Bulanadi takes over in clutch as Basilan clinches playoff series against Iloilo

The Steel celebrate as they clinched their MPBL playoff series at home. MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Allyn Bulanadi came alive in crunch time as Basilan booked its place in the MPBL Southern Division Semifinals, eliminating Iloilo, 70-63, in Game 2 of their first round series at the Lamitan City Gymnasium on Monday night.

With the game tied at 63-all, Bulanadi went for the kill, scoring on a go-ahead layup and a dagger triple afterward to put the Steel up, 68-63, with 48.9 seconds to play.

They then held the United Royals scoreless the rest of the way even as Jay Collado sealed the win with a pair of free throws.

"Nag-double effort sila sa ensayo nila e kasi tinalo namin sila nung Game One so nakapag-adjust talaga sila. Nahirapan kami pero buti na lang nanalo," said Collado, who paced Basilan with 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.

Jhaps Bautista added 12 points, three rebounds, and one steal, while Bulanadi finished with 11 markers, five boards, one dime, one steal, and one block.

Alfrancis Tamsi led Iloilo with 16 points, two assists, two steals, and one block.

The Steel will next face the Bacoor City Strikers in the second round of the playoffs.

The Scores:

Basilan-Jumbo Plastic (70) -- Collado 18, Bautista 12, Bulanadi 11, Balucanag 7, Daa 5, Dagangon 4, Dumapig 3, Uyloan 3, Lunor 2, Manalang 2, Palencia 0

Iloilo-United (63) -- Tamsi 16, Escoto 13, Publico 7, Jeruta 7, Parker 6, Prado 6, Golla 2, Javelosa 2, Arambulo 2, Gumaru 1, Sierra 0

Quarterscores: 24-18, 36-35, 54-50, 70-63

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