MARK Nonoy played the role of David as Iloilo took down Davao Occidental, 85-78, on Wednesday to score its biggest win in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Nonoy - the onetime UAAP Rookie of the Year who hails from La Carlota, Negros Occidental - finished with 18 points and two steals, while RV Berjay chimed in 13 markers and eight boards in the Royals' first back-to-back wins in the round-robin eliminations of the 29-team tournament.
Iloilo also got 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals from CJ Cansino, as well as 11 markers, nine boards, three dimes, and two pilfers from Clint Doliguez to rise to 4-7, while also dragging down the Tigers to 8-3 even after Jun Manzo's 14-point, 10-assist, and 3-rebound effort.
I'm Levi-tating
Meanwhile, Batangas City subdued Mindoro, 82-73, on the back of Levi Hernandez.
The Tanduay Rum Masters surged ahead, 58-44, in the third quarter then quashed the Tamaraws' repeated rallies to notch their ninth win against two losses.
Hernandez wound up with 26 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals and was supported by Dawn Ochea with 12 points plus three rebounds and Jeckster Apinan with eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
Mindoro, which took an early 16-6 lead, tumbled to 4-7 despite four Tamaraws posting twin-digits. John Jerrick Caspe tallied 19 points, four rebounds, and two assists, followed by John Derrick Lopez with 11 points and seven rebounds, Jordan Rios with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists, and Lester Reyes with 10 points and 11 rebounds to go with two assists and two blocks.
The main event then saw Rizal XentroMall nip Pangasinan, 76-74.
Alwyn Alday and Keith Agovida starred for Rizal with 19 and 18 points, respectively. The latter also added seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, as the Heatwaves relied on Hesed Gabo and his 15 points, eight assists, three steals, and two rebounds, as well as Michael Mabulac and his in 14 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals.
The MPBL returns to the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan on Thursday with Manila tackling Quezon City at 4 p.m, Pampanga battling Negros at 6 p.m., and South Cotabato tangling with Binan at 8 p.m.
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