MMDA’s Jeffrey Sanders hustles his way against NHA Antonio Lustestica. (RUSSEL JULIO / Photoville International)
When the Blackwolves are in trouble, who are they gonna call? The “Shadow“, Jeffrey Sanders!
Sanders scored 16 out of his total 32 points in the final period as MMDA survived the Builders scare, 78-76 in the second round eliminations of UNTV Cup Season 4 at Ynares Sports Arena.
UNTV Cup, the Public Service Channel’s basketball league where cash prizes are donated to charities is led by multi-awarded broadcaster and Mr. Public Service Daniel Razon.
Playing without their main big man Marvin Mercado, NHA slugged it out toe to toe with the Blackwolves in the final period.
The Builders took over the lead, 62-60 after a 3-point play from records assistant Antonio Lustestica Jr. at the 7:18 mark.
Sanders retaliated with his own 3-point play to tie the game at 64, 5:53 left.
Liason Waldemar Tibay converted a jumper to put NHA again on the lead, 68-66 with four minutes and 29 seconds left.
Sanders came again to the rescue with a follow up basket to tie the game at 68, 4:09 left.
NHA’s Marvin Ladia and Ricky Feliciano scored back to back jumper as Builders increased their lead to four, 72-68 at 2:49 mark.
The Shadow and his partner Cyril “Big Step” Santiago nailed four straight free throws to tie the game again, 72 all with one minute and 50 seconds remaining.
Builders data encoder Mark Rovin Valdez missed two free throws while Blackwolves pointguard Peter John Villanueva made one as MMDA wrestled the lead, 73-72 with 1:22 remaining.
Sanders again rose to the occasion with a crucial jumper as MMDA increased its lead to three 75-72, 50.4 ticks left.
But Lustestica drained a triple to tie the game again for the nth time 75 all, 36.6 seconds left.
In what could have been a wild play and almost a turnover, Sanders incidentally got the loose ball and converted a jumper as MMDA regained the upperhand 77-75 with only 14.5 ticks left.
Lustestica and Sanders canceled out each other’s free-throws as MMDA came out on top, 78-76 as the final buzzer sounded.
Aside from 32 markers, the former Barangay Hoopsters player also made nine out of 14 field goals, 14 out of 15 free throws and grabbed 14 boards.
Santiago and Ronee Santos have 11 points and seven rebounds apiece for MMDA which improved to 4-2 mark tied with December 4 opponent, Malacañang.
Lustestica finished with 32 markers, five out of 12 triples, 11 boards, an assist, steal and a block while Tibay had an all-around game of 19 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block. But these are not enough as NHA falls down to 3-3 slate before facing defending champion Judiciary on December 4.
NHA Builders had more three points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks but MMDA’s 26 out of 46 free throws compared to Builders’ only nine out of 16, made the winning key for the Blackwolves.
And don’t forget the Shadow Sanders.
The CUP scores
MMDA 78- Sanders 32, Santiago 11, Santos 11, Monzon 6, Villanueva 5, Guittap 3, Idria 3, Panican 3, Sosa 2, Gragasin 2
NHA 76- Lustestica 32, W.Tibay 19, Ladia 10, R.Tibay 5, Feliciano 4, Taguiam 4, Valdez 2
Quarter scores: 20-15, 40-33, 56-53, 78-76
(MARK SUBA)
The post MMDA out-sprints NHA as Sanders lead the way appeared first on UNTV News.