Makati clustered nine points late in the fourth quarter and stunned defending champion Nueva Ecija, 68-61, on Saturday in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the University of Saint La Salle Gym in Bacolod City.
The Makati OKBet Kings surged ahead, 65-55, with 2 minutes and 2 seconds after that spurt and proceeded to post their 15th win against six losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Rob Celiz powered Makati with 12 points and 9 rebounds, followed by JC Cullar, whose triple capped that pivotal salvo, with 11 points plus 4 rebounds; Billy Robles with 10 points plus 13 rebounds and Keith Agovida with 10 points.
Mark Bringas also delivered for Makati with 8 points plus 11 rebounds that helped the Kings rule the boards, 53-38, and notch 28 points on second chances against only 9 for the Rice Vanguards.
Nueva Ecija, which slid to 18-3, got 13 points from Michael Juico,11 from Will McAloney and 10 from Roi Sumang.
The Kings took a 37-29 halftime lead behind Bringas, who made 7 points, and RJ Ramirez, who added 6.
Cheered on by the home crowd, Negros pulled away 58-42 before coasting to their 8th win against 13 losses, putting the Muscovados back in playoff contention.
Jun Manzo led Negros with 12 points, followed by Jonathan Gantalao with 11 points and 7 assists, and Jason Melano with 9 points and 11 rebounds.
Manila, which skidded to 3-19, got 12 points from Allan Mangahas and 10 each from Kyle Neypes and Clark Bautista.
The Muscovados drew inspiration from team owner John Gilbor and his wife Grace, along with hundreds of supporters, including local politicians.
The MPBL continues its Visayas Invasion in Iloilo on Monday with a doubleheader slated at the City of Passi Arena. GenSan tackles Zamboanga at 6 p.m., and Manila faces off against Iloilo at 8 p.m.
