A few bumps and bruises didn’t stop MBI’s Noel David from posting 22 points, as he scored five in the closing three minutes.
David tallied six in the first half and was slowed by a tightened defense from Mike Cruz and Dennis Morales before scoring seven more at the end of the third period.
Failing to take the lead, Cruz dumped his frustration on Art Trajano as both struggled for a defensive rebound from David’s two-point attempt. MBI’s Melbert Delarama eventually found his opening in the final quarter and hammered a hook shot against Cruz.
Team MBI thrived on a turnover following Cruz’s missed pass to Romeo Verano. Marvin Achas connected his layup-free throw combo for three points.
Trajano, who posted seven of his 11 points in the third quarter, fouled Cruz for his fifth personal foul. David added seven more points while Delarama came empty in the offense.
Wings Travel coach and player Ed Yalung joined his team in the second half and squeezed in two jumpers for a nine point total. Meanwhile, leading scorer Nate Mateo and Morales scored 23 and 15 points, respectively.
With five seconds left on the clock, team MBI stood their guard on a 67-63 advantage.
Mateo blasted a three-pointer in an attempt to tie the game, but came short with a buzzer-beater.
Both teams now hold an even two wins and two losses.
Scores:
MBI 67 – N. David 22, A. Trajano 11, M. Achas 10, M. Delarama 9, J. Garcia 9, R. Cabrera 4, R. Moccoco 2
Wings Travel 66 – N. Mateo 23, D. Morales 15, M. Cruz 9, E. Yalung 9, R. Verano 6, C. Cruz 4
Quarterscores: 19-16, 34-30, 53-50, 67-66
