#Masters2019: Tito Rex's stun PNP to nab 35-and-above title

QUEZON CITY -- Tito Rex's-Manila Kingpin caused a huge upset in the final day of the 2019 Masters Invitiational Basketball Tournament, as they dealt PNP their lone, yet most heartbreaking defeat with a 96-89 shocker to nab the 35 and above crown last July 19 at the PNP Gym in Camp Crame.

Tito Rex's got off to a hot start in which they never relinquish, avenging their defeat on opening day in the grandest way possible.

MVP Leopoldo Santiago led all scorers with 33 points on a 52% shooting from the field, as he let it rain from downtown by hitting half of the team's rainbow connection in the game.

Ex-pro Niño Marquez added 27 for Tito Rex's who made up for their rebounding deficiency with their shot-blocking, swatting seven as opposed to just two by the Responders.

PO2 Anton Tolentino led PNP with 23 points in a losing effort, in which they clawed back from as much as 13 points down.

However, James Mangaran fired a dagger three to put the game away with 45.1 ticks to go by extending their lead to five, 91-86

The scores:

Tito Rex's-Manila Kingpin 96 -- Santiago 33, Marquez 27, Torrente 13, Mangaran 11, Mendiola 5, Recidoro 3, Yuga 2, Galang 2, Niñeza 0. Tongco 0

PNP 89 -- Tolentino 23, Cabrera 16, Criste 11, Flormata 10, Sta. Cruz 7, Nicolas 6, Decena 6, Serrano 5, Cabahug 3, Misola 2, Abaya 0, Dia 0

Quarter scores: 19-11, 44-35, 65-60, 96-89

(photo by Masters Invitational Basketball Tournament)