Bacoor delivered a powerful performance on all fronts, overpowering Batangas City Embassy Chill 89-68 on Monday in Game 1 of the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season South Division Finals at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor City.
Fueled by the impressive contributions of James Kwekuteye, Jhan Nermal, and Yvan Ludovice, who connected on back-to-back triples, the Strikers rebounded from a 6-10 deficit to surge ahead 27-18 after the first quarter. They maintained their momentum and moved within a win of securing their first crown in the 29-team league.
Kwekuteye led the charge with 25 points, including six triples, four steals, and three rebounds, earning him best player honors.
The San Beda product received support from Nermal with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, as well as veteran Mark Yee, who contributed 10 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Ludovice added nine points, all from beyond the arc, along with four rebounds and four assists.
The Strikers extended their lead with four consecutive triples, two by Kwekuteye and one each by Ludovice and Aaron Jeruta, breaking the game open at 45-26 late in the second quarter. Despite a triple from Batangas’ Cedric Ablaza, the Strikers maintained control, finishing the first half with a 51-29 advantage.
Jhaymo Eguilos, a former key player for Batangas, contributed to a six-point run, including two free throws, pushing Bacoor to its largest lead of 64-37 with three minutes and 10 seconds left in the third quarter.
The Strikers dominated from beyond the arc, making 14 triples compared to the Athletics’ 10. Despite the strong offensive performance, Strikers Coach Alex Angeles attributed their success to their solid defense.
“Our defense serves as our fuel. We just fed whoever is hot,” said Angeles during the post-game interview, which was also attended by Kwekuteye and Bacoor team owner Dennis Abella.
Jeckster Apinan led Batangas with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals, while Levi Hernandez contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
Bacoor will aim to conclude the best-of-three series in Game 2 at the Batangas City Coliseum on Friday. In the North Division, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns will vie for the crown against the San Juan Knights at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the FilOIl Ecooil Centre in San Juan.
