SOUTH Cotabato passed the tough test put up by Marikina for a 76-72 decision on Wednesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan, Laguna.
The Shoemasters clustered six points to gain control, 71-68, but the Warriors kept their composure and struck back through John Wilson's two charities and Nico Elorde's clutch triple to regain the lead with 46.4 seconds left.
Wilson and Marikina's Eric Pili split their free throws before Marwin Dionisio drilled two charities with 1.7 ticks left to seal the Warriors' sixth win against three losses.
Elorde finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists and was supported by Chris Dumapig with 11 points plus seven rebounds. For his part, Wilson wound up with nine points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Despite clawing back from a 34-49 hole, Marikina dropped to 1-8. The Shoemasters got 17 points, three assists, and two steals from Ahron Estacio and 12 points, three rebounds from homegrown player Eloie Tan.
The MPBL visits the Wes Arena in Valenzuela on Thursday with another triple bill pitting Sarangani against Muntinlupa at 4 p.m., Bacolod against Nueva Ecija at 6 p.m., and Bulacan against Valenzuela at 8 p.m.
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