Paranaque recovers from a reeling loss over the Bacoor Strikers as it pulled off a 61-57 upset win over host Batangas City in the MPBL Lakan Season Tuesday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Jemal Vizcarra knocked in 15 points, including crucial baskets in the last 40 seconds of the game that helped the Yabo Sports-backed Patriots to get back on track after losing by 53 points against Bacoor the last time around.
This time, the Patriots caught a big fish in the Athletics, the inaugural staging champions, who saw their three-game winning streak snapped.
It was only the fourth win in 13 games for the Patriots, but for head coach Mike Saguiguit, who escaped a one-game suspension after league officials lifted the penalty, the victory would serve as a big boost for the squad moving forward.
“Malaking bagay ito. Yung mga players talagang motivated sila bumawi,” said Saguiguit, also a multi-titled coach in the collegiate ranks while handling the Olivarez College Stallions. “It’s a big confidence-builder for us.”
Vizcarra’s jumper before the 24-shot clock violation sounded gave the Patriots a 60-55 lead that staved off a late rally by the Athletics. He secured Paranaque’s win after splitting his charities in the last four seconds for the final tally.
Pasay continued its sizzling performance while Rizal get over its own slump following victories over their respective rivals.
The Voyagers of Pasay picked up their fifth win in a row as they humbled the Nueva Ecija-MiGuards, 75-69, in the other game.
Jan Jamon led the way for the Voyagers, who improved to 8-5 win-loss slate, as the deadshot swingman finished with 13 points. Raymond Ilagan added 12 markers while Dhon Reverente ended up with another double-double performance of 10 points and 11 rebounds. Reverente became the latest player to reach the 500-point club of the MPBL.
Rizal edged Bacolod-Master Sardines, 89-84, in the first game.