Makati outlasts Manila

Games Today (Valenzuela Astrodome) 6 p.m. – San Juan vs Bulacan 8 p.m. – Valenzuela vs Basilan

Former pro Jeckster Apinan made the game-winning layup with three seconds left as Makati completed its figthback over the fancied Manila side, 99-98, on Thursday night for its second straight win in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Datu Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The lefty Apinan got an inbound pass from the elbow and drove hard past his Stars counterpart Marvin Hayes, his former Jose Rizal University teammate, for the decisive play that put a fitting end to the Skyscrapers rally from a 16-point deficit in the first half.

Apinan finished with 24 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting from the field and added eight rebounds while big man Cedric Ablaza added 23 points off the bench for Makati, which gained a share of the early lead with idle Navotas in the North Division.

“We didn’t quit,” said Skyscrapers coach Cholo Villanueva, who also got 21 points from former Kia gunner Philip Paniamogan. “The players refused to quit. We stayed on the game and stayed positive until the final buzzer.”

In the nightcap, the visiting Pasay Voyagers spoiled the home debut of the Rizal Crusaders, 87-81, behind a dominant showing in the final period.

Former Lyceum guard Shaq Alanes drilled in 17 points, spiked by four triples, while San Beda product Yvan Ludovice dished out 13 assists on top of 10 points as the Voyagers outplayed the Crusaders down the stretch for their breakthrough victory.

Journeyman Eric dela Cuesta finished with 22 points while former La Salle big man Mark Benitez added 10 points in a losing effort for the Crusaders, who could only score 12 points in the fourth, leading to their second consecutive setback.