MAKATI got back on the winning track after staving off Biñan City, 92-87, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup on Monday night at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Jeckster Apinan dominated inside the paint with 25 points, 12 rebounds, four steals and a block while Joshua Torralba chalked up 18 markers as Makati improved to 11-3 for third spot in the north division.
"I think we had a lack of energy coming from a long break. But the boys picked it up in the third quarter, quickened the pace and good thing we held their scoring down the stretch," said Makati coach Cholo Villanueva.
With the score knotted at 75 midway through the fourth period, Makati went on a 12-5 finishing kick capped by Juneric Baloria's short stab off a dish from Joseph Sedurifa to put the game away, 87-80, with 31.5 ticks left.
The Super Crunch-backed Makati took advantage of the Krah Heroes' 15 turnovers, translating them into 18 easy points.
Baloria chipped in 12 points, half of it coming in the pivotal fourth quarter, while Kib Montalbo added 11 markers with nine coming in the third frame.
Allan Mangahas led Biñan City (6-9) with 17 points, 12 assists and eight boards against five turnovers. Justin Valencia
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