Don Trollano scored Cagayan Valley’s last nine points in overtime and the Rising Suns subdued AMA University, 107-103, to advance to the semifinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Foundation Cup on Monday at the Ynares Arena.
The Titans were up by three with 1:40 remaining when Trollano took charge and changed the complexion of the game. He knocked down a three-pointer, scored on a drive and sank two free throws to cap the Rising Suns’ mighty charge that earned them a best-of-three showdown against semifinalist-in-waiting CaféFrance.
“We don’t entertain distractions, we just focus on our training and practices,” said Coach Toto Dojillo, who took over from Head Coach Alvin Pua. Pua was banned for life by the PBA for punching a game official.
“Abel was off today so I had to step up. Lucky for me I got a lot of help from Michael [Mabulac] and Jason [Melano]. Now we focus for the semis,” said Trollano, who finished with a game-high 31 points.
It was a frustrating loss for the Titans, who appeared headed for a rubber match when Jeremy King hit a three-pointer and James Martinez scored on a fast-break lay-up that gave the AMA a 103-100 lead with 1:40 left.
King led all scorers with 40 points but couldn’t save the Titans from eliminations.
Earlier, Jumbo Plastic allowed a 14-point third quarter advantage to dissipate but hung tough down the stretch and came away with an 87-83 come-from-behind victory against Hapee in the other quarterfinal.