Makati rolls to 12th straight win in MPBL

MANILA, Philippines – The Makati Super Crunch continued to smother the opposition in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup Wednesday night at Navotas Sports Complex.

Again flaunting their deep bench, the Super Crunch trounced the Navotas Clutch, 96-87, to tally their 12th straight victory and climb to joint second in the North division of the 26-team league.

Now toting an 18-4 record, the Super Crunch tied the Manila Stars and tailed only elimination round leader Basilan Risers, who are at 19-2.

Showing their systematic plays, the Super Crunch  surged ahead, 81-62, before easing up on defense.

Jeckster Apinan presided over the Super Crunch assault with 20 points and 13 rebounds, and was supported by Joseph Sedurifa and Cedric Ablaza with 15 points each.

John Rey Villanueva contributed 13 points, Rudy Lingganay 11, and Mark Isip 10 for the Super Crunch of coach Cholo Villanueva.

Beaten off the boards, 42-51, the Clutch dropped to 10-12 with only four players, led by Marlon Gomez’s 18 points, drilling in double figures.

With Villanueva pouring 12 points, the Super Crunch took a 46-38 halftime lead.

Earlier, the Quezon Capitals subdued Basilan Steel, 76-68, to level their slate at 10-10 and remain in the playoffs race of the North division.

Joco Tayongtong led the Capitals to their second straight win with 18 points, followed by Jay Collado with 14, Hesed Gabo with 12 and Alwyn Alday with 10.

The Capitals led by as many as 12 points, 47-35, but needed to weather the Steel’s repeated rallies.

Though out of contention at 6-16, the Steel put up a stiff fight through Cris Dumapig, with 15 points and 11 rebounds, Jerald Bautista (15 points), Jercules Tangkay (13), and Mark Anthony Acosta (10).

On Thursday, the MPBL goes to Muntinlupa Sports Complex with Marikina battling Manila at 7 p.m. and Muntinlupa tackling Pasig at 9 p.m.