Zamboanga posts OT win vs Sarangani

Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines broke loose in overtime and went on to subdue Sarangani, 89-86, late Monday and remain unscathed in the OKBetMPBL 4th Season presented by Xtreme at the packed Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Adrian Santos laid up twice while Mon Mabayo and Jayvee Marcelino canned a triple each as Zamboanga surged ahead, 87-78, in the extension period en route to its sixth straight win in the single round-robin elimination round of the 22-team tournament.

Although Sarangani, which fell to 5-2, retaliated with back-to-back triples by Paul Sanga and Donald Gumaru and a lay-up by John Jordan Sta. Ana to threaten at 86-87, Reden Celda provided the insurance charities for Zamboanga with just three seconds to go.

Sanga got free for a long three, which rattled off the ring, for the final count.

Zamboanga drew 13 points, six rebounds and three assists from Jhapz Bautista, and 13 points plus five rebounds from Mabayo.

YouTube sensation Kyt Jimenez posted 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for Sarangani, also being supported by OKBet.

Sanga scored 19 points, Sta. Ana 13, Jonjon Gabriel 10 points plus 10 rebounds and Gumaru nine points for Sarangani.

With Jimenez dropping 11 points, Sarangani overtook Zamboanga, 7775, but Jeff Comia drove in to forge overtime.

GenSan halted Pampanga’s 3-game run with a 77-73 victory in the nightcap, while Batangas City stretched its winning streak to seven with a 77-62 drubbing of Valenzuela City, which tumbled to 4-4 like Pampanga.