MPBL: After 6 games, surging Pasig ties win output from last season

Pasig star Robbie Manalang. MPBL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Armed with 17-year experience as a franchise in the PBA, Sta. Lucia Realty promised a change in fortunes for Pasig when it took over the team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League at the start of the season.

Six games into their campaign in the Lakan Season, the Realtors already matched the winning output of last season’s squad after turning back Bacolod, 87-68, Thursday night at Pasig Sports Center.

Former Adamson guard Rob Manalang continued to sizzle, finishing with 20 points as the Realtors coasted to a wire-to-wire win over a Bacolod team that lost for the third straight game.

The win boosted the Realtors’ record to 4-2, just a few months after the team finished with a woeful 4-21 record in the Datu Cup.

“We just want to restore the pride of Pasig in the MPBL,” said Pasig team manager Buddy Encarnado.

“I’m not after matching anything. My goal is to be able to give back the pride of Pasig to the Pasigueños because look at the crowd. It’s almost 12 midnight but people are still here supporting the team.”

Earlier, Mark Cruz exploded for 31 points as Pampanga overwhelmed Biñan, 96-86, for its fourth win in seven outings, while Zamboanga notched a third straight win at the expense of Rizal, 95-76.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride for us this early in the season, but the good thing is we’re bouncing back,” said Pampanga coach Bong Ramos, whose team suffered a 16-point loss to powerhouse Manila last week.

Leo De Vera had 14 points and nine boards as Zamboanga improved to 4-3 despite missing main man Harold Arboleda due to a hand injury.