Powerhouses Pampanga and San Juan strengthened their strangleholds of the 1-2 spots, while South Cotabato gained ground in the MPBL (Maharlika PIlipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season on Friday at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The Giant Lanterns trounced Iloilo United, 88-49, as the Knights kept in step by dumping Imus VA Drones with the same 39-point margin, 100-61, in the round-robin eliminations of the two-division, 29-team tournament.
Pampanga, the defending titlist, extended its winning streak to 22 after an initial loss, while San Juan, the 2019 champion, notched its 11th straight victory and climbed to 20-1.
The Giant Lanterns, the Knights, Nueva Ecija (18-2), and Manila (16-6) have long clinched playoff slots in the North Division. The Warriors, on the other hand, is assured of joining Quezon Province (17-3), Zamboanga (16-5), and Batangas (16-7) in the South playoffs.
Powered by reigning MVP Justine Baltazar and MJ Garcia, Pampanga pulled down the Royals to 8-14, further dampening their chances of advancing to the eight-team playoffs in the South Division.
The PBA Season 49 Draft's top overall pick posted 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Garcia chalked 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals. They were supported by Archie Concepcion with nine points, four assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Iloilo drew 13 points from Clint Doliguez and 11 from Ry De La Rosa.
Like the Giant Lanterns, San Juan zoomed ahead by halftime, 60-24, and used all its 15 players to relegate the Agimat to 1-21.
Homegrown Joseph Ubalde shone for the Knights with 17 points and 11 rebounds, complementing Marwin Taywan's 19 points, highlighted by a perfect 5-of-5 triples.
Kenneth Villapando also added 11 points and six rebounds, while Dave Ando chalked 10 points for San Juan coach Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
Imus got 13 points plus 10 rebounds from Kenneth Velasco, 13 points plus seven rebounds from Jameson Hiro, and 10 points from John Edmar Gonzaga.
South Cotabato clinches playoff berth
The Warriors overpowered Sarangani, 90-85, and improved to 15-8 to catch up with Davao Occidental.
Fronted by Jammer Jamito's 11 points and seven rebounds, Larry Rodriguez's 10 points, and Kyle Tolentino's 10 points plus 10 rebounds, South Cotabato led by as far as 91-68 before cruising home.
The Marlins slumped to 5-17 despite Ryan Sual's 18 points, Marvin Hayes' 16, and Jomar Madayag's 11.
The MPBL returns to the Calasiao Sports Complex on Saturday with games pitting Muntinlupa against Abra at 4 p.m., Rizal against Valenzuela at 6 p.m., and Zamboanga against host Pangasinan at 8 p.m.
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