Jhaps Bautista scored on a buzzer-beating triple from the half court to lift Sta. Lucia Realty to a thrilling 79-76 win over Foton Toplander on a rainy Monday night in the PCBL Founder’s Cup at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Foton tied the game for the last time at 76-all on Allan Mangahas’ free throws before Bautista rose to the occasion for the Realtors.
“Somehow, [the win over Foton] is a confidence-booster for our team when we play Caida next week,” said Sta. Lucia coach Bonnie Garcia.
Sta. Lucia’s feat overshadowed Caida’s third win in as many games—a 94-60 whipping of sister team Racal Kama Motors in the other encounter—in the young tournament backed by Spalding, Accel, Aquabest and Ambucore.
The scores:
First game
CAIDA 94—Ruaya 11, Marquez 11, Hayes 10, Leynes 8, Robles 8, Almario 8, Gabawan 7, Lozada 7, Corpuz 6, Jamon 6, Jalalon 4, Jamito 2, Rios 2, Parala 2, Terso 2.
KAMA MOTORS 60—Lingganay 19, Montuano 13, Cabrera 6, Fajardo 5, Argamino 5, Cawaling 2, Ibay 2, Saitanam 2, Darwin 2, Ludovice 2, Mercader 1, Allera 1, Acain 0, Ambulodto 0.
Quarters: 26-17; 46-31; 68-48; 94-60.
Second game
STA. LUCIA 79—Montilla 18, Vidal 12, Esconio 9, Camasura 8, Ilagan 8, Bautista 8, Celiz 7, Wetherell 3, Gabriel 2, Onwubere 2, Sarangay 2, Banal 0.
FOTON 76—Hernandez 22, Rivera 12, Nacpil 11, Gomez 10, Santos 8, Mangahas 7, Rosaroso 4, Baloran 2, Bringas 0.
Quarters: 13-13; 34-35; 60-59; 79-76