MANILA – LJay Gonzales took change in the endgame as the Quezon Huskers defeated the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, 65-60, in the do-or-die Game 3 of the MPBL Southern Division Finals on Thursday night at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Down 52-55 after two free throws from Batangas City’s John Ambulodto, Gonzales tied the score at 55-all with a three-pointer before connecting two free throws, a layup, and a three-pointer to surge Quezon ahead at 62-55.
Batangas City responded with a split free throw from Juneric Baloria and inside hits from Kris Porter and Cedrick Ablaza to cut the deficit to 60-62, but a fastbreak layup and a split free throw by Gonzales sealed the win for the Huskers.
Gonzales finished the match with 22 points, including three outside conversions, to go with eight rebounds, four steals, and two assists as the Huskers wrapped up the division finals at 2-1.
Judel Fuentes added 14 markers, including four outside conversions, while Jason Opiso and Gab Banal had 12 and 11, respectively, as the Huskers moved on to the best-of-five National Finals.
“Sobrang saya at nakuha namin itong panalo na ito,” Gonzales said during his Player of the Game interview. “Tatrabahuhin pa namin ‘yung susunod na series para makuha namin ‘yung championship.”
Ablaza finished with 16 points to lead Batangas City, while Baloria added 14 markers in the defeat.
The Huskers will face defending champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns in a best-of-five National Finals series beginning on December 1 at the Dubai, United Arab Emirates./PN
BOX SCORE:
QUEZON 65 – Gonzales 22, Fuentes 14, Opiso 12, Banal 11, Gravera 4, Abundo 2, Bunag 0, Sandagon 0, Lagrama 0, Minerva 0, Tamsi 0, Canon 0.
BATANGAS 60 – Ablaza 16, Baloria 14, Isit 9, Porter 8, Hernandez 5, Ambulodto 4, Ochea 2, Apinan 2, Arim 0, Paniamogan 0, Cruz 0, Dela Virgen 0.
Quarterscores: 19-15, 30-34, 47-48, 65-60.
