The Pasay Voyagers trounced the Mindoro Tamaraws, 84-72, on Tuesday to complete the playoffs cast of the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season North division at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Dropping 13 straight points, the Voyagers surged ahead, 63-44, before cruising to their 17th win against 11 losses, shutting the door on the Caloocan Supremos, who dropped to 15-14 following an 88-111 beating from the San Juan Knights in the opener.
Meantime, the Batangas City Athletics subdued Bacolod Master’s Sardines, 63-54, to climb to 17-11 and book their ticket to the South division playoffs.
With Jaypee Belencion, Achie Inigo, Elmer Moradas, Raymund Ilagan and Jan Jamon drilling in double digits, the Voyagers pulled away at 38-18 and were never headed by the Tamaraws, who tumbled to 9-19.
Toting a 25-4 record, Datu Cup champion San Juan is virtually assured of top spot in the North with only the Manila Stars (24-5) capable of tying the Knights after the single round-robin elimination round of the 31-team field.
This will happen if San Juan gets stunned by Mindoro on February 8 and Manila wins over Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines on February 10. In such scenario, Manila will become No. 1 by virtue of its 75-70 victory over San Juan last November 29.
The Go-for-Gold supported Knights drew 24 points from John Wilson, including 6 triples, 17 points and 9 rebounds from Michael SAyonayon, 16 points plus 9 rebounds from Larry Rodriguez, 16 points plus 4 assists from Renzo Subido, and 12 points plus 5 rebounds from Orlan Wamar.
Other qualifiers among the 16 teams in the North are Makati (21-8), Pampanga (20-9), Bataan (19-9), Bulacan (19-10) and Pasig (18-11).
Powered by Genmar Bragais off the bench, the Tanduay-backed Athletics moved past the General Santos Warriors (16-11) and Cebu Casino Ethyl Alcohol (14-14). Bicol wound up with a 16-14 slate but advanced because of its 77-67 victory over Cebu last November 25.
Bragais tallied 21 points, spiked by 4 of 4 triple shooting, followed by Jason Melano with 14 points plus 9 rebounds, and Jeff Viernes with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals.
