Valenzuela triumphs

MANILA, Philippines — Valenzuela started cold, but turned hot to trounce Imus, 107-88, yesterday and rev up its drive in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Leaque) Sixth Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Trailing, 7-18, the Valenzuela Classics struck back through Fil-Am CJ Payawal, who poured 15 points, Dennis Santos and Allan Richard Martin to take control at the half, 50-41, en route to their fifth win against three losses in the elimination round of the 29-team tournament.

Imus Agimat VA Drones suffered its seventh straight defeat.