CARS Unlimited-FEU NRMF turned to ex-PBA player Rudy Lingganay who came up with big plays in overtime to lift his new squad to a tense 99-97 win over L&J Spa in the Marikina City Basketball League.
Playing in front of a packed Marikina City Sports Coliseum crowd, the spitfire guard delivered two pressure-packed free throws in the last five seconds of the extra period then came up with a big steal to seal Cars Unlimited-FEU NRMF’s eighth straight win in as many games.
Mr. Lingganay, who played for the Powerade Tigers, the GlobalPort Batang Pier and the Kia Picanto among others, led the way for Cars Unlimited-FEU NRMF with 17 points followed by Joel Brokenbrough with 16.
Jamal Thomas also came away with a double-double performance of 15 points and 11 boards.
Making Cars Unlimited-FEU NRMF tougher is the inclusion of Lyceum Pirates stalwarts CJ Perez and Mike Nzesseu, who also finished in double figures.
Mr. Nzesseu contributed 14 markers while Mr. Perez, the reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player, chipped in 12 as the Pirates duo enabled Cars Unlimited-FEU NRMF in keeping the solo lead.
Mike Ayonayon paced L&J Spa with a game-high 31 markers while ex-PBA player James Martinez added 17.
R.Lapid’s-Tito Rex dumped Philippine Army, 102-89, as Alex Jakhite scored 17 points and grabbed 13 boards.
Five other players also finished in double figures for R. Lapid’s-Tito Rex, ex-pro Samboy de Leon (15), Japz Bautista (14), Ryan Costello (13), Erwin Sta. Maria (12) and Francis Batouzulele (10). — Rey Joble
