Bravehearts cop Liga Quezon leg trophy

LUCENA CITY, Philippines – The Ilocos Sur Bravehearts rallied to beat host Quezon Red Oilers, 75-71, to capture the Quezon Province Leg of the 2009 Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference II at the packed Quezon Convention Center.

In one of the most dramatic finishes in Liga history, the Bravehearts of Gov. DV Savellano and coach Gino Manuel fought back from as many as 14 points down in the third period to gain the lead, 64-61, and the title for good.

 Nat Cruz led the champions with 15 points and won the leg’s Most Valuable Player award. Alain Musni backed up Cruz with 12 markers.

 The Bravehearts took home their first ever leg championship, easily making up for their debacle last week at home in Ilocos Sur where they lost all their games to finish last. They finished runner-up to the Trace-Laguna Stallion in the General Santos City leg.