Manila forces rubber match

MANILA, Philippines — AICC Manila weathered a late storm as it turned back San Juan-Go for Gold, 74-70, last Sunday and set up a no-tomorrow contest in the FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gym.

Chris Bitoon and Hesed Gabo paced the Big City bets with 13 and 12 points, respectively, as they bounced back from an 80-74 Game 1 loss Saturday, knotted the series at one game apiece and forced a winner-take-all showdown that was being played last night.

Thanks mainly to Bitoon and Gabo, Manila led by as much as 17 points, 67-50, with less than five minutes remaining in the duel.