General Santos, Batangas and Cebu fashioned out contrasting victories Monday night in the MPBL Lakan Season.
The Warriors, putting a collective effort to make up for the absence of ace player Mike Williams, snapped the four-game winning streak of the Valenzuela Classic following a 93-87 triumph Monday night at the Valenzuela Astrodome.
Rob Celiz led four players finishing in double figures as he knocked in 25 points to lead the steady shooting of the Warriors, who hit 12-of-23 shots from the three-point area.
Pamboy Raymundo came away with a double-double performance of 14 points and 12 assists, while John Orbeta chipped in 12 and Meylan Landicho had 10 for the Warriors, who improved their win-loss record to 4-2.
It was the second straight win for new head coach Rich Alvarez, who heaped praise on his wards for stepping up.
Earlier, Batangas City bounced back from its previous forgettable setback and pulled off a hard-earned 101-89 overtime triumph over the formidable Basilan Steel.
The Tanduay-backed Athletics shackled the Jumbo Plastic-supported Steel in the extra period, holding down their rivals to just four points before picking up their second win in three starts. Basilan absorbed its second loss in five matches.
Cebu banked on Will McAloney, who delivered the crucial baskets in the last three seconds as the Casino Ethyl Alcohol-backed Sharks escaped past the Iloilo United Royals, 69-68.
McAloney hit a jumper and drew a foul from Eric Rodriguez. He completed the three-point play for the final tally. Iloilo sued for time and went to Alfrancis Tamsi, who let loose a desperation trey that failed to hit the mark.
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