EXPECTING a tough outing against host Muntinlupa, Navotas relied on the hot shooting of Yves Sazon, who hit 24 points to steer the Navotas Clutch to an exciting 82-76 triumph over the Muntinlupa Cagers in the resumption of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Anta Rajah Cup at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
The dead shot swingman from Philippine Christian University became the scourge on the Cagers as he hit timely baskets, including a long jumper inside the final minute, allowing the Clutch to survive the match.
Mr. Sazon hit six three-point as the Cagers were clueless that he could torched the hoops.
“He is licensed to shoot. He’s been doing that for our team before and we expect him to do it here in MPBL,” said Navotas coach Elvis Tolentino. “We expected a grind out game because we’re the visitors, but I’m confident we’re going to win.”
Nearly overshadowed by Navotas’ win was Batangas Athletics-Tanduay’s 73-65 victory.
Former PBA champions Val Acuña and Lester Alvarez conspired in a big Batangas run early before they outlasted the Chris Gavina-mentored Valenzuela Classic.
Rarely given opportunity to play in the PBA, Messrs. Acuña and Alvarez were part of San Mig Coffee’s championship teams.
Traded by the Coffee Mixers at the height of their grand slam campaign, Mr. Acuña has found himself bouncing in and out of different leagues.
His role with the Athletics is different as he is one of the team’s go-to-guys and he proved it last Saturday.
The 6-foot-3 Acuña scored 18 points, hitting four triples, to lead his squad’s production.
“We treat everybody equally, no seniority. Whoever is playing good out there, gets to play,” said Mr. Acuña.
His long-time teammate, Alvarez, a member of the grand slam squad of San Mig Coffee in 2014, was fortunate to find a spot in the MPBL.
“It’s good that we were able to share our experience to our new teammates, experience we learned in the PBA,” added Mr. Alvarez. “We pushed ourselves hard during practice and tried to be in good condition because we know we’re gonna be relied on more.”
Batangas raced to a 38-19 lead at the half, but was outscored, 29-18, in the third period, Valenzuela simply ran out of time. — Rey Joble
