Imus zaps Bicol in major MPBL QF upset

Leo Najorda turned back time to lead Imus to the semis. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas/MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Imus pulled off possibly the biggest upset of the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational quarterfinals after eliminating Bicol with a 74-57 blowout on Tuesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bandera pulled away from the Volcanoes after an 18-6 fourth-quarter blast as the former's Cinderella run continues on.

Leo Najorda put up a vintage performance of 23 points, two rebounds, and two assists for Imus, which will face the winner of the last quarterfinal between Nueva Ecija and Iloilo on Wednesday night's semifinals.

Ian Melencio and Genmar Bragais each added 11 markers.

Zach Huang put up 12 markers, seven boards, two dimes, and one steal for Bicol, which got ousted despite being tipped as one of the favorites to rule the pre-Christmas event.

The Scores:

Imus-Buracai de Laiya (74) – Najorda 23, Melencio 11, Bragais 11, Reyson 9, Rogado 8,Eguilos 6, Santos 6, Llagas 0, Mescallado 0, Tan 0, Mangalino 0.

Bicol-LCC Malls (57) – Huang 12, Tallo 10, Santos 10, Tansingco 7, Lanete 7, Gabawan 4, Yee 4, Marcelino 3, Pericas 0, Lao 0, Luib 0, Cruz 0.

Quarterscores: 21-19, 38-37, 56-51, 74-57.

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