MANILA, Philippines - Abel Galliguez hit a triple with one second left as Cagayan Valley rallied from 13 points down to edge Hapee, 80-77, in a duel of unbeaten teams in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.
The highly physical contest between the league’s fancied teams appeared headed for overtime after Troy Rosario canned in two free throws with 10.4 seconds remaining to tie it at 77.
But Galliguez, defying a pressing Bobby Ray Parks, quickly worked the ball downcourt and used a pick by Erik Salamat to drain the game winner as time expired.
“My teammates trusted me and I took the shot and by God’s grace it fell in and we won,” said Galliguez, who had bailed the Rising Suns out of tight situations many times before.
Moala Tautuaa also gave Cagayan a big lift, scoring a game high 24 points that went with his four assists and three shot blocks as the Rising Suns, who trailed, 12-25 after the first 10 minutes, grabbed the solo lead with their 10th straight win.
The Fresh Fighters closed out the elims with a 10-1 card.
Earlier, Jumbo Plastic took charge in the second quarter then fended off MJM Builders’ repeated rallies to fashion out an 88-80 victory and nail the No. 4 in the quarters with a 7-4 card.