Paranaque got a lift from JP Sarao and JR Olegario in the homestretch to nip Zamboanga Master Sardines, 83-79, in Game 1 of their quarterfinal playoff in Season 6 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Sarao and Olegario split four straight triples that pushed Paranaque ahead, 78-77, and although Jaycee Marcelino gave Zamboanga back the lead with two free throws, Sarao sealed the win with a hook shot inside followed by three charities.
Now the Patriots' leader, Sarao posted 21 points – including 12 in the fourth quarter – six rebounds, three assists and two blocks to earn best player honors while Jielo Razon finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Olegario chipped in 11 points, spiked by three triples, and three steals.
Saguiguit praised his wards for "believing in each other" and said he could only wish that they could continue their dominance over the Zamboanguenos, who they also beat, 65-62, in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 29-team tournament.
Paranaque will try to cut short the best-of-three series at Zamboanga's homecourt on Monday, Oct. 14.
Zamboanga started flat and trailed, 1-13, before hitting its stride to tie the count, 36-36, at halftime.
The Zamboanguenos got 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Marcelino, 11 points from Rey Joey Barcuma and 10 points plus eight rebounds from Joseph Gabayni.
The MPBL Playoffs continue on Tuesday with North Division games pitting No. 3 qualifier Nueva Ecija against No. 6 Pasay at 6 p.m. and No. 7 Abra against No. 2 Pampanga
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