Patriots, Lanterns triumph in OT

MANILA, Philippines – Robin Rono found his mark in overtime to power the Paranaque Patriots past the Caloocan Supremos, 94-87, Wednesday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the filled to the rafters Olivares College Gymnasium in Paranaque City.

In the opener, the Pampanga Lanterns compounded the woes of the Batangas City Athletics with an 80-75 victory, also in overtime, a first occurrence in the regional league.

The former National University Bulldog drilled in three straight triples in the extra period while John Abu Ambuludto added two free throws in a decisive 11-point cluster that gave the Patriots their fourth win in six starts.

In rhythm from the start, Rono ended up with 23 points while Ambuludtu chipped in 20 for the Patriots being supported by F2 Logistics.

Harold Miguel Arboleda provided additional firepower for Paranaque with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists.

The Supremos, who dropped to 2-3, got 21 points from Hess Mar Villahermosa and 17 from Paul Sanga.

Juneric Baloria presided over the Lanterns ‘ third win in six games, pouring five points in their pivotal 8-1 run starting the extra period that propelled them to an 80-73 spread, 1:12 to go.

The defending champion Athletics absorbed their third straight defeat and dropped to 2-4.

Baloria, who chipped in six points in the fourth quarter, wound up with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks and was named best player at the expense of teammate Michael Juico, who tallied 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

The Athletics drew 20 points from Tey Teodoro and 12 from big man Jhaymo Eguilos, but Val Acuna, their top gunner in the MPBL Anta Rajah Cup, was held to five.

Firing blanks from long range, the Athletics converted just 3 of 28 triple attempts for a woeful 11 percent clip, but still managed to move ahead, 60-51, early in the fourth quarter which ended at 72-72.

 On Thursday, the MPBL visits the San Andres Sports Complex with a doubleheader pitting the Pasay Voyagers against the Basilan Steel at 7 p.m. and the Manila Stars against the Bulacan Kuyas at 9 p.m.