Cedrick Manzano provided the early spark as Quezon dominated from start to finish, crushing Bacolod, 113–61, on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
The Huskers, reigning South Division champions, led wire-to-wire and pulled away decisively after three quarters, 97–44, before cruising in the final period to secure their fourth straight win in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.
All 15 Huskers saw action and scored as Quezon stayed within striking distance of league frontrunners the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo and the GenSan Warriors, both still unbeaten at 6–0.
Joseph Penaredondo led the way with 15 points, highlighted by five three-pointers, while Manzano finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Penaredondo’s outside shooting ultimately secured him Best Player honors.
Michael Canete added 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Joshua Yerro also finished with 11 points and two assists in the balanced attack.
For Bacolod, now 1–6, Kurt Abram Lactaotao stood out with 22 points and six rebounds.
In the second game, Marikina heated up in the second half to defeat Negros, 96–75, improving to 3–4.
Led by Louie Vigil, Marikina broke the game open with a 13–3 run to close the third quarter ahead, 52–44, before extending the lead with a strong fourth-quarter surge that pushed the margin to as high as 94–69 with 1:40 remaining.
Vigil finished with 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists, supported by Ace Russell Tiamzon (13 points, three rebounds, three assists), Deo Timajo (12 points, three rebounds, three assists), Jeff Javillonar (12 points, six assists), Jonathan Medina (10 points, seven assists), and Lander Canon (three points, 12 rebounds).
Negros suffered its fifth straight loss despite solid efforts from Jan Formento (18 points, five assists), Rev Diputado (17 points, six rebounds, three steals), and Carl Joshua Alattica (15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists).
The league resumes on Wednesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex, with Abra Weavers facing Imus Bandera at 4 p.m., Cebu Classic battling Sarangani Marlins at 6 p.m., and Caloocan Batang Kankaloo taking on Iloilo United Royals at 8 p.m.
