Angeles City—Bataan and Bulacan carved out contrasting victories on Monday night to bolster their respective chances in the MPBL Datu Cup.
The Risers of Bataan continued their sizzling performance in the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao, with PBA legend and former league MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Their latest win—a 108-77 dumping of the Basilan Steel—extended their winning streak to 12 games and the Zetapro-backed squad improved their win-loss record to 12-1, the best in the 26-team cast.
But for head coach Jojo Lastimosa, their latest win gave his squad a glimpse of what they can do when playing their A-game. The team posted a franchise-best in points, while also dealing the Steel their worst beating since joining in the league.
Basilan absorbed its fourth straight beating and fell to a 4-9 card.
Four players finished in double figures for the Zetapro-backed Risers, led by Byron Villarias with 23 points.
Fellow ex-pro Pamboy Raymundo added 15, while former PBA scoring champion Gary David chipped in 14 and Vince Tolentino contributed 10 in a display of balanced firepower by Bataan.
Bulacan, on the other hand, had to grind it out before arresting an alarming skid and winning over host team Pampanga, 67-65.
The Mighty Sports-backed Kuyas turned to JR Taganas and Jorey Napoles, who delivered the crucial baskets that ensured the team’s ninth win in 14 games and snapped back-to-back setbacks.
Taganas, the tournament’s leading rebounder, picked up a loose ball and made a basket with less than a minute to go and shoved the Kuyas ahead, 65-61.
After Levi Hernandez put the Lanterns within striking distance with a short stab, Napoles beat his man to the basket and scored for a 67-63 lead with 37 seconds left.