MANILA, Philippines – With the MPBL Lakan Cup playoff race heading into its most crucial juncture, Ronjay Buenafe submitted his best performance yet for Bicol against Sarangani Province, Tuesday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

The 14-year veteran scored 26 points on 5-of-14 shooting, while converting 14 of his 16 free throw attempts in their 86-72 victory. He also tallied seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in an all-around performance.

He was at his best in the clutch, delivering 10 points in a 29-10 rally in the fourth period that allowed Bicol to finally turn back the cellar-dwelling squad.

With the victory, the Volcanoes pushed their record to 14-13 in the Southern Division, and gained a much-needed cushion from other playoff hopefuls, Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol (12-13) and Biñan City-Luxxe White (12-15).

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"Sobrang importante sa amin 'yun kasi any time puwede kaming ma-catch up sa number eight spot. Every game kailangan naming paghandaan, kailangan naming pagtrabahuhan nang mabuti," said the 35-year-old Buenafe.

The Albay native deflected the credit for his all-around performance to his teammates, lauding them for sticking to their game plan.

"Siguro ano lang, swerte lang," he said. "Naging maganda lang 'yung mga execution namin ganun. Nagtulungan kami in both offense and defense."

With three games left in their schedule, Buenafe vowed to be the leader that Bicol needs him to be and anchor his hometown's charge to the MPBL playoffs.

"Every time na sa ensayo, lagi ko silang pinu-push na nakikita ko na nagpu-push na sila, dinadagdagan ko pa rin ng extra effort para at least 'yung tama lang, madadagdagan," Buenafe said.

In other games, Marikina fended off a late-rally from the Gerald Anderson-led Imus, 89-86, while Pasig-Sta. Lucia snapped Biñan City-Luxxe White’s six-game winning streak, 82-75.

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