Batangas keeps Sarangani at bay

MANILA, Philippines — It was Mark Neil Cruz’ turn to shine for Batangas City Embassy Chill last Tuesday as the Athletics subdued the Sarangani Marlins, 75-66, in the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season presented by Xtreme at the Batangas City Coliseum.

As expected, powerhouse Nueva Ecija thumped Muntinlupa, 102-85, stretching the Rice Vanguards’ unbeaten run to 15 in the single-round robin elimination phase of the 22-team tournament.

Rizal also boosted its quarterfinals drive with a 95-73 trouncing of Makati in the opener. The Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers climbed to 9-4 and pulled down Makati to 1-14.

Cruz knocked in seven straight points in the last two minutes to lift Batangas past Sarangani, 72-66, in the battle between the South division pacesetters.

Cedric Ablaza drilled in a triple with 36 seconds left for the final count that handed Batangas a 13-1 record.

The Marlins dropped to 10-3 despite the 25-point, 12-rebound effort of YouTube sensation Kyt Jimenez, who was held to two charities in the fourth quarter.

Cruz wound up with 13 points and nine rebounds for Athletics coach Cholo Villanueva, who also got 17 points and six rebounds from Levi Hernandez and 12 points and 11 rebounds from Jeckster Apinan.

Yvan Ludovice, whose back-to-back triples pushed Sarangani to within 66-69, ended up with 11 points.

MPBL founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao watched the games for the second straight day and gave away Molten balls to fans who braved the heavy rains.