THE Petra Cement-Roxas Vanguards are now just a win away from the Mindanao leg finals, as they stunned the JPS Zamboanga City, 91-84, in overtime in Game One of the best-of-three semifinals phase two of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup on Wednesday, August 4, at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.
Trailing by as much as 18, veteran forwards Leo Najorda and Chito Jaime connived in the extra session with the former scoring Roxas’ first seven points and Jaime canning a triple and a layup to give their team an 87-81 lead with just 1:09 to go in overtime.
The Vanguards seemed out of it, as they trailed by 10 at the start of the final canto and were still down by nine, 60-69, with 5:10 to go in regulation. However, Roxas uncorked a 15-6 run capped off by a Najorda basket that tied the count at 75-all with 19.7 ticks left.
Zamboanga's Fran Yu took the final shot in the fourth frame, driving to the cup but missed his layup to send the game to overtime.
Najorda finished with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting, to go with five rebounds, a steal, and a block. James Castro pumped in 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Jhong Bondoc added 15 points and eight rebounds against six turnovers.
Jaime had nine points, including seven in overtime. Another Vanguard who stepped up was Jordan Sta. Ana who had 14 rebounds, eight points, and six rebounds.
Gabby Espinas was the high-point-man for JPS with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Fran Yu and Mac Cardona contributed 14 points apiece.
Rudy Lingganay scattered 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the losing cause.
Roxas looks to book its place in the Finals against Basilan in Game Two tomorrow at 5 pm, while Zamboanga aims for a decider.
The Scores:
Roxas 91 - Castro 19, Najorda 19, Bondoc 15, Jaime 9, Sta. Ana 8, Camacho 8, Pasia 5, Reyes 4, Casino 4.
Zamboanga City 84 - Espinas 18, Yu 14, Cardona 14, Lingganay 12, Gaco 12, Jeruta 4, Ferrer 4, Neypes 3, Belencion 3, Wanimal 0.
Quarterscores: 12-27, 30-45, 53-63, 75-75, 91-84. (JNP)