The Snack Masters made seven of 12 free throws in the final three minutes to seal their third win in seven games and breathe some life to their flickering hopes. The Jewelers absorbed their first loss after six straight wins.
"Free throws na naman," said Kornets coach Jun Tan. "Akala ko mauulit yung nangyari sa amin against Toyota. Buti na lang na-convert namin yung huli (free throws)."
After missing 19 of their 42 free throws in a close loss to Toyota two days ago, the Kornets made 17 of 24 this time, enabling them to pull off the stunning win over a previously unbeaten team.
Tan said fewer turnovers were the other key to victory.
"Bukod kasi sa free throws, na-minimize namin ‘yung turnovers. Crucial sa amin ‘yon," said the Cebuano mentor.
Earlier, Magnum Membrere came through when needed as Harbour Centre outplayed Bacchus Energy Drink, 97-85.
The explosive troika of Mark Cardona, Gabby Espinas and LA Tenorio also delivered as expected but it was Membrere who sparked the third quarter breakaway and sealed their fifth win in seven outings for third spot.
Cardona sizzled with 20 points spiked with eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocked shots while Tenorio had 10 points, six assists, three boards and a steal.
Equally impressive was Espinas, the 2004 NCAA MVP and rookie of the year awardee who finished with 13 points, the same number of boards and three blocked shots.
It was the Energy Kings’ sixth defeat against a win.