NUEVA Ecija Besprens bounced back with a 79-76 overtime win over Medical Depot, while Mtrans Batangas City snapped a three-game skid Sunday in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gym.
Nueva Ecija banked on the heroics of Renz Palma and Mark Cruz in the last 40 seconds to recover from its 96-91 defeat to Muntinlupa Thursday and improve to a 4-3 win-loss record at solo fourth.
Palma brought the game into a 76-all tie with a driving layup before Cruz drained three of his four charities to steer Nueva Ecija to victory.
Cruz finished with 14 points and eight rebounds while Palma chipped in 13 points, eight boards and six assists.
Simon Camacho scored 15 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort for Medical Depot, who fell to 3-3 in the middle standings.
Meanwhile, Mtrans Batangas smashed the Muntinlupa Defenders, 90-77, to tie with Medical Depot, Pasig-Sta. Lucia and Burlington EOG Sports at 3-3.
Mtrans whipped up a third-quarter storm by outscoring Muntinlupa, 27-16, to turn its 47-45 halftime deficit to a 72-63 lead for good.
Jeff Viernes powered Mtrans with 16 points highlighted by four triples, while Mon Rogado drilled 16 points and hauled 12 rebounds.
Adi Santo and Andrian Celada contributed 13 and 12 points for Mtrans, who also took advantage of Muntinlupa’s 17 turnovers by converting it to 28 points.
Muntinlupa fell deeper into the cellar with its sixth straight defeat in as many outings.
In the other match, Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors smothered FSD Makati Army, 84-64, for 3-3.
Justin Arana shone for Pasig with 21 points in a 9-of-12 field goal shooting while grabbing 10 boards in 17 minutes of action.
Jopher Custodio, Jess Villahermosa and Helino Francisco combined for 43 points but their efforts weren’t enough as FSD Makati slipped to 1-5.
Games Tuesday
(Subic gym)
3:30 p.m. – Medical Depot vs Pasig
5:40 p.m. – Muntinlupa vs San Juan
7:50 p.m. – Manila vs Mtrans
