Quezon City and Muntinlupa survived their respective rivals in a pair of thrilling matches late Monday night.
The Black Mamba Energy Drink-backed Capitals edged host team Caloocan Supremos-Longrich, 81-79, to stop the bleeding here at the Caloocan Sports Complex. It was the first win by the Capitals in this venue after three tries and head coach Vis Valencia of Quezon City could only heave a sigh of relief.
“Finally, nanalo rin kami rito,” said Valencia, whose troops now improved to 3-7 in the northern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former league MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
“We haven’t won here since last season, kasi nga parating Batangas natatapat sa amin. But this win is huge for us.”
Earlier, Muntinlupa survived a game General Santos City squad, 61-60, as the more experienced Angelis Resort-supported Cagers turned to veteran guard Allan Mangahas, who made the game-winning floater that put his team back on winning track.
The Capitals rode on the heroics of Andoy Estrella, who knocked in eight of his team’s last nine points, including a tough in your face jumper over Joseph Nalos in the last 14.6 seconds that gave the Capitals an 80-76 lead.
Caloocan responded quickly with a Vosotros putback to move within striking distance, 80-78, before a commotion temporarily halted the match.
Estrella and Vosotros got involved in a heated exchange after the former reacted after the latter decked Hesed Gabo following a hard foul. Both Estrella and Vosotros were called for a technical each, but the Capitals, who were previously called for a warning due to bench decorum, was whistled for a technical.
Gabo split his charities while Vosotros made the technical foul shot and Caloocan had a chance to either tie or win it via a three-point basket. The Supremos pulled out ex-pro Paul Sanga off the bench and became the recipient of the pass but he missed the shot completely from deep left, allowing Quezon City to escape with the win.
Caloocan, which won its previous two matches since acquiring Vosotros, absorbed its eight loss in 12 games. “‹