Mandaluyong, Imus beat foes to end slump

MANILA, Philippines – Mandaluyong El Tigre and Imus Bandera finally checked their skid in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup on Thursday night.

Drawing twin digits from five players, El Tigre prevailed over the Quezon City Capitals, 87-76, to snap out of a five-game slide at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Banderas, on the other hand, banked on Jomari Sollano and Mykiel Cabahug to nip the Laguna Heroes, 67-65, Thursday night and end a three-game slump.

El Tigre returned to the upper half of the standings with a 7-6 record while the Banderas returned to the middle pack at 6-6.

Cabahug, son of former PBA star Elmer, fired 13 points while Sollano added 12 for the Banderas, who drew 13 points from James Castro.

The Heroes, who got 13 points from Elvin Chan and 10 points and 20 rebounds from Michael Mabulac, fell to 7-7.

With Sollano sinking all of his six free throws, Bandera made 14 of 16 attempts for a high 88 percent conversion rate. The Heroes could only make 11 out of 17 tries for 65 percent.

El Tigre, trying to make do without five players, including the celebrated Ray Parks, who have moved over to Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League, paraded new acquisition Ronjay Buenafe in place of Jojo Duncil.

Duncil, acquired in a trade for Biboy Satiago, was unable to come to terms with El Tigre and left the league.

Buenafe canned three triples to share scoring honors with Janus Lozada with 15 points each. Antonio Bonsubre contributed 13 points and 18 rebounds, Gian Lloyd Abrigo added 12 points and Jonathan Boholano chipped in 10 points for El Tigre.

The Capitals, who drew 12 points from Alwyn Alday and 11 each from Jay Collado, Hesed Gabo and Ramon Mabayo, dropped to 3-8.