Robles, Austria deliver as Hog’s Breath sends Cagayan out of playoff contention

MANILA, Philippines — Hog’s Breath pulled the plug on Cagayan Valley’s playoff hopes following a thrilling 91-89 win in overtime in the 2014 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at the Meralco Gym.

The Razorbacks drew big performances from their guards Billy Ray Robles, who scored the game-winning basket on a putback with 0.8 tenths of a second left, and Ale Austria to end their campaign on a strong note.

Robles scored 14 points and had eight rebounds off-the-bench while Austria posted 13 points, including the game-tying shot with 0.7 tenths of a second remaining that forced OT.

“We were able to finish strong. We had some lapses defensively but the players delivered in the end,” said Hog’s Breath coach Mike Buendia

The Rising Suns, who slipped to 3-6, actually had the chance to take the lead but Joshua Webb blew a golden opportunity after losing the ball out of bounds while underneath the basket with 6.7 ticks left.

Dave Najorda led the Razorbacks in scoring with 17 points on eight-of-11 shooting from the field.

Ed Daquioag topscored with 21 points in 21 minutes before getting injured in the third quarter.

Cagayan Valley looked well on its way to a win after building a nine-point lead, 75-66, on a Jett Vidal drive late in the fourth period before Hog’s Breath closed the final frame on a 15-6 run.

Abel Galliguez put the Suns on top by two, 81-79, on wide-open 3-pointer off an inbound play coming off a timeout with 6.4 ticks remaining in regulation.

Kevin Racal was fouled on the drive in ensuing play with 2.3 seconds left but he sprained his right ankle in the process and had to be replaced by Austria to shoot the crucial free throws. Austria missed his first attempt and intentionally missed his second free throw to give his team a chance to win.

Fortunately for Hog’s Breath, the ball bounced right back into Austria’s hands and the flashy playmaker was able to bury a contested floater in the shaded area to forge extra time.

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