JUDEL Fuentes scored on a tough lay-up with 2.7 seconds left to lift Quezon past Mindoro, 104-102, in double-overtime to move to the semifinals of the MPBL 2025 Season at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Bulacan.
The Huskers completed a sweep after an 84-73 win on October 13 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Wendell Comboy had a chance to win the game and keep the Tamaraws alive but his three-pointer at the buzzer went airball.
RJ Ramirez completed a three-point play to give Mindoro a 100-98, with 1 minute and 45 seconds left, but Ljay Gonzales canned two free throws and Vince Magbuhos struck from under to regain control for Quezon.
Fil-Am Ashon Andrews tied the count at 102 on two charities with 21 seconds to go, but Fuentes capped his 21-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance with that drive off the outstretched arms of Andrews.
Other Huskers who delivered for the reigning South champions were Tamsi with 16 points, Will Gozum with 14 points and six rebounds, Gab Banal with 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Vince Magbuhos with 11 points and seven boards.
Ramirez led the way for Mindoro with 25 points while Andrews added 18 points and 13 boards in a loss.
The MPBL playoffs continue when it swings back to the North Division at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, with games pitting Pangasinan against Nueva Ecija at 6 p.m., and San Juan against Pasay at 8 p.m.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.