Caloocan ousts Pasig
CALOOCAN Batang Kankaloo rallied with a five-point surge in the homestretch, securing a 68-60 victory over Pasig City MCW Sports on Friday, and advancing to the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season semifinal round at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
With a narrow lead of 58-56, Caloocan found the extra push they needed from Mac Baracael’s three-pointer and Paul Sanga’s long two-pointer with less than two minutes remaining in the decisive Game 3 of their quarterfinal series.
These crucial points extended Batang Kankaloo’s lead to 63-56, and the exhausted Tropang Pasig could not recover from the deficit.
Having won the series 2-1, including their 71-69 escape in Game 1, Batang Kankaloo secured a spot in the best-of-three North division semifinal against the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, which is set to commence on Friday, October 27.
Caloocan Coach Robert Sison acknowledged the need for his team to recover from the physically demanding game against Tropang Pasig before facing the powerhouse Giant Lanterns.
He admitted that Caloocan would be considered the underdog against Pampanga and emphasized the importance of his big players stepping up and utilizing their experience to compete with the Giant Lanterns, whom he regarded as the strongest team in the 29-team tournament.
Jeramer Cabanag of Caloocan was named the game’s best player, having contributed 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, while effectively limiting Pasig’s top scorer, Robbie Manalang, to just two points in the second half.
Other key contributors for Batang Kankaloo included Gabby Espinas with 15 points and 7 rebounds and Joco Tayongtong with 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Pasig, which won Game 2 with a score of 65-61, saw Manalang and Rey Peralta each scoring 10 points, and Kenny Roger Rocacurva adding seven points.
The Tropang Pasig faced challenges, including the early ejection of Ryan Costelo, who played for only 5 minutes and 52 seconds and contributed a lone three-pointer for Coach Boyet Fernandez.
“No excuses Caloocan played their hearts out and I give them credit and high respect. Congratulations to Caloocan. I’m pretty sure Caloocan will be able to give a good showing in the semifinals. We had our chance but we fell short” said Pasig team owner Buddy Encarnado.
