By Adrian Stewart Co

Negros Muscovados suffered another heartbreaker in the 2021 Chooks-To-Go MPBL Invitational following an 80-79 defeat to Caloocan Excellence yesterday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Pao Javillonar converted the game-winning basket as the Excellence notched its first victory in two matches, while the Muscovados suffered its third close defeat in as many games.

Prior to the loss to the Excellence, the Muscovados bowed to Iloilo United Royals, 83-77, on Saturday and also faltered to All-Star Bacolod Ballers, 68-67, on Sunday.

The Negros had an opportunity to notch their maiden win in the MPBL after erasing their first half deficit and building a 59-50 advantage early in the third quarter behind the hot hands of Jonathan Guntalao Jr.

But the Muscovados failed to protect the lead and the Excellence regained a 62-60 advantage on a three-point play by Josef Peñaredondo before both teams traded leads with Caloocan on top 71-70.

A three-pointer by Jafet Claridad and two-pointers by Guntalao and Patrick Yulo gave the Muscovados a 77-71 lead but the Excellence responded with baskets from Javillonar and Peñaredondo for a 78-77 advantage.

Negros regained the lead for the last time at 79-78 on an inside hit by Michael Maestre and even had a chance to widen the lead but Claridad turned the ball over.

Javillonar swung the lead to Caloocan at 80-79 with three seconds left on a putback from a missed trey by Peñaredondo. Guntalao missed on a layup for Negros at the buzzer.

Peñaredondo top-scored for the Excellence with 16 points, Javillonar had double-double 15 points and 19 rebounds, while Ramon Mabayo hauled 17 boards to go with seven points.

Guntalao ended with 23 markers to lead the Muscovados, Maestre and Jycee Adjel had 12 markers each, while Yulo contributed 10 points and eight rebounds./ASC, WDJ