BALANGA, Bataan—Muntinlupa and Caloocan scored similar hard-fought wins in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup late Tuesday at the People’s Center Capitol Gymnasium here.
The Cagers, backed by Angelis Resort, outlasted preseason champions Bulacan Kuyas-Ligo Sardines, 75-71, and gave head coach Aldrin Morante a fitting birthday gift.
It was the third straight road victory for the Cagers after dropping their opening game at home.
Not to be outdone were the Longrich-backed Caloocan Supremos, who pulled off a 76-69 win over the Bataan Defenders in the tournament organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes as commissioner.
Caloocan pulled it through despite missing coach John Kallos, who was suspended for a game after his outburst in his team’s previous game against the Muntinlupa Cagers-Angelis Resort.
Mar Villahermosa, a veteran PBA D-League campaigner, delivered a backbreaking triple in the closing minutes of the game and the rest of the Supremos were able to hang on to pick up their first victory after losing their first three games.
The packed venue went wild after local hero Gary David completed a three-point play off Allan Enriquez that gave them a 68-67 lead.
But it proved to be Bataan’s last hurrah as Don Ochea and Villahermosa came through with huge baskets of their own to finally take the sting out of the Defenders.
Villahermosa led the way for Caloocan, finishing with 14 points, eight assists and three steals.
After averaging close to 25 points in the team’s first three games, David was held to just 10 points this time.
