MANILA—OP Bagong Pilipinas stunned the crowd at Paco Arena on August 16, pulling off a thrilling 75-73 victory against the COMELEC Vanguards in the UNTV Cup Season 12 Quarterfinals. 

In a high-stakes battle where every possession counted, OP secured their second win of the quarterfinal round and officially punched their ticket to the semifinal stage.

The defining moment came down to the absolute final second of the clock. 

With the game deadlocked, RL Cartel found an opening, caught the pass, and let fly a cold-blooded attempt that caught a friendly bounce off the rim before falling through the net right at the buzzer. 

The dramatic game-winner left the Vanguards stunned as the Paco Arena crowd erupted.

Earning Best Player of the Game honors for his clutch heroics, Cartel finished the contest with 5 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist—none bigger than the final two points that sealed the match. 

His sharp awareness and instant readiness turned what could have been an extra period into an immediate celebration for OP Bagong Pilipinas.

"Pag-bigay kay Enteng ng bola, ready lang ako. Pag libre tira agad talaga," Cartel shared after the game, recalling his mindset before launching the decisive shot. 

With momentum fully on their side following this dramatic walk-off win, OP Bagong Pilipinas now shifts their focus to preparing for a high-octane semifinal showdown.

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