PARANAQUE fought back from 20 points down before completing a huge come from behind 89-83 win over Valenzuela late Wednesday night in the MPBL Season 3 at the Valenzuela Astrodome.
Jemal Vizcarra made a triumphant return after not being able to play last season. In his comeback game, the 6-foot-2 forward from University of Santo Tomas knocked in 27 points, built around five three-point shots.
Dwight Saguiguit added 17 markers to provide support to Vizcarra while the rest of the young turks of the Patriots made key contributions on the defensive end that baffled the Classic, who was forced to commit 21 turnovers.
That resulted to 25 turnover points for Parañaque.
“Sa totoo lang, ibang klase talaga yung mga batang teammates ko, kasi yung klase ng depensa na pinakikita nila, hindi ko kaya yun. Kaya kami nakabalik dahil sa kanila,” added Vizcarra.
The Patriots held the Classic to only two field goals in a seven minute stretch. Bridging the third and fourth quarters, Parañaque was able to get back from a 66-46 deficit by unloading a murderous 29-4 run to turn things around and completed the biggest comeback win of the third season of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Earlier, Bicol pulled off a huge upset win over a favored Pampanga squad, 82-70.
Ex-pro Ronjay Buenafe scattered 20 points while Alwyn Alday contributed 15 for the Volcanoes, who bounced back from opening day loss to Basilan.
Another former PBA player, Alex Nuyles, added 10 markers for the Gil Orense-owned franchise.
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