Defending champion BBC pulled off another escape act Monday night when it defeated Province of Negros Occidental, 85-81, in the 7th Tan Kek Pin Memorial Cup Basketball Tournament at the Po Hang Gym of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

Reigning MVP Robert Buñol took matters into his own hands late in the fourth quarter, hitting six points, including a 17-foot jumper from the corner as the shotclock was about to expire to keep Province at bay 84-81.

Buñol, who finished with 18 points, split his free throws with 2 seconds left to seal BBC's first win in Group B. While BBC toiled to earn the win, pre-tournament pick Davies Paints-Probac had a relatively easier time against Summit Mineral Water, winning 114-91, in their Group A duel.

Carlo Diaz paced Davies with 19 points, including 17 in the third period, while Ariston Sillana and Eric Uy had 11 apiece.

Peewee Demonteverde and Ryan Concha, who spearheaded the second-quarter charge finished with 10 for Probac, which will face its toughest test yet on Saturday when they go up against Group A co-leader Val Motors.

Bobby Yap led Summit with 20 points, 18 of which came in the fourth period when the outcome was already put beyond doubt.

Rico Cabato backstopped Buñol with 17 points, while Bobot Divinagracia and Ronald Arabia finished with 10 each.

Pacing Province was Rex Bayer with 21 points, while Joseph Arenas added 13. Mark Ramos, Bert Celis and Romil Defensor contributed 9 each. *CPT

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