Parks silences critics, leads Mandaluyong past Zambo

Photo from Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Facebook page

IMUS, Cavite—Ray Parks turned in a record-setting performance as Mandaluyong bounced back with an emphatic 71-61 victory over Zamboanga on Saturday night, while General Santos City-Golden State College notched its first victory in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup at the jam-packed Imus Sports Center here.

Making a conscious effort to get his teammates involved on offense, Parks dished out a league-record 15 assists on top of 13 points and six rebounds as the El Tigre, despite arriving at the venue just a few minutes before tip-off due to heavy traffic, rebounded from an opening-day 86-74 loss to Muntinlupa.

Parks expressed his displeasure over the officiating after a foul-plagued outing against Muntinlupa last June 13, drawing a stern warning from MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.

This time, however, the former UAAP and Asean Basketball League Most Valuable Player let his game do the talking.

“It’s a great honor to play in front of this big crowd,” said Parks. “My teammates have been working hard ever since we lost to Muntinlupa.”

“I challenged him to let his game do the talking and not ruin his name by saying things like that,” said Mandaluyong coach Mac Cuan.

“The only time you are going to quiet those critics is to play your game and play your heart out. He does belong here.”

Later, the Gen San Warriors leaned on the hot shooting of Leomer Losentes to stun the home crowd with a 79-73 win over the Bandera backed by GLC Truck and Equipment.

The former St. Francis of Assisi standout poured out 20 points, built on five triples, while  ex-pro Marlon Basco finished with 16 points.