In a relegation series that pushed the club to the edge, Pandesal survived Duke Devilz 2–1 and secured its place in Division III once again, thanks in large part to the brilliance, nerve, and late-game heroics of its superstar forward. Over the three-game battle, Corujeira averaged 37.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, while shooting 49.4% from the field, 45.8% from three, and 85.7% from the line. When the pressure was highest and the margin for error was gone, he became the man who carried Pandesal back from the brink.
The series did not begin the way Pandesal wanted. Duke struck first with a 122–113 victory, leaning on its dangerous perimeter attack and making it clear this would not be a comfortable stay-or-go battle. Even in defeat, Corujeira poured in 37 points, a warning that Duke still had no real answer for him. Pandesal was suddenly staring down relegation, with no room left for hesitation.
That was when the response came.
In Game 2, Pandesal fought back ...