MANILA – Brix Ramos converted on a go-ahead layup as Negros Muscovados pulled off an 87-86 escape over Pangasinan Heatwaves in the 2024 MPBL Season on Monday night at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.
Down 82-86 after a basket by Heatwaves’ Ralph Robin with a minute left, the Muscovados were able to cut the deficit to a single point on a three-point play by Felipe Chavez.
After an exchange of missed triples from both teams, Ramos stole the ball from Heatwaves’ John Paul Maguliano that led to his go-ahead conversion with eight seconds left in the game.
Ramos, formerly of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, finished with two points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in four minutes of action as the Muscovados improved to a 9-11 win-loss slate.
John Rey Villanueva and Buenaventura Raflores Jr. led the way for the Muscovados with 18 points apiece, while Renz Palma and Chavez added 15 and 13 markers, respectively.
Down by as much as 18 points at 37-55 in the third quarter, the Muscovados slowly clawed their way back behind conversions by Villanueva and Raflores to tie the score at 78-all.
The Muscovados took an 81-79 lead on a Chavez triple, but the Heatwaves regained the advantage at 86-82 via free throws by Robin, a three-point play by Maguliano, and another conversion from Robin.
“Ready naman kami sa mga ganung sitwasyon kasi sa training pa lang ni coach Bonnie (Garcia) talagang go hard na kami,” Villanueva said during his Player of the Game interview.
Maguliano top-scored for the Heatwaves with 19 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Robin added 18 markers, including four three-pointers, as they dropped to 7-12 record.
The Muscovados will attempt for their third straight victory against Binan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX at six in the evening on July 27 at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan./PN
BOX SCORE:
NEGROS 87 – Raflores 18, Villanueva 18, Palma 15, Chavez 13, Peralta 9, Capobres 6, Gania 3, Reyes 2, Ramos 2, Gabriel 1, Espanola 0, Formento 0, Longa 0, Cruz 0.
PANGASINAN 86 – Maguliano 19, Robin 18, Bautista 9, Mina 7, Juico 5, Comia 4, Melencio 4, Caasi 4, Cosejo 4, Mabulac 4, Baracael 4, Gabo 3, Fontanilla 1, Tolentino 0, Meneses 0.
Quarterscores: 25-17, 34-46, 60-70, 87-86.
