WITH his team on the verge of suffering an endgame collapse, Joshua Balankig took matters into his own hands and lifted Samboan to an 86-80 victory over Boljoon last Tuesday night in the South Division Bracket 2 of the 2017 Cebu Governor’s Cup Under-21 Inter-Cities/Municipalities
Basketball Tournament at the Samboan Municipal Court in south Cebu.
Balankig saved the home team from the jaws of defeat by scoring eight straight points inside the final two minutes that allowed Samboan to pick up its fourth win in five games that catapulted them at the number one spot in the division.
Samboan ended the first three quarters with a 67-51 lead but struggled in the early stages of the final period.
Boljoon was quick to capitalize Samboan’s meltdown and moved within eight points at one point in the final stanza before Balankig took over for the winning squad.
Balankig wound up with just 12 markers but came alive when Samboan needed him the most.
Louie Jay Señagan top scored for Samboan with 24 points, while Niño Manolong and Michael France Rosal contributed 17 points apiece.
Kenjie Gumera finished with a game-high 32 points but his solid production went for naught as Boljoon bowed out of the playoff race after tasting its third defeat in five matches.
John Vic Olores donated 12 markers for Boljoon.