Even a five-point deficit with less than a minute left in the final quarter wasn’t stopping them from outrunning SCS Heavy Equipment, 65-57 in overtime during the Domino Lux Invitational Basketball Tournament.
Lauron tallied 26 points while Ziddy Johanes, Mike Palacios, and Ben Lisua sparked MDX’s winning run at the Gualo Rai court.
SCS fell shorthanded on the bench after Jessie Mina’s ejection late in the fourth period. The game not only marked their first loss, but extended MDX to five wins.
MDX remains the only undefeated team in the league. Wushin Express trails them in the standings with a 5-1 record.
SCS nearly had it in the bag after grabbing a 51-55 lead in the second half.
MDX however, stepped up in the defense and blocked Jun Pantaleon’s jumper to slow them down.
Lauron and Zack Babauta fired three free throws and Tenorio rushed in a layup to tie the game, 55-55.
SCS — left with only three tenths of a second to shoot — was forced into OT.
Johanes scored four of MDX’s 10 points during OT. Palacios, Lisua, and Erlan Lansang added two apiece.
With no one to spare on the bench and Mina out of the match, SCS eked out only two points on Ferdie Tobias and Rocyl Ritual’s free throws.
The win was too close for comfort for team MDX, who missed several baskets on faulty fast break plays in the second half. Palacios aided their rally on 11 points. Lisua and Johanes scored nine and seven, respectively.
SCS recovered from an 11-point deficit in the first period and evened the game by halftime before clinching a 39-43 lead in the third quarter.
In Monday’s first game, 8 Division won over San Roque via forfeit.
Scores:
MDX-Blue Haus 65 – A. Lauron 26, M. Palacios 11, B. Lisua 9, Z. Johanes 7, Z. Babauta 5, D. Tenorio 5, E. Lansang 2
SCS Heavy Equipment 57 – G. Miranda 21, R. Ritual 15, F. Tobias 10, J. Mina 8, J. Pantaleon 3
Quarterscores with overtime: 17-6, 30-30, 39-43, 55-55, 65-57
