MPBL’s QC Capitals triumph over Muntinlupa Cagers in OT game

During overtime, both Joco Tayongtong and Hesed Gabo shot the game-winning points to improve Quezon City’s standing at 4-8. (Photo: Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League/Facebook)

It was an exciting match for Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) fans last Wednesday, November 28 as the Quezon City Capitals overpowered the Muntinlupa Cagers with a 100-97 victory during a game that went overtime at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

During the fourth quarter, the Capitals were leading the game until Cager John Ortuoste threw a three-pointer at the last 2.3 seconds that caused the extension. However, during overtime, both Joco Tayongtong and Hesed Gabo shot the game-winning points to improve Quezon City’s standing at 4-8. Muntinlupa is now standing at nine wins, four losses.

The highest pointer for the Quezon City representatives, sponsored by Black Mamba, is former Mapua Cardinal Hesed Gabo at 20 points and 11 assists. He was aided by teammate Andrew Estrella at 18 points and seven assists. Jay Collado had double digits as well in points, making 16 and adding eight rebounds on top of that. Tayongtong also made 16, while Alwayn Alday and Buenaventura Raflores both provided 10.

After the game, QC Head Coach Vis Valencia shared with Fox Sports Philippines how their win is “big because [they] know Muntinlupa is a strong team and they have a high winning percentage at home,” but added, “But we came here with a no-lose mentality and we know there’s a still a big chance for us to make it to the playoffs.” The Muntinlupa Cagers still stands second in the South Division, while the Quezon City Capitals have moved up in ranking now 11th in the North Division of the league.

The Cagers also fought hard with five members at double digits, namely Felix Apreku, Dave Moralde, John Ortuoste, Allan Mangahas, and Chito Jaime, who made 19, 17, 11, 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Muntinlupa Cagers, led by Coach Aldin Ayo, will have a chance to redeem themselves as they face Team Laguna at the Krah Heroes’ home court next Saturday, December 1. On the other hand, Quezon City’s next match is the week after at the Navotas Sports Complex, where they are going head-to-head against the Zamboanga Valientes.