By Kristel Satumbaga
Bacoor City Strikers snapped a four-game losing skid Monday with a 92-86 win over fancied Manila Stars in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Olivarez College gym in Parañaque City.
The Strikers were off to a hot start by outscoring the Stars, 28-15, in the opening quarter to dictate the tempo throughout en route to their ninth win in 18 games.
Gab Banal exploded with a triple-double performance for the Strikers with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists while Mark Montuano and Rama Morales contributed 16 and 14 points.
Aristotle Dionisio and Christopher Bitoon scored 22 and 19 points for the Stars, whose four-game winning run came to an end to settle for 16-4.
In the other game, Quezon City Capitals survived the Parañaque Patriots, 65-64, for their eighth win against nine losses.
The Capitals held on to their lead after an attempt from John Abu Ambuludto to send the game into overtime was only counted for two points.
Andoy Estrella paced the Capitals with 25 points as they also dealt the Patriots their 11th loss in 19 games.