Import Andy Fields and Ramon Fernandez keyed Toyota’s comeback win over Crispa and clinch a spot in the four-team semifinals of the 1979 PBA second conference.
Toyota rallies to top Crispa five, 109-104
By Bert Eljera
Bulletin Today
Published Monday Oct. 1, 1979
Andrew Fields turned his relief job into the high point of the game and Ramon Fernandez again came up with his late heroics last night as Toyota rolled back Crispa, 109-104, in a pulsating PBA second conference game at the Araneta Coliseum.
Fields, playing in relief of Bruce “Sky” King, popped in key points that ignited a scorching fourth-quarter Toyota rally while Fernandez, nursing five fouls as early as the third quarter, scored four points, blocked two shots and dealt a key assist in the dying minutes.
Crispa’s downfall was hastened by a scoring lapse in the fourth quarter that saw them score only four points as the Tams charged back into the fight.
Fields pumped in eight points to touch off a 21-4 binge as the Tamaraws came alive from a 76-89 deficit to overtake the collapsing Redmanizers, 97-93.
After Alfredo Hubalde rammed in four straight points to tie the score at 97-all, Fernandez scored on a jumpshot and blocked Hubalde in the next play. Fields then scored on a follow-up, 101-97.
Although the Redmanizers threatened again at 104-105, it proved to be their last gasp as Robert Jaworski, coming off the bench, knocked in two charities and Fields capped his game-long brilliance with two more free throws off Philip Cezar.
With their 11th win against three losses, the Tams escaped all complications while the Redmanizers, who absorbed their fifth loss in 14 games, must now sweep their last two matches to formally qualify for the four-team semifinals.
Crispa will meet Gilbey’s Gin and Honda in their remaining matches.
Earlier, Tanduay also came from behind to beat Gilbey’s Gin, 95-89, for the Esquires’ fourth win in 13 games.
The loss lowered the Gins’ record to 5-9.
“Our second stringers played exceptionally well tonight,” said Toyota Coach Dante Silverio, who praised Fields and Jesus Sta. Maria for their excellent games.
Silverio also gave due credit to Fernandez, whom he said again virtually singlehandedly saved them from setback.
With their fiery shooting, the Redmanizers led by 18 points, 83-65, late in the third quarter as Fortunato Co, Jr. and Hubalde came up with back-to-back hits.
The Tamaraws adroitly steered themselves back into the fight and narrowed the gap 51-47 at halftime.
The scores:
Toyota — 109
Fields 27
Fernandez 26
Arnaiz 14
Sta. Maria 11
Jaworski 9
Estrada 8
Tuadles 6
Legaspi 4
B. King 2
A. King 2
Crispa — 104
Co 21
Mann 17
Adornado 16
Hubalde 14
Guidaben 14
Dionisio 8
Cezar 8
Fabiosa 6
D.L. Cruz 0
Chatman 0
Varela 0
Quarterscores: 20-29, 47-51, 69-83, 109-104
Toyota 20 27 22 40 — 109
Crispa 29 22 32 21 — 104
Refs: E. Cruz, R. Manuel, J. Obias
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