Montana thwarts Pioneer; MLQU bags PYBL title

Montana Pawnshop showed grit and mental toughness in the homestretch as it thwarted Ateneo-Pioneer, 73-67, yesterday in the PBL Challenge Cup semifinals at the Makati Coliseum.

Meanwhile, five-time CUSA champion Boysen-MLQU hang tough in the final minute to ward off Skyland Estate, 70-63, and capture the first Philippine Youth Basketball League (PYBL) crown earlier.

Aris Dimaunahan and Gilbert Lao scored 18 points apiece as they led the Jewellers’ 10-2 closing run that had the team clinching their seventh win against four losses.

The Pioneers suffered their sixth defeat in 10 outings.

Edilito Saygo came up with an all-around game, topping with 19 points, 12 rebounds and three assists as the Paint Experts copped the PYBL crown.

"I was very confident with the boys. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kahit national champion ang kalaban, mas experienced tayo kesa kanila," said Boysen-MLQU coach Rex Manansala.

"I just told them to hang tough at endgame. Suwerte rin ang pagkakahugot ko ke Norman Afable in place of Theody Habelito who had five fouls then," he added.

They were leading by a hairline, 58-57, when Afable joined hands with Rodel Mallari to hike their advantage to 65-57, 3:52 left in the game.

Milo Bonifacio’s freethrow pulled Skyland Estate close at 61-67, 1:06 remaining.

But Habelito pulled a crucial steal off Jeffrey Cocjin to signal the doom for the Estate Builders.

Mercury Freigh-College of St. Benilde held Dazz-Letran scoreless in the final 4:45 for a 62-50 victory to clinch third place.

Harold Sta. Cruz sank two freethrows that kept the Greasebusters on top of 50-46, 4:45 remaining in the game.

Five-time CUSA champion Boysen-MLQU hang tough in the final minute to ward off Skyland Estate, 70-63, yesterday to capture the 1st Philippine Youth Basketball League (PYBL) crown at the Makati Coliseum.

Edilito Saygo came up with an all-around game topping with 19 points, 12 rebounds and three assists as the Paint Experts showed grit and determination to pull through the tight endgame.

"I was very confident with the boys. Sabi ko nga sa kanila. kahit national champion ang kalaban, mas experienced tayo kesa kanila," said Boysen-MLQU coach Rex Manansala.

"I just told them to hang tough in the endgame. Suwerte rin ang pagkakahugot ko ke Norman Afable in place of Theody Habelito who had five fouls then," he added.

They were leading by a hairline, 58-57, when Afable pulled to quick basket as he joined hand with Rodel Mallari to hike the advantage to 65-57, 3:52 left in the game.

Milo Bonifacio’s freethrow pulled Skyland Estate close at 61-67, 1:06 remaining.

But Habelito pulled a crucial steal off Jeffrey Cocjin to signal the doom for the Estate Builders.

Mercury Freigh-College of St. Benilde held Dazz-Letran scoreless in the final 4:45 for a 62-50 victory to clinch third place.

Harold Sta. Cruz sank two freethrows that kept the Greasebusters on top of 50-46, 4:45 remaining in the game.