Muntinlupa started hot then sustained its charge to beat the Quezon City Capitals-Royal Manila, 103-87, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Anta Rajah Cup Tuesday night at the packed Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
Pari Llagas starred for the Angelis Resort-backed Cagers as he finished with 21 points and controlled the boards as Muntinlupa posted its fourth straight win and became the first team to beat QC in the tournament put up by Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
Muntinlupa forged a tie for second to third places with its victim at 4-1.
In the first game, the Bataan Defenders-Bai Shipping spoiled the coaching debut of Jerry Codinera with the Imus Bandera-GLC Truck and Equipment, winning 91-87, in the battle between two winless squads.
The Defenders got a big lift from Al Carlos, who finished with 22 points, and Gary David with 20 points.
Former PBA chair Lito Alvarez, team owner of the Cagers, was elated by the turnout. “The atmosphere is really different if there’s home court, the venues are always full,” said Alvarez.