By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Down by seven points in the third frame, the KCS Computer Specialist-Mandaue blitzed to a momentum-shifting 18-1 run that would entirely change the complexion of the whole game heading into the fourth.
The mighty Shaq Imperial of Mandaue sparked things for his squad after draining a trey that would start the staggering run made by his squad and gave no life to heavy-favorites MJAZ Zenith Talisay, 89-75, to nab the first-ever 2021 VisMin Super Cup Visayas leg championship title.
Well-renowned stars Patrick Cabahug and Paolo Hubalde started to get their groove early and caused huge problems for the Mandaue defense.
However, KCS head coach Mike Reyes, one of the best defensive specialists in the sport, deployed a counter-attack that would slow down Talisay’s offense and help them claw back into the game.
“I told them, ‘let’s try to make history. Let’s give them forty minutes of hell!‘ I got to win the hearts of the players. That‘s why they played so hard because I think I was able to capture it,” shared Reyes.
Former PBA gunners Al Francis Tamsi and Ping Exciminiano then showed the way for the Mandaue squad and shot the lights out to complete the series upset.
Exciminiano was hailed as the VisMin Finals MVP after a solid all-around game in Game 3 with 15 points, five rebounds, an assist, and three steals.
“Sobrang blessed ako, after all na nangyari sa akin, nagka-injury at Achilles injury, nagpapasalamat ako na napunta ako sa ganitong situwasyon,” said Exciminiano.
