THE BATTLE between the nation’s past and present capital ended the way it was expected, the Manila Stars stood out with plenty to spare.
Chris Bitoon and Riel Cervantes had a career game apiece to power the Robust Energy Capsule-backed Stars to a come from behind 76-71 win over the Black Mamba Energy Drink-supported Capitals in the MPBL Datu Cup late Wednesday night at the JCSGO Gym.
Bitoon, the spitfire guard, was practically unstoppable on the offensive end as he came away with a double-double performance of 26 points and 11 rebounds to go along with seven assists. He had 10 points in the pivotal fourth, including the go-ahead lay up with 1:04 left that gave the Stars a 73-71 lead.
After Quezon City’s Joko Tayongtong missed a jumper off an isolation play, the Stars went to Cervantes down low and made a bucket to put his team on safer ground, only 27 seconds remaining in the game, that practically ensured Manila’s 12th win in 14 games to solidify its hold of solo second spot in the tough northern division.
The Capitals absorbed their eighth loss in 11 games. They led by as many as 16 points twice (49-33) and (51-35), but allowed the Stars to mount a comeback.
Like Bitoon, Cervantes also came away with a career-high 25 markers, as the duo proved to be the scourge for Quezon City’s side.
Earlier, General Santos City held off Rizal’s last minute rally before preserving a 65-58 victory in the first game.
Leomar Losentes came up with his most productive game in his MPBL career, scoring 26 points to lead the way for the Golden State College-backed Warriors. He had 11 of his total output in the first period alone, allowing his team to dictate the tempo early.
The win allowed the Warriors to improve their record to 6-7 and keep the eighth spot in the southern division. — Rey Joble
