GenSan, Zamboanga subdue Cavite teams

BACOOR CITY — The General Santos City Warriors repelled the Bacoor Strikers’ repeated rallies to prevail, 82-71, Monday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Strike Gymnasium here.

John Orbeta poured nine of his 23 points total in the fourth quarter to preside over the Warriors’ 13th win against 10 losses that assured them of the homecourt edge in the South division playoffs.

The Warriors, who also got twin digits from Daryl Goloran (11), Jorem Morada (10) and Cristopher Masaglang (10), pulled away in the fourth quarter, 79-63, as the Strikers were hampered by errors and turnovers.

The Strikers suffered their third straight defeat despite the double-double efforts of Gab Banal, 15 points and 14 rebounds, and King Destacamento, 16 points and 12 rebounds, and skidded to 11-12.

Like the Warriors, however, the Strikers are also assured of a playoffs berth.

With Banal tallying 10 points, the Strikers managed to stay close, 40-42, at halftime.

Earlier, Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines banked on a scoring outburst by Reed Juntilla to subdue Imus Bandera, 83-78, and stretch their win streak to four.

Juntilla poured seven of his game-high 22 points in a nine-point avalanche that snapped the games seventh and last deadlock at 70 and buried Bandera for good, 79-70, with 2 minutes and 40 seconds to go.

Zamboanga leveled its slate at 12-12 while Imus fell to 10-14, although the Bandera are also assured of a spot in the South division playoffs.

Harold Arboleda likewise delivered for Zamboanga with 21 points and a game-high 10 rebounds that led to a 57-44 advantage off the boards.

Other major contributors for Zamboanga were Ryan Buenafe with 13 points and nine rebounds and Robin Rono with 10 points.

The Bandera got 13 points each from John Manansala and Jonathan Rivera, 11 from Steven Cudal and 10 from Ian Melencio.

The MPBL visits Angeles University Foundation Gym on Tuesday with Rizal battling Basilan at 7 p.m. and Pampanga tackling Marikina at 9 p.m.