In the much-anticipated clash between the two remaining unbeaten teams in the 2023 Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League 18-Under Battle of the Champions, it was NCR Leg champion Farm Fresh-Letran who triumphed. Drawing a game-high 27 points from Andy Gemao, the Milkers pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind 92-87 overtime win over Luzon king Pampanga-Pradera Theme Park to punch their ticket to the finals on Wednesday at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
The Delta were 21 seconds away from racking up their 14th straight win after an 82-78 lead.
Coming off a timeout, Jonathan Manalili threw a precise inbound pass to Gemao, who knocked down a huge triple from left wing to cut the lead down to a solitary point.
A split on the stripe by Elijah Yusi and bungled free throws by Rhyle Melencio led to an over-the-back foul by Veejay Pre on Manalili that sent Letran’s floor general to the line.
Manalili made both free throws to send the game into overtime.
Syrex Silorio, George Diamante, and Gemao carried the momentum into extra time, giving their side a 90-83 lead — a cushion they would not relinquish to rack up their third win in as many games.
Gemao fired a game-high 27 points to go with four assists, three steals, and three rebounds while Silorio added 21 points and five rebounds.
