SHAQUILLE Imperial came up with a timely block on the game’s final possession to tow Zamboanga Sibugay to a 91-89 overtime win over Roxas in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.
Down by two, 89-91, Roxas sent Imperial to the line where the reigning Cesafi MVP missed both his shots to give the Vanguards an opportunity to either tie or win the game with 4.3 seconds left on the clock.
Off a timeout, Roxas went to Cyrus Tabi who received the ball at the left corner and hoisted a triple but Imperial was there to block the shot and seal the victory for Zamboanga Sibugay.
“Our game plan on defense was to switch. Shaq had a nice angle. That’s why he got the block,” Anak Mindanao Warriors head coach Arnold Oliveros said.
Down 10 midway, Roxas ended the fourth quarter on a 14-4 blast to force overtime, 83-83. Imperial had a chance to win the game for Zamboanga Sibugay but his shot from deep was smothered.
Imperial had the best game of his professional career as he tallied 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and an incredible six blocks. Another Cesafi MVP—Jaybie Mantilla—also provided crucial numbers as he scored 16 of his 19 points in the final canto.
Rhaffy Octobre and Joco Tayongtong got 11 points each.
Zamboanga Sibugay went up to solo second at 6-4, while Roxas fell to fourth seed at 5-4.
James Martinez and Nick Abanto delivered 15 points each for the Vanguards while Mario Bonleon added 14 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Marlon Monte chipped in 13 points as well.