PASAY tripped Muntinlupa, 80-73, in overtime on Thursday to stay on course in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Laurenz Victoria starred in the Voyagers' eighth straight win at home, firing the last six points in the extra period and lifting them to a 14-8 record in the round-robin eliminations of the 29-team tournament.
It was Warren Bonifacio, however, who saved the day for Pasay when he knocked in a triple with 41 seconds left to knot the count at 71 at the end of regulation.
Bonifacio wound up with 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Victoria posted 17 points, six rebounds, five steals, and four assists.
Cyrus Tabi, who sparked the Voyagers' closing nine-point run in the extension with a three-point play, also contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
The Cagers tumbled to 7-15 despite Makoy Marcos' 21-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist effort and Alfred Flores' 18-point (16 in the fourth quarter) and 4-rebound output.
Manila and Marikina's contrasting wins
Manila, meanwhile, displayed depth and firepower in a 93-68 rout of Negros.
With 13 of the 15 players fielded in scoring, the SV Batang Sampaloc Stars led by as far as 88-60 before coasting to their 16th win against six losses.
Tonino Gonzaga paced Manila with 20 points and four rebounds, followed by 7-footer Greg Slaughter with 13 points and 12 rebounds, James Sena with 11 points, and Carl Bryan Cruz with nine points and nine rebounds.
Pounded off the boards (39-55) and outshot on both field goals (31 to 46.6 percent) and free throws (70.4 to 82.4 percent), the Muscovados dropped to 11-13 as only Jan Formento struck back with 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
In the other game, Marikina edged Mindoro, 76-72, to improve to 7-14.
Eric Joseph Pili shone for the Shoemasters with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists, and so did Jomel Landayan with 12 points, four steals, and three rebounds, and Marlon Basco with 11 points and seven rebounds.
The Tamaraws, who tumbled to 7-16, got 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists from JJ Caspe and 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists from Kint Ariar.
The MPBL goes to the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City on Friday with a triple-bill pitting San Juan against Imus at 4 p.m., South Cotabato against Sarangani at 6 p.m., and Iloilo against host Pampanga at 8 p.m.
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