MPBL: Ronjay Buenafe lifts Bicol over Imus in OT

MANILA, Philippines—Veteran guard Ronjay Buenafe fired 26 points as expansion team Bicol outlasted Imus, 81-78, in overtime Monday night for its third win in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The 36-year-old Buenafe, who played for 11 seasons in the PBA, opened the extra session with a triple before helping the Volcanoes seal the victory by sinking two free throws with 12 seconds remaining.

Chris Lalata also had a solid game for Bicol with 15 points and 13 rebounds while Jerome Garcia tallied 12 points as the Volcanoes improved to 3-2 in the South division.

Imus drew 19 points from Mark Doligon, who missed a potential game tying triple at the buzzer in overtime. After an impressive start to the season, the Bandera have lost three straight games.

Jayjay Helterbrand played all but 3 minutes of the in the game and finished with nine points and five assists.