Mindoro rallies, stuns Abra in OT

The Mindoro Tamaraws rallied to force overtime then scored the game’s last six points to stun the Abra Weavers, 80-76, in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season on Wednesday at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Trailing, 54-64, the Tamaraws banked on Tey Teodoro’s back-to-back triples and Andres Desiderio’s five-point wind-up to knot the count at 72 in regulation.

The Weavers regained control through Roi Sumang and John Lloyd Clemente, 76-74, but it proved to be just a fling with glory as they went silent in the final 1 minute and 48 seconds.

In contrast, the Tamaraws pulled off the escape act through another triple by Teodoro, and a free throw each by Kint Ariar, Karl Bono and Art Patrick.

Mindoro posted only its second win in seven starts while Abra tumbled to the lower half of the standings at 3-4 despite new coach Yong Garcia calling the plays.

Bono delivered 18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals, but it was Desiderio who emerged best player with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 3 assists.

Teodoro finished with 12 points and 3 rebounds, Lester Reyes contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, and Ariar chipped in 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Abra got 26 points, 14 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists from Clemente, 13 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists from Anthony Bringas and 10 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals from Wendelino Comboy.

The MPBL visits the Olivarez College Gym on Thursday, May 16. The triple bill pits Caloocan against Marikina at 4 p.m., Zamboanga against Bacolod at 6 p.m. and Quezon against Paranaque at 8 p.m.