MAX BALLERS-Davao completed a seven-game sweep of the Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League 18-Under Mindanao South Leg, culminating their run with a dominant 96-71 victory over ISD Pacman in the finals on Saturday at Davnor Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum, Davao Del Norte.
Unlike their 85-79 triumph in Game One last Friday, the talented squad from Davao maintained their intensity from start to finish, and they now await the winner of the Mindanao North Leg for the regional finals.
The Mindanao North Leg is currently in its Final Four stage in this tournament, which is co-presented by SCD and Dumper party-list and supported by J Project Clothings, MDC, Bluesky Advertising, NET 25, Wcube Solutions Inc., Hotel SOGO, and Converge. Cagayan De Oro Higalas B and Meljohn’s Tailoring, as the top seeds, hold the twice-to-beat advantage over Uswag Magpet and Rhilapz Notbalz, respectively.
Karlo Estomo led Max Ballers in the comprehensive victory with an impressive stat line of 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks. Norman Cagampang and Lord Mamacos contributed 14 points each to support Estomo, while Jarred Yamut led the runners-up with 20 markers.
Meanwhile, at the San Andres Sports Complex, Farm Fresh-Letran vented their frustration on Caloocan with a commanding 113-80 win. The Milkers, who had suffered an 88-83 loss to Fin & Claw last Wednesday, improved their record to 5-1, temporarily taking the lead in the NCR Leg.
Six Letranites reached double-figures, with Syrex Silorio, Jhaslie De Leon, and George Diamente all scoring 14 points. Diamente also grabbed 12 boards.
In another NCR Leg game, Mandaluyong Namayan narrowly escaped NBS Kris with an 85-84 victory, rising to fifth place with a 4-3 record.
Ja Catome, who scored 19 points in the game, made the game-winning free throws with 19 seconds remaining. James Corpuz also recorded 21 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
In the NCR Leg, 521 Trading-Mapua secured a win by defeating New Era University 91-83, climbing to a 4-2 record and claiming sole fourth place.
Batang Kankaloo dropped to 1-4, the NEU Hunters fell to 2-5, and NBS Kris now holds an even 2-2 slate.
In the only Luzon Leg game of the day at the same Manila venue, Calamba City kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 99-96 victory over the struggling Luid Kapampangan.
Jefferson Damasco stood out for the Patriots with 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Laguna-based squad improved to a 3-4 record, securing sixth place in the nine-team leg.
Luid Kapampangan dropped to 2-3, landing in eighth place.
