Pasig fights back

By Robert Andaya 

When push comes to shove, expect Pasig MCW Sports to step up. 

With their backs against the wall and their season on the line, Pasig rose to the challenge by beating Caloocan, 65-61, in Game 2 of their best-of-three quarterfinal showdown in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Caloocan City Sports Complex. 

Robbie Manalang finished with a game-high 23 points, including 4-of-7 from the three-point area, in 37 minutes while Kenny Roger Rocacurva added 16 points, 12 of them in the third quarter, eight rebounds and three steals, for coach Boyet Fernandez. 

Ryan Costelo and Tyron Chan chipped in with eight and six points, respectively. 

With the win, Pasig forged a third and deciding game will be played also at the Caloocan Sports Complex on Friday with the winner advancing to play top seed Pampanga Giant Lanterns. 

Pampanga defeated the Marikina Shoemasters, 81-61,to complete a two-game sweep and become the first team to grab a semifinal slot. 

After the game, Fernandez had nothing but good words for his Pasig players. 

“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na binigyan kami ng isa pang pagkakataon na lumaban sa third game. But I’d also like to thank my players for this win. They never gave up. They really believed in our system and did not give up even though we’re down one game against Caloocan,” said Fernandez 

“A win is a win for us and we’re really happy that we got this one and I really appreciate the efforts of my players. Hopefully, we can win again in Game 3 on Friday against Caloocan,” added Fernandez 

Pasig team owner Buddy Encarnado is also satisfied with the team’s showing despite playing infront of wildly-cheering Caloocan fans. 

“I told the boys that our backs are against the wall since they (Caloocan) have the momentum after winning the opener.They are taller and a much-experienced team. Most of all, they have the home court advantage,” explained Encarnado. 

“But as I told the boys, the key to overcome our disadvantage is to play with poise. If you play with poise, you can easily overcome the pressure and that your true form will come out. Luckily, the boys heeded my call and responded the way they played in front of a another big crowd, mostly from Caloocan,” added Encarnado. 

Trailing 56-58 with slightly over four minutes remaining on the clock, Pasig City’s fortunes turned for the better when Manalang drained a crucial three-pointer at the 3:20 mark to ignite a game-changing scoring run. This surge propelled Pasig to a 64-58 lead with only 27.5 seconds left in the game. 

Reil Cervantes singlehandedly kept Batang Kankaloo in contention with a clutch three-pointer, sinking it with just 16.9 seconds remaining. However, Pasig City sealed the victory as Tonton Peralta made one of two free throws. 

Paul Sanga fired 12 points and Ronnie Matias and Gabby Espinas contributed 10 points each in a losing effort for Batang Kankaloo.

The scores: 

Pasig (65) – Manalang 23, Rocacurva 16, Costelo 8, Chan 6, Peralta 4, Maestre 3, Bolano 3, Baetiong 2, Ballesteros 0, Nimes 0, Lorenzo 0, Canon 0. 

Caloocan (61) – Sanga 12, Espinas 10, Matias 10, Baracael 9, Palencia 6, Cervantes 5, Tayongtong 3, Cabanag 2, Inigo 2, Galicia 2, Laude 0, Casin 0, Bonsubre 0. 

Quarterscores: 16-11, 27-29, 46-45, 65-61