Malolos– Bacoor and GenSan subdued their respective rivals in contrasting fashions to make it to the win column of the MPBL Season 3 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here late Thursday night.
Michael Cañete, a prized recruit from Arellano, tallied 13 of his 17 points in the third period, allowing the Strikers to cut loose to a convincing 79-57 walloping of crosstown rival Imus. Cañete starred in the backbreaking 14-4 run as the Strikers pulled away, 49-36, and never looked back from there.
But for Bacoor coach Chris Gavina, Bacoor’s win could also be attributed to the team's defense as the Strikers held their rivals to just one field goal in a span of seven minutes.
“We were able to execute defensively as a team,” added Gavina. “We had another slow start, but our resiliency on the defensive end got us going.”
Bacoor's win spoiled another solid performance from celebrity baller Gerald Anderson, who led Imus with 14 markers.
General Santos City brought down home team Bulacan Kuyas, 81-77, in the second game as four players ended up in double figures for the Burlington-backed Warriors.
John Orbeta, a key player of Gen San, who missed the playoffs due to a hip injury, has returned in tip-top condition and assumed his role as the team’s go-to-guy.
Against the Kuyas, Orbeta knocked in 16 points on top of seven rebounds.
Pamboy Raymundo chipped in 15 points, Rob Celiz had a double-double performance of 14 points and 13 rebounds and Fil-Am Mike Williams contributed 13 in a balanced offense for General Santos City.
Although they won for the first time in two games, head coach Ramon Pido wants his team to play better as a unit.
"We won because of our individual talents. We need to play better as a team,” he added.