Manila rules FilBasket

MANILA, Philippines — Ronjay Buenafe canned two free throws in the dying seconds as AICC Manila survived a late San Juan-Go for Gold flurry, eking out a 72-68 victory Monday night to rule the inaugural FilBasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gym.

After their 13-point lead late in the third quarter was sliced down to two, 70-68, with four seconds to go, Buenafe calmly drained the two charities off a foul by Paolo Hernandez to complete the 2-1 series win by the big city cagers.

Michael Mabulac powered his way to 18 points, eight rebounds and three steals, and Chris Bitoon came through with 13 points and six caroms for Manila, which lost the series opener, 80-74, Saturday, but came back to win the next two games.

Hesed Gabo logged 10 points, three boards and six assists in Game Three and was named Finals MVP.