Caloocan routs Pampanga, keeps hopes alive in MPBL

The chase for a top eight berth in the MPBL Datu Cup remains doable for the Caloocan Supremos and on Wednesday night, the Longrichbacked squad played its best game of the season on its way to a 78-62 win over the Pampanga Lanterns-ADG Construction at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

Almond Vosotros, the team’s top playmaker and best gunner altogether, led the Supremos’ production again. The former Gilas Cadet stalwart ended up with 23 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as his brilliant all-around game helped keep the Supremos’ playoff bid alive.

It was only the fifth win in 17 games for Caloocan, which remained in 12th spot in the tough northern division of this tournament put up by Sen. Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

Despite the promising win, the Supremos have a lot of catching up to do to secure a top eight berth.

Only eight teams per division will advance to the playoff round where the top four teams will enjoy the home court advantage.

No. 1 will face No. 8 while No. 7 will battle No. 2, No. 6 will take on No. 3 and No. 4 will square off with No. 5.

They will play in a best-of-three quarterfinal series. The race-to-two event will continue all the way to the division finals until the league will determine the champions of the north and the south, which will then play in a best-of-five championship series to determine the first ever MPBL national champion.

The national champion will be awarded a trophy worth P10-million provided by Pacquiao while all members of the team will receive a ball ring.

Earlier, Bulacan went to James Martinez and fellow ex-pro and longtime college teammate Ogie Menor combined forces to lead Bulacan to its 11th win in 17 matches and stay at No. 5 in the northern division.