Rout became the order of the night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Friday night at the Alonte Sports Center in Biñan, Laguna as defending champion Pampanga, returning Davao Occidental and host team Biñan hurdled their respective rivals with ease.
The Giant Lanterns of Pampanga handed Bicol a 128-93 beat down.
Pampanga shot an amazing 60% from the field (51-of-85) as homegrown Michael John Garcia led five players scoring in double figures.
Garcia had a perfect game, making all his 11 attempts from the field, and got solid backing from former PBA player Encho Serrano, who contributed 16 markers.
Kurt Spencer Reyson had a double-double showing of 15 points and 10 assists while big man Jhaymo Eguilos had 13 points and five boards. Completing the cast of player who wound up in double figures was Miguel Corteza with 11.
Similarly, Davao Occidental barely had trouble disposing of its opponent, Imus, 132-68, with Biboy Enguio rediscovering his shooting touch.
Enguio finished with 22 points, the same output produced by James Martinez, who flirted with a double-double performance as the steady guard also had nine assists.
Dariel Bayla had 17 markers, Kenneth Ighalo produced 14 and Kurt Lojera contributed 12 in a balance scoring displayed by the Tigers, who won their second straight game after dropping their opening match in their return to the biggest nationwide basketball tournament.
So deadly was Davao Occi’s fastbreak game that the Tigers were able to unleash 52 points on transition.
Home team Biñan walloped Quezon City, 72-53, with local favorite Poy Actub leading the way with 11 markers.
