GARY “El Granada” David came up with another explosive performance and the Bataan Defenders-Bai Shipping picked up their second straight victory following an inspiring 96-88 victory over home team Navotas Clutch-Big J Sports in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup at the Navotas Sports Complex.
A multiple scoring champion in the PBA, Mr. David preserved one of his best games ever, scoring 25 points on a steady eight-of-nine shooting from the foul line as his aggressiveness on the offensive end sparked the Defenders in notching their second win in six games.
Mr. David and the rest of the Defenders’ rise in the tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner, nearly overshadowed Batangas City’s continued dominance.
The Tanduay-backed Athletics banked on another steady game from Teytey Teodoro, who finished with 24 points in powering his squad to a tough 82-77 victory over the Muntinlupa Cagers-Angelis Resort.
Mr. Teodoro picked up from where he left off in Batangas’ hard-fought overtime victory over the Parañaque Patriots-Gamboa Coffee a few days ago as his baskets propelled the Athletics to their sixth straight win in as many games while also snapping the Cagers’ four-game winning streak.
For the Clutch, it was their second home game loss as they slipped to 3-3 into a tie for fifth to sixth places with the Bulacan Kuyas-Ligo Sardines. Prior to this game, Navotas is coming off a huge come-from-behind victory over the Valenzuela Classic-Yulz.
Mr. David presided on the team’s offense just as expected, but it was the plays of the bruising Arvie Bringas, who finished with 12 points and six rebounds, plus the intangibles he provided, which helped the Defenders in picking up another win.
For Bataan coach Kerwin McCoy, seeing the team winning begins with the acceptance of the roles of everyone.
“One win or two can change the complexion of our campaign. Hopefully, the winning culture could come in,” said Mr. McCoy, a former star player in San Beda in the NCAA. “With this win, I’m sure we’re now ready to face the big boys in the league. Our bench players are now beginning to step up. They’re getting the confidence and our rotation is getting better, which is good.” — Rey Joble
