Apinan leads balanced attack in Makati’s 12th straight victory

Makati Super Crunch rolled to a 12th straight victory at the expense of Navotas Clutch, 96-87, on Wednesday night, even as Quezon City Capitals boosted their playoff hopes in the MPBL Datu Cup at Navotas Sports Complex.

Six players, led by former Jose Rizal U star Jeckster Apinan with 20 points, finished in twin digits as the Super Crunch put on a clinic on both ends of the floor to seize second spot in the North division with an 18-4 card.

Joseph Sedurifa played his best game for Makati, tallying 15 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Ced Ablaza, John Rey Villanueva, Mark Isip and Rudy Lingganay also dished out solid numbers for coach Cholo Villanueva.

The stellar performance against the Clutch still wasn’t enough to convince Villanueva of his team’s title credentials in the 26-team tournament.

“We’re still a work in progress,” said Villanueva, whose team had 22 assists and held Navotas to 37-percent shooting. “We want to continue improving, but as far as where we stand against the league’s best teams, we are not there yet.”

The win all but guarantees Makati of home court advantage in the first round of the North division playoffs.

The Capitals beat the Basilan Steel, 74-68, in the first game.