Navotas vs Nueva Ecija. MPBL PHOTO
Navotas’ unheralded cast made sure its second home game in the MPBL Lakan Season turned out to be a memorable one.
Former Muntinlupa reserve Jhong Bondoc and Mykee Cabahug torched Nueva Ecija with a combined 42 points, as the Clutch scored a record-setting 125-97 win last Monday night for their first home win at Navotas Sports Complex.
Bondoc fired 24 points, going 3-for-3 from three-point territory, while Cabahug had 18 points built on four treys as the Clutch once again played beyond expectations under coach Gabby Severino.
“Whether we play at home or at another venue, our responsibility is to make sure we play hard to win,” said Severino.
“We would also want to give opportunities to players who can become household names in the MPBL, players like Mykee Cabahug, Francis Munsayac and Jhong Bondoc,” added Severino, who has made heads turn with his coaching performance this season.
Boosted by a breakout performance from Mario Bonleon, the Davao Occidental Tigers overpowered the Soccksargen Marlins, 104-75, for their fourth straight victory, while the General Santos City Warriors trounced the Mindoro Tamaraws, 88-80, to make it three wins in a row.
Playing his finest game yet for Davao, Bonleon, a former University of Santo Tomas standout, finished with 21 points and four rebounds for the Tigers, who improved their record to 6-1 for a share of the South division lead with Bacoor.
The Marlins have lost all of their five games so far this season.
The Warriors welcomed top gun Mikey Williams back into the lineup, but it was Chris Masaglang, a holdover from last season’s team, who made the biggest impact finishing with 23 points. Gensan hiked its record to 6-2 for third spot in the South.