Jerome Santiago put on a defensive clinic in the waning minutes of the game to secure a 4-3 victory for the UP DMaxxx.
The two teams exchanged possessions with little success early in the first, but with just over a minute left in the period, Miguel Dimacali broke the stalemate as he connected on a grounder from halfcourt in spite of the tough defense.
In the 2nd Period, DMaxxx would push the lead to two as the defense collapsed on Jan Gallardo, allowing him to thread a pass to Kim Manso who converted on a one-timer. But the Secrets would not go down quietly as Team Captain JJ Paunil took charge by beating the defense and connecting with Gilbert Bercero to put them on the board.
Jan Gallardo would put stretch the lead to two in the third, as he fired a half-court shot through the defense. But Paunil would bring the Secrets right back in as he crossed two defenders, giving him an easy right-wing shot. Paunil would continue to step up as he floated a pass off a hit-in to Ian Apa to complete the comeback with 5 minutes remaining in the game.
But Miguel Dimacali would manage a final goal as he was left uncovered from the right wing to give DMaxxx the one point lead. The Secrets would continue to push the ball, allowing Saldio Amador a pair of attempts close to the goal, but Santiago would not yield as he kept the Secrets scoreless in the final minutes of the game.
Santiago recorded 8 saves in the victory, while Fra Silva had 5 for her team.
Written by Liam Canlas
The two teams exchanged possessions with little success early in the first, but with just over a minute left in the period, Miguel Dimacali broke the stalemate as he connected on a grounder from halfcourt in spite of the tough defense.
In the 2nd Period, DMaxxx would push the lead to two as the defense collapsed on Jan Gallardo, allowing him to thread a pass to Kim Manso who converted on a one-timer. But the Secrets would not go down quietly as Team Captain JJ Paunil took charge by beating the defense and connecting with Gilbert Bercero to put them on the board.
Jan Gallardo would put stretch the lead to two in the third, as he fired a half-court shot through the defense. But Paunil would bring the Secrets right back in as he crossed two defenders, giving him an easy right-wing shot. Paunil would continue to step up as he floated a pass off a hit-in to Ian Apa to complete the comeback with 5 minutes remaining in the game.
But Miguel Dimacali would manage a final goal as he was left uncovered from the right wing to give DMaxxx the one point lead. The Secrets would continue to push the ball, allowing Saldio Amador a pair of attempts close to the goal, but Santiago would not yield as he kept the Secrets scoreless in the final minutes of the game.
Santiago recorded 8 saves in the victory, while Fra Silva had 5 for her team.
Written by Liam Canlas