Jay-R Taganas scored with 2.2 seconds remaining to lift AMA University to a thrilling 76-74 decision against Tanduay Light on Monday in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundations’ Cup at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The count was tied at 74-74 when AMA called for time with 3.9 seconds left to talk things over.
In the ensuing play, Jarelan Tanpus spotted Taganas wide open near the free-throw line for the inbound pass. Soon as he received the ball, the portly center didn’t hesitate to take the shot that went straight into net.
Fouled on that play, Taganas missed the bonus shot before Ilagan missed a desperate shot as time expired.
In the second game, Troy Rosario tallied 20 points and Scottie Thompson grabbed 11 rebounds and had six assists, as Hapee blasted Liver Marin, 74-50.
The Fresh Fighters seized control early by holding the Liver Wonders to four field goal in the first quarter and seven-of-25 shooting in the first half to take a 36-25 advantage at the break.
Hapee pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Liver Marin, 20-7, to push the lead to 56-32 entering the fourth. With a 1-1 card, the Fresh Fighters tied Cagayan Valley, CaféFrance and Jumbo Plastic at third place.
Jovit dela Cruz was the top scorer for Liver Marin with eight points as the Liver Wonders went down to their third straight loss in as many games.
“It was a lucky shot. I didn’t even saw it coming. Just so happen all our shooter were covered and the in-bounder found me open in the middle,” said the soft-spoken Taganas, who recorded his third straight double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
“I’m happy to be able to help the team win. I hope one day my dream of playing in the PBA will come true,” he added.
AMA also got solid performance from Dexter Maiquez, who tallied 14 points that went with his 10 rebounds. James Martinez and Tanpus each scored 11 points for the Titans who bounced back from a 70-75 loss to Cagayan Valley and tied idle Kera Mix at second place with 2-1 (win-loss) record.
With Taganas and Maiquez imposing their presence in the middle, AMA outrebounded Tanduay Light, 46-42, and gained a 44-32 advantage on points in the paint.
It was a disappointing loss for the Rhum Masters. They led by as many as 16 points (25-9) in the first quarter, but struggle with their offense in the next three quarters.
Roi Suman scored 13 points off the bench for the Rhum Masters. Edwin Escueta and Aljon Mariano added 11 a piece for Tanduay which picked its second straight defeat and fell to 1-2.
Tanduay Light had a chance to regain the lead after Marcy Arellano split his free throws to tie the score at 74-all with 16 seconds left.
After a time out, The Rhum Masters went to Mariano, who drove the lane but badly missed on a running shot. Tanduay tapped the ball out of bounds allowing AMA to steal the game.