Durable Steel roll past Realtors in OT; Cagers, Kuyas win

MALOLOS, Bulacan, Philippines — The Basilan Steel proved to be durable in the homestretch and subdued the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors, 89-83, in overtime on Tuesday in the Chooks-to-Go/Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here.

Forced into extension when Robbie Manalang knocked in an open three, 74-74, the Steel relied on Dennis Daa and Hesed Gabo to win in OT and rise to fourth spot in the South division with a 16-9 record.

Daa canned two free throws while Gabo nailed the dagger triple, 88-82, with 41 seconds to go for the Jumbo Plastics-supported Steel, who drew 19 points from Jerald Bautista and 15 from Gab Dagangon.

The 6-foot-5 Daa wound up with 13 points and eight rebounds, Gabo finished with 12 points plus eight assists, and Jonathan Uyloan contributed 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists for coach Jerson Cabiltes.

The Realtors tumbled to 14-10 in seventh spot in the North division despite the 22-point, 10-rebound output of Leo Najorda and the 23-point, 9-rebound line of Jeric Teng.

The Muntinlupa Cagers clustered 12 points in the fourth quarter to repulse the Imus Bandera, 90-66, in the opener between also-ran teams while the Bulacan Kuyas weathered a stiff challenge from the cellar-dweller Socsargen Marlins before prevailing, 76 -69, and extending their win run to four in the nightcap.