Magnolia outlasts K Korn in 3 OTs

Magnolia Ice Cream leaned on Bonbon Custodio’s heroics as it survived Kettle Korn, 133-128, in triple overtime yesterday and lived for another day in the PBL Silver Cup at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Gym.

Custodio, a rookie out of University of the East, unleashed a career and season-high 34 points, including five in third OT, to send the Spinners to another knockout duel with the Henkel-Sista Super Sealers on Thursday for a quarterfinal seat.

"If you need two points, just give the ball to him (Bonbon). He’s a very great player and he’ll be a force to reckon with in the future," said Magnolia coach Koy Banal.

The win marked the first time that a PBL game went into three overtime periods since Shark overcame Giv Beauty Soap six years ago. Both teams are no longer in the PBL.

It was also the highest scoring game of the season, and it should give Magnolia the momentum going into its do-or-die contest with Henkel-Sista.

"I always welcome this kind of win especially going to the next level. I think we’re ready for the next phase," said Banal.

Yousif Aljamal and Jeff Chan also played well, scattering 27 and 23 points, respectively, while Nigerian behemoth Samuel Ekwe had 20 rebounds to go with 11 points, three blocks and an assist.

Endurance and bench depth also served as factors as the Corn Poppers, who showed up for the game with just 10 players, were left with only five players in the end.

June Dizon, Chester Taylor, Dylan Ababou and Fil-Am Josh Urbiztondo fouled out one after the other while Allan Evangelista led his team with 26 points. But he suffered cramps in the third overtime to hasten Kettle Korn’s downfall.

Banal praised the Corn Poppers for their gallant play. "I want to give credit to them, they pushed us to the limit," said Banal.