MANILA, Philippines — Quezon Province flirted with disaster before besting Biñan Tatak Gel, 58-54, on Wednesday and keeping its perfect record in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Quezon Huskers wasted a 15-point spread and allowed their opponents to knot the count at 45, before Judel Fuentes hit his stride and drilled in two triples in a 9-2 spurt that propelled them to 14-0 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Fuentes finished with 10 points like LJ Gonzales and Ximore Sandagon, who was chosen best player with an additional eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Gonzales also posted six rebounds and three assists while Fuentes chipped in four rebounds and three steals.
Way behind, 30-45, Biñan bunched 10 points, including five by Niño Canaleta, to move closer, 40-45, after the third quarter.
Nathaniel Lopez then canned a triple and a fade away, enabling Biñan to tie Quezon for the third and last time with six minutes and 30 seconds left.
Carlo Lastimosa drove in and Kenny Roger Rocacurva knocked in a triple to push Biñan within 54-56.