Makati and Quezon City found themselves back on the winning track in the MPBL Datu Cup following separate wins over their respective rivals late Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig.
The Skyscrapers used a solid third quarter run to turn back the Marikina Shoemasters, 90-71.
It was the fifth win in eight games for Makati, but more importantly, it allowed the team to snap a two-game skid.
Cedric Ablaza came away with yet another double-double performance for the Skyscrapers with 22 points and 10 rebounds and got plenty of support from his teammates.
“We improved more on our defensive schemes. We know that we lost (Philip) Paniamogan, but we worked on improving our defense because that is where everything will start,” added Ablaza.
Head coach Cholo Villanueva was happy to see another solid effort from Ablaza, who praised his decision making more.
“He’s not forcing his shots. He’s looking at a better way getting his teammates more involved and finding ways on when to attack,” added Villanueva.
Earlier, Quezon City got back on the winning track the hard way, nipping Valenzuela, 76-72, in the other game.
The Capitals drew a solid effort from ex-pro Jojo Duncil, who knocked in 25 points to lead the charge for the Black Mamba-supported team, which now improved its win-loss record to 2-4.
Makati played its first home game on an unusual venue.
With its home court – the Makati Coliseum – still undergoing renovation, the Skyscrapers opted to play at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig. Aside from drawing a solid game from Ablaza, the team also got solid contributions from Mark Isip, who added 15 points, while fellow ex-pro Rudy Lingganay chipped in 12. Gio Lasquety added 10 in a display of balance firepower by Makati.
The Skyscrapers held their rivals without a field goal in the last 3:21 of the third period, then unloaded a 16-0 run to turn a close game into a rout. Home grown Roy Cayanan’s two free throws gave Makati a 65-51 lead in the closing seconds of the quarter. “‹