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| Kris Porter doused cold water on Biñan's comeback bid with crucial shots down the stretch. Luis Fabregar |
BINAN—The General Santos Warriors stopped home team Biñan Tatak Gel's bid for a dramatic come-from-behind victory, escaping with a 71-67 win in the nightcap of the MPBL's South Division opening doubleheader on Friday night at the Alonte Sports Arena.
The Warriors came out strong in the first quarter, executing their game plan with precision en route to a 29-15 lead at the end of the period.
Despite its offense slowing down in the second quarter, GenSan's disciplined play continued as it remained somewhat comfortable with a 42-36 halftime lead, keeping the home crowd on edge.
Biñan, however, came out of the break with renewed energy, making key adjustments on both ends of the floor.
The turnaround paid off late in the third quarter when veteran forward Marc Pingris delivered a crucial layup to give the home team a slim 50-49 advantage with 1:43 remaining in the period.
But the Warriors refused to fold.
GenSan responded with a strong finishing run in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead, 54-51, heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter turned into a battle of nerves, with both teams exchanging baskets and momentum in a tightly contested showdown.
In the closing moments, Porter once again stepped up, knocking down a clutch three-pointer with 16.4 seconds left to give GenSan a decisive four-point cushion—ultimately sealing their first win of the season.
Kyle Tolentino led the Warriors with 16 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Hesed Gabo added a stellar double-double performance of 15 points and 10 assists with six rebounds and one steal in a composed all-around effort.
Kenny Rocacurva had 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks for the Tatak Gel, who began their season with a loss one year after making all the way to the South finals.
Ato Barba had five points, all in the second quarter, in his first game in the pro ranks.
Meanwhile, Caloocan gave Jerson Cabiltes a rousing win in his first game as the team's new head coach, sending an early statement to the MPBL community with an 89-63 blowout win against Quezon City at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
The Batang Kankaloo gradually imposed their will against the Black Bulls at home, eventually pulling away as the game went on from start to finish.
Jeff Manday led Caloocan with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-for-4 from deep, eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Kymani Ladi had himself a night in his regular-season debut with 12 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Pat Buena fired 19 points on 5-of-9 shooting from long range, two rebounds, and one steal to lead QC.
With a report from Ivan Saldajeno
