Mindoro, Pasig prevail over MPBL foes

Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors. MPBL Photo

MANILA, Philippines–Homegrown star Rodel Vaygan sizzled for a career high 30 points as Mindoro crushed Cebu, 94-73, while Pasig Sta. Lucia picked up a second straight victory Monday night in the MPBL Lakan Season at Pasig Sports Center.

With the inspired Vaygan on the firing end, the Tamaraws outscored the Sharks in the middle quarters, 53-28, on their way to snapping a two-game slide and improving their record to 2-3.

Later, the Realtors leaned on another big game from Rob Manalang to edge Rizal Golden Coolers, 78-72.

Manalang shot 18 points while Richard Velchez chipped in 10 points and nine boards for Pasig which climbed to 3-2 in the North division. The Golden Coolers lost for the third straight game and dropped to 1-4.

Vaygan, who hails from Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, buried six triples, setting the tone for a spectacular performance by the Tamaraws from beyond the arc. Mindoro went 13-of-27 from the three point zone. Mac Baracael and Kim Cinco nailed two triples each for the Tamaraws.

Cebu started out hot, zooming to an early advantage, 26-20, but the Sharks couldn’t keep up with Vaygan’s stellar shooting and fell to 3-4.