Marc Cagoco was around when the chips were down and the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers needed someone to step up against defending champion San Beda.
Filling in for flu-stricken gunner John Wilson, Cagoco struck from all angles to lead the Heavy Bombers to a 77-64 upset of the Red Lions, a win that enabled them to catch up with their victims at second place.
The five-foot-10 JRU team skipper delivered a season-high 19 points, firing two of his four triples during a crucial stretch in the last period that helped the Bombers chalk up their 13th win against two losses.
“Mark Cagoco saved us. He is a veteran. A lot of people might hate him, but he's a player you would hate or love, “ said JRU coach Ariel Vanguardia, whose wards found themselves in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four following the win.
Playing beyond his norm of 11.3 points, Cagoco came into the picture just when the Red Lions were threatening at 57-60.
His two charities and a triple with 4:26 left touched off a 14-4 run that put JRU out of reach for the last time, 74-61, three minutes later.
Cagoco's explosive performance was aptly rewarded by the NCAA Press Corps, which named him its Accel-FilOil NCAA Player of the Week (POW).
- GMANews.TV
