Rizal XentroMall met stiff resistance from Bicolandia before prevailing, 85-82, on Saturday and sharing the lead in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixtgh Season elimination round at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Pasay City.
Expecting a cruise, the Golden Coolers instead encountered rough sailing as the Oragons even managed to take control, 68-67, with still 6:19 left.
Alwyn Alday, however, bailed out Rizal by scoring five points and with Kraniel Viloria, homegrown John Apacible and Marco Balagtas joining the fray, restored order, 83-75, 2:25 to go.
Rizal, now being coached by Ralph Rivera, raised its record to 3-0, the same card as Batangas, Negros, Paranaque and Zamboanga.
Viloria was named best player after compiling 18 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block.
Apacible supported him with 16 points plus 12 rebounds, followed by Alday with 16 points and five rebounds.
Bicolandia dropped to 0-4 and occupied the cellar with Marikina.
Marvin Lee posted 22 points and eight rebounds for the Oragons, who got 10 points and 12 rebounds from Charles Burgos.
The MPBL returns to the Alonte Sports Arena on Monday, April 22, with a triple-bill pitting Pampanga against Mindoro at 4 p.m., Zamboanga against Negros at 6 p.m. and Abra against Binan at 8 p.m.
