After getting caught off-guard by the Bayanis in the second half, the Cavites had no choice but to focus on their key players. The Bayanis used speed to their advantage, out running the Cavites for the ball. Due to some bad passes, the Cavites suffered from a few turnovers. They were able to turn the game around during overtime, thanks to James Villacrusis. Villacrusis led the scores with a total of 30 points, followed by Bayani’s Jun Tabora, who made 22.
The Bayanis had their chance to win during the fourth quarter, when Lerio Pagarao was fouled and given two free throws. Pagarao missed his first shot but made his second, bringing the game to overtime. By the end of the fourth quarter, both teams scored for an 83-83 tie.
The Cavites were led once again by Villacrusis, who pushed for an extra six points during overtime. Bayani’s Lerio Pagarao matched Villacrusis with his set of seven points – unfortunately his team still came a point short, with the Cavites making another last second two-pointer to win the game.
The Cavites dominated the Bayanis earlier in their match, leading by 24-16 in the first quarter and 41-34 in the second game. Next to Villacrusis in the Cavites, William Opone ranked second with 19 points.
Lerio Pagarao was among the few players that changed the Bayanis’ pace during the second half, nearly leading his team to victory.
Scores:
Cavite 95 – J. Villacrusis 30, W. Opone 19, F. Rebuyon 18, B. Montano 11, J. Artates 10, B. Garcia 5, R. Hernandez 2
Bayani Soul Jazz 94 – J. Tabora 22, E. Mangali 18, J. Pagarao 13, L. Pagarao 10, J. Dayrit 7, N. David 7, J. Ong 6, C. Lansang 5, P. Inos 4, J. Saplan 2
Quarterscores with overtime: 24-16, 41-34, 57-63, 83-83, 95-94
