By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Imus got its winning form back on Thursday night, subduing Laguna, 67-65, in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Jom Sollano hit the game-winning free throws as the Bandera kept the Heroes scoreless for the last 1:24 of the game and rallied in the final 29 seconds to move back to the .500 mark.
Laguna appeared to be holding on after a Paolo Pontejos field goal gave the team a 65-63 advantage while Imus struggled to find an answer.
But James Castro picked a pass from Elvin Chan and found Elmer Cabahug for the equalizing layup with 29 seconds left.
Raymond Ilagan tried to give the Heroes the lead back, but he missed his shot, and Michael Mabulac fouled Sollano while going for the rebound.
Sollano went 2-for-2 from the line to put the Bandera back up.
Laguna had one last chance to win it, but Pontejos misfired from long range as time expired.
Castro and Cabahug each scored 13 points on 50 percent shooting for Imus, which virtually tied its victim and Parañaque for fifth place in the Southern Division after ending a three-game slump.
Chan put up 13 markers of his own for Laguna.
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