ACS rallies to repulse PL Antipolo

MANILA, Philippines - ACS Team rallied down the stretch to pull off a come-from-behind 95-92 victory over PL Antipolo last Sunday and gain the right to face defending champion Hobe Bihon in a playoff for the outright semifinal spot in the third DELeague Kap. Rudy Francisco Cup at the Marikina Sports Center.

The ACS Team came through with 10 straight points in the last 1:10 while holding PL Antipolo scoreless as they turned an 85-92 deficit into a resounding victory to remain in the title hunt.

ACS faces Hobe Bihon tonight for a spot in the Final Four with the loser relegated to the Group A quarterfinal round.

Roger Pugoy hit a basket to give PL Antipolo a 92-85 lead but that proved to be their last as ACS Team closed the game with a 10-0 windup with Paul Santiago capping the big run that made it, 94-92, with three seconds left in the contest.

PL Antipolo had a chance to win the game or force overtime but ACS Team’s Ismael Junio came through with a steal off the inbound then split his charities to seal the victory.

Santiago finished with 22 points as ACS bucked the 34-point, eight-rebound performance by PL Antipolo’s Mac Belo.

Sta. Lucia Grand Mall earlier advanced to the semis with a sweep of Group B for a 5-0 mark and the twice-to-beat edge in the Final Four.