Supremo Lex-Builders leaned on a buzzer-beater by Paul Pineda to survive Uratex, 86-84, Tuesday night in the 4th DELeague Invitational Basketball Tournament at Marikina Sports Center, Marikina City.
Pineda broke free from Felix Africu’s tight defense to sink a jump shot from the baseline just before the buzzer, shattering the last deadlock at 84.
Staring at an 81-84 deficit with 31.09 seconds left, Uratex equalized through a layup and a free throw by Von Tambeling.
Pineda scattered 14 points, while Lervin Flores topscored with 15 plus 6 rebounds for Supremo Lex-Builders, which raised its record to 2-1. Adrian Gallardo added 10 rebounds for the victors.
Uratex fell to 1-1 despite Fidel Castro’s 18 points, JC Po’s 17 and Africu’s 14 rebounds.
In the second game, Far Eastern University-NRMF thwarted Sealions, 80-78.
Raymond Aguilar posted 15 points and five rebounds for FEU-NRMF with Anthony Hargrove adding 11 points and four rebounds.
Sealions, which suffered its first loss in three games, got 17 points and two rebounds from Ron Zagala and 10 points and 13 rebounds from Feymi Babeymi.
The league resumes on Thursday with Kawasaki-Marikina facing the Philippine National Police at 7 p.m. and Unlimited tangling with MBL Selection.
The league, which has drawn many name players, is being supported by Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman and sponsored by PCA Marivalley, St. Anthony Hospital, PS Bank Blue Wave Marquinton Branch, Luyong Restaurant Concepcion, Mckie’s Equipment Sales and Rental, and Tutor 911.
Ticket price is just P10.