Games Tomorrow (JCSGO gym, Cubao)
7 p.m. – Muntinlupa vs Caloocan
9 p.m. – Imus vs Quezon City
Powerhouse Batangas and Navotas carved out contrasting victories on Saturday night to share the lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup.
The Athletics turned up the heat in the second half to overcome the 32-point explosion of former pro star Gary David and the visiting Bataan Defenders, 88-73, in front of an enthusiastic Batangas City Coliseum crowd.
Journeyman Val Acuña tallied 13 points while big man Jhaymo Eguilos finished with a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds to power host Batangas which defeated Valenzuela, 73-65, last week.
Adrian Santos, Moncrief Rogado and Paul Varilla had 11 points each while Lester Alvarez and Teytey Teodoro added 10 apiece for the Athletics, who exploded for 29 points in the third quarter to take a 11-point spread into the final 10 minutes.
The Clutch, on the other hand, squandered an early13-point lead but recovered in time to outlast the Bulacan Kuyas, 77-76, in overtime.
Former University of the East stalwart Gino Jumao-as led the way with 16 points but it was big man Rey Publico who delivered the crucial basket with 56 seconds left for Navotas.
Eder Saldua had 14 points and 13 rebounds while fellow shock trooper Ron Dennison added 13 points and guard JP Calvo had 12 for the Clutch, who also improved to 2-0.
Jovit dela Cruz finished with 15 points for the Kuyas who dropped into a four-way tie from fourth to seventh spots with an even 1-1 card.
The Defenders suffered their second straight loss in an as many tries, keeping themselves down at the cellar alongside Caloocan Supremos. (Jerome Lagunzad)