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MPBL: Bitoon's bounce-back game sends Manila to semis

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/sports/02/23/20200223-chris-bitoon.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Chris Bitoon of Manila-Frontrow calls out a play against Pasig. Handout photo</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – Coming off a dismal performance in Game 1, Manila-Frontrow&#x27;s Chris Bitoon made sure to make his presence felt in Game 2 of their quarterfinals series against Pasig-Sta. Lucia in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan season.Bitoon averaged 12.6 points during the elimination round, but scored just 2 points on 1-of-7 shooting in Game 1.After shooting poorly in the series opener, the guard expected that Pasig&#x27;s defense on him will loosen up, and focus instead on his teammates who had fine performances in Game 1.&quot;Noong Game 1 talaga, mainit yung iba kong kakampi kaya di rin ako gaano naka-attempt,&quot; said the 24-year-old Bitoon. &quot;This game expected ko na magcla-clog sila sa loob so na-open ako sa labas.&quot;<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://sports.abs-cbn.com/mpbl/news/2020/02/23/mpbl-makati-boots-bulacan-advances-north-semis-66372">READ: Makati boots out Bulacan, advances to North semis</a></li></ul>Pasig played just as Bitoon expected, and he made them pay by putting up 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He nailed 3 3-pointers and added 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and a steal to his line.&quot;Nag-extra practice talaga ako after noong Game 1,&quot; Bitoon explained. &quot;Nag-shooting talaga ako, kasi alam kong sina Kuya Carlo (Lastimosa), &#x27;yung mga big men namin ang babantayan nila.&quot;&quot;Naging ready lang ako tuwing mabibigyan ng bola,&quot; he added.The Stars went on to win the game, 82-80, completing a sweep of the Realtors at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center on Saturday.However, Bitoon nearly went from hero to zero in the end game.With Manila clinging to a 2-point lead with 17 seconds left, Bitoon was intentionally fouled but missed both of his free throws, giving Pasig a chance.But Jeric Teng and Argel Mendoza both missed their final attempts, bailing out Bitoon and the Stars.Manila head coach Tino Pinat was unsurprised with Bitoon&#x27;s performance.&quot;Buti naka-bounce back si Chris. Expected ko naman sa kanya na magdeliver palagi,&quot; he said. In the other quarterfinals match, three-seed Makati-Super Crunch overcame its homecourt woes to book a spot in the semis after topping Bulacan, 86-78.The Stars will face Makati-Super Crunch in the best-of-three semis.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Coming off a dismal performance in Game 1, Manila-Frontrow's Chris Bitoon made sure to make his presence felt in Game 2 of their quarterfinals series against Pasig-Sta. Lucia.

Coming off a dismal performance in Game 1, Manila-Frontrow's Chris Bitoon made sure to make his presence felt in Game 2 of their quarterfinals series against Pasig-Sta. Lucia.