BATANGAS CITY – Batangas City fought back from 16 points down to stun powerhouse Bacoor, 87-86, in the MPBL Lakan Season Tuesday at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Jason Melano and Jeff Viernes each produced a double-double in propelling the Tanduay-backed Athletics to an emotional home win.
Melano came away with 20 points and 13 rebounds but it was his steal that made the difference as Mon Rogado completed it with a layup to help Batangas notch its fifth win in eight games in the southern division of this tournament put up by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
The loss was the third in 11 games for the Strikers, who dropped to third spot of the southern division.
Viernes, who missed the team’s last two games, tallied 11 points and10 assists.
Earlier, Basilan and Imus pulled off contrasting victories to bolster their respective campaigns.
Still licking the wounds of their painful setback to Makati a few days ago, the Steel unveiled their most productive game of the season in giving the Navotas Clutch a sound beating, 113-94.
The 113 points was the franchise’s best for Basilan, which also shot a high 60-percent shooting from the field (48-of-79) and drew 78 points from inside the shaded area, 44 more than its counterpart. The Steel’s bench also proved to be more superior as their shock troopers outplayed their rivals, 63-45.
Imus edged Nueva Ecija, 75-73, in the other game as Jayjay Helterbrand hit three of four free throws down the stretch that bailed the Bandera out of trouble and propelled the team to its third win in nine games.
