Author: John Michael Decierdo Agustin
Photo Credit: MPBL
Batangas City Coliseum – 5-foot-6 Mark Cruz rallied against all odds to lead the South Cotabato Warriors past the Biñan Tatak Gel Beast GameX in game 1 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) quarterfinals, 85-82.
Mark Cruz’s Playoff Breakout Performance
Cruz, whose regular season scoring average is only 8.7 PPG, went ballistic in the playoffs against Biñan. The 32-year-old point guard went for 24 points in an extremely efficient shooting night, shooting 100% from the field and going 3 for 3 from behind the three-point line.
Biñan had control of the matchup up until the fourth period, where South Cotabato tried coming back from a double-digit lead, ultimately taking the lead with just a minute left to play in regulation. Cruz tallied 20 of his 24 points in the second half. All-star Jammer Jamito also contributed with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks while Val Acuna posted 14 points and 2 rebounds.
Kenny Roger Rocacurva finished with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals for Biñan.
These two South division teams will meet again on October 17, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna.
On the Other Hand, Batangas City Defends Their Home Court against Davao
The Davao Occidental Tigers came straight into the playoffs after a 7-game losing streak to finish the regular season. Unfortunately, that streak continues after losing to Batangas, 76-66.
Right in front of their home turf, Batangas stole game 1 behind Levi Hernandez’s 21 points, all from behind the arc. Philip Paniamogan and Cedric Ablaza also contributed with 12 points apiece.
The Scores:
- South Cotabato Warriors vs. Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX (85-82)
- Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters vs. Davao Occidental Tigers (76-66)
