MPBL: Bataan pulls away to beat Batangas City

Bataan Risers’ Pamboy Raymundo. Photo from Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

Bataan went on a late run to beat Batangas City, 81-67, in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup Wednesday night at Bataang People’s Center.

The Risers outscored the Athletics, 13-0, in the final three minutes and 50 seconds to break loose from a tight duel and pick up their first win.

With Bataan holding a 68-67 edge, Vince Tolentino sparked the Risers’ surge before a Robby Celiz layup off a steal by John Villarias capped the run and extended the lead to double-digits, 77-67, with only 1:36 left.

Tolentino posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds that went with five assists while Celiz came off the bench and had 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Batangas (1-1), which ruled the league’s inaugural conference, missed its last seven attempts from the field.

Lester Alvarez paced the Athletics with 17 points but shot 5-of-16 from the field, including 4-of-13 from downtown. Tey Teodoro, known for his scoring, fired blanks, missing all of his nine shots, seven of which from the 3-point line.