JECKSTER Apinan scored the game-winning layup as Makati completed a stunning comeback win over Manila-Robust Extreme, 99-98, to stay unbeaten in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
With the Skyscrapers trailing by one following Aris Dionisio’s split free-throws, Apinan drove hard to the basket and scored over former Jose Rizal University teammate Marvin Hayes just as the buzzer expired to wrap up an amazing comeback from 16 points down.
The Skyscrapers found themselves trailing big early in the third period but their Big Three of Apinan, Cedric Ablaza and Philip Paniamogan led the fightback for that stunning finish.
Apinan finished with 24 points and eight rebounds, Ablaza had 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists as Paniamogan had 21 points on an efficient nine shots to power the Skyscrapers.
Chris Bitoon had 24 points and four assists in a losing effort for the Stars who dropped to 1-1.
The scores:
MAKATI 99 - Apinan 24, Ablaza 23, Paniamogan 21, Lingganay 16, Isip 4, Lasquety 4, Manlangit 3, Mocon 2, Bautista 2, Mangahas 0, Importante 0
MANILA 98 - Bitoon 24,Cervantes 17, Celada 15, Lopez 12, Rodriguez 11, Hayes 9, Dionisio 5, Sabellina 4, Arellano 1, Cruz 0, Yap 0
Quarters: 22-27, 41-54, 67-74, 99-98
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