Batangas barged into the semifinal round while Muntinlupa got back on course in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season Playoffs on Tuesday at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.
The Batangas City Embassy Chill Athletics dropped three straight triples in the homestretch to repeat over Imus SV Squad, 61-59, and sweep their best-of-three quarterfinal series in the South division.
The Muntinlupa Cagers, on the other hand, wasted a 27-point third quarter spread but held on to turn back the GenSan Warriors, 99-91, and force a Game 3 decider in their own quarterfinal series.
A 10-point cluster, the last five by Marco Balagtas, enabled Muntinlupa to break away, 86-59.
Just when the Cagers were hoping for a smooth ride going to the last 10 minutes, however, the Warriors ended the third quarter with four straight points then greeted the fourth with a 14-point avalanche to move within 77-86.
GenSan threatened further at 91-96 following back-to-back triples by Mark Cruz with 2 minutes and 4 seconds to go, but couldn’t score after that, including three straight free throw misses by Cruz with 52 seconds left.
Ian Melencio presided over Muntinlupa’s recovery from a 70-79 defeat in Game 1 with 16 points, 14 assists, 8 assists and 2 steals to run away with the best player honors under Coach Aldrin Morante.
The Kawit-born Melencio, a legend in pocket tournaments in Cavite, was supported by Dave Moralde with 18 points plus 6 rebounds, JP Sarao with 13 points plus 3 rebounds, John Amores with 12 points and 3 rebounds, Reneford Ruaya with 11 points plus 9 rebounds, and Val Acuna with 10.
