GREG Slaughter's presence overwhelmed Imus, as Manila notched its fourth straight win in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season, 96-58, on Thursday at the Caloocan Sports Complex
With the 7-footer finding no match in posting a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double in just 17 minutes of play, the Stars rose to 9-4 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
On Slaughter's shoulders, Manila ruled the boards, 58-39, and led throughout. He was supported by Francis Escandor with 16 points, four assists, four steals, and three rebounds; Didat Hanapi with 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists; and Carl Bryan Cruz with 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Imus, which tumbled to a league-worst 0-13 record, got 13 points and five rebounds from John Rey Sumido and 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals from Russelle Aniba.
Quezon still setting the pace
Quezon Province then trounced Caloocan, 66-56, to grab the solo lead at 11-0, ahead of the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (10-0) and Pampanga Giant Lanterns (11-1).
With the count tied at 35, the Huskers clustered 12 points, the last eight by Jason Opiso, to pull away, 47-35, and never looked back.
Judel Fuentes paced Quezon Province with 15 points, three assists, and two rebounds, complementing the 13-point, 11-rebound effort of Ximone Sandagon, as well as Opiso's 10 points plus three rebounds.
Caloocan, which once led at 20-14, dropped to 6-4, as the Batang Kankaloo's guns misfired, with Reil Cervantes and Rommel Calahat emerging top scorers with just nine and eight points, respectively
In the other game, Zamboanga subdued Sarangani, 90-83, to get back on track.
Powered by Joseph Gabayni and Bong Galanza, Zamboanga Master Sardines pulled away at 84-55 before cruising to its 10th win against three losses.
Gabayni wound up with 15 points, 17 rebounds, and three assists, while Galanza finished with 13 points, five assists, and three rebounds.
Top gun Jaycee Marcelino also posted 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, as Jayson Castro Apolonio contributed 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists for coach Louie Alas.
The Marlins dropped to 3-10 despite the 18-point, 3-rebound, 2-assist output of Ryan Sual and the 10-point, 11-rebound effort of Jebb Bulawan.
The MPBL visits the University of Bangued Gymnasium for the first time on Saturday. The triple bill pits Marikina against Bataan at 4 p.m., Nueva Ecija against Paranaque at 6 p.m., and Rizal Xentromall against Abra at 8 p.m.
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