By Kristel Satumbaga
The Manila Stars and the Bacoor Strikers dumped their rivals on Tuesday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Valenzuela Astrodome.
Christopher Bitoon scored 22 points to lift the Stars past the Parañaque Patriots, 98-88, while Rama Morales fired 23 points as the Strikers edged the Valenzuela Classic, 88-81.
The Stars’ win improved their win-loss tally to 11-2, putting them half a game behind frontrunner Bataan Risers (11-1).
Marvin Hayes also starred for the Stars with 18 points and 19 rebounds while Adrian Celada and Kyles Lao combined for 30 points.
The Strikers, for their part, notched their eighth victory against five defeats with Leo De Vera chipping in 11 points and 17 rebounds.
The Patriots fell to 7-7 while the Classic dropped to 4-9.
