Pasig blasted Nueva Ecija, 85-72, to continue to make its presence felt for a playoff run in the MPBL Lakan Season Wednesday night at the Pasig Sports Complex.
The Sta. Lucia backed-squad picked up its eighth win in 11 games and solidified its hold of the fourth spot of the tough northern division in the tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Also picking up back-to-back victories were the Bataan Risers, who ended Caloocan Supremos’ five-game winning run following a 90-77 triumph in the other game.
Jai Reyes took the spotlight, this time, for the Jong Uichico-mentored Risers, who notched their sixth win in 11 games and start the two thirds of the elimination round on a winning note.
Reyes hit seven of his 12 three-point attempts as the Risers’ torrid shooting were once again in full display. Chito Jaime also had a productive night, adding 14 markers for his beloved hometown.
Five players finished in double figures in Pasig’s latest win led by Fil-Am guard Robbie Manalang.
Acquired at the last minute by the Realtors prior to the start of the season, Manalang continued his impressive showing in the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league. He knocked in 17 points to lead the way for the Realtors, who just picked up another home win before another packed crowd.
Jeric Teng tallied 16 points followed by Jeric Serrano, who had 14. Josan Nimes and Lander Canon had 12 and 10 points, respectively for the Realtors.
Bataan’s win put the squad in a three-way tie for sixth to eighth places with the Pasay Voyagers and the Bulacan Kuyas while relegating the Supremos to ninth spot in the northern division.
Pampanga also got back in the win column, this after the Giant Lanterns outplayed the Navotas Clutch, 83-74.