Author: John Michael Decierdo Agustin
Photo Credit: MPBL
San Jose, BATANGAS – Heavily favored Valenzuela Classics DYNACAST managed to get away with a close win against the Mindoro Tamaraws, 64-63. Both teams are still gunning for a spot in the North division for the upcoming Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 6 playoffs.
The Valenzuela and Mindoro matchup was pretty close but eventually became one-sided after the Classics took control of the game late in the third period. However, the Tamaraws, led by All-Star Jhon Jerrick Caspe, made a 12-4 run in the fourth quarter, which allowed them to close the gap with less than 24 seconds left to play.
Mindoro’s Ken Bono Had The Chance To Seal The Win But Air-Balled The Possible Buzzer-Beater Jump Shot
Darrell Manliguez made a crucial turnover, which then allowed Mindoro to set up a play for a possible game-winner. With 4 seconds left, the ball went to the hands of 6-foot-5 big man Karl Kenneth Bono but unfortunately missed the go-ahead basket.
Valenzuela’s Paulo Hubalde took the best player award after his gracious overall performance. Despite his age, the 43-year-old star point guard was everywhere on the court, making plays, stopping passing lanes, and making baskets. He finished with 11 points, 9 assists, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. 6-foot-9 center Ladis Lepalam also contributed with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Mark Angelo Montuano tallied 10 points and 3 assists. Darrell Manliguez, who had 7 points and 7 assists, was also noteworthy after making some amazing plays for his teammates.
On the other hand, JJ Caspe finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds for Mindoro.
The Valenzuela Classics are still in the playoff race as they now go 12-13. They’ll be fighting with Quezon City and Rizal for the 8th spot in the North division. Mindoro, on the other hand, has dropped to 10-17 but is still on the verge of making the playoffs in the South.
Pampanga Giant Lanterns Secure Win Despite Key Players Fouling Out
Defending MPBL champions, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, escape the Abra Weavers despite Justine Baltazar and Archie Concepcion fouling out of the game in the fourth period. Baltazar still finished with a triple-double – 11 points, 10 assists, and 13 rebounds, on top of making 4 blocks. Concepcion, on the other hand, had 18 points and 6 rebounds. Lervin Flores also made a statement by giving 16 points and 8 rebounds, all while shooting 70% from the field. Homegrown star Michael John Garcia also showed up with 12 points,4 assists, and 7 rebounds. Pampanga has only lost two games so far, one of which was against the No. 1 seed in the league, the San Juan Knights. They are now 24-2, second in overall rankings and in the North division.
Batangas City Dominates Marikina To Maintain Third Place In The South Division
Finally, the home team, the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, destroyed Marikina, 92-77. Cedric Ablaza, Jeckster Apinan, and Levi Hernandez all had 11 points each, while Philip Paniamogan and RJ Ramirez recorded 14 and 15 points, respectively. Batangas, 18-8, keeps the no.3 spot in the South division.
The Scores:
- Valenzuela Classics DYNACAST vs. Mindoro Tamaraws (64-63)
- Pampanga Giant Lanters vs. Abra Weavers (88-79)
- Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters vs. Marikina Shoemasters (92-77)
