The overtime session saw a remarkable exhibition of perseverance and mental toughness from both Negros and the Bacoor Team before conquering their opponents on Tuesday in the fifth season of the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) at the Bacoor Strikers Gymnasium.
The final 2:22 of the game were nothing short of breathtaking, as the Bacoor City Strikers held the Iloilo United Royals to a basket while saving six free throws to win 74-69 and improve to 12-2 in the elimination round of the 29-team tournament.
The joy on the players’, coaches’, and supporters’ faces said volumes about the weight of this victory. This win on free throws will go down in Bacoor Strikers’ history as a turning point. It serves as a lesson of how important it is to learn the basics and keep your mind on the task, even when things are tough.
The Negros Muscovados, on the other hand, scored six points in the final minute to defeat Laguna Krah Asia, 76-72, and improve to 5-9. The scoreboard lighted with an astounding display of points as the game went on, displaying the continuous scoring power of Pao Javelona scored 13 points for the Muscovados. Nemesis Dela Cruz scored 12, and new signing Itchie Altamirano scored 10.
The defense of Imus beat Valenzuela in the other match on June 13, 2023. As expected, Imus SV Squad beat Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc 80-66 in the first game, bringing its record to 6-7.
From the first tip, it was clear that Johnsherick Estrada was focused and ready to make a mark. He scored 17 points, followed by Carlo Lastimosa with 13, Bryan Faundo with 10 points and nine boards, and YouTube star Poypoy Actub with 10. Imus SV Squad won in the end, which shows how powerful a well-executed offensive game plan can be and how good the players are at shooting.
On Thursday, the MPBL will be back at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando. At 4 p.m., Bacolod will play against Rizal, at 6 p.m., Caloocan will play against Manila, and at 8 p.m., Pasig will play against Pampanga.
