ZAMBOANGA Family’s Brand Sardines flaunted its strength while Sarangani continued to spring surprises on Saturday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Showing why it’s one of the touted teams this year, Zamboanga trounced Caloocan Excellence Victory Liner, 91-70, in its first stint in more than 2 years after taking a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The vastly improved Sarangani Marlins thwarted the Rizal Golden Coolers Xentro Mall, 94-83, for their second straight win that gave them a share of the lead in the Southern Division, where the Zamboanguenos are also bracketed.
Zamboanga drew firepower from the Marcelino twins, Jayvee and Jaycee, big man Jhaymo Eguilos and Irven Palencia.
Jaycee fired 16 points while Jayvee contributed 14 to tow Eguilos and Palencia, who scored 10 each, in the wide-open game where they led by as many as 23 points, 91-68, with 39 seconds to go.
Caloocan got 26 points from 6-foot-1 guard Damian Lasco while Achie Inigo and Jomar Santos added 10 each.
Sarangani pulled away at 57-34 and was never headed as Kyt Jimenez sparkled with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Yvan Ludovice added 17 points ad Donald Gumaru for Coach John Kallos.
Laurence Paul Victoria scored 24 points, followed by Edgar Charcos with 11 and Christian Caldozo with 10 for Rizal.