The Gen San Warriors are now beginning to play like title contenders.
One by one, the Warriors have dismantled some of the top favorites in the tournament and they’ve added the Zamboanga Rapidos to their growing list of victims following their 78-69 win late Wednesday night at the Navotas Sports Complex.
John Orbeta knocked in 12 of his 15 points in the third period at the height of the Rapidos’ rally, while teammate Joren Morada led the way with 16 markers to give the Warriors an inside-and-out threat, which resulted to the team’s fourth consecutive win.
GenSan has improved its win-loss record to 11-9, just half a game behind third placer and inaugural staging champion Batangas City in the southern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.
Head coach Ramon Pido mentioned consistency as one of the keys to beating yet another crack squad in Zamboanga.
“I just told the players to stay consistent on what we’re doing. We know that it’s not impossible to beat any team in the MPBL. In this tournament, I think anybody can beat anybody,” added Pido.
Right from the get-go, the Warriors went business as usual, racing to a 17-2 lead before the Rapidos chopped down that big lead with a big scoring binge in the second period to trail by only six, 35-29, at the half.
Navotas finally snapped a two-season long skid at home and made their local folks proud by winning over Basilan, 102-97.