Cossack outlasts Cobra

MANILA, Philippines - James Martinez, Earn Saguindel and Jorel Canizares came through in the clutch as Cossack Blue outlasted sister team Cobra Energy Drink in overtime, eking out a 91-90 win for the solo lead in the PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

In another match pitting sister teams, Pharex B Complex topped Ascof Lagundi, 103-89, for a third win in four starts.

Vic Manuel, the high-leaping forward from Philippine School of Business Administration, came off the bench to score 27 points, including 10 in the payoff period as the Fighting Maroons dealt the Cough Busters a third loss against a lone win.

The Fighting Maroons shot well from the field, making 35 of 68 tries, including 9-of-18 clip from the three-point area.

Arvin Braganza knocked in three treys while Woody Co and Martin Reyes made two apiece.

Getting deadlier each game, Martinez exploded for 24 points, including 15 from the three-point area.

After Patrick Cabahug scored on a putback pushing Cobra to within 90-91, the Ironmen had the chance to pull off another Houdini act just like they did against Pharex B Complex but failed.

Paul Lee missed a jumper then JR Taganas got the rebound, sending the Cossack team and its supporters to a frenzied celebration.

“We ran almost the same play but our motivation spelled the difference,” said Cossack coach Rene Baena. “I think were lucky today.”

Lee finished with 22 points but was a non-factor in the last 15 minutes.

The Spirits fell behind by 10 points at the end of the first quarter, 9-19, but Martinez sparked the team’s mighty comeback, burying three triples in a crucial run.

Saguindel had only eight points but his two free throws with barely six ticks left sent the game into overtime.

The scores:

First Game

Cossack 91 – Martinez 24, Canizares 15, Taganas 13, Simpson 9, Afable 8, Saguindel 8, Zamar 7, Reyes 7, Noble 0, Duran 0, Morillo 0.

Cobra 90 – Cabahug 24, Lee 22, Llagas 13, Hayes 12, Mangahas 6, Reyes 5, Sarangay 4, Barua 4, Aguilar 0, Torres 0, Fampulme 0.

Quarterscores: 9-19; 40-31; 60-61; 82-82 (reg.); 91-90 (OT)

Second Game

Pharex B 103 – Manuel 27, Braganza 15, Reyes E. 11, Tecson 9, Co 9, Adolfo 9, Sison 9, Reyes M. 8, Arao 6, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0, Tirona 0, David 0.

Ascof Lagundi 89 – Co 14, Asoro 13, Gamalinda 12, Labagala 12, Uyloan 9, Leynes 8, Canlas 5, Bauzon 2, Lanete 2, Melegrito 2, Cole 2, Aguilar 1, Bustos 0.

Quarterscores: 23-18; 50-39; 71-62; 103-89