RP-Lhuillier humbles US five

An all-out RP-Cebuana Lhuillier put on a big show against the taller and tough USA-Bingo Bonanza, 89-84, yesterday at the kickoff of the PBL RP-US Goodwill Series at the Pasig Sports Center.

Cyrus Baguio drilled in 15 of his 18 points in the final half as he joined Emmerson Oreta in bringing the Nationals back on track.

The Americans showed their might early in the game, taking the first canto with an 18-16 edge and went back to their dugouts enjoying a 40-37 lead at the half.

But at the turn, RP-Lhuillier fought back. Oreta, who finished with 14 points sank four triples that erected a 52-46 upperhand while Baguio wowed the crowd with three undergoal stabs against 6-10 Terrence Super and 6-8 Will Levy to give the Nationals a 64-57 lead.

Brando Payton, Levy and Alvin Stephenson tried to get the USA-Bingo Bonanza back on track.

Kalani Fereria’s back-to-back baskets gave coach Aric del Rosario’s wards some shivers, 82-84, with 23.8 seconds left, but Baguio saved the day for the Nationals as he went three-of-four from the freethrow line to virtually secure the win, 87-82, in the dying 10.l seconds.