THE Bulacan Damayang Filipino Republicans stunned the Pampanga Delta with a 2-point edge 93-91, last Saturday night in a thrilling finish during the Chooks-to-Go NBL Chairman’s Cup 2021 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Earnest Reyes scored the game-winner with 1.8 seconds left, converting on a lobbed inbound pass from Dominick Fajardo for the DF Republicans to register the win.
Pampanga’s Mark Tamayo still managed to make a desperate half-court heave that miraculously went in. However, upon review, the shot was nullified for it didn’t beat the final buzzer.
With 2.8 seconds remaining, Bulacan ran a well-executed play as Fajardo found a cutting Reyes inside for the lay-up and converted an easy 2 points.
The exciting victory kept the Republicans’ unbeaten slate to 3-0 while the Delta lost their first game and now sport a 2-1 win-loss record.
Fajardo had 23 points, three rebounds and three assists, and Ryan Operio who was the best player of the game had 22 points on 3-of-5 from three-point country alongside five steals for Bulacan.
Ronan Santos scored 18 points and hauled 16 rebounds for Pampanga.
In other games, Kirk Andrew Agulan had 21 points and the La Union PAOwer defeated the Muntinlupa Water Warriors, 91-83, for their second win in as many games.
Jed Mendoza had 22 points but Muntinlupa suffered its first loss after winning its season opener.
Taguig opened its Chairman’s Cup bid with a 70-55 victory over Stan Spartan Fourth District.
Mike Sampurna scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Generals.
Sulong Stan succumbed to its fourth loss. Khenth Guiab finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds in the game.
MAIN PHOTO: Ernest Reyes of the Bulacan DF Republicans scores an easy 2 points that gave Bulacan the solo lead at the National Basketball League (NBL) Chooks-to-Go Chairman’s Cup 2021 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.