PHILIPPINE Christian University went to Yves Sazon for the game-winning basket to complete a dramatic 81-80 win over erstwhile unbeaten Diliman College-JPA Freight Logistics in the 2017 MBL Open basketball championship at the PNP Sports Center in Camp Crame.
Sazon nailed a long three-point shot under pressure with 3.7 seconds left as the Dolphins rallied from a 15-point deficit entering the payoff period to stun the Blue Dragons and secure their fourth win in five outings in this eight-team tournament sponsored by Smart Sports, Star Bread, Dickies Underwear, Ironcon Builders and Gerry’s Grill.
Sazon’s heroics came after African import Alex Diakhite completed a three-point play to give Diliman a two-point lead, 80-78, with 11.3 seconds remaining.
PCU coach Elvis Tolentino sued for a timeout to set up Sazon’s game-winner. Diliman coach Rensy Bajar called for his own timeout but Diakhite’s potential winning shot failed to hit its target.
Mike Ayonayon finished with 34 points and Fidel Castro added 31 points for the Dolphins of PCU president Dr. Junifen Gauuan, ISPEAC head Dr. Martha Ijiran and coach Ato Tolentini.
Ayonayon and Castro combined for 28 points to lead the Dolphins’ comeback.
Sazon added eight points for PCU, which played minus former MBL MVP Von Tambeling.
Diakhite singlehandedly carried the fight for the MBR Sports-supported Dragons with 32 points.
No other Dragons scored in double figures.
Overshadowed by PCU’s victory was Colegio de San Lorenzo, which outclassed UNTV Cup champion Philippine National Police, 87-58, for its fifth straight win.
Dominic Formeto and import Soulemane Chabi Yo combined for 27 points for the Dolphins of CdSL president Monneth Balgan, manager Jimi Lim and coach Boni Garcia.
Tolentino and Harold Sta. Cruz led the Responders with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
The scores:
First game
CdSL- V Hotel (87)—Formento 15, Chabi Yo 12, Castañares 12, Rosas 10, Callano 9, Paclarin 8, Laman 7, Alvarado 5, Calizo 4, Maravilla 3, Vargas 2, Astero 0.
PNP (58)—Tolentino 14, Sta Cruz 13, Cabrera 10, Omiping 7, Bayabao 7, Nichols 4, Cabahug 2, Saracho 1, Ongutan 0, Gonzales 0
Quarterscores: 22-10, 46-31, 68-51, 87-58.
Second game
PCU (81)—Ayonayon 34, Castro 31, Sazon 8, Mescallado 3, Abrigo 3, Saldua 2, Malto 0, Palattao 0,Vasquez 0, Catipay 0, Sumalacay 0, Bautista 0.
Diliman-JPA (80)—Diakhite 32, Gerero 9, Angeles 9, Onggulo 8, Toredo 7, Sombrero 5, Chavenia 4, Bauzon 4, Antalan 2, Ligon 0, Cuerquez 0, Salazar 0, Brutas 0, Tay 0
Quarterscores: 14-19, 30-38, 47-62, 81-80