Fernandez: Pasig will be back vs Caloocan
DESPITE losing 69-71 to Caloocan in the opener of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Fifth Season playoffs, Pasig MCW Sports is not losing its focus.
Pasig coach Boyet Fernandez said the team needs only to regroup and fine-tune their game when the best-of-three series shifts to Caloocan next week.
“We’ll be back. It will be tough for us since we’re playing Caloocan on their home court and the crowd will be supporting them,” said Fernandez after the heart-breaking setback.
“I also told our players that it’s just one game and that they (Caloocan) have to beat us twice to advance to the.next round. So, tignan natin. We’ll see how our players will respond next game,” added Fernandez.
Actually, Pasig appeared headed to victory after Ryan Paule Costelo nailed a three-pointer to put his team ahead, 68-65.
But poor free throw shooting hounded Pasig, especially in the last 50 seconds where Costelo, who made all but one of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, and Robbie Manalang, who finished with 17 points, missed four straight charities.
Then came Gabby Espinas, the first Rookie MVP in the NCAA in 2004, who delivered the l game-winning jumper with less than a second left at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Espinas finished with a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds to earn best player honors inclosely-fought battle that saw eight lead changes and nine deadlocks, with neither team leading in double figures.
Other Batang Kankaloo mainstays who shone were Reil Cervantes, who added 16 points, three rebounds and three assists, and Jeramer Cabanang, who contributed 12 points..
“I know.Pasig will make a lot of adjustments and come out stronger in Game 2. But we will be ready for that,” said Caloocan coach Robert Sison referring to Game 2 on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Kenny Rocacurva scattered 15 points for Pasig but struggled with his free throws, making only 3-of-11 attempts in Pasig’s 50 percent free throw shooting.
“We just have to make free throws next time,” claimed Fernandez
