Hubalde leads Valenzuela past Bataan dribblers

Paolo Hubalde dished out a career-high 14 assists as Valenzuela posted its first back-to-back victories in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup even as Parañaque got back on the winning track late Thursday night at Valenzuela Astrodome.

The Classic, supported by Yulz, clobbered the Bataan Defenders-BaiShipping, 97-80.

Parañaque-Yakimix, on the other hand, survived preseason champion Bulacan, 74-72.

A costly technical foul called on Jay Gonzales of the Ligo Sardines-supported Kuyas squad, gave the Patriots the cushion they needed down the stretch.

Juneric Baloria made two of three charity shots, including one off the technical foul, in the last 45 seconds, enabling the Patriots to get back on the winning track and join the Muntinlupa Cagers-Angelis Resort and the Classic in a share of third to fifth places (2-1).

Playing in front of their wildly-cheering home crowd, the Classic got off to a rousing start, posting a 29-12 lead in the first period behind the hot-shooting Adrian Celada, who nailed three of four shots from beyond the arc.

Valenzuela continued its onslaught to take a commanding 52-22 lead at halftime.

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