MANILA – Jeramer Cabanag came alive in the endgame as Bacolod-Bingo Plus defeated San Juan Knights-Go For Gold, 67-66, in the 2022 MPBL on Monday night at the San Juan Arena.
After seeing their once double-digit advantage turned to a 66-62 deficit following a furious San Juan uprising, Cabanag nailed a three-pointer to pull Bacolod to within 65-66 with 35 seconds left.
Following missed attempts from the Knights, Cabanag regained the advantage for Bacolod at 67-66 as he nailed a tough layup against the San Juan with 5.3 seconds remaining.
The Bacolod City native was hailed as the Player of the Game for the Bacolod (2-0) as he finished with seven points, two assists and two steals.
Negrense forward Mark Yee was the lone double-digit scorer for Bacolod with 10 markers as Raymund Ilagan and Jhan Nermal added nine and eight, respectively.
“It was a cardiac finish for us but a win is a win,” Bacolod team manager Leo Bat-Og said. “The coaches were glad that our players were able to keep their poise despite losing our early lead.”
Justin Gutang spearheaded the offense for the debuting Knights (0-1) with 17 points, while Carlos Isit and Macky Acosta chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
In the first game, Bataan Risers wasted an early lead before holding off General Santos Warriors, 81-76, to kick off its MPBL Mumbaki Cup campaign on a winning note.
Arvie Bringas was named as the Player of the Game with double-double 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Jethro Sombero and James Castro also added 16 markers apiece.
Dhon Reverente, meanwhile, led the way for the Warriors (0-1) with 18 points, Nikko Panganiban added 14 markers, while actor Gerald Anderson ended with 10 points.
BOX SCORE:
BACOLOD 67 – Yee 10, Ilagan 9, Nermal 8, Cabanag 7, Alday 7, Villoria 6, Jeruta 6, Albo 6, Casino 6, Lao 2, Pastias 0, Lee Yu 0, Tulipas 0, Solis 0, Garcia 0.
SAN JUAN 66 – Gutang 17, Isit 13, Acosta 11, Fuentes 8, Bunag 5, Sarangay 4, Peralta 3, Abundo 3, Dennison 2, Aquino 0, Arim 0, Ubalde 0.
Quarterscores: 18-17, 31-21, 53-41, 67-66./PN
