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| GenSan moves on to the second round of the MPBL Playoffs. MPBL |
MANILA--GenSan became the last team to punch a ticket to the MPBL divisional semifinals after eliminating Muntinlupa, 85-78, in the final game of the playoff first round on Tuesday night at the Paco Arena.
With Kyt Jimenez back in action amid a contract standoff with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, the Warriors knocked out the Cagers as they built enough cushion to hold on until the end.
GenSan had a solid start and took a 26-19 lead at the end of the first quarter even as the team extended it to 10, 44-34, at halftime.
Muntinlupa's John Amores sizzled at the start of the third quarter as he went on an 8-1 run by his lonesome to cut the lead down to three, 45-42, but GenSan regrouped in time and even stretched its advantage to 16, 69-53, at the start of the fourth.
The Cagers tried to mount a comeback and were just down five, 78-83, with 11 seconds left, but the Warriors milked the clock before Nico Elorde was sent to the free-throw line for the insurance charities with 5.5 ticks remaining.
John Wilson, who was sent off in Game 2 last week, led GenSan with 22 points on five triples, six rebounds, and two assists.
Hafer Mondragon played arguably his best game ever and added 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting, eight rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Jimenez only played a little less than 10 minutes of action off the bench but was efficient with seven points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.
The team will now face Batangas City in the South semis beginning Saturday night at the Bacoor City STRIKE Gymnasium.
Amores finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists, JP Sarao and Val Acuna each added 15 markers with Sarao also tallying 14 rebounds, and Ian Melencio jacked up 12 points, 11 boards, seven dimes, and two swipes for Muntinlupa.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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