By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Today
(Imus Sports Complex)
7 p.m. — Bulacan vs Batangas City
9 p.m. — Navotas vs Imus
Forward Gian Abrigo hit the go-ahead jumper with 16 seconds left as host Quezon City completed its fightback from 29 points down with a 90-89 escape act over Caloocan on Thursday night in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup.
After making just nine points in the first period and playing catchup majority of the way, the Capitals erupted for 30 points in the stretch to foil the fading Supremos much to the delight of their supporters inside the JCSGO Gym.
Top guard Andoy Estrella rediscovered his touch and finished with a team-high-tying 20 points, the same output of backcourt partner John Tayongtong who also added six assists, as the Capitals stopped a two-game losing skid and regained solo second spot with a 5-2 mark.
Meanwhile, the tough loss – their third straight and sixth overall in six starts – was a bitter pill to swallow for the Supremos, who fired on all cylinders in the opening quarter and appeared headed for an upset, only to suffer a total collapse in the end.
Earlier, Valenzuela got back on track at the expense of Parañaque, 80-75, to gain a share of the third spot with idle Muntinlupa.
Jeff Javillonar dished out his finest performance so far with 23 points and 11 rebounds while Rocky Acidre and former pro Paolo Hubalde combined for 26 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists to help the Classic hold off the Patriots’ late charge.