Bacoor—Pasig unveiled its new, promising form late Thursday night as it walloped Basilan, 102-77, in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Strike Gymnasium here.
Owner of the league’s worst record, the Pirates made some key acquisitions during the 10-day trading period and selection of free agents. Their new players quickly made their presence felt to give the squad a refreshing look.
Mark Bautista and Francis Camacho, two new additions in the squad, led six players in double figures as they each tallied 12 markers to lead the charge for the rejuvenated Pirates, who only picked up their second win, but got some measure of confidence heading to their next games.
Mainstays Marlon Monte and Boyet Bautista each scored 11, Ed Doroteo, another newcomer, added 10 and ex-PBA champion Jerwin Gaco, also a prized recruit from free agency, also tallied 10 in a display of balance production for the Pirates.
In notching their latest win, Pasig was able to reach milestones in its franchise. By the end of the third period, the squad reached 83 points, which surpassed its previous high of 81, then ended up with 102.
The Pirates also dished out a total of 33 assists, also a franchise record, and the third best overall in the history of the two-season league put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
In the main game, San Juan frustrated a retooled Bacoor side, 74-63, and kept its billing as the title favorite in the tournament.
The Caviteños, who packed the Strike Gymnasium, was mostly quiet when the Knights, supported by Go-For-Gold, made an early tear. The Randy Alcantara-mentored squad held the Strikers to a league-worst record of 0-of-18 shooting from the field in the first period.
Bacoor’s cold start was too much to bear and the team trailed by as many as 30 points, 70-40, before mounting a late rally and running out of time.
With the win, San Juan improved its win-loss card to 10-2, for solo second place in the northern division. Bacoor saw its three-game winning streak snapped and fell to 7-5.
Mike Ayonayon paced the Knights with 21 points followed by Mac Cardona, who contributed 15. John Wilson chipped in 13.
