Batangas City, Navotas pick up win no. 2 to share MPBL lead

BATANGAS CITY — Whether playing away or at home, the Batangas City Athletics-Tanduay and the Navotas Clutch have found ways to win.

The Athletics endured an explosive game from ex- PBA star Gary David behind a balance scoring production en route to an easy 88-73 triumph over the Bataan Defenders- BaiShipping late Saturday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Mr. David, a scoring champion in the PBA for several years, knocked in 32 points, but failed to get much support from the rest of the Defenders, who dropped to their second loss in as many games.

While Bataan appeared to be a one man show, Batangas City relied on everyone and not on anyone.

The Athletics drew double- digit production from seven players with Val Acuña leading the way with 13 points.

Moncrief Rogado and Paul Varilla contributed 11 apiece while Jaymo Eguilos, Lester Alvarez and Bernabe Teodoro had 10 each in a display of balance firepower by Batangas City.

Despite the win, Batangas City coach Mac Tan wasn’t satisfied.

“I’m not fully satisfied because we underestimated our opponents,” said Mr. Tan. “We prepared to run, but we didn’t take care of the ball.”

By halftime, the heavily favored Athletics led by a slim 37-36 edge, but after getting a tonguelasher from Tan, the home team behind Messrs. Acuña, Alvarez and Rogado, conspired in a dizzying 11- 2 run to turn a 44- all count to a 55- 46 advantage and Batangas City never looked back from there.

If Batangas City won decisively, Navotas went through a wringer.

The Clutch needed to go to an extra period before outlasting an equally tough Bulacan Kuyas- Ligo Sardines, 77-76, in the league’s first overtime game.

Gino Jumao-as finished with 16 points, including back- to- back jumpers in overtime as the Clutch joined the Athletics in a share of the lead with a 2-0 record.