CAMSUR Express overhauled a seven-point deficit in the final moments of Game 3 to beat the Taguig Generals on Sunday and advance to the National Basketball League-Pilipinas (NBL) President’s Cup finals at the Far Eastern University gym in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Medwin Ariate drained a three with 0.2 seconds left to complete the comeback after Camsur found itself traling, 87-80, with 1:13 left in the knockout semifinal, sealing the Express’ first-ever finals appearance since joining the league as a pioneer in 2018.
The Express will face Governors’ Cup titlist Tikas Kampampangan, which completed a sweep of Zambales Constructicons in their best-of-three semifinals via 136-117 win in Game 2.
Game 1 of the best-of-five finals series begins on Friday at the Pampanga State University Gym in Bacolor.
Verman Magpantay sparked the comeback by scoring a lay-up with 1:07 left, and a free throw with 38.2 seconds remaining. It was followed by the Express forcing turnovers that led to a follow-up by Jabonte and Jerome Almario tying the game with two free throws with 18.7 seconds left.
Taguig regained the lead on a dunk by Noy Pragoso with 10.4 seconds left, but was left heartbroken by that three by Ariate.
The Generals looked headed for the win after Harvey Subrabas made a three with 2:51 left that gave them that 87-80 lead. But they were limited to just a field goal the rest of the way.
Jerome Almario topscored for the Express with 23 points followed by Magpantay with 20 points. Jabonete added 16 points and 16 rebounds for Camsur.
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