MANILA, Philippines - Malolos Mighty Sports banked on former pro standouts Marlou Aquino and Kenneth Duremdes and Niño Marquez to defuse Malolos Republics, 86-84, and capture the second Republika Cup Championship in Malolos City, Bulacan recently.
Aquino came away with 20 points while Duremdes and Marquez combined for six straight points in the closing seconds to carry Mighty Sports to victory.
The Malolos Republics actually had a chance to win from the long range but failed to convert on their last play, paving the way for Mighty Sports’ Kris Rosales’ split for the final count.
Rosales went on to bag the MVP honors.
Mighty Sports led by as many as 15 points midway in the third but back-to-back treys by Republics hotshots Allan Mangahas and Jonathan Fernandez cut the lead to seven going into the final period.
The Republics sustained their charge and grabbed a five-point lead on a 16-4 run in the final minutes of the game only to fall short as Mighty Sports countered behind Duremdes and Marquez.
Mighty Sports team manager Eloy del Castillo credited the team’s spirit and determination for the thrilling come-from-behind win in the tournament which served as part of the annual Festival of History, Culture, Arts and Heritage celebration of the City of Malolos, also known as the “Fiesta Republic.â€