BACOOR – Pasig finally showed signs of life on Thursday night as it walloped Basilan, 102-77 in the MPBL Datu Cup at the Strike Gymnasium.
Owner of the league’s worst record, the Pirates made some key acquisitions during the 10-day trading period and their new players quickly made their presence felt.
Mark Bautista and Francis Camacho led six players in double figures as they each tallied 12 markers to lead the Pirates to only their second win of the season.
Mainstays Marlon Monte and Boyet Bautista each scored 11 while free-agent pick-ups Ed Doroteo and Jerwin Gaco contributed 10 each.
In the main game, San Juan frustrated a retooled Bacoor side, 74-63, and kept its billing as the title favorite in the tournament.
The Randy Alcantara-mentored Knights held the Strikers to a league worst record of 0-of-18 shooting from the field in the first period to take command.
Bacoor trailed by as many as 30 points, 70-40, before mounting a late rally.
With the win, San Juan improved its win-loss card to 10-2, for solo second place in the northern division. Bacoor saw its three-game winning streak snapped and fell to 7-5.
Mike Ayonayon paced the Knights with 21 points followed by Mac Cardona, who contributed 15. John Wilson chipped in 13.
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