QUEZON CITY Capitals and Muntinlupa Cagers asserted their might over their respective rivals to notch their second win in the MPBL Anta-Rajah Cup late Tuesday night at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Capitals, backed by Royal Manila, blasted visiting Imus Bandera, 84-75, as the home squad was able to outplay its counterpart on both ends of the court.
Jessie Collado finished with 17 points and eight rebounds while ex-La Salle stalwart PJ Barua contributed 15 markers, including the first three-point shot of the game that triggered the Capitals’ early hot start. Quezon City raced to an early 29-17 lead and led by as many as 24 points, 75-51, off Jeymark Mallari’s split charities halfway the fourth period.
The Capitals grabbed a total of 60 rebounds, 14 more than the GLC Truck and Equipment-backed Bandera team. Quezon City’s bench production was also more superior, producing 58 compared to Imus’ 38.
Jomar Santos and Joco Tayongtong added 10 apiece for Quezon City, which joined Novaliches and Batangas City in a share of the lead with 2-0 win-loss records.
“It’s still a long way to go,” said Quezon City coach Vis Valencia. “Seven games, a lot of things can happen. We’ll just do it one at a time. I saw Navotas and Batangas City, they’re good to go. On our part, we’re still trying to develop chemistry.”
Just like the Capitals, the Muntinlupa Cagers, supported by Angelis Resort, ran roughshod over the Caloocan Supremos-Longrich, 89-76, in the other game.
Former PBA player Chito Jaime knocked in 23 points. He already had 14 in the early part of the second period, allowing Muntinlupa to take a 31-24 lead.
A three-point play by Gino Ylagan in the 3:20 mark of the third period gave Muntinlupa a 68-42 lead and the team never looked back. It was the second straight victory by the Cagers, both of them coming away from home.
“It’s painful to lose our home game, but we’re fortunate to win our next two games. Hopefully, we could bounce back in our next home game,” added Muntinlupa coach Aldrin Morante. — Rey Joble
