MICHAEL Mabulac's short jumper proved to be the difference for Pangasinan in nipping Zamboanga Master Sardines, 75-74, on Saturday to share the spotlight with Abra and Valenzuela in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Calasiao Sports Complex.
The Weavers routed Muntinlupa, 88-59, in the opener to sustain their climb, even as the Classic edged Rizal Xentromall, 76-73, in the second game to revive their playoff push in the round-robin eliminations of the 29-team tournament.
It was the nightcap that stole the show, however.
Keeping their composure after Jaycee Marcelino buried a triple to give Zamboanga back the lead, 74-73, with eight seconds left, the Heatwaves found a savior in Mabulac, who delivered off an assist by Hesed Gabo.
Mabulac wound up with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for Pangasinan, which improved to 9-14, followed by Michael Juico with 14 points and five rebounds and Gabo with 13 points and six assists.
Zamboanga, which led for 35 minutes and 51 minutes, fell to 16-6 despite Bong Galanza's 17-point, 10 in the fourth quarter, 7-rebound effort, Marcelino's 15 points plus four rebounds, and Rey Publico's 15 points plus three rebounds.
Abra-pt end
Abra, powered by Wendell Comboy in the first half, cruised to their fourth straight win and a 14-7 card.
Comboy poured in all of his 17 points in that span to give the Weavers a 48-43 spread from which the Cagers couldn't recover to tumble to 7-16.
Abra also got 12 points from Jun Manzo and 11 each from Will Keane Lee and Arvie Bringas.
Valenzuela, for its part, was energized by Darell Manliguez to even its slate at 11-11, inching closer to its victim Golden Coolers' 12-11 card.
Manliguez chalked 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Mark Mantuano tallied 15 points and six rebounds. Veteran Cyrus Baguio and Bryan Lacap then contributed 11 points each for the Classic, who snapped a three-game slide.
Rizal got 16 points from Alwyn Alday, 15 from Kraniel Villoria, 14 from John Apacible, and 12 from Jerie Pingoy.
The MPBL goes to the Alonte Sports Complex in Binan, Laguna on Monday with a triple-bill pitting Paranaque against Marikina at 4 p.m., Pasay against Caloocan at 6 p.m., and Nueva Ecija against host Binan.
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