PASIG MCW Sports fended off Bataan’s final assault to prevail 70-67 last Saturday and bolster its playoff bid in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika PIlipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga City.
The Bataan Risers bunched seven points to threaten at 67-69, but Ryan Paule Costelo canned his second free throw with 12 seconds left to preserve Pasig’s 13th win against 7 losses.
Bataan had one final chance to force overtime, but Yves Sazon missed his triple attempt with only 2 ticks to go, plunging the Risers’ record to 7-12.
Belying his 5-foot-5 frame, Costelo posted 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists to earn best player honors. The former San Sebastian Stag was supported by Michael Maestre with 12 points and 4 rebounds, Kenny Roger Rocacurva with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists plus 3 blocks, and Jason Ballesteros with 14 rebounds to go with 6 points and 3 blocks.
Bataan, which trailed, 47-60, early in the foruth quarter, got 15 points from Robbi Darang and 11 from Sazon.
Earlier games, saw Caloocan subdue Imus, 80-71, and Quezon Province dump Pasay, 64-49.
Caloocan rose to 14-5 through Ervin Palencia, Gabby Espinas and Reil Cervantes.
