Returning to its homecourt for the first time since its painful loss in the finals two months ago, Muntinlupa made sure there was no heartbreak this time.
The Cagers, backed by Angelis Resort, turned back the Marikina Shoemasters, 85-76, on Thursday night to seize the solo lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
In a battle of newcomers, Bacoor subdued Cebu, 76-71, with Oping Sumalinog hitting 22 points and grabbing seven boards.
Sumalinog’s layup with 48 seconds left extended the Strikers’ advantage, 74-70, and helped seal the first win of coach Budds Reyes’ squad
“It’s still a long way to go,” said Reyes. “I just tried to fast track our system, but I know we’ll play much better in the coming games,”
Mark Montuano finished with 18 points and 10 boards while Mikee Reyes and Gab Banal had 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Chito Jaime had 19 points on top of 10 rebounds while Felix Apreku had eight points and 16 boards for the Cagers, who rolled to their second straight victory against one of 16 expansion teams this season.
“We want to make our supporters happy [after our loss in the finals],” Apreku said.