MICHAEL Juico, Macky Acosta, and Jonathan Banal led Wangs Basketball’s spirited comeback in the end game for a stunning 76-74 victory over Cagayan Valley on Monday in the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup at the JCSGO gym in Quezon City.
Juico and Acosta sparked the Couriers’ 8-2 finish completed by Banal’s two clutch free throws with 6.4 seconds left to upset the Rising Suns.
Wangs got 22 points from Juico, while Acosta added 14 points. Banal had 11 markers for Wangs Basketball, which improved its record to 2-3.
Cagayan Valley, which led 72-68 with three minutes to play, fell to 5-2.
“Na-challenge ’yung mga players,” said Wangs Basketball coach Pablo Lucas. “Umasa kami na dikit ang laban.”
Juico began the game-winning run with a three-point play before Acosta converted a three-pointer to give the Couriers a 74-72 lead. Mark Cruz tied the game with a lay-up off a turnover with 27.4 seconds to play.
Banal was fouled by Mark Bringas before converting the clutch free throws. Cagayan Valley came up empty in its last possession as Wangs players stormed the court to celebrate.
Kenneth Ighalo had 16 points for Cagayan Valley.
The scores:
Wangs Basketball (76) – Juico 22, Acosta 15, Banal 11, Ilad 8, Vijandre 8, Gomez 4, Saitanan 4, Lopez 3, Galliguez 2, Cerico 0, Mamocatcat 0, Castro 0.
Cagayan Valley (74) – Ighalo 16, Bringas 12, Celada 11, Pinto 10, Caperal 7, Trollano 6, Jamito 4, Cruz 4, Mabulac 2, Foronda 2, Melano 0.
Quarterscores: 16-21; 38-38; 56-59; 76-74.
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