New team Abra and Zamboanga carved out similar hard-earned victories on opening night in the sixth season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
The Weavers turned back fellow newbie squad and host Pangasinan, 83-75, while Zamboanga Masters Sardines struggled before enduring Valenzuela, 82-76, in overtime at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan.
Although both squads were able to pull off tough wins, coaches Jonathan Banal of Abra and Louie Alas of Zamboanga admitted that they could have played much better, particularly on the defensive end.
“Para kaming switch. Minsan naka-on, minsan naka-off. Kailangan parating naka-on yan and consistent na ganun sa depensa. If we want to make it to the next level, kailangan ganun ang mentality namin,” said Alas.
Banal, son of multi-titled mentor Koy Banal, shared the same views with Alas.
“Our defense needs more improvement,” said the younger Banal, who moved to coach the expansion squad after handling Rizal Xentro Mall for the past few years.
Controversial guard Mac Tallo had a near triple-double performance, tallying 14 points, grabbing eight boards and dishing out seven assists.
Zamboanga, on the other hand, banked on Renzo Subido, who hit five points in the in the extra period.
Helping Subido ward off the Valenzuela challenge were Joseph Gabayni, former MVP Jaycee Marcelino and Adrian Santos with two points each.
Zamboanga drew 26 points and 8 rebounds from Marcelino and 10 points plus 3 rebounds and 2 steals from Rey Publico.
A triple by Valenzuela’s Orin Catacutan forged overtime at 71-71 as Zamboanga failed to pull away, leading by 39-31, at the most.
It was Dennis Santos, however, who struck hard for the much-improved Classics with 26 points plus eight rebounds and two steals.
Santos exploded for nine points in the last 80 seconds of the second quarter to push Valenzuela ahead, 47-43, at halftime.
The 6-foot-5 Santos drilled in two triples, a buzzer-beater jumper and a split free throw in that span while the Zamboanguenos failed to buy a bucket.
The game was tied for the last time at 56 with a minute and 27 seconds left in the third quarter.
MPBL Founder Manny Pacquiao graced the opening ceremonies that featured the parade of the competing teams with their respective muses.
Actress Barbie Imperial of the Abra Weavers was adjudged the best muse and received P30,000.
In his speech, Pacquiao welcomed expansion teams Pangasinan, Abra and Tarlac as well as the returning Davao Occidental.
Pacquiao also cited the league’s smooth running to the efforts of its key officials led by Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, CEO Joe Ramos, Head of Operations Emmer Oreta and legal counsel Atty. Glenn Gacal.
The MPBL goes to the Kamalig Coliseum in Orion, Bataan on Monday with a three-game bill pitting Bicol against Mindoro at 4 p.m., Marikina against Negros at 6 p.m., and Sarangani against Bataan at 8 p.m.
