Juico sparks Pampanga’s 3rd straight win

Michael Juico came away with yet another double-double effort to power the Pampanga Giant Lanterns to another convincing win, this time against home team Muntinlupa Cagers, 77-66, in the MPBL Lakan Season at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

Juico produced 16 points and 16 rebounds, a fitting follow-up to his previous double-double performance in his team’s triumphant effort over the reigning southern division champions Davao Occidental Tigers a few days ago.

With Juico in charge, Pampanga has picked up its third straight win and solidified its hold of the fifth spot in the northern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

Pampanga improved its record to 9-4.

Like the Giant Lanterns, the Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines are also looking good and they were able to display their dominant form in dealing the Nueva Ecija-Forrest Lake a sound beating, 109-85.

The Univercal Canning Inc.-owned franchise was able to register a new record in points produced inside the shaded area, pouring in 90 points. The team also  put up a career-tying high in assists (38) and fast break points (36).

In picking up its second straight win under new coach Britt Reroma and eighth victory in 15 starts, Zamboanga has firmed up its hold of the eighth spot in the southern division of the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league.

Six players ended up in double figures for Zamboanga led by Robin Rono and Choi Ignacio, who tallied 16 points apiece. Leo de Vera came away with a double-double performance of 14 points and 12 boards.

Ryan Costelo added 12 points while Harold Arboleda and Med Salim each produced 10 markers for Zamboanga, which shot a steady 60.2-percent from the field.

Iloilo nipped Valenzuela, 73-67, to give Nash Racela another victory as a pinch-hitting mentor.

Racela is taking over as coach on a temporary basis as permanent mentor Eric Gonzales served a two-game suspension.

The win was the eighth in 13 matches for the United Royals, who stayed on fifth spot of the southern division. The team drew 20 points from Richard Escoto and 18 markers from ex-pro Alfrancis Tamsi as Iloilo remained as the best performing expansion team in the third season of the tournament.