The marquee stars of the MPBL came out to play Wednesday evening at the Valenzuela Astrodome.
But none bigger than Paulo Hubalde as he steered the Valenzuela Classic to a 92-86 overtime upset win over the Bataan Risers.
Hubalde scattered 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks to lift Valenzuela to a 1-1 slate in the Lakan Cup’s North Division.
He proved pivotal in overtime, scoring back-to-back baskets to give Valenzuela an 84-80 cushion with 2:56 left and the lead for good.
Hubalde’s running-mate Chris De Chavez put Bataan away for good with two big buckets.
De Chavez chipped in 11 markers while Ford Ruaya added 16 points from off-the-bench.
Anton Asistio paced the 1-1 Bataan with 15 points while Mar Villahermosa and Chito Jaime added 14 and 13 points, respectively.
In his MPBL debut, Alvin Pasaol was held scoreless and played just five minutes.
Jeric Teng, on the other hand, finally led the Realtors to the win column, powering Pasig-Sta. Lucia to an 89-87 win over the Caloocan Supremos.
Teng had 27 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Supporting Teng were Josan Nimes, who had 16 points, and Jeric Serrano, who tallied 15 points and six rebounds.
The trio helped Pasig gain a 20-point cushion in the contest.
Almond Vosotros continued to be the bright spot for the 0-2 Supremos, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
In another game that went into extra time, the Basilan Steel showed their extra gear against the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, taking an 83-74 triumph.
Basilan held Pampanga down to just three points in overtime.
Hessed Gabo was instrumental in the win as he tallied 12 points and seven assists — including key baskets in overtime.
Jhaps Bautista had 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while Gab Dagangon provided 14 points.
Levi Hernandez did the heavy-lifting for Pampanga, pacing his team with 25 points.
Michael Juico chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds for Pampanga, who fell to 1-2.
The Scores:
First Game:
Pasig 89 – Teng 25, Nimes 16, Serrano 15, Manalang 11, Belasco 9, Tamayo 5, Ballon 4, Adriano 4, Velchez 0, Mendoza 0, Grealy 0.
Caloocan 87 – Vosotros 22, Mandani 10, Escalambre 10, Lasco 10, Torres 8, Ambuludto 8, Sanga 7, Sarangay 6, Marilao 4, Pacquiao 2, Labing-isa 0, Belorio 0, Demigaya 0.
Quarterscores: 25-15, 45-32, 70-64, 89-87.
Second Game:
Basilan 83 – Bautista 18, Dagangon 14, Gabo 12, Bringas 11, Collado 9, Palencia 8, Dumapig 8, Solera 2, Lunor 1, Hallare 0, Balucanag 0, Alanes 0, Julkipli 0.
Pampanga 74 – Hernandez 25, Juico 14, Cruz 10, Thompson 10, Apreku 9, Salcedo 4, Gomez 1, Maiquez 1, Cervantes 0.
Quarterscores: 17-24, 32-40, 56-57, 71-71, 83-74.
Third Game:
Valenzuela 92 – Hubalde 21, Ruaya 16, Catacutan 12, De Chavez 11, Gimpayan 10, Cabrera 7, Andaya 6, Esplana 4, Asuncion 3, Kalaw 2, Diego 0, Varilla 0, Pacgalinawan 0.
Bataan 86 – Asistio 15, Villahermosa 14, Jaime 13, Castro 9, Tolentino 9, Presbitero 7 , Najorda 6, Villarias 4, Batino 3, Santillan 2, Gotladera 2, Pasaol 0.
Quarterscores: 16-14, 40-40, 52-61, 78-78, 92-86.
