By Adrian Stewart Co
Ichie Altamirano drained two pressure-packed free throws as All-Star Bacolod Ballers defeated Negros Muscovados, 68-67, in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After seeing their once 12-point edge turned into a 67-66 deficit, Altamirano drew a foul and drained two crucial free throws to retake a 68-67 lead with 12 seconds left in the game.
The Muscovados still had a last opportunity to snatch the game but they failed to capitalize on their end with Ralph Dinolan losing the ball to Kraniel Villoria as time expired.
Altamirano finished the match with 13 points and four rebounds, while John Karlo Casiño added 15 markers, including 11 converted free throws, as the Ballers took the solo first place in Pool A with 2-0 win-loss slate.
“Hats off ako doon sa team ng Negros Muscovados kasi despite na controlled nga natin yung laro nandun pa rin sila bumabalik balik,” said Ballers head coach Alex Angeles.
“Pero sa part namin, oo hindi masaya pero sa positive side a win is a win. Tapos ito magpapatibay lalo sa amin yung mga ganitong klaseng sitwasyon,” he added.
On the other hand, Negros had Jaycee Adjei as its top performer with 13 points and six boards. Jafet Claridad and Dinolan each had 10 markers as the Muscovados dropped to a 0-2 slate.
The Ballers will next face Iloilo United Royals on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. while Negros looks to end its skid against Caloocan at 12:00 p.m. today./ASC, WDJ