Firefly Lighting survived a down-the-wire battle against Shell Selection to escape with a 116-112 win in the open division of the Balamban Sports Development Commission (BSDC) basketball tournament at the Buanoy hardcourt in Balamban, Cebu.
Firefly trailed by nine points, 69-78, but rallied back behind the efforts of Resty Getubig and Marvin Abapo to pull within a hairline, 83-84, heading into the final 10-minute mark of the contest.
Former UV Green Lancer Russ Neil Paglinawan joined the fray and sparked a tide-turning rally in the windup to help Firefly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Getubig topped Firefly with 28 points followed by Paglinawan with 21 markers. Abapo chipped 16 points and Emilio Aniñon 14.
The scores
Firefly (116) - Getubig 28, Paglinawan 21, Abapo 16, E. Aninon 14, Mepana 11, R. Aninon 9, Fuentes 5, Berido 3, Capaning 3, Go 2, Redulosa 2, Javellana 2
Shell (112) – Gudez 26, Bebera 14, Canillo 14, Ventura 13, Delfino 12, Ponce 12, Hatague 9, Villahermosa 6, Pogoy 4 — Marigold P. Lebumfacil