Ex-pro lifts Zamboanga

Games Today (San Andres Gym) 7 p.m. – Pasay vs Navotas 9 p.m. – Manila vs Bataan

With former pro Reed Juntilla doing what he does best, newcomer Zamboanga City silenced host Laguna, 8680, Thursday night for an impressive start in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Datu Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena.

The 6-foot-2 Juntilla, 33, showed he still has enough left by finishing with a game-high 30 points on top of six rebounds and five assists while helping the Valientes overcome a sluggish start against the fast-starting Heroes.

Former Kia stalwart Jonathan Parreno added 18 points while JV Orera tallied 13 points and five rebounds off the bench for Zamboanga City, which trailed by as many as 11 points but outplayed Laguna down the stretch.

Earlier, pre-season champion Davao Occidental leaned on its veterans to beat retooled Imus, 75-71, and set its own title bid in motion.

Former Rain or Shine practice player Billy Ray Robles collected 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and as many blocks while ex-pros Mark Yee and Leo Najorda teamed up for 25 points in a triumphant effort for the Tigers.

“It’s great to have some veterans who could pull out a game for us,” said Davao Occidental coach Don Dulay, who also got 10 points from journeyman Bogs Raymundo. “But I feel we still have a lot to work on.”