The Bulacan Kuyas dug deep and showcased their resilience as they outlasted Pasig City in a gripping overtime battle at the Filoil Centre, securing their fifth win of the MPBL season. In a game that featured countless lead changes and high-pressure possessions, Bulacan found its hero in Jeremy Cruz, whose dominant all-around performance carried the Kuyas to a memorable victory.
Cruz earned Player of the Game honors after recording an impressive 18 points and 16 rebounds, providing the steady presence Bulacan needed in one of its toughest contests of the season.
Jeremy Cruz Takes Over on Both Ends
From the opening tip, Jeremy Cruz established himself as the driving force behind Bulacan’s attack. He consistently battled inside the paint, converted crucial baskets, and controlled the rebounding battle against a determined Pasig City squad.
His 18-point, 16-rebound double-double reflected more than just impressive numbers. Cruz repeatedly extended possessions with offensive rebounds while protecting the defensive glass, allowing the Kuyas to dictate the tempo during critical stretches of the game.
As the pressure mounted, Cruz continued to answer every challenge, proving why he has become one of Bulacan’s most dependable performers.
Pasig City Refuses to Go Away
The contest at the Filoil Centre lived up to expectations as both teams traded momentum throughout regulation.
Bulacan appeared ready to pull away several times, but Pasig City consistently responded with timely baskets and strong defensive sequences. Neither side was able to create enough separation, resulting in a tense fourth quarter where every possession carried enormous weight.
With both teams refusing to blink in the closing minutes, regulation ended with the score deadlocked, sending the crowd into an exciting overtime period.
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Kuyas Rise to the Occasion in Overtime
The extra five minutes belonged to Bulacan.
Showing remarkable composure, the Kuyas executed their offense with patience while tightening their defense when it mattered most. They capitalized on key opportunities, limited costly mistakes, and controlled the boards to slowly take command of the game.
Jeremy Cruz remained the centerpiece of Bulacan’s attack, delivering timely baskets and grabbing crucial rebounds that prevented Pasig City from generating second-chance points.
The Kuyas’ disciplined play on both ends eventually created enough breathing room to seal the hard-earned overtime victory.
Complete Team Performance Fuels Fifth Victory
Although Cruz deservedly claimed Player of the Game honors, Bulacan’s success was built on a collective effort.
The supporting cast contributed important baskets, hustle plays, and defensive stops throughout the contest. Every player embraced their role, whether by diving for loose balls, rotating on defense, or making the extra pass to create quality scoring opportunities.
That balanced approach helped Bulacan withstand Pasig City’s repeated comeback attempts and ultimately secure another valuable win in the league standings.
Momentum Continues to Build
The overtime triumph gives the Bulacan Kuyas their fifth victory of the season, an important milestone as the race for playoff positioning continues to intensify.
Winning close games often builds confidence, and this performance demonstrated Bulacan’s ability to stay calm under pressure. The team’s resilience and execution during overtime could prove invaluable as they face even tougher challenges in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Pasig City showed plenty of heart despite the loss, battling until the final buzzer and pushing Bulacan to its limits in one of the most competitive games of the campaign.
Jeremy Cruz Delivers a Winning Performance
Great players elevate their game in crucial moments, and Jeremy Cruz did exactly that at the Filoil Centre.
His 18 points and 16 rebounds served as the foundation of Bulacan’s victory, but his leadership, hustle, and relentless effort were equally important in guiding the Kuyas through a demanding overtime battle.
With another outstanding double-double added to his season, Cruz walked away with Player of the Game honors while leading Bulacan to a statement victory that could provide valuable momentum for the remainder of the MPBL campaign.
