THE JPS Zamboanga City sent the semifinals of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup to a deciding Game Three after they defeated the Petra Cement-Roxas, 84-71, in Game Two on Thursday, August 5, at the Pagadian City Gymnasium.
The win-or-go-home rubber match is scheduled tomorrow, August 6, at 5 p.m.
JPS almost squandered a 14-point lead as Roxas came storming back to tie the game at 71-all after a booming trifecta by veteran forward Chito Jaime. However, JPS kept their composure and answered right back with 13 straight points, sparked by a three-pointer by Jaypee Belencion.
Speedy guard Fran Yu led the charge for Zamboanga with 16 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Gabby Espinas also had 16 points to go with seven rebounds and two assists, while Jaypee Belencion added 16 points including three makes from beyond the arc. Aaron Jeruta and Jerwin Gaco also produced 11 points each for JPS.
James Castro had 17 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals for Roxas in the losing cause, but he shot just 5-of-14 from the field. Jhong Bondoc, who played just 14 minutes, tallied 16 points and four rebounds.
After a 19-point performance last night, Leo Najorda was held to just nine points on a 3-of-10 clip. He also had four turnovers.
The Scores:
Zamboanga City - Yu 16, Belencion 16, Espinas 16, Jeruta 11, Gaco 11, Cardona 9, Jumao-as 3, Ferrer 2, Lingganay 0, Neypes 0.
Roxas 71 - Castro 17, Bondoc 16, Najorda 9, Jaime 8, Reyes 6, Sta. Ana 5, Pasia 4, Casino 3, Deles 2, Intic 1, Velasco 0, Elmejrab 0, Templo 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 25-26, 47-37, 63-52, 84-71. (JNP)