By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Negros Muscovados clawed back from 18 points down to escape with an 87-86 victory over the Pangasinan Heatwaves in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga on Monday night, July 22.
Down by as much as 18 points at 37-55 in the third quarter, the Muscovados slowly clawed their way back behind conversions by John Rey Villanueva and Buenaventura Raflores, Jr. to tie the score at 78-all.
The Muscovados took an 81-79 lead on a Felipe Chavez triple, but the Heatwaves regained the advantage at 86-82 via free throws by Ralph Robin, a three-point play by John Paul Maguliano, and another conversion from Robin.
The Muscovados then completed their comeback win as Chavez completed a three-point play to cut the deficit to 85-86 before Brix Ramos stole the ball from Maguliano to connect with his game-winner.
Villanueva and Raflores Jr. led the way for the Muscovados with 18 points apiece, while Renz Palma and Chavez added 15 and 13 markers, respectively, as the Muscovados improved to a 9-11 win-loss slate.
“Ready naman kami sa mga ganung sitwasyon kasi sa training pa lang ni coach Bonnie [Garcia], talagang go hard na kami,” Villanueva said during his Player of the Game interview.
Maguliano top-scored for the Heatwaves with 19 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Robin added 18 markers, including four three-pointers, as they dropped to a 7-12 record.
The Muscovados will attempt their third straight victory against the Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan on Saturday, July 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns (18-1) cruised to a lopsided 88-62 triumph over the Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters (12-6).
Encho Serrano led the way for Pampanga with 28 points.
The Muntinlupa Cagers (6-13) scored a tight 64-60 victory over the Bulacan Kuyas (2-18).
Lester Tamayo was named Player of the Game with eight points and eight rebounds./ASC, WDJ
NEGROS 87 — Raflores 18, Villanueva 18, Palma 15, Chavez 13, Peralta 9, Capobres 6, Gania 3, Reyes 2, Ramos 2, Gabriel 1, Espanola 0, Formento 0, Longa 0, Cruz 0.
PANGASINAN 86 — Maguliano 19, Robin 18, Bautista 9, Mina 7, Juico 5, Comia 4, Melencio 4, Caasi 4, Cosejo 4, Mabulac 4, Baracael 4, Gabo 3, Fontanilla 1, Tolentino 0, Meneses 0.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 34-46, 60-70, 87-86.