But one stood tall on Wednesday to lead them. 

JR Quiñahan banged in a career-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Burger King Whopper stunned the erstwhile leader Alaska Aces, 87-80, to snap a three-game losing streak at the Cuneta Astrodome and boost their chance in the wildcard round.    

“It’s just only meatballs early in the morning,” said the former 6-foot-5 Alaska player Quiñahan, referring to his lunch. “My shots are going in and the basket looks as wide as ocean. I got my confidence at the right time and I’m unstoppable.”

Quiñahan shot 10-of-17 in the field and made one triple to help the Whopper improve to 6-12 win-loss card that put their confidence on higher ground before meeting the Coca-Cola Tigers at the start of do-or-die wildcard game on Sunday. 

The player dubbed as ‘Baby Shaq’ has realized that he needs to step up after the departure of Burger King former stars Arwind Santos, Ranidel De Ocampo and later on Gary David, who was traded to the Coca-Cola Tigers for Alex Cabagnot.
“We must step up now and I’m very happy to see all my teammates are all hungry for the win.”

After a dismal first three quarters, swingman Ronjay Buenafe shook-off the jitters to score 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including three three-pointers and rookie Ronnie Matias fired 10 of his 12 points in the third period.    

Wesley Gonzales, who was also part of the David-Cabagnot trade, contributed 10 points and Richard Yee finished with eight points, while Alex Cabagnot dished out seven assists along with six points for Burger King. 

Although it was a no-bearing game for the Whopper, BK coach Yeng Guiao said he is very happy to see the effort of his players and expect to see the same intensity when they play in the wildcard round.  

"It's a good way to close out our elimination and it's also a big morale-booster for our wild card series. I'm still very hopeful of our chances. We're two wins away from the quarterfinals although we're also a loss away from a long vacation," said BK coach Yeng Guiao.

"Wesley Gonzales and Alex Cabagnot are blending well with us. We're getting better with these two guys," Guiao also said.

With the loss, the Aces take their last shot at an automatic semis entry versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday.  Alaska will instead figure in a playoff if it loses to Rain or Shine.

The Aces dictated the tempo in the first half but the Whoppers seized control in the third quarter then sustained the pace in the final period.

Ramsey Williams, Carlo Sharma and Buenafe combined in a decisive 11-3 run giving the Whoppers a double-digit spread at 72-62 midway through the payoff period.

LA Tenorio and Willie Millers tried to get the Aces back in the game with clutch baskets coming off the bench but Buenafe and Gonzales answered back for BK.

Guiao insisted it's a performance that spoke well of their good chance in the wild card round.

"The good thing about the format of this tournament is that as long as you're not eliminated, you have a good chance to go all the way," said Guiao.

"The Burger King-Coca-Cola battle is very interesting. We got involved in a trade deal that have made both teams better. The game will involve a lot of pride," he said.