MUNTINLUPA and Marikina carved out contrasting victories on opening night of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Angelis Resort-backed Muntinlupa Cagers, runner-up to Batangas City in the inaugural staging Rajah Cup, used their chemistry to the hilt in outplaying the talented yet less cohesive Mandaluyong El Tigre, 86-74.
Ex-PBA players Chito Jaime and Allan Mangahas combined forces for the Cagers, who were able to display their balance firepower in handling the favorites a sound beating.
A PBA journeyman, the 6-foot-4 Jaime finished with 17 points, built around three triples, while Mr. Mangahas, who had a short lived career pinch-hitting for the injury-riddled Meraclo Bolts several years ago, added 16 points on top of six rebounds and five assists.
Two other players scored in double figures — Dave Moralde (12) and Felix Apreku, who finished wit a double-performance of 10 points and 16 boards.
In the first game, celebrity baller Gerald Anderson’s MPBL debut will have to wait for a few more days after he suffered a hamstring injury, but the Marikina Shoemasters were still able to pull off an 88-81 win over the General Santos City Warriors, 88-81.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and it just unfortunate I suffered an injury,” Mr. Anderson said. “But I’m confident on my teammates, especially Yves Sason.”
Mr. Anderson may be the star on the sidelines, but inside the playing court, it was Mr. Sason who stole the spotlight. He finished with 33 points, including six three-point shots, allowing the Shoemasters to notch an early win.
Mandaluyong showed up with a stacked lineup headed by Ray Parks, the controversial son of seven-time PBA Best Import. He finished with 21 points, but was called for four offensive fouls, which took his rhythm out in the game.
Instead, Mr. Parks took a swipe at the officiating.
“Those were not offensive fouls. I attended the orientation. They don’t want me in this league,” he added. — Rey Joble
