The South Cotabato Warriors overpowered the Imus Agimat VA Drones, 105-65, on Wednesday to gain a share of the lead in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
With Val Acuna, Kyle Tolentino, and Mark Cruz finding their marks, the Warriors stormed ahead by as far as 103-68 in their first game this year.
Acuna fired a game-high 21 points, including 3 triples, while Tolentino contributed 18, including 4 triples, for South Cotabato Coach Elvis Tolentino.
Other major contributors for South Cotabato, formerly GenSan, were Jervy Cruz with 15 points, spiked by 3 triples and 4 assists, and Mark Cruz, who tallied 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
The Warriors converted 16 of 39 triple tries for a high 41 percent, while the Drones could only make 1 of 13 for a pathetic 7.7 percent.
With their offense running smoothly, Felix Apreku took charge underneath and snared 10 rebounds that helped South Cotabato build a huge 60-34 edge in rebounds.
Imus got 24 points from Luis Tapenio and 15 points from John Rey Sumido.
Also toting 1-0 cards were Zamboanga, Abra, Mindoro, Negros, Bataan, Iloilo, Rizal and Paranaque.
The MPBL visits the FilOIl EcoOIl Center in San Juan on Thursday with a triple-bill pitting Zamboanga against Bicol at 6 p.m. and Negros against Pasay at 8 p.m.
Jervy Cruz delivers for the South Cotabato Warriors.