Cebu City, Philippines — Liloan handed San Francisco its first loss of the tournament, thanks to Earl Tautho who canned the game-winning three-pointer with two seconds remaining to lift the former past last season’s runners-up, 65-64, in the 9th Congressman Red Durano Cup on Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at the Kasantos Gym in Cabadiangan, Liloan.
Down two with just seconds remaining, Tautho fired up a triple from the left corner that found nothing but the bottom of the net with just two seconds left to put Liloan in the driver’s seat, 65-64.
Liloan then stopped San Francisco on their last possession to come away with the thrilling victory and up their win-loss record to 2-0.
Tautho was brilliant all-game long and finished with 18 points.
San Francisco got 18 points each from Ivan Formentera and Jay Agustinez but it was not enough to keep them from falling to 2-1.
In the other game, Tudela also eked past Catmon, 67-66. Nick Gitgit scored 17 points while Brian Velayo fired in 13 to help Tudela notch its first win in three games.
Catmon remained winless in two matches so far. /bmjo