CEBU, Philippines - The Liloan hoopsters shocked host Danao in overtime, 120-112, to march into the finals of the 5th Cong. Red Durano Basketball Cup at Danao City Civic Center the other day.
The visitors from Liloan trailed by 11 points in the last four minutes of the regulation period, but staged a daring comeback fueled by their full-court trapping defense that forced Danao to commit a spate of costly errors.
As they piled up points from Danao's miscues, the Liloanons eventually squared the count at 100-all on a triple by Mark Malagar with 52 seconds remaining.
The Danao dribblers regained the lead, 102-100, but Liloan again tied the count at 102-all with only
25 ticks left. Danao missed in its last possession, thus, the overtime.
Liloan could have even won the match outright but Julius Asotigue flubbed an undergoal stab as gameclock expired.
The two protagonists fought on almost even terms in the first three minutes of the extension period but after Danao's 24-second violation, Liloan grabbed the lead, 112-109, for good.
Two more turnovers hurt Danao and in the process sealed Liloan's victory.
Liloan will face next either Danao or Sogod in the winner-take-all championship match on June 5 also at the Danao City Civic Center. (FREEMAN)