Libis repulses Masambong, boosts bid

MANILA, Philippines - Libis fought back from nine points down entering the fourth quarter to edge Masambong, 103-101, and gain crucial headway in the race to represent Quezon City in the Inter-City phase of the second Coca-Cola Hoopla National Capital Region Championship.

Trailing, 72-81, after three quarters, Libis dominated Masambong in the final period and forced a series of turnovers with its pesky defense that anchored its stirring comeback at Bernardo Park.

In other penultimate elims day matches, Commonwealth crushed Kristong Hari, 87-76, also in QC; Namayan demolished Hagdang Bato, 95-65, in Mandaluyong; Bagumbayan blasted North Signal, 116-55, in Taguig; and Pinaglabanan ripped Palatiw, 116-85, in Pasig.

Today’s final day intra-city match pits BF Homes with Marcelo Green at 6:30 p.m. at Area 1 in Parañaque with the next phase set to start tomorrow in various venues.

The home-and-away Inter-City phase kicks off with two explosive games each from the five competing zones.

East matches pit Quezon City with Pateros at 6 p.m. at the Libis Covered Court in QC and Pasig with Marikina at 7 p.m. at Concepcion Lino in Marikina.

North games will have Caloocan battling Navotas at 6 p.m. at the Navotas Sports Complex, and Valenzuela facing Malabon at 7 p.m. at the Hulong Duhat Covered Court in Malabon.

In the south, Parañaque meets Muntinlupa at 4 p.m. at Area 1 in Parañaque, while Pasay clashes with Las Piñas at 6 p.m. at the Pasay Sports Complex.