Classic crush Defenders in MPBL; Patriots prevail

Paolo Hubalde dished out a career-high 14-assists as Valenzuela routed Bataan, 9780, to post its first back-to-back victories in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup at the Valenzuela Astrodome Thursday night.

Parañaque, meanwhile, got back on the winning track as it subdued pre-season champion Bulacan, 74-72, in a thrilling encounter.

The Patriots pounced on the Kuyas’ Jay Gonzales’ technical foul in the stretch to gain the needed cushion with former PBA player Juneric Baloria delivering the goods from the foul line in the last 45 seconds.

The victory thus put Parañaque in joint third with Muntinlupa and its victim on 2-1 slates.

Playing in front of a boisterous home crowd, the Valenzuela Classic took control early, 2912, behind Adrian Celada, who drained three triples before being called for an unsportsmanlike foul later in the game.

Valenzuela sustained their charge and went unassailably ahead at 52-22 at halftime.

Bataan’s Gary David joined forces with James Castro in an 11-0 run at the resumption of the contest. But Rocky Acidre stepped up for Valenzuela while Hubalde orchestrated their playpatterns while adding 10 points to remain in control.

The event is supported by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes as commissioner.