MUNTINLUPA spoiled Ray Parks' debut in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), thumping Mandaluyong, 86-74, in the nightcap of the league's opening double-header on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With all eyes on Parks, veterans Allan Mangahas and Chito Jaime stole the show and proved that the Cagers are more than capable of matching, if not surpassing, their runners-up finish in the inaugural season.
The two combined in an 11-0 run to end the second quarter that gave Muntinlupa a 46-36 spread at the interval. Mandaluyong never really made a run after that.
Jaime topscored for the Cagers with 17 points as Mangahas added 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Dave Moralde chipped in 12 points while Felix Apreku had a monster rebounding game with 16 to go with 10 points.
Parks had an impressive debut with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists but the apparent lack of cohesiveness eventually led to the El Tigre's downfall.
Jeff Javillonar fadded 14 points off the bench as Prince Rivero finished with 12 points and five rebounds.
The scores:
Muntinlupa 86 – Jaime 17, Mangahas 16, Moralde 12, Apreku 10, Llagas 9, Ortouste 8, Ylagan 7, Basibas 6, Stevens 1, Reverente 0, Costelo 0,
Mandaluyong 74 – Parks 21, Javillonar 14, Rivero 12, Bonsubre 9, Lozada 5, Gatchalian 5, Cauillan 4, Vidal 2, Andaya 2, Alabanza 0, Boholano 0, Cunanan 0
Quarterscores: 20-26, 46-36, 67-59, 86-74
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