Von Dechos scores winning 3 as Pagadian stuns Roxas in OT

Despite nearly blowing the game, Keanu Caballero still paced the Explorers in scoring. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas/Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Von Dechos scored the marginal shot for Pagadian as the team pulled off a huge upset in the Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao leg by trampling Roxas in overtime, 82-80, at the Ipil Provincial Gymnasium on Thursday.

Dechos buried a three-pointer with 25.1 seconds left as the Explorers, despite not having a former PBA player, turned back the Eddie Laure-mentored Vanguards led by Leo Najorda, JK Casino, and Chito Jaime.

Dechos' triple actually doused cold water on Roxas' comeback bid in which the team scored six straight points to go back from 74-79 deficit to go up, 80-79.

Pagadian, however, could not close out the game as free throw woes nearly hurt the club in the end.

The team's tenacious inbound defense forced Jordan Sta. Ana to commit a five-second violation, but Rene Pamaran still kept Roxas in the game as he missed two free throws off a quick foul.

James Castro, however, could not capitalize on the missed charities as he botched a three-point attempt in the next play.

Keanu Caballero, who had been struggling from the line all game long, still kept the door open for the Vanguards as he missed two more free throws.

But Chito Jaime missed a left corner three as time expired and the Explorers finally escaped.

Caballero and John Quimado each scored 12 points for Pagadian, which joined opening day winners Basilan and Kapatagan at the top of the team standings.

Najorda and Ernesto Bondoc each put up 15 markers for Roxas.

Both players also tallied double-doubles with Bondoc grabbing 13 rebounds and Najorda had 11 of his own.

Lester Reyes also got a double-double with 13 points and 14 boards alongside one assist, three steals, and two blocks.

The Scores:                                                                                                                                                

Pagadian 82 - Quimado 12, Caballero K. 12, Guinitaran 10, Manalo 10, Dechos 10, Villaver 8, Serrano 7, Acaylar 5, Saludsod 3, Demigaya 2, Pamaran 2, Benitez 1, Bolotaolo 0, Caballero R. 0, Divas 0.

Roxas 80 - Najorda 15, Bondoc 15, Sta. Ana 14, Reyes 13, Castro 7, Jaime 6, Velasco 2, Elmejrab 2, Camacho 2, Casino 2, Deles 2, Intic 0, Rifarial 0, Templo 0, Pasia 0.

Quarterscores: 14-20, 35-38, 58-54, 68-68, 82-80.

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