Imus and Mandaluyong snapped their losing skids late Thursday night by coming away with contrasting victories in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.
Mykee Cabahug and Jonari Sollano delivered the crucial baskets in the closing seconds for the GLC Truck and Equipment-backed Bandera, who edged the Laguna Heroes-Krah, 67-65, and stopped a three-game slump.
Also coming into play was James Castro, who completed a steal in the last 31 seconds then fed Cabahug for the game-tying layup.
On the return play, Laguna went to Raymond Ilagan, but the sweet shooting big man missed a jumper and Sollano grabbed the rebound and was fouled in the process by Michael Mabulac.
Sollano hit two free throws to shove his team ahead, 67-65.
Laguna had a chance to map up a play, but Imus took advantage of two more fouls to give against the Heroes, leaving the team limited time to map up a play.
With one second left, the Heroes were able to run a play for Paolo Pontejos, who missed a potential game-winning trey as time expired, allowing the Bandera to book their sixth win in 12 games.
Like Imus, Mandaluyong was able to arrest a long losing skid. The team was staring at a five-game losing streak before the El Tigre stopped the bleeding following an 87-76 triumph over the Quezon City Capitals.
The Dataland-supported squad got a big game from new recruit Ronjay Buenafe, who led the way with 15 points, the same output produced by Janus Lozada.
With the win, Mandaluyong improved its win-loss record to 7-6.
