Kuyas down Supremos; Strikers topple Capitals

BACOOR, Cavite – The Bulacan Kuyas quashed the Caloocan Supremos’ repeated rallies to prevail, 86-82, Thursday night and bolster their playoff drive in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Strike Gymnasium here.

Drawing double digit scores from five players, the Kuyas pulled away, 59-42, en route to their 14th win against 8 losses in the 26-team league founded by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Jason Melano led the Kuyas, being supported by Mighty Sports headed by Ceasar Chongwuking, with 15 points, followed by James Martinez 13 points, JR Taganas 12 points and 12 rebounds, Jonathan Ballon with 12 points, and Stephen Siruma 12 points.

The Supremos, who fell to 8-15, drew 21 points from Paul Sanga, 17 from Danny Marilao, 15 points and 9 assists from Almond Vosotros, and 11 points and 20 rebounds from Mark Sarangay.

The 6-foot-6 Sarangay became only the second MPBL player to tally back-to-back 20 rebounds, following Taganas’feat.

Mark Pangilinan drilled in back-to-back triples in the homestretch to key the Bacoor Strikers’ 90-87 squeaker over the Quezon Capitals in the nightcap.

The Strikers, who stunned the Manila Stars last week, climbed to 10-9, behind the team-high 20 points of Mark Montuano, the 17 of Pangilinan, the 13 of Rocky Acidre, and the triple-double (10 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists) of Gab Banal.

It was the second straight triple-double for Banal, the league’s record holder in the category.

“Numbers don’t mean that much as long as the team wins,” said Banal.

Former national player Chad Alonzo took over the starting center spot of the injured Leo de Vera and wound up with seven points and 12 rebounds for the Strikers.