By Rey C. Lachica at http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT2006042161934.html
The smallest guy in the lineup stood tallest yesterday.
Boyet Bautista came through with a magnificent one-man show late in the game to lift Toyota Otis to a pulsating 68-67 win over Granny Goose Tortillos and into solo second in the 2006 PBL Unity Cup at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque.
The 5-foot-7 Bautista scored Toyota Otis’ final eight points, including a tough lay-up with just seven ticks left in powering the Sparks to their fifth win in seven starts.
Earlier, Hapee Philippine Christian University deepened the wounds of TeleTech yesterday as the Teethmasters handed the Titans a 68-63 setback.
Banking heavily on the backcourt tandem of Jason Castro and Mark Moreno, the Teethmasters made a decisive run in the third period and then withstood Teletech’s spirited challenge late in the game to close out its first-round campaign on a high note.
With the Sparks trailing 60-62, Bautista ignited a wild celebration for Toyota Otis supporters when he buried back-to-back 3-point shots that gave them a 66-64 lead.
Although the Snackmasters managed to grab the lead following a three-point play by Jireh Ibanez and two free throws from Alfie Grijaldo, the Sparks were not to be denied.
Like a tornado, Bautista blew past his defenders to score the game-winning shot. The win was a fitting rebound from their setback to Magnolia two days ago.
Bautista finished with 13 points — all in the final half.
JR Quinahan tallied 28 points for Granny Goose but was scoreless in the final quarter.
After a quiet performance in the first half, the 5-foot-10 Castro went berserk in the final quarter, scoring 11 of his 19 points in leading the Teethmasters to their third win in seven games.
The Titans absorbed their fourth straight defeat for a 1-6 record. They need to win all their remaining five games to have a chance of playing in the quarterfinal round.
“I have to give it to my players, especially Jason and Mark who delivered the big baskets when we needed them most,” said coach Junel Baculi. “But we have to play harder in our next games if we want to advance in the next round.”