Manalang takes charge as Pasig stays alive vs Caloocan in MPBL playoffs

MANILA, Philippines – Pasig City MCW Sports exacted sweet payback on Caloocan, pulling off a 65-61 squeaker in Game 2 to force a rubber match in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) North Division quarterfinals Friday night at the Caloocan City Sports Complex.

Robbie Manalang drained the go-ahead triple in the waning minutes before Pasig flaunted a defensive stand down the wire as No. 4 Pasig frustrated No. 5 Caloocan’s home crowd and avenged its 71-69 loss in Game 1 last week. 

The crafty guard finished with a game-high 23 points on 4-of-7 accuracy from downtown laced by two assists and three steals to show the way for the resilient team owned by decorated basketball executive Buddy Encarnado.

Kenny Roger Rocacurva added 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals while Ryan Costelo chipped in eight points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals to backstop Manalang.

“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na binigyan kami ng isa pang pagkakataon na lumaban sa third game. But I’d also like to thank my players for this win. They never gave up,” said coach Boyet Fernandez as Pasig stayed in contention for a ticket in the North semifinals.

Game 3 is next Friday, still at the Batang Kankaloo’s home turf, where another tightrope battle looms like the first two games. 

Encarnado lauded his wards for a character win against all odds.

“Our backs were against the wall. They are a much-experienced team, taller and most of all, they have the home court advantage. But I told them the key to overcome all of this is playing with poise,” he said. “The boys heeded my call and responded the way they played in front of a full stadium, 99% of which were from Caloocan.”

Pasig did.

As Caloocan escaped on Gabby Espinas’ game-winner in Game 1, Pasig was not to be denied in their second encounter by reversing the roles with a thrilling win of its own behind the heroics of Manalang.

No team led by as many as seven points in the toe-to-toe duel until Manalang hit a clutch stepback trey to give Pasig a 59-58 lead in the last three minutes.

Pierce Tyron Chan hit a free throw the next possession, then Manalang converted another crucial jumper before Costelo iced it