Former pro Harold Arboleda dished out one of the finest individual performances in MPBL history to propel Parañaque-F2 Logistics past Cebu City-Casino Ethyl Alcohol, 81-73, on Tuesday night in the Datu Cup at Olivarez College Gym.
Turning his game up a notch following the suspension of Jemal Vizcarra and the absence of injured Mac Montilla, Arboleda made all his shots on the way to a career-high 26 points, on top of 11 rebounds and six assists,,as the Patriots gained a share of top spot in the South Division with Muntinlupa and Davao Occidental.
Arboleda, who briefly played for NLEX, knocked in five treys, two jumpshots and seven free throws for the Patriots, who rallied from an early 15-point deficit to deal the Sharks their second straight defeat of the season.
The former Perpetual Help forward also helped slow down the debuting Patrick Cabahug in the middle quarters when the Patriots made headway. Cabahug still finished with 29 points, most of it coming when the outcome was already settled.
“I think we played with a lot of energy because of the home crowd,” said Arboleda. “The team really worked hard to get the win.”
Ryusei Koga, Ivan Villanueva and Robin Rono also played key roles in the victory for the Patriots, who led by 14 in the second half before the Sharks mounted a late surge that ultimately fell short.
Meanwhile, Juneric Baloria fired 24 points as Pampanga notched its first win at the expense of Bacoor, 81-80.
The Lanterns pulled off the feat without ex-PBA players Jimbo Aquino and Mike Juico. Aquino suffered a pulled leg muscle while Juico served a one game suspension.