Bulacan, Biñan stretch MPBL runs

Biñan, Laguna—The Bulacan Kuyas and the Binan City Heroes continued their rise in the Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season with victories over also-ran opponents Friday at Alonte Sports Arena.

Powered by JR Taganas’ 16 points and 11 rebounds, the Kuyas subdued the Paranaque Patriots, 76-69, for their fifth straight win and fourth spot in the North division of the 31-team Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Toting a 17-8 record, the Kuyas are locked in a tight fight with the Bataan Risers (16-9) and the Pampanga Giant Lanterns (16-9) for the top four spots which means having the homecourt advantage in the eight-team playoffs.

Virtually assured of top 3 finishes are the San Juan Knights (21-3), the Manila Stars (21-5) and the Makati Super Crunch (20-5).

Homegrown Stephen Siruma and Adven Jess Diputado supported Taganas with 12 points each, while only Keith Pido shone offensively for the Yabo-supported Patriots who dropped to 8-17.

The Heroes led by as many as 20 points before settling for a 92-84 victory that extended their win run to six and boosted their chances of barging into the playoffs of the South division.

James Mangahas posted 18 points plus 10 rebounds and got ample support from brother Allan Mangahas with 11 points and 10 assists, Mark Anthony Acosta with 14 points, Jed Mendoza with 13, and Kyle Drexler Neypes with 10 as Binan climbed to an 11-14 slate.

Currently at 10th spot, Binan is hounding No. 9 Cebu City (11-12) and No. 8 Bicol (13-12) in the chase for the eight playoff berths in each division.

Biñan pulled away at 52-32 as James Mangahas found his range and frustrated the Marlins, who are mired at the cellar at 1-25.

Navotas Uni-Pak Sardines played the spoiler’s role as it bested Valenzuela Carga Backload Solutions, 88-83, in the opener.

Though out of contention at 7-19 in the North, Navotas banked on Jhong Bondoc’s 19 points to also hand Valenzuela the exit ticket at 10-16.

The MPBL goes to the Filoil Flying V Centre with Muntinlupa battling Bacoor at 4:15 p.m. Other games pit Basilan against Bacolod at 6:45 p.m. and Pasig Sta Lucia against host San Juan at 8:45 p.m.