Home team Paranaque Patriots and 2018-19 MPBL Datu Cup champions San Juan Knights routed their respective opponents, Wednesday evening at the Olivarez Gym.
Behind Jemal Vizcarra and Kervin Lucente, the Patriots picked up a huge 82-71 win over the Navotas Clutch.
Vizcarra had 20 points for Navotas, who raised their slate to 2-3, while Lucente added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Eric Miraflores and the rest of Navotas could not get anything going all game long as they fell to 1-2 in the Lakan Cup.
Miraflores was the sole bright spot for the Clutch with 12 points.
Earlier in the day, San Juan walloped expansion team Bacolod-Master Sardines, 95-71.
“I just told the players, kailangan business as usual pa rin kami. Yung mga teams naglakasan ngayon. Whether we are facing an A-grade team or a marginal team, dapat parehas lang ang level ng intensity of play namin,” said San Juan coach Randy Alcantara.
John Wilson poured in 22 points and Jhonard Clarito contributed 16 as the Knights remained unbeaten in four games to move up to solo lead.
Bacolod, who fell to 2-3, had four players score in double-digits with Jopher Custodio tallying 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals, while Mac Tallo added 15 points, six rebounds, and four steals.
However, outside of their four players, no one else produced — including Pao Javelona, who was limited to just three points on 1-of-13 shooting.
In the first game, the United Royals of Iloilo squandered a 19-point lead but held on to escape with a 92-90 victory over fellow newcomer Nueva Ecija-MiGuard.
It was the third win in four games for the United Royals, but their latest win is not something head coach Eric Gonzales will be proud of.
“Yes, a win is a win, but I’m not satisfied,” added Gonzales. “Feeling ko kanina yung mga players ko parang nagta-tryout kais nagpapasiklab.”
Richard Escoto continued to lead Iloilo, this time finishing with 18 points and seven rebounds. Fellow big man Rey Publico pumped 16 points on 8-for-8 shooting for the 3-1 Iloilo.
Jerwin Gaco paced Nueva Ecija, who fell to 1-4, with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Scores:
First Game:
Iloilo 92 – Escoto 18, Publico 16, Gumaru 11, Jeruta 9, Javelosa 9, Tamsi 8, De Leon 7, Pedrosa 5, De Joya 4, Arambulo 2, Parker 2, Rodriguez 0, Sinco 0, Li 0.
Nueva Ecija 90 – Gaco 17, Sarao 17, Cawaling 13, Monte 11, Celada 9, Dela Cruz 6, Reyes 6, Aquino 5, Reducto 3, Llagas 2, Singson 1, Armenion 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17, 50-40, 78-63, 92-90.
Second Game:
San Juan 95 – Wilson 22, Clarito 16, Aquino 9, Ayonayon 8, Cardona 8, Rodriguez 6, Wamar 6, Ubalde 4, Tajonera 3, Reyes 3, Estrella 3, Saitanan 3, Isit 2, Salvado 2, Pelayo 0.
Bacolod 71 – Custodio 16, Tallo 15, Porto 14, Vasallo 13, Alano 6, Javelona 3, Dimas 3, Ortega 1, Soriano 0, Medalla 0, Colina 0, Dionson 0.
Quarterscores: 27-18, 50-38, 66-58, 95-71.
Third Game:
Paranaque 82 – Vizcarra 20, Lucente 11, Banzali 9, Begaso 9, Mangalino 8, Abugan 7, Almajeda 6, Antonares 4, Saguiguit 2, Solis 2, Pido 2, Rabe 0, Sunga 0.
Navotas 71 – Miraflores 12, Abdurasad 10, Bondoc 9, Melegrito 8, Cabahug 6, Munsayac 6, Evangelista 6, Andaya 4, Escobal 3, Orquina 3, Mamaclay 2, Meca 0, Buenafe 0, Quiro 0.
Quarterscores: 29-12, 49-32, 67-54, 82-71.
