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BIÑAN, LAGUNA — Pampanga outlasted Navotas in a wild and woolly finish, 89-88, on Wednesday’s MPBL Datu Cup match at the Alonte Sports Arena here.
Levi Hernandez, the player acquired by the Lanterns in a trade with Marlon Gomez, came up with big plays down the stretch to steer his new squad to a come-from-behind win over his former team.
With the Lanterns trailing by five, the ex-PBA swingman who had a brief stint with Talk N Text, hit a crucial triple that shoved the Lanterns to within a basket, 88-86, wtih still 20 seconds left in the game.
In Navotas’ next play, Kris Porter was called for a backing violation as he failed to control the ball off an inbound play, allowing Pampanga to make a thrown in at their front court.
Juneric Baloria received the ball and blew past his defender, Donald Gumaru. The former NLEX guard split his charities to tie the game at 88-all.
The Clutch committed yet another crucial turnover as Ron Dennison lost the ball to Hernandez and Gomez had to give up a duty foul. Hernandez scored on split charities off an advantage foul called on Gomez and Pampanga had a chance to put more pressure in its next offensive play.
Ex-Ginebra player Jimbo Aquino became the recipient off an inbound play and was fouled right away. Unfortunately, the veteran guard missed both charities.
The Clutch rushed to the other end and Jai Reyes, who had a sensational game all night long, was fouled in the process. Reyes, however, missed both shots from the free throw area as players battled for the loose ball resulting to a jump ball and possession arrow went to Navotas.
Off a baseline inbound play, Dennison was supposed to receive the pass that went to the hands of Michole Sorela, who missed a point blank range as time expired, allowing Pampanga to escape with a tense win.
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