the top-seeded Pampanga team in another best-of-three showdown.
Pampanga finished off Marikina Shoemasters, 2-0 sweep over in their own quarterfinal series.
Robbie Manalang emerged as a key player for Pasig, contributing 23 points, including clutch shots in the closing moments of Game 2, which allowed Pasig to stay alive in the competition.
Kenny Rocacurva also made a significant impact with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Ryan Costelo added eight points, three rebounds, and three assists.
These standout performances did not go unnoticed, however, as Pasig head coach, Boyet Fernandez hopes to get the same big numbers in what could be another match in the deciding game.
“I’d like to thank the boys for giving us this win tonight and hopefully there will be another win in the next game. But again, that’s going to be work for us. Caloocan is really a good team” said Fernandez after Pasig’s victory last week
“We wouldn’t be in the playoffs without the two Ryan Costelo and Robbie (Manalang) Whatever happens in Game 3 they would still be the focus of our offense” added Fernandez
“I reminded the boys that the key in overcoming our disadvantage is to play with poise. If you play with poise, you can easily overcome the pressure and that your true form will eventually come out. Luckily, the boys heeded my call and responded the way,” said Pasig team owner Buddy Encarnado.
