The Eruption of Mike Ayonayon

Legazpi City was rocked by another eruption. It was not from the picturesque Mayon Volcano, though. Rather, it occurred at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City. Ironically, the one who triggered the seismic explosion has a surname that sounds like the iconic landmark. Ayonayon.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup Finals Most Valuable Player caught fire when it mattered most. The San Juan Knights were down 11 with a little over 90 seconds left in the game. It looked like the Bataan Risers will hand the defending champions their first loss in the MPBL Lakan Cup.

But the Knights had so much fight in them, especially Ayonayon who was raring to bounce back from a paltry first half performance. As might as the Risers’ advantage was, the former PCU Dolphin melted it like molten lava.

With the count at 72-61, the 6’0” guard knocked down a three-pointer off a kick-out pass from Larry Rodriguez. Then, he stole Jai Reyes’ pass that was intended for Mar Villahermosa at mid-court and dashed for an easy lay-up. Five points in just ten seconds to trim Bataan’s lead to six.

Reyes targeted Villahermosa once more with an inbound pass but Rodriguez read their intention. Ayonayon missed an attempt from the trifecta but snatched the offensive rebound. Unfortunately, the ball slipped out of his hands, resulting in a point-blank miss.

Rodriguez converted a free throw with 44 seconds left in the match. However, he missed his second attempt. San Juan had an opening when Bataan couldn’t gain possession. The ball went to CJ Isit who did not hesitate to dish it to an open Ayonayon at the elbow.

Villahermosa’s challenge came in late. Another three pointer and San Juan is just down by two, 72-70.

Bataan can still come out with their fourth victory if the can force one stop. They didn’t. Ayonayon played bully ball against Anton Asistio’s defense to convert a floater to tie the game with 3.5 seconds remaining. The Risers did not rise to the challenge with one more try, bringing the game to overtime.

Ayonayon sparked San Juan’s charge in OT to ultimately conquer the Risers, 87-79. He finished with 18 points, 15 coming in the second half and overtime. More importantly, his refusal of accepting defeat allowed the Knights to remain spotless after seven games.

“Pinanindigan ko lang mga tira ko, bahala na. Eh sakto, na-shoot,” he shared in the post-game interview. With conviction and confidence, Mike Ayonayon dazzled with a display that parallels that of Reggie Miller and Tracy McGrady.

The rest of the league should be put on notice. You should keep the San Juan Knights dormant until the final buzzer. Otherwise, Ayonayon and the rest of the crew can detonate on offense, leaving their opponents in ashes.