Muntinlupa shackles Pasay; Pasig escapes Quezon City in MPBL

BINAN, Laguna – Chito Jaime and Allan Mangahas both reached the 500-point plateau as they powered the Muntinlupa Cagers past the Pasay Voyagers, 80-67, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup Thursday night at Alonte Sports Area here.

Jaime scored 15 points but achieved the milestone first while Mangahas followed suit with a triple in the homestretch for a game-high 21 points as the Cagers climbed to 11-5 in the South division of the 26-team league founded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

With Dhon Reverente joining the scoring fray, the Cagers surged ahead, 69-49, but had to repel the Voyagers desperate rally in the last two minutes. Reverente wound up with nine points but snagged 13 rebounds.

Dave Moralde also contributed with 13 points while Felix Apreku chipped in 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Cagers being support by Angelis Resort.

The Voyagers, who dropped to 6-13, got 17 points from Jason Opiso, 16 from Arvin Jay Vitug and 12 from Jonathan Yuhico.

Earlier, the Pasig Pirates survived the Quezon City Capitals’ final onslaught to prevail, 98-95, and inject life into their waning playoff bid in the North division.

The Pirates saw a 15-point bubble, 82-67, burst, but the Capitals ran out of time to extend a three-game win run.

Marlon Monte presided over the Pirates’ third win in 17 starts with a game-high 20 points and was supported by Argel Mendoza with 14 and Francis Camacho and Jerwin Gaco with 13 each.

Leaning on the seven rejections s of 6-foot-3 Eduardo Doroteo, the Pirates posted a league-record 13 blocks, affecting the Capitals’ shot selection.

The Capitals fell to 6-9 despite the double digit scoring of Andrew Estrella (19), Jay Collado (15 plus 15 rebounds), Hesed Gabo (14), Joco Tayongtong (12) and Ramon Manayo (10).

The MPBL visits Imus Sports Complex on Friday with Marikina battling Bacoor at 7 p.m. and Imus tackling Paranaque at 9 p.m.