MANILA—Zamboanga Family's Brand Sardines survived a thrilling game against Negros Pau Muscovados and won, 72-71, in their match-up under the lights of the Star Arena in Baliwag on Thursday night.
It was a teeth-to-teeth match-up between Zamboanga and Negros as the game went down the wire in the final seconds of the fourth frame.
With under 30 seconds left in the game, Jason Melano drained two free throws to give his team a three-point lead, 71-68, after an unsuccessful challenge by the opposing team.
On the next possession, Zamboanga had a chance to tie the game with three free throws.
However, Ralph Tansingco missed his second attempt, and the Negros lead was just one, 71-70, with 13.9 seconds remaining in the game.
With 11 seconds left, Jun Manzo was sent to the line after Zamboanga failed to steal the ball from the inbound. Yet, he missed both free throws.
Finally, after a series of failed free throws, Jaycee Marcelino knocked down both free throws to secure Zamboanga its much-needed lead and finally win the game.
Judel Fuentes was named the best player of the game tallying 16 pts, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and a 4/4 record from the line.
This is the fifth straight win by Zamboanga giving them a chance to get an inch closer to the red-hot Bacoor City Strikers in the race for the top spot in the Southern Division standings.
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