CBA: Valenzuela blazes late to pip Malabon
by Ernest Hernandez
Valenzuela got key baskets from Floyd Dedicatoria late in overtime to turn back Malabon, 107-106, in the CBA Pilipinas Founders Cup at the San Juan Gymnasium on Sunday.
Dedicatoria scored on back-to-back baskets that broke a 101-all tie halfway into the five-minute extension while answering a Ryan Dela Cruz layup with a jumper of his own to keep the Express ahead by two possessions, 107-103, with 1:01 to play.
The Squad still threatened after trimming the lead down to just one with just three seconds left, but failed to make an attempt as time expired.
Ford Ruaya made 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Valenzuela.
Dedicatoria added 16 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.
Prince Casin put up 23 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal for Malabon.
Dan Natividad chipped in 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Scores:
Valenzuela 107-Ruaya 17, Dedicatoria 16, Gimpayan 15, Rivera 13, Kalaw 12, Alcober 11, Ch. De Chavez 8, Martinez 7, Ortega 6, Pastrana 2, Lacamento 0, Ca. De Chavez 0
Malabon 106-Casin 23, Natividad 20, Ingles 13, Angeles 10, Aquino 8, Parungao 8, Pagayunan 7, Albo 6, Dela Cruz 4, Gallardo 4, Atabay 3, Bruno 0
Quarterscores: 21-26, 47-43, 65-69, 94-94, 107-106
