Batangas City chalked up near double-double performances from Jeckster Apinan and Cedric Ablaza as the Rum Masters walloped Negros Muscovados, 72-62, in the MPBL Sixth Season at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Apinan and Ablaza fell a rebound away apiece from posting double-double games, but their solid showing was enough to power the Rum Masters to their fifth win in six games.
The lefty forward Apinan scattered 14 points to go along with nine rebounds while Ablaza also pulled down nine boards on top of his 11 markers.
But several other Rum Masters were able to make key contributions like Mark Cruz, who tallied 13 points and seven boards, and RJ Ramirez, who chipped in 10.
Defense has been the weapon of choice of the Rum Masters, who held the Muscovados to just 29% shooting from the field (22-of-75).
Batangas City also made a conscious effort on attacking more aggressively as it produced 44 points, 20 more than its counterpart.
Home team Pasay struck hardest in the third period and held on to outplay Rizal, 89-75, in the other game.
It was the second victory at home for the Voyagers, who outscored their counterparts, 26-17, in the third period to pull away for good.
Pasay posted its biggest lead at 23, 74-51, on lay up made by Laurenz Victoria midway the fourth quarter to finally take the fight out of Rizal, which absorbed its second straight loss after winning its first four games.
The Voyagers improved their record to 4-2.
South Cotabato survived Bulacan, 85-82, in a gripping encounter as the Warriors drew a 28-point production from John Wilson.
