SARANGANI, Capitol Gym – The hard court was lit by a fiery close call match between the Quezon City MG Cars and the Muntinlupa Cagers in a battle down South of the PH, a faraway venue for both fierce teams. No home court advantage on this one for the two contenders of 2022 MPBL 4^th Season.

D. Matillano of the Cagers played valiantly with 18 points on the scorecard, top of the game, yet the MG Cars have proven a very formidable opponent, preventing Matillano and his lot from grabbing the victory on this very heated close match.

Game started with a nicely done jump ball won by Muntinlupa Cager J. Alano, but failed to make it a score. The exchange continues with aggressive exchange of rebounds after each attempt on each side. Montilla finally gets the first point at 0-2 in favor of  Muntinlupa with 8:44 left on the 1^st quarter clock.  First quarter ends with QC’s Bragais blocking a shot from Arboleda (Ex-PBA) 00:01 in the clock, and the score is at 25 – 18 in favor of QC MG Cars.

In the middle of the second quarter the tight match sits at 30 – 27, QC leading by 3 points, When J. Cantimbuhan of the Cagers makes a beautiful shot beyond the arc scoring 3, ending the lead with a 30 – 30 tie.

With around a minute left in the 2^nd quarter, Alves fouls K. Neypes of QC who is then given 2 shots on the line. He makes 1 shot out of 2, getting a 31-32 in favor of Muntinlupa. Alves gets a return on a personal foul this time by M. Monte. Alves misses 1 free throw. The first half ended with 35 – 36 on the scoreboard in favor of the Muntinlupa cagers.

The 2^nd half starts with nothing more than a close fight still. Four big substitutions were placed by QC, Menguez, Monte, Delfinando, and Ex PBA player M. Arellano were sent out. A heavy replacement started with M. Mabigat, Dela Cruz, Segura, and Nacpil in to open the sizzling second half for the MG Cars.

For the Muntinlupa Cagers, Montilla, Alba – Hg, Catimbuhan Jr., and Villanueva were sent out for substitution to match. In turn, Matillano, Cudal, Quinto – Hg, Sarmiento – Hg, are sent in to hopefully keep the pressure on the other side, and maintain the lead and bring it farther.

The third quarter ends with a defensive rebound by M. Madera of Muntinlupa, passes to Montilla for an attempt at a 3 point shot, but misses. Buzzer rings, ends at 59 – 53. A reversal led by QC now with a 6 point lead over the Cagers.

The last and final Quarter was continuously gruesome as the two contending teams headed off with a consistent close fight. The lead was pushed further up by a nice lay up from C. Menguez of QC.

At around 5 minutes into the final quarter the lead continued to be on the QC side of the court at 70 – 60, a continued pressure brought upon the Muntinlupa Cagers who valiantly fought to close the deficit and finally grab the lead. A 3 point shot by D. Wong ensured the lead, keeping it a 10 point advantage over the adversary.

Just a few seconds into the quarter, as expected, fouls are being pulled. L. Dela Cruz gives a foul on M. Montilla. Though making 2 out of 2 of the free throws, Montilla brought the score gap to 79 – 77 still in favor of QC.

Game ends with Villanueva attempting a 3 pointer no longer necessary as the scores are at 79 – 77, game ball going to the Quezon City MG Cars.

D. Matillano takes the highest score in the match at 18 points for the Muntinlupa Cagers, followed by M. Montilla with 16, and I. Villanueva with 7.

QC MG Cars top scorers are M. Monte with 12, K. Segura with 11, J. Nacpil with 8.

Despite good turn over and rebound performances by the Cagers, QC dominated the game with the most total of points from turnovers, fast break points, steals, and second chance points. All these markings down on the scoreboard and bagging the win.

Scores at the end of the game

Quezon City MG Cars with 79 points for the win.

Muntinlupa Cagers with 77 points.

Scores per quarter:

25-18, 35-36, 59-53, 79-77 in favor and win for QC.