Banal tows Bacoor past Bacolod in MPBL

REIGNING MVP Gab Banal powered Bacoor City’s 107-100 overtime victory over Bacolod-Master Sardines in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup on Tuesday night at the Strike Gym in Cavite.

Banal buried 10 of his game-high 29 points in the extension period where the Strikers outscored Bacolod, 19-12. Bacoor is now solo second in the South Division with an 8-2 record.

The 28-year old guard also tallied 11 assists and seven rebounds in 36 minutes of action.

Earlier, Quezon City- Wemsap returned to the winning track after crushing Imus- Khaleb Shawarma, 105- 93, while Rizal- Xentro Mall snapped a long skid with a 78- 76 stunner over inaugural champion Batangas City-Tanduay.

Mark Pangilinan fired 18 points while Michael Mabulac pumped in a double-double of 15 markers and 19 rebounds. Michael Cañete contributed another 12 points and 14 boards for Bacoor.

Mark Montuano chipped in 10 points in the win that saw the Strikers post a league-record 87 bench points.

Paolo Javelona had 27 points, six dimes and two rebounds, Jopher Custodio had 23 markers and Mac Tallo had 17 points for Bacolod, which fell to 3-7.

Meanwhile, Tonino Gonzaga hit 19 points highlighted by five triples to lead Quezon City’s balanced offense against Imus.

Ramon Mabayo racked up 17 points, Clark Derige and Peejay Barua chipped in 14 markers apiece while Joco Tayongtong added 11 points as the Capitals ended a two- game slide and climbed to No. 6 in the North Division with a 5-4 slate.

Jay-ar Ng Sang had a 14-point, 18-rebound doubledouble while Gerald Anderson and Jojo Cunanan had 13 and 12 markers, respectively, for the Bandera, which slid to 2-6 in the South.

In the opening game, Mark Benitez sizzled with 27 points earning Rizal an upset win against Batangas.

The Golden Coolers arrested a six-game skid for an improved 2-7 card in the North while the Athletics dropped to 3-3 in the South.