Dubai: Don Delos Santos scored the decisive basket on the second overtime buzzer to help Praxis-Maharlika to a hard-fought 96-94 win over defending champions UAE Exchange in the 10th PBA-Dubai Grand Feista Conference last week.
Played before a jam-packed indoor hall of the Al Wasl Club, Santos managed to beat the buzzer to help Praxis-Maharlika record their fourth successive win in the double-round elimination format.
There was excitement written all over as both teams traded shots during the initial moments of the game. But players from both teams struggled to find their rhythm till playmaker Edwin Pimentel, Jim Boy Robillos and Lito Saygo got their act together for Praxis-Maharlika.
This helped the title favourites lead 17-15, 32-29 and 49-48 in the first three quarters. But UAE Exchange started implementing their plan after trooping out 75-75 at the end of regulation time.
UAE Exchange took the lead for the first time at 83-81 and 29.4 seconds left.
Pimentel equalised with a last-ditch shot at 83-83, just as the buzzer sounded for another five minutes of extra time. In the second overtime, Jim Boy Robillos exploded for eight points to regain the lead for Praxis-Maharlika. But Nano Cabrera dictated the tempo of the game and converted two consecutive baskets to even the scores 94-94 with 23.4 seconds remaining.
Santos made a timely tip-in shot that resulted an incredible 96-94 win for Praxis-Maharlika.
Today's fixtures: 8.30am: Courtyard by Marriott vs Mahan Travels; 10am: Crowne Plaza vs Grand Hyatt Dubai; 11.30am: Emirates Design vs Multiline/Choithram; 1pm: Sanden Intercool vs CK One Summer; 2.45pm: Dubai International Hotel vs Ibis-Novotel; 4.15pm: Al Hedaya vs Satwa Tigers; 6pm: Al Wasl Travel vs Silver Dishes Restaurant; 8pm: Al Wasl Club Srs vs PBA Dubai Selection.
