Manny Pacquiao delivered the lethal blows on Friday night as guest team Bulalakaw played the spoiler’s role in the 2023 MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Preseason Tournament with a 72-70 shocker over Batangas City at the Lagao Gym in Brgy. Lagao, General Santos City.
The MPBL founder and CEO scored the game’s last 5 points and 8 of the last 10 en route to a tournament-high 35 points that enabled Bulalakaw to climb out of a 25-point hole,49-24, and slam the semifinals door on Batangas.
Bulalakaw bowed out with a win in three games, the same as Batangas, which became too complacent in the second half.
Showing he still has the speed and stamina that made him boxing’s only 8-division world champion, the 44-year-old Pacquiao played without relief and poured 11 points, including two triples, in the last quarter which started with Bulalakaw behind, 49-60.
The 5-foot-6 Pacquiao also snagged a game-high 10 rebounds, issued 4 assists and had 2 steals, including one with just five seconds to go that sealed Batangas’ doom.
No other Bulalakaw player scored in twin digits with David Sisson and EJ Dialogo chipping in 7 each.
Sarangani, which lost to Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, 85-92, in the opener, thus barged into the knockout semifinal with its conqueror as they both wound up with 2-1 records in Group A.
Zamboanga drew 20 points from Jaycee Marcelino, the reigning MPBL MVP; 19 from prized acquisition Judel Fuentes and 17 from Dexter Maiquez.
Sarangani got 31 points and 8 rebounds from Orin Catacutan and 20 points from Reggz Albert Gabat.
Imus SV Squad trounced General Santos, 78-61, in the second game to finish with a 2-1 slate and advance in Group B with early qualifier Nueva Ecija, the 2022 MPBL national champion which swept its three assignments.
