Streaking Batangas City, Muntinlupa clash; Navotas eyes win vs Bataan

BATANGAS CITY and Muntinlupa are two of the hottest teams in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup. Navotas and Bataan are also coming off contrasting victories.

Only two teams will continue their streak in tonight’s double header at the Navotas Sports Complex in the continuation of the event put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

The Tanduay-backed Athletics have not lost a game in five meetings and they want to extend their winning streak against the similarly hot Angelis Restorsupported Cagers beginning 7 p.m.

Batangas City is coming off its toughest challenge encountered so far — an 87-79 overtime triumph over the Parañaque Patriots in a game that saw the ejection of Jonathan Belorio, who hit Jhaymo Eguilos in the head that resulted in a commotion during the third period.

“This one is the toughest win for us and we expect tougher games ahead. Muntinlupa is a different team, far from the one that lost its opening game,” added Batangas City coach Mac Tan.

Muntinlupa is on a four-game winning run, including a convincing win over erstwhile unbeaten Quezon City Capitals-Royal Manila. At 4-1, the Cagers are in solo second spot and a win over the Athletics could put them on top of the standings by virtue of the win over the other rule.

But while the curtain-raiser proves to be an explosive encounter, the main game will be much-anticipated as Navotas plays host to Bataan. The 9 p.m. encounter between the Big J Sportsbacked Clutch and the BaiShippingsponsored Defenders will be a battle between two teams coming off from contrasting wins.

The Clutch snapped back-to-back setbacks with a big bounce back victory over the Valenzuela Classic-Yulz. Valenzuela trailed for most of the way, but a happy shooting man named Yves Sazon lighted things up for coach Elvis Tolentino and his troops on their way to notching their third victory in five matches and forging a tie with their victims at fourth spot.

They will face a Defenders squad that is also coming off a win against the erstwhile winless squad Imus BanderaGLC Truck and Equipment.

Al Carlos scored a career-high 22 points to provide the much needed help for Gary David, who tallied 20. —