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For Laguna, draw with Davao looked like a win for them

For Stallion Laguna, they have the third place in their hands after coming from two goals down to force a draw on Davao. Art Enriquez/Stallion Laguna
By Kevin Estrada

MANILA -- For Ernest Nierras, Stallion Laguna has put their destiny into their own hands as they barely escape Rizal Memorial alive after Wednesday's draw with  Davao Aguilas.

"Well I didn't want to think before the match," the fiery gaffer said after they came from two goals down to take two points away from Davao on their penultimate match of the campaign as they travel to Bacolod Saturday against champions-elect Ceres Negros, with only a draw needed to get into the podium.

To begin with, Nierras lamented the timing that the players had health issues before the match kicked off.

"I don't know why they got sick at the last minute. Polli's been throwing up even before the match, he ate something bad. Couple of days ago, Jhun (Tripulca) is suffering from his sprain, so is also Fitch (Arboleda)."

However, he credited his men from their heroic act, saving two points in just two minutes thanks to Abou Sy's brace.

"So for them, for the boys to come back from 2-0 down and keep fighting, that to me, is as good as a win for today," Nierras said, noting that they got this learning experience early on in their preparations for the Copa Paulino.

"I think overall we played well. At least we know what to expect during the cup, and now we control our destiny."

After their tiff with the Busmen, Laguna had three more weeks before facing Davao again for their first Copa fixture, and the break was all he and the company needed.

"I'm just happy that we have a three week break before our first game."

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada