February 14 ------ CHOCO Mucho caught fire late to avoid the upset ax against Nxled in five sets, 25-21, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-10, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena. Down 16-20 on a 1-2 set deficit, Royse Tubino took over off the bench for the Flying Titans with a 9-3 set-clinching run to force a fifth-set tiebreak which they ultimately won. Surviving Nxled’s scare kept Choco Mucho unbeaten in 2025 and extended its ongoing win streak to five since losing in four sets to sister team Creamline last December. The Flying Titans improved to 7-3.
Meanwhile, the Chameleons suffered its ninth loss in 10 matches before closing out prelims play against another streaking side in Petro Gazz. Sisi Rondina unleashed a triple-double of 23 points, 19 digs and 10 receptions. Matching her effort, albeit in a loss, was EJ Laure in her best game yet for Nxled with 20 points and 21 digs along with rookie Lucille Almonte's 11-point, 14-reception double-double. Even as they have turned around their sluggish start with a five-game win streak, seven in total this conference, Choco Mucho remains no stranger to difficult moments.
Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin has been through the highs and lows of his oft-depleted team, more lows than highs over the past few conferences. In those times they overcame adversity, the veteran mentor credited his wards' ability to show intent and fight much harder when backed against the wall. "Kapag nalalamangan ka, patalo na, talagang ‘yung communication natin sa isa’t isa lumalabas talaga. Buti na lang nung bandang huli na-control pa rin, napakiusapan ‘yung mga players na ang importante lang, kahit anong ginagalaw ng kalaban, doblehin," said Alinsunurin. "Kung ano ‘man ‘yung nangyayari, kailangan matuto tayo kasi hindi lang naman ito ‘yung magiging sitwasyon natin kada laro eh. Marami pang ibang (pagsubok na darating)."
Source: spin.ph
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