LOOKS like Muntinlupa had to wait for a long time again before it could see its game settled.
After seeing their previous game against the Pasig Pirates reset due to continuous heavy downpour and flooding in the metropolis more than a week ago, the Angelis Resort-backed Cagers will have to wait until the final day of the elimination round before determining the outcome of their game against the Navotas Clutch in the MPBL Datu Cup Saturday at the Navotas Sports Complex.
The game, which went to overtime, was halted in the last 1:35 of the first OT, when a three-point shot by Navotas hit the back of the rim and got broken. Michole Sorela’s putback and was contented by a Muntinlupa player, who partially held onto the net, caused more damage to the rim and the MPBL officials decided that the Navotas Sports Complex gym is not completely playable.
“We’re rescheduling the game to the final day of the elimination round. If by the final day the game won’t have any bearing on their respective standings, we will not continue the game. But if there’s a bearing, say teams are vying for a quotient, then we will proceed with the game with the remaining time left and the score being upheld,” said MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.
The game was halted with 1:35 left in the first overtime with Muntinlupa leading, 98-95.
Duremdes also encouraged the management of the Navotas Clutch to improve its playing facility.
“If we continue to see a substandard playing venue in the coming days, we will not hold any more games here,” added Mr. Duremdes. “We see players sprawling to the floor because it was slippery. Safety of the players should be given more importance.”
Earlier, Bataan continued its streak, winning its fourth straight game by whipping the Imus Bandera, 95-85.
Byron Villarias, who had a brief stint playing for the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA, finished with 25 points on a steady five-of-seven shooting from beyond the arc.
The win enabled the Zetapro-supported Risers to improve their win-loss record to 4-1 while dealing the GLC Truck and Equipment-sponsored Bandera their third loss in four matches. — Rey Joble
