BATAAN overcame Muntinlupa, 67-63, on Monday to tighten its grip on top of the standings in the MPBL Datu Cup.
The Risers improved their win-loss record to 19-2, ahead of the Mania Stars at 18-4, while Makati holds a 17-4 record in the Northern Division.
Bataan is already assured of a top four berth and home court advantage in the playoffs.
Coach Jojo Lastimosa said keeping top spot will be crucial come the playoffs.
“If we get the No.1 spot, we’ll be having home court advantage in reach round in the playoffs,” added Lastimosa. “We want to win our remaining games as we want to carry the momentum all the way to the playoffs.”
Muntinlupa suffered its third straight loss and fell to 12-8, third in the South behind Davao Occidental at 17-4 and Batangas at 13-9.
Laguna turned to Ralph Olivarez and frontliner Raymond Ilagan as the Heroes outplayed the Valenzuela Classic, 74-66.
Olivarez had 20 points while Ilagan had a double-double of 15 points and 17 rebounds as the Heroes stayed in the hunt for a playoff berth by improving their win-loss record to 10-13, good for eighth spot.
Valenzuela dropped to 8-14 and fell to 11th spot.
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