Zamboanga, Imus force sudden-death showdowns with crucial victories

Undaunted by the hostile crowd, Zamboanga kept its poise and lived to fight another day in the MPBL Datu Cup.

Ex-pro Reed Juntilla poured 26 points, while Harold Arboleda came up with 17 rebounds and 13 assists as the Rapidos turned back the Muntinlupa Cagers, 84-73, on Thursday night to force a do-or-die Game 3 in their South division quarterfinal series at a jam-packed Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

Pushed to the brink after a 78-89 loss in Game 1, the sixth seeded Rapidos came out sharp and aggressive, frustrating the Cagers with their suffocating defense, while turning to Juntilla and Robin Rono for clutch baskets down the stretch.

The highly physical match saw two Muntinlupa players, Ernesto Bondoc and Andretti Stevens, also get thrown out. Bondoc walked to the showers on two unsportsmanlike fouls while Andretti was charged with a disqualifying foul.

The crowd grew uneasy with security stepping in, after plastic bottles were thrown to the floor in the final minutes with Muntinlupa down by a double-digit margin.

“We knew we had to match their physicality to tie the series, but we also have to keep our composure,” said Zamboanga coach Raymond Valenzona, whose father, Turo, serves as consultant of the Muntinlupa squad.

Seventh seed Imus also forged a sudden death match with No. 2 seed Batangas after a stunning 75-69 victory earlier.

Imus guard James Castro fired 21 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists, but it was the Banderas’ stifling defense that helped propel them tie the series.

The Bandera held the talent-laden Batangas squad led by Jeff Viernes to just 22 points in the middle quarters to seize control. Castro hit five of six free throws in the final minute to help preserve the win for Imus.

“Even with the loss in Game 1, we were not discouraged because we always felt we had a chance if we play the right way against Batangas,” said Imus coach Noy Falcasantos in Filipino.