Manila NU-MFT trips Pateros in FBA double OT thriller

MANILA, Philippines -- Manila NU-MFT Bulldogs went to Issa Gaye and Chino Mosqueda on offense and Matt Salem on defense as it edged Pateros Austen Morris Associates in a thrilling 89-83 double overtime win in the Filsports Basketball Association Second Conference at the Marikina Sports Complex Saturday night.

Gaye and Mosqueda poured in 27 and 21 points, respectively, while Salem collared a season-best 20 rebounds to power the Mica Tan-backed Bulldogs to their third straight victory that kept them at the helm.

The Nic Belasco-mentored Associates, who were led by Mark Ollano's 20-point performance, stared the reigning UAAP champions eye to eye in regulation and in the first OT but lost steam in second OT and fell to their third defeat.

Pampanga Foton Toplander likewise stayed unbeaten, booking its second straight victory with a 91-68 bashing of the Marikina Wangs Deliverers with reigning Best Player of the Conference Levi Hernandez topscoring for 22 points.

Malolos Mighty Bulsu, for its part, turned back First Conference titlist Quezon City University of the Philippines, 76-70, to register its first victory.

Ernest Reyes shone the brightest for the Mighty Bulsu with 23 points and 11 boards while the Maroons were paced by Lorenzon Battad's 18 points.

Gilas standout Jimmy Alapag of the Meralco Bolts made a special appearance along with a top-brass list of panelists like Don Allado, Anthony Suntay and Charlie Cuna and league commissioner and CFO Vince Hizon and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon.

FBA President and CEO LJ Serrano was also there to led the festivities with Marketing and COO Clauida Perrine.

Major sponsors are REJ Pharmaceuticals, the leading manufacturers of Korgivit-E and Titan, the official outfitter of the FBA which will be aired via Aksyon TV, Aksyon International and Net 25.