27 September 2018
Malolos, Bulacan – Bulacan Kuyas needed additional 5 more minutes in overtime to dispose streaking Imus Banderas in a high-scoring game, 117-113, in Maharlika Datu Cup at Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.
After 2 straight turnovers at the start of the game, Bulacan cruised to 17-8 lead in the first quarter behind the hot-shooting of James Martinez, Jorey Napoles and Stephen Siruma. Bulacan continued their fluid offense and ended the first quarter with a 13-point lead at 38-25.
Both teams kept their fast-paced offense game in the second quarter as Imus Banderas bannered by GenMar Bragais, John Paul Sarao and John Paul Manansala closed the gap and even took the lead at the end of the first half, 63-61.
Bulacan Kuyas started strong in the 3rd quarter as JR Taganas muscles his way in the paint to bring back the lead at 68-63. Jovit Dela Cruz together with Jason Melano continued Kuya’s sweet shooting night to end the 3rd quarter, 95-87, with an 8-point advantage.
Despite the high scoring game of Bulacan Kuyas, Imus Banderas stayed close in the fourth quarter. With 2:26 minutes remaining, John Melano lay-up extended Bulacan’s lead to 6, but Imus forward Jomar Sollano came back with 3 consecutive crucial shots including the game-tying shot, 110-all, to force overtime.
Veterans Jeric Canada, Taganas, Melano took charge in overtime with a 6-0 blast to power Bulacan Kuyas, 116-110 with 1:05 minutes remaining. Jonathan Rivera trimmed the lead to 3 with a 3pt shot but the Malolos based squad controlled the remaining seconds of the game to notched their 7th win in 10 games.
JR Taganas led with 9 points, 26 rebounds, 7 assists. J. Melano added 22 points while J. Dela Cruz and J. Gonzales had both 17 markers
Mikee Cabahug led Imus Banderas with 18 points, 5 rebounds. Jomar Sollano finished with a double-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks.
The Scores:
Bulacan 117 — Melano 22, Dela Cruz 17, Gonzales 17, Siruma 14, Martinez 13, Canada 12, Taganas 9, Napoles 6, Escosio 4, Wong 2, Thiele 1, Salamat 0.
Imus 113 — Cabahug 18, Sollano 16, Sarao 15, Manansala 15, Alberto 12, Bragais 10, Gaco 10, Rivera 9, Melencio 8, Tajonera 0, Bernabe 0, Escalambre 0, Baltazar 0, Bustos 0.
Quarter scores: 38-25, 61-63, 95-87, 110-110,117-113 OT
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
