John-O overcomes Nutri-licious five

PAMPANGA – Mark Macapagal and Ricky Calimag teamed up in a crucial comeback spurt in the last five minutes as John-O turned back Nutri-licious, 83-78, yesterday in the PBL Outreach Tour at the University of Assumption gym here.

The two combined for 10 points in the 13-3 blast to get John-O back on track and clamped down the Food Specialists in the last 1:42.

John-O trailed, 70-71, when Macapagal drilled in a jumper and a trey while comebacking Erwin McCoy fired another triple to seize a 78-72 upperhand, 3:38 remaining in the game.

Then Calimag capped the pivotal run with two baskets and a split off Bob Allen as John-O enjoyed an 83-74 lead, time down to 1:42.

John-O coach Dong Vergeire then ordered a tough defense in the ensuing play, forcing Nutri-licious to score only on Irvin Sotto’s split off Calimag and Ismael Junio’s jumper with nine seconds to go.

Calimag led John-O with 13 points while Ranidel de Ocampo and Dennis Madrid added 11 apiece.