Bataan and Zamboanga continued their good showing in the MPBL Datu Cup as they carved out similar one-sided victories against their respective rivals on Wednesday night at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Gary David finished with 21 points, while three other teammates tallied double-digit outputs in powering the Risers to a 101-68 triumph.
David, a multiple scoring champion in the PBA, led the Risers’ onslaught and helped the team Zetapro-backed squad in picking up their fifth consecutive win. Promising big man Jeepy Faundo contributed 12 and PBA aspirants Jay Alejandro and Vince Tolentino added 10 apiece.
The Risers, who notched their fifth win in six games, forged a tie for second place with Bulacan in the northern division of this event put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with cage legend Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Head coach Jojo Lastimosa of Bataan is happy at what is team is achieving so far, but had reservations winning blowout games.
“I hate blowout games because it doesn’t teach us anything. We want hard-earned wins because the struggles give us a lot of lessons,” added Lastimosa.
Lastimosa is looking forward to meeting the powerhouse teams where the squad will be truly measured.
“It’s hard to say. Two of our last three opponents, I would consider na mga top tier teams. The last three, Nandoon sila sa bottom of the standings. I want to see us how we are going to perform against the elite teams,” said Lastimosa.
Earlier, Zamboanga whipped Navotas, 89-78, as the Family’s Brand Sardines-backed Valientes picked up their third straight win.
Reed Juntilla continued his onslaught at the firing end, finishing with 29 points on a steady 13-of-18 shooting from the field to power the Valientes to their fourth win in six games.
Zamboanga is now the hottest team in the southern region.
