MANILA, Philippines - Jhaps Bautista hit a buzzer-beating triple from way out as Sta. Lucia Realty pulled off a pulsating 79-76 victory over Foton Toplander in the PCBL Founder’s Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena Monday night.
Bautista’s heroics came after the Realtors blew a seven-point lead in the last two minutes, enabling Foton to tie the count at 76 on an Allan Mangahas split with three seconds left in the contest. The Realtors took a quick inbound play and Bautista dribbled twice before drilling in the shot from near the half court to the delight of the crowd.
The back-to-back victories after an opening game setback primed up Sta. Lucia for its match against league-leading Caida on Monday.
“Somehow, it’s a big confidence-booster for our team going up against Caida next week,” said Sta. Lucia coach Bonni Garcia. “But our tendency to relax is really a concern.”
Sta. Lucia’s win overshadowed Caida’s third straight victory, a 94-60 rout of sister team Racal Kama Motors in the tournament supported by Spalding, Accel, Aquabest and Ambucore.
Following split charities by Ivan Camasura that gave Sta. Lucia a 75-68 lead with 2:14 left, Foton was able to come back on an 8-1 run, forcing three turnovers on the Realtors’ side.
Foton even had a chance to take the lead when Mangahas was fouled by Mark Montilla with only three seconds left.
Mangahasmissed his first free throw but made the second to tie the game for the last time.