Zamboanga bounces back from home loss, eliminates Quezon from MPBL Playoffs

Judel Fuentes came alive in the knockout game to lead Zamboanga past Quezon. MPBL

By Ivan Saldajeno

BACOOR--Zamboanga finally ousted Quezon from MPBL Playoffs contention after blowing its first chance at home with an 88-76 win in their rubber match on Saturday night at the Bacoor City STRIKE Gymnasium.

One week after getting stunned in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga made sure Quezon would not complete the reverse sweep by slowly pulling away in the first three quarters.

Quezon tightened up its defense in the fourth quarter, but the team struggled to convert it to offense and Zamboanga held on.

Judel Fuentes led Zamboanga, which will face either Iloilo or Bacoor City in the South Division semis next week, with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block.

John Mahari added 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal off the bench.

Rodel Gravera and Alvin Abundo each put up 14 points for Quezon with Gravera also grabbing 11 rebounds for the double-double.

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