Jemal Vizcarra returns with a bang for Parañaque Patriots

Patriots’ Jemal Vizcarra. MPBL IMAGES

All those months away from MPBL action fired up veteran sharpshooter Jemal Vizcarra in his return for the Parañaque Patriots.

Unable to see action last season due to issues within the management of the team, Vizcarra, the former University of Santo Tomas gunner, showcased his terrific touch from beyond the arc with five triples as the Patriots stunned the Valenzuela Classic, 89-83, in the MPBL Lakan Season at Valenzuela Astrodome.

Vizcarra, 35, took charge on offense, finishing with 27 points, but his younger teammates more than picked up the slack defensively as they shut down the Classic in the final period to erase a 12-point deficit and claim their first win.

“I can’t ask for anything more from my teammates because of the way they played defense,” said Vizcarra.

“Admittedly, I find it difficult to play with that type of intensity on the defensive end. But I was really excited to play today and fortunately, my shots were going in.”

Point guard Dwight Saguiguit, a standout from Olivarez College, pumped in 19 points for the Patriots, who actually rallied from 20 points down to complete a night of upsets.

Parañaque also spoiled a 29-point performance from Chris De Chavez, who set a league record with nine three-pointers.

Ex-PBA player Ronjay Buenafe and former Quezon City Capitals guard Alwin Alday formed a deadly 1-2 punch as expansion team Bicol Volcanoes overcame the star-studded Pampanga Giant Lanterns, 82-70, in the first game.

Buenafe had 20 points, while Alday finished with 15 for the Volcanoes, who bounced back from an 84-93 loss to the Basilan Steel on opening day last week.

Alex Nuyles tallied 10 points and Hafer Mondragon added eight and nine rebounds as Bicol pounced on a surprisingly lethargic Pampanga team boasting of ex-PBA players Mark Cruz, Michael Juico, Reil Cervantes, Levi Hernandez and Dexter Maiquez.