By Kristel Satumbaga
The Bataan Risers exploited the Bulacan Kuyas’ poor shooting to post a 63-49 victory on Tuesday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Bataan People’s Center gym.
Locked at 15-all after the first quarter, the Risers limited the Kuyas to only four points in the second period for a 29-19 halftime edge which they tightly guarded en route to their 10th win in 11 games.
John Bryon Villarias led the Risers with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Pamboy Raymundo added 11 points and six boards.
The Risers’10-game winning streak is the longest in the tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
The Kuyas, who shot just 28 percent from the field, suffered their fourth loss against eight wins with Hans Thiele emerging as the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points. Backing the Kuyas is Mighty Sports of Angelo Wongchuking.
Meanwhile, the Parañaque Patriots downed the Rizal Crusaders, 59-47, to improve to 7-6.
Mac Montilla had 12 points for the Patriots as they also dealt the Crusaders their ninth defeat against four wins.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City Capitals-Black Mamba had just made their move in time for the trade deadline and they did so by shipping ex-pro Jojo Duncil to the Mandaluyong El Tigre-Dataland for Biboy Santiago.
