Playing for the second time right at their turf this season, the Heatwaves of Pangasinan made sure the local folks won’t go home disappointed this time.
The Heatwaves banked on Michael Mabulac’s double-double performance, but the supporting cast proved to be essential in towing the home team to an 80-68 triumph over Marikina late Saturday night at the Calasiao Sports Complex.
Mabulac finished with monster numbers of 12 points and 13 rebounds, but the bench support was also crucial in allowing the expansion club to notch its second win in five games.
Hesed Gabo and Vince Tolentino each tallied 10 markers while Ian Melencio contributed nine. Ed Daquioag and homegrown JR Caasi came up with eight points apiece as the Heatwaves lost a 17-point lead at one stretch, but were able to recover their bearings against a game Shoemasters team, which absorbed its fifth loss in as many games.
Also winning Saturday was Abra, which subdued Negros, 69-57.
Michael Canete had a near perfect game, finishing with 14 points while sinking all but one of his attempts from the field.
Wendel Comboy, Canete’s former teammate at San Miguel in the PBA, led all scorers for the Weavers with 15 while Prince Caperal contributed 11 and Clint Escamis fell a rebound short of a double-double performance as he wound up with 10 points and nine boards for the Jonathan Banal-mentored team.
