FORMER PBA players Val Acuna and Lester Alvarez conspired in a big Batangas run early as the Athletics outlasted the Chris Gavina-mentored Valenzuela Classic, a73-65, in the MPBL Anta Rajah Cup at the packed Muntinlupa Sports Complex late Saturday night.
While the Batangas supporters went home very happy, the home crowd was disappointed after Muntinlupa suffered an 82-76 loss to Navotas.
The 6-foot-3 Acuna scored 18 points highlighted by four triples, to lead his squad’s production.
Alvarez, a member of the grand slam squad of San Mig Coffee in 2014, was fortunate to find a spot in the MPBL.
“Maganda kasi nashi-share naming sa mga teammates ko ngayon yung na-experience namin sa PBA,” added Alvarez. “Talagang push hard kami sa practice, double yung effort, kasi kami inaasahan.”
Batangas raced to a 38-19 lead at the half, but was outscored 29-18 in the third period, but recovered just in time to prevail.
Navotas turned to hot-shooting Yves Sazon, who responded with 24 points, including six three-point shots, and became the scourge of Muntinlupa.
Veteran Egay Billones shoved the host team to within 76-74 inside the final two-minute mark, but Sazon scored a tough long jumper while Rey Publico added two more free throws to put Navotas on safer grounds.
