MANILA – The Manila Stars survived the late run of Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors for an 82-80 thriller in Game 2 of the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup (North Division) quarterfinals at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Bulacan on Feb. 22.
Clinging to an eight-point edge with less than a minute left ticking in the match, the Stars were threatened after the Realtors trimmed the deficit to 80-82 with 22.5 second left via beyond-the-arc conversions from Robbie Manalang.
The Stars were unable to secure the decider in the next possession with Chris Bitoon missing two free throws, but the team’s lockdown defending on Realtors’ Jeric Teng and Argel Mendoza allowed them to snatch the victory.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, after nung three-point shots ni Manalang, stay composed, huwag mag-panic at nandoon pa rin dapat ang depensa, lamang pa rin tayo,” said Stars head coach Tino Pinat.
Carlo Lastimosa led the Stars anew with 21 points, Bitoon delivered 19 markers, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Aris Dionisio followed suit with 14 marks and eight boards. Mark Dyke was also instrumental after he chipped in 13 markers and 10 rebounds.
For the losing Realtors, Teng and Josan Nimes paced the team with double-double performances of 25 points and 10 boards for the former, while the latter had 21 markers and 10 rebounds.
The Makati Super Crunch also achieved semifinals status in the competition following an 86-78 triumph over the Bulacan Kuyas.
Joshua Torralba and Cedric Ablaza tallied 22 markers apiece for the victors./PN
