MPBL: Quezon stays spotless after routing Imus

MPBL: Quezon stays spotless after routing Imus

QUEZON overpowered Imus, 100-73, on Wednesday to snag joint first in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season elimination round at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan, Laguna.

Drawing points from 13 Huskers led by Lucena City mayor Mark Alcala, Quezon surged ahead, 54-31, at halftime and padded it to 89-60 midway through the fourth quarter to secure their seventh win in as many starts.

Alcala ended with 18 points, four rebounds, and two assists, as Quezon overtook Nueva Ecija and Binan and now stands alongside the league-leading San Juan Knights.

NCAA Season 98 MVP Will Gozum supported Alcala with 12 points and four rebounds, followed by homegrown Rodel Gravera with 11 points plus four rebounds, and Judel Fuentes with 10 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Imus suffered its ninth straight defeat despite the 20-point, 4-rebound, 5-assist, 3 steal effort of Luis Tapenio.

In the nightcap, Paranaque nipped Zamboanga Master Sardines, 65-62.

The Patriots posted their biggest lead at 49-39, then held their ground through JP Sarao and Philip Manalang to tie the Zamboanguenos at 7-2.

Sarao chalked 17 points, 11 in the third quarter, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Manalang had 13 points and seven assists and John Uduba chimed in 11 points and eight rebounds.

Former MPBL MVP Jaycee Marcelino tried to bail out Zamboanga with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, but fell short as they missed the services of his backcourt partner and twin brother Jayvee.

The MPBL visits the Wes Arena in Valenzuela City on Thursday with another triple bill pitting Sarangani against Muntinlupa at 4 p.m., Bacolod against Nueva Ecija at 6 p.m., and Bulacan against Valenzuela at 8 p.m.