MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon Huskers shown their tenacity against the Makati OKBet Kings in a thrilling game of the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, Quezon Province, and defeated them by a score of 80 to 72.

By halftime, the Huskers had a commanding lead of 37 to 20, largely due to their excellent outside shooting. But the OKBet Kings wouldn’t give up, as in the fourth quarter they began a ferocious rally that seriously threatened Quezon’s lead.

The excitement in the arena increased as Emman Calo’s impressive five-point spurt with 39 seconds left on the clock reduced the deficit to 72 to 75. In the last seconds of the game, the Huskers showed poise and fought back with a vital 5 point push.

With the tough win, the Huskers improved to 10 wins and 4 losses in the single round-robin elimination round of the 29-team tournament, giving them a record of 10 wins and 4.

For Quezon, Raffy Verano once again stood out, putting out a strong effort that included 16 points. Notably, 8 of his points came in the decisive fourth quarter, highlighting his clutch performance. Verano contributed 10 rebounds to the team’s success, further demonstrating his ability to contribute in all areas.

The Huskers’ victory over the OKBet Kings demonstrated their tenacity and capacity to remain calm under pressure. Quezon will aim to build on this triumph and keep up their pursuit of excellence as the competition goes on. The coaching staff and players will review the game and analyze it, noting areas that need work as well as the qualities that helped them win. The Huskers want to have a big impression in the OKBet-MPBL and ultimately succeed in the league with their potent lineup and resilient attitude.

Alfrancis Tamsi, a 6-foot-3 former Ateneo Blue Eagle, assisted the 6-foot-3 former Ateneo Blue Eagle with 13 points, including 3 triples, as well as 9 points from homegrown talent Topeng Lagrama, all from outside the arc, and 8 points from Mon Abundo, four of which came in the final 49 seconds.

Verano and Robin Rono both hit two triples for the Huskers, giving them 13 out of a possible 29 efforts to be successful. Rob Celiz contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds for Makati, which dropped to 9 to 5; Billy Robles contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds; and Calo contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.

With the help of John Delos Santos, who had 12 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals, JP Sarao, who had 12 points and 7 rebounds, John Amores, who had 12 points and 5 rebounds, and John Abis, who had 11 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, Muntinlupa advanced to 8-6. Negros lost to 5 to 10 despite Jason Melano’s 29 points and 11 rebounds and Nemesis Dela Cruz’s 19 points and 7 rebounds.