By Kristel Satumbaga
The Bulacan Kuyas banked on their stifling defense to beat the Quezon City Capitals, 61-55, on Tuesday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Henry Noble gym in Quezon City.
The Kuyas forced the Capitals to miss all their 19 three-point attempts and held them to only 30 percent shooting from the field (27-of-73) in clinching their eighth win in 11 games.
JR Taganas was a terror in the paint with 21 boards along while Hans Thiele added seven rebounds.
Jovit Dela Cruz also shone for the Kuyas with 12 points and seven rebounds even as Stephen Siruma chipped in 10 points, six assists and three steals.
The Kuyas, who are backed by Mighty Sports’ Ceasar Angelo Wongchuking, trailed 29-26 at the half but grabbed the 33-29 upperhand after silencing the Capitals in the first five minutes of the third period while draining seven straight points.
Andoy Estrella, Hesed Gabo and Jay Collado scored 12 points each in futile attempts for the Capitals, who absorbed their sixth defeat against two wins.
In the other game, the Rizal Crusaders dealt the San Juan Knights their second loss in 10 games with an 85-77 triumph.
Marco Balagtas had 16 points and nine boards and Mark Benitez added 11 points for the Crusaders, who improved to 4-7.