Ex-pros power Manila, Pampanga

Former pros Reil Cervantes and Juneric Baloria delivered stellar performances as Manila and Pampanga fashioned out contrasting wins in the MPBL Datu Cup at San Andres Gym in Manila.

Cervantes fired 25 points as the Stars overwhelmed a Mandaluyong team led by two-time Asean Basketball League Most Valuable Player Ray Parks, 92-73, to firm up their hold of third spot in the North division.

In another North division battle, Pampanga leaned on Baloria’s explosion to hack out a thrilling 97-94 win over Quezon City Capitals.

Baloria, who set the league record of 36 points in a loss to Imus two weeks ago, pumped in 35 points to carry the Lanterns to their fourth win in six games.

Allen Enriquez and Marlon Gomez also dished out solid performances for the Lanterns, adding 21 and 11 points, respectively.

The Stars turned an expected close contest into a rout in the second half as they opened the third with a 13-0 run. The El Tigre went eight minutes without a field goal, allowing the Stars to pull away for good.

Parks submitted a double-double effort of 15 points and 11 rebounds, but couldn’t save the El Tigre (6-4).