TAGUIG secured first blood in the National Basketball League-Pilipinas (NBL) President’s Cup finals series, outlasting Camsur, 90-87, on Friday at the Jun Duenas Gymnasium.
LJ Mayo had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks for the Generals to capture Game One of the best-of-five championship showdown.
Mike Sampurna delivered 10 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists to also contribute to Taguig’s win.
Game Two is scheduled on Sunday, 4 p.m. at the Jun Duenas Gymnasium in Taguig City.
Mayo scored seven straight points for Taguig that enabled the Generals to grab an 83-73 lead with four minutes to play in the match.
Jerome Almario drained a three-pointer with four seconds left to cut the gap to 88-87 but Dan Natividad calmly sank two free throws to settle the final score. Rafael Vibares missed a late three for Camsur to end the game.
Vibares contributed 17 points on 3-for-5 shooting from threes, while Verman Magpantay had 16 points and six assists for the Express, who will look to tie in Game Two before the series shifts to the Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur for Game Three and, if necessary, Game Four.
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