Pasay defeats Mindoro, clinches playoff spot

Dhon Reverente seemingly said, "We are moving up a notch!" as the Pasay Voyagers defeated the Mindoro Tamaraws. MPBL

By Xy-Zha Cabanlong

PASAY CITY - The Pasay Voyagers did not let their home crowd down as they clinched an MPBL playoff spot, winning in high fashion against the Mindoro Tamaraws, 84-72, Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Raymund Ilagan gave the Voyagers the early lead of the ball game as he scored the first 6 out of the first 9 points of the ball game.

Jaypee Belencion kick-started the 3-point shooting spree of the Voyagers that allowed them to lead as much as 11 points at the end of the first quarter, 27-16.

Elmar Moradas and Jan Jamon continued with the 3-point scoring spree, pushing Pasay to lead by 20, 38-18.

Rodel Vaygan and King Astrero combined forces for Mindoro and attempted to prevent Pasay from ravaging them further in the game. The Tamaraws were able to cut the lead at the end of the first half, just trailing by 11, 36-47.

At the resumption of play, Dhon Reverente's rebounding efforts kept Pasay's advantage and provided second chances for the team to score. However, even at his own trip at the line, Reverente struggled to convert points which worked into the advantage of their opponent to stay alive unto the game.

The fourth period seemed to be a curse on the side of the Tamaraws as Astrero was caught guilty of an unsportsmanlike foul, sending Axel Inigo at the free throw line to convert two foul shots and giving the Voyagers a 67-53 advantage.

As if it wasn't enough a misfortune for Mindoro, Raymond Matias got thrown out of the game with 3:13 left in the clock due to a disqualifying foul that caused Reverente to fall hard as he was winning a rebound.

Khenn Osicos led the scoring for the Tamaraws, finishing off with 16 points.

Ilagan was named the player of the game with 11 points.

Pasay's victory ensured them of the playoff berth, eliminating Caloocan, who earlier was defeated by San Juan.

[Related Story: San Juan Knights bounce back by trashing Caloocan Supremos]

The Scores:

Pasay 84 -  Belencion 16, Inigo 14, Moradas 13, Jamon 11, Ilagan 11, Reverente 7, Opiso 5, Lastimosa 4, Chan 3, Lomtong 0, dela Cruz 0, Hilario 0, Lasquety 0, Pasia 0, Bustos 0

Mindoro 72 - Osicos 16, Vaygan 13, Baracael 12, Bangeles 8, Astrero 7, Mandreza 5, Abanes 5, Axalan 4, Matias 2, Alulod 0, Acedillo 0.

Quarterscores: 27-16, 47-36, 63-51, 84-72.

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