Hot-shooting Caloocan shocks Zamboanga

Caloocan struck from afar to topple heavyweight Zamboanga, 93-74, in the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Fifth Season late Friday at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo knocked down 14 of 23 three-pointers for a sizzling 60.9 percent conversion and 42 points to seal the victory over the surprisingly cold Zamboanga squad.

Zamboanga made only 6-of-18 from the three-point area for a dismal 33.3 percent clip.

Joco Tayongtong registered 8-of-10 field goals, including two three-pointers en route to 20 points in less than 20 minutes of action to emerge as the game’s best performer.

Jeramer Cabanag went a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc while Alejandro Iñigo went 3-of-4 to typify Caloocan’s red-hot shooting in its maiden stint in the brand-new season of this 29-team tournament.

Cabanag finished with 16 points while Iñigo tallied nine markers for Caloocan.

Gabby Espinas also shone, delivering 13 points while Reil Cervantes chipped in 13 markers to shock the Zamboangueños, the losing finalists last season and champion of the preseason tourney who trailed by as many as 20 pints, 57-77.

Zamboanga drew 13 points, six rebounds and four assists from Jaycee Marcelino and 11 points, five rebounds and two assists from Adrian Santos.

Earlier, Makati OKBet banked on Dave Arana to conquer Parañaque Patriots, 76-65.

Arana pumped in 22 points, grabbed nine rebounds and issued two assists for the Makati OKBet Kings, who pulled away at 70-52 before cruising to victory in their first game of the season.

RJ Ramirez, formerly of Bacoor, and homegrown Marco Sario supported Arana with nine points each.

The Patriots, with only Jemal Vizcarra hitting twin digits with 11 markers, fell to 1-2.

In the opener, the Muntinlupa Cagers cruised to their third straight win at the expense of Laguna, 70-62.

Former San Sebastian College star Ichie Altamirano led Muntinlupa with 17 points followed by King Destacamento with 11 and Ian Melencio with 10.