Wang's wipes out Erase Plantcenta

MANILA, Philippines - Wang’s Ballclub rallied from 13 points down to carve out a thrilling 106-97 overtime victory over PBA D-League team Erase Plantcenta and arrange a semifinal duel with DSM Construction in the MBL First (Open) Conference basketball championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum recently.

Fil-Am Anthony Cuevas scored nine of his game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter, while Ronjay Enrile and Jonathan Pinera combined for nine of the team’s 15 points in the extra period as the Mandaluyong-based team of MBL chairman Alex Wang and coach Pablo Lucas completed their come-from-behind victory.

The 6-5 Cuevas also shone in defense in extension as he helped limit Erase Plantcenta to only six points.

Three other players – Eldrick Ferrer, Erwin Sta. Maria and MC Caceres – also stepped up in offense for Wang’s to frustrate Erase Plantcenta in the nine-team tournament sponsored by Smart Sports, Ironcon Builders, Cebuana Lhuillier, Dickies Underwear, Jubilant Advertising and PRC Couriers.

Ferrer scored all his 16 points, including three triples, in the second half and extension.

Allan Mangahas scored 19 points for the Yong Garcia-mentored Erase Plantcenta, which joined the MBL as part of its pre-season build-up for the coming PBA D-League.

Erwin Cornejo added 18 points, JV Ferreria contributed 15 and Marlon Gomez had 12 for Erase, which showed up minus 6-5 center Mark Sarangay and lost 6-4 Badong Lascunas on fouls.

Erase led by 13 points, 43-30, late in the first quarter behind an 11-point explosion by Cornejo and by seven, 47-40, at halftime.

But Wang’s Ballclub opened the third period with 10 unanswered points, highlighted by a shot-clock beating trey by Ferrer and a breakaway dunk by Cuevas, to move infront, 50-47.

It was close all the way from there with the lead changing hands several times.

Wang’s appeared headed for a win in regulation when it took a 91-88 lead and ball possession with only 13 seconds left.

But after Caceres missed two pressure-packed free throws following a quick foul by Erase, Ferreria was fouled on the other end while taking a desperation, game-tying three-point shot with 2.3 seconds left.

Ferreria hit all three free throws to send the game into overtime.