Phantoms win 2nd straight sans Kobe Paras

MANILA, Philippines – LA Cathedral marched to their second straight win without starter Kobe Paras after grinding out a tough 68-64 overtime win against Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) at the MLK Showcase.

Coach William Middlebrooks opted to rest Paras, who is nursing an ankle injury sustained in a tough 76-80 loss to fourth-ranked Bishop Montgomery last week, for the playoffs according to their official Facebook page.

Milan Acquaah topscored with 27 points while senior Leandro Amador had 23 markers as they alternately carried the LA Cathedral's fight. Sweet-shooting Brazilian big man Lucas Siewert added 12 points.

The Phantoms led 46-41 heading into the fourth but the Jackrabbits came back to tie the game and force an overtime. LA Cathedral though was not to be denied as the Phantoms outscored the Jackrabbits, 13-9, in the extension to pull off the big win, their fourth straight on the road.

Paras is still doubtful to play on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) when the Phantoms take on the Cantwell-Sacred Heart Cardinals in another game on the road.

LA Cathedral improved to 14-3 (win-loss) while Long Beach Poly fell to 15-3.