MPBL: Kuyas trounce Heroes; Supremos rip Lanterns

MANILA, Philippines – Jay-R Taganas got his usual numbers while James Martinez and Ogie Menor stepped up as the Bulacan Kuyas dumped the Laguna Heroes, 87-70, Wednesday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Caloocan Sports Complex

The burly Taganas posted 16 points and 14 rebounds and got ample support from Martinez and Menor, who chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively, for the Kuyas, who are being supported by Mighty Sports headed by Ceasar Chongwuking.

Jason Melano and Stephen Siruma also joined the scoring fray for the Kuyas, back on track with an 11-win, 6-record.

According to Kuyas Coach Britt Reroma, Menor, a former San Beda star like Taganas, will only get better as the 26-team league progresses.

“We know it's a matter of time,”said Reroma, also a former San Beda Red Lion. “Right now, he's still trying to get into tip-top shape, but we know his experience and veteran presence would be a big help for our campaign.

The Heroes fell to 8-10 despite the 28-point explosion of Mabulac and the 11-point contribution of Denok Miranda.

In the nightcap, the Caloocan Supremos needed only eight men to subdue the Pampanga Lanterns, 78-62.

Led by Almond Vosotros, who scored 23, and Paul, who added 22, the Supremos led by as many as 19 en route to their fifth win in 17 games.

The Lanterns, with only Levi Hernandez and Michael Juico posting twin digits with 17 and 15, respectively, absorbed their 11th loss against seven wins.

The MPBL goes to Strike Gymnasium on Thursday with Pasay battling Cebu City at 7 p.m. and Bacoor tackling Davao Occidental at 9 p.m.