The Tanduay-backed Batangas City Athletics stayed poised down the stretch to subdue the Navotas Clutch-Big J Sports, 80-71, in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup Saturday night at Navotas Sports Complex.
It was the fourth straight win for the Athletics, who gained a share of the lead with the Quezon City Capitals-Royal Manila with 4-0 win-loss records.
Val Acuna led Batangas’ scoring with 17 followed by Teytey Teodoro’s 14 and Bong Quinto’s 12. It was Jhaymo Eguilos, however, who lifted the Athletics to their fourth straight win with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Navotas fell to 2-2.
The Bulacan Kuyas-Ligo Sardines finally snapped a three-game skid with a 92-74 triumph over the Caloocan Supremos-Longrich.
Chris Baluyot, who was initially inserted in the lineup as a player, returned to his role as coach for Bulacan.