MALOLOS—On a night Quezon City outplayed the Gary-David led Bataan squad, preseason champion Bulacan showed its strong title aspirations by whipping visiting Imus in the resumption of the MPBL Anta-Rajah Cup at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.
Quezon City drew a solid performance from Andrew Estrella, who dished out the league’s first ever triple-double showing by any player. The spitfire guard finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to power the Capitals to an 87-69 victory over the Bataan Defenders.
David, the illustrious, former scoring champion of the PBA, who joined the squad put up by his native province, led the way for the Defenders by pouring in 21 points while struggling on 5-of-18 shooting from the field.
But the Defenders lack the production from the bench as Quezon City’s relievers outscored Bataan, 48-9.
Aside from Estrella, the Capitals, who are being handled by coach Vis Valencia, also had four other players in double figures.
Former D-league player Jessie Collado finished with 18 points and eight rebounds. Ex-La Salle stalwart Peejay Barua contributed 12. Jomas Santos chipped in 11 and Hesed Gabo had 10 for Quezon City, which jumped the gun early by leading 16-8 and padded its advantage to 44-25 at the half.
Bataan, backed by BaiShipping, didn’t look back as the Royal Manila-supported Quezon City kept its composure the rest of the way.
Bulacan Kuyas dumped Imus Bandera, 93-79, in the other game.
The Kuyas made room for the most senior player on the squad, former PBA Rookie of the Year and three-time champion Marlou Aquino, who provided quality minutes by scoring four points and a block.
The 45-year-old center, who suited up for Barangay Ginebra, Sta. Lucia and Barako Bull in the PBA, provided the leadership for the Kuyas, who unloaded 13 unanswered points at the start of the third period to break free from a tight contest.
Bulacan, which is supported by Ligo Sardines, led by as many as 21 points, 63-42, on Marlon Monte’s triple late in the third period.
