Makati routs Caloocan; Mandaluyong stuns Bulacan in MPBL

MANILA, Philippines – The Makati Super Crunch smothered the Caloocan Supremos, 79-57, on Monday to continue their rise in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Flaunting their deep bench, the Super Crunch stormed ahead, 67-39, early in the fourth quarter and were never threatened by the Supremos, who couldn’t connect from long range, en route to their sixth straight victory.

James Mangahas and Joseph Manlangit led the scoring spree with 15 and 12 points, respectively, while 11 others contributed two or more for the Super Crunch who climbed to 12-4 in the North division of the 26-team league.

Apart from sinking 8 of 29 triple attempts, the Super Crunch also did better in rebounds (46-41),  assists (24-15) and blocks (3-1), offsetting their poor 5 of 13 free throw performance.

Hampered by a horrible 2 of 24 shooting from rainbow territory, the Supremos suffered their fourth straight defeat and dropped to 4-12.

Only playmaker Almond Vosotros was able to tally double figures for the Longrich-back Supremos, posting 13 points, including a perfect 9-of-9 conversion from the 15-foot line.

Mandaluyong El Tigre finally rediscovered their bite and stunned the Bulacan Kuyas, 102-91, in the nightcap.

Banking on a tight defense and a fluid running game,  El Tigre, who absorbed seven straight losses after losing five key players to the Asean Basketball League, raised their record to 7-8.

Antonio Bonsubre presided over El Tigre’s morale-boosting victory with 16 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Jeff Javilonar with 15, Gian Abrigo 12, and Jerry Orera and Janus Lozada with 11 each.

The Kuyas, being supported by Mighty Sports headed by Ceasar Chongwuking, slid to 10-6. Jason Melano scored 15 points while JR Taganas came up with 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Kuyas.

The MPBL returns to Strike Gymnasium on Tuesday with a twin bill featuring Pasay against Pampanga at 7 p.m. and host Bacoor against Bataan at 9 p.m.