By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The Bulacan Kuyas recovered from a slow start and bested the Batangas City Athletics, 63-54, on Tuesday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Bulacan Capitol gym.
The Kuyas, who are backed by Mighty Sports’ Ceasar Angelo Wongchuking, limited the Athletics to just eight points in the second quarter to turn a 19-15 deficit to a 33-27 lead at the half and protected their lead throughout.
It was the Kuyas’ sixth win against two losses to remain at second place.
Center Hans Thiele led the Kuyas with 11 points and six rebounds while Stephen Siruma added 10 points, three boards and four assists.
Jay-R Taganas also shone defensively, grabbing 17 rebounds apart from eight points.
Jerick Cañada also did well for the Kuyas, posting 13 assists, 9 points and five boards.
The Athletics fell to their fifth loss in seven outings despite Moncrif Rogado and Lester Alvarez scoring 13 points each.
Like the Kuyas, the Basilan Steel exploded in the second period en route to a 92-84 win over the Caloocan Longrich to improve to 3-4.
The Steel outscored the Longrich in that period, 27-11, to take a 45-37 halftime advantage.
Former Letran star Dennis Daa tallied 25 points and nine boards while Jojo Tangkay added 11 points.
The Longrich dropped to 2-5.
