MANILA – Carlo Lastimosa came up with clutch to lift the Manila-Frontrow Stars against Makati-Super Crunch, 77-74, in Game 1 of the of the 2019-2020 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika PilipinasBasketball League Lakan North semifinals at the San Juan Arena on Feb. 28.
After seeing its lead, which reached as high as 11 points, turned to a 72-all score with 44 seconds left, Lastimosa surged the Stars ahead with a three-point conversion with 40.4 ticks remaining.
Makati would cut the deficit to one at 74-75 on a basket via Juneric Baloria with 28.5 seconds left, but Lastimosa followed his beyond-the-arc basket with two free throws at 77-74 before Baloria missed his game-tying attempt.
Lastimosa was hot in the first semifinals clash with 25 points, six assists, and three rebounds. His teammates Aris Dionisio chalked up 12 markers and seven boards, Chris Bitoon listed 11 points, six dimes and five boards, while Ronnie Matias provided nine markers and nine rebounds.
“Na-rattle din kami sa press nila kaya sila nakahabol. Buti na lang, mentally tough ‘yung players, thanks to Carlo Lastimosa’s clutch shots,” said Manila coach Tino Pinat.
Jeckster Apinan paced Makati with a double-double output of 17 points and 11 rebounds, but he also committed seven crucial turnovers. Baloria also had a good night with 16 markers amid the losing effort.
In the other match, Mike Ayonayon came up with a game-winning basket for the defending champions San Juan–Go For Gold Knights to escape with an 86-84 score versus the Pampanga Giant Lanterns./PN
