Homegrown star Gio Espuelas proved equal to the challenge as Bataan set a league record with nine straight victories after an 87-74 drubbing of Pampanga late Thursday night in the MPBL Datu Cup at Valenzuela Astrodome.
Even without Jeepy Faundo and Vince Tolentino, the Risers of coach Jojo Lastimosa showed they had more than enough firepower as Balanga-born Espuelas sparkled with a career-best 13 points.
Alfred Batino also notched a double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Risers, who grabbed the solo lead with a 9-1 record.
Later, Chris de Chavez knocked in two triples in the second overtime as Valenzuela held off Marikina, 102-99, to snap a five-game slide.
Struggling in the last five games, De Chavez picked the right time to find his groove, finishing with 16 points as the Idol Cheesedogs survived a battle of attrition in front of their rabid supporters.
Paolo Hubalde had a solid all around effort of 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists to go with five steals for Valenzuela.
At 2 hours and 39 minutes, the game was the longest in the history of the fledgling league and also its first double overtime game.