WITH coach Manny Torralba calling the shots anew, Imus-Buracai de Laiya proved too strong for also-ran EMKAI-Rizal Xentro Mall yesterday.
The Bandera whipped the Golden Coolers 90-79 to cap their campaign in Group D and move into the quarterfinals on a high in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Big man Jhaymo Eguilos led Imus with 18 points, on top of eight rebounds and two assists, while Adi Santos and veteran Leo Najorda had 17 and 11 markers, respectively.
In other games, Bulacan played the spoiler’s role and sent Manila packing with a 98-89 victory also in Group D, while Group A top seed Pasig-Sta. Lucia overwhelmed Negros 85-73.
The win made up for the Bandera’s 77-83 loss to the Stars last Dec. 17 and allowed them to finish as the top-ranked team in their pool with a 4-1 card.
Rizal failed to atone for its 83-86 defeat to the Tamaraws last Dec. 18 and finish its campaign with a 1-4 slate.
“I’m cleared to coach since yesterday (Sunday) so I’m very thankful kay God na gumaling na kaagad ako and pati sa team I’m very thankful to them,” Torralba, who missed his squad’s match against Manila after his blood sugar level shot down in their game against Mindoro EOG-Burlington last Dec. 16, said.
“They did the game plan, noong first two quarters medyo shaggy dahil sa pagkatalo sa Manila pero I know my team well na they will bounce back. Alam nila kung paano sila mag-recover,” he added.
After taking a 46-40 lead at the half, Imus padded its edge to 71-55 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bandera led by as much as 84-61 on two free throws by Eguilos at the 5:38 mark of the final canto.
