Getting wiser and deadlier each game, Martinez exploded for 24 points, including 15 from the three-point area, his last triple giving the Spirits an 85-84 lead with still over four minutes left.
Cobra’s Jai Reyes countered swiftly with a gutsy drive to regain the lead but it proved to be the Ironmen’s last taste of the lead as Canizares and Saguindel conspired in a 6-2 salvo for a 91-88 advantage with 1:34 remaining.
After Patrick Cabahug scored on a putback that pushed Cobra to within 90-91, the Ironmen had the chance to pull off another Houdini act just like the way they beat Pharex B Complex (78-77) the last time as Cossack’s Raffy Reyes bungled his shot.
Paul Lee – the hero in the team’s first two wins – was again tasked to carry out the mission.
But this time, he failed.
Though he managed to break free from Saguindel, his jumper from the left flank just hit the rim and spun out.
And when San Beda’s JR Taganas towered over veteran Pari Llgas for the rebound, Cossack supporters erupted in a wild celebration that saw Cossack coach Rene Baena smile brilliantly.
“We ran almost the same play but our motivation spelled the difference," said Baena, whose wards improved to 3-0 while dealing erstwhile co-leader Cobra its first loss in three outings. “I think were lucky today."
Lee still finished with 22 points but was a non-factor in the last 15 minutes, going scoreless in the extra five minutes.
The Spirits fell behind by 10 points at the end of the first quarter, 9-19, but Martinez sparked the team’s mighty comeback, burying three triples that enabled them to outscore the Ironmen, 31-12, for a 40-31 halftime lead.
Saguindel had only eight points this time but his two free throws with barely six ticks left sent the game into overtime.
Pharex B Complex completed the day of upsets when it crushed sister team and pre-tournament favorite Ascof Lagundi, 103-89, in the second game.
Vic Manuel, the high-leaping forward from Philippine School of Business Administration, came off the bench to score 27 points, including 10 in the payoff period as the Fighting Maroons of coach Aboy Castro notched their second straight win for a 3-1 record. The Ascof Lagundi Cough Busters fell to 1-3.
The Fighting Maroons shot impressively well from the field, making 35 of 68 tries, including 9-of-18 from the three-point area with Arvin Braganza making 3-of-4. Woody Co and Martin Reyes also knocked down two triples.
Source: Author Unknown | GMANews.TV
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