Navotas needed two overtime periods and 50 minutes of gruelling time before preserving a tough 101-98 victory over inaugural staging champion Batangas City and keeping itself right on target for a playoff hunt in the MPBL Datu Cup at the San Andes Gym in Manila Tuesday night.
Jai Reyes and Marlon Gomez each tallied 22 points apiece, powering the Clutch to their ninth win in 20 games and keeping a hold of the No. 7 spot in the tough northern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Reyes, a former pro, finished in double-double as he also dished out 13 assists. More than making everybody look good, the cerebral guard as also stepped up big in offense when needed as he unleashed five crucial points in the second overtime.
Up against two of the best guards in the tournament, Reyes, a veteran sentinel, made sure he brought out his A-game.
He finished with 22 points, including five in the second overtime period. His triple in the 1:26 mark of the second overtime period gave the Clutch a 99-94 lead.
Reyes was able to get the better end of his match up with his counterparts from Batangas City – Jeff Viernes and Lester Alvarez.
“I’ve been playing against Lester ever since during our days in the UAAP. Si Jeff Viernes naman, we were rivals last conference sa D-League. When you’re going up against two of the best guards in the league, the mentality is always bring your best game,” added Reyes.
Gomez, picked up by Navotas in a trade with Levy Hernandez this season, finished a rebound away from posting a double-double showing.
Manila weathered a late uprising from Pasig before pulling off a 111-98 triumph in the other game.
Marcy Arellano played his best game ever in a Manila uniform as he finished with 17 points and 15 assists, towing the Stars to their 17th win in 21 games and temporarily gained solo second spot in the northern division.