Valenzuela finally repaid its loyal and passionate fan base with a victory—and a performance—to remember.
The Classic rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final quarter and then finished strong in overtime for a stunning 92-86 win over the powerhouse Bataan Risers in an MPBL Lakan Season game that ended early on Thursday morning at Valenzuela Astrodome.
Paolo Hubalde, Chris de Chavez and unheralded guard Onin Catacutan joined forces down the stretch as the Classic toppled the star-studded Bataan team.
A rejuvenated Hubalde fired 21 points that went with eight rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Catacutan finished with 12 points, including key baskets that sparked the comeback.
It was De Chavez, however, who hit a triple with two seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.
Earlier, Basilan put the clamps on Pampanga’s gunners in overtime as the Steel overcame the Giant Lanterns, 83-74, while Pasig Sta. Lucia, drawing a big game from Jeric Teng, slipped past Caloocan, 89-87.