MPBL: Bulacan mans up after Manila loss, whips Valenzuela

Bulacan star guard Dan Sara. MPBL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Bulacan coach Britt Reroma knew his team got the wake up call it needed when it got hammered by Manila at home two weeks ago in the MPBL Lakan Season.

“Two things can happen – either they will be inspired or they will continue to struggle,” said Reroma, whose coaching resume includes an NCAA juniors title with San Beda.

“But more than anything else, we want to redeem ourselves in our home court after getting embarrassed against Manila.”

Responding to their coach’s challenge, the Kuyas got off to a blistering start and never looked back on the way to a 97-79 drubbing of the Valenzuela Classic Wednesday night at Bulacan Capitol Gym in Malolos City.

It was a night when everything seemed to fall into place for the Kuyas, who had six players finishing in twin digits, led by Jun Bonsubre who had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Spitfire guard Dan Sara had 11 points and nine assists.

The 72-93 loss to Manila left a bad taste on the Kuyas, who have now won two straight, including the 87-82 win over Biñan City in Pampanga last week.

“We’re a work in progress,” said Reroma, whose team jacked up its record to 5-4. “The tough part here is finding the consistency from our team. But tonight, I’m just happy everyone stepped up and did their part.”

JR Alabanza (11), Jess Diputado (11), Jhan McHale Nermal (10) and Jovit dela Cruz (10) all dished out double-digit outputs as the Kuyas ruined the coaching debut of Demy Salenga, whose team dropped its fifth straight game for a 4-6 card.

Not to be outdone, Davao Occidental also coasted to a trouble-free win to keep pole position in the South division.

With Billy Robles on the firing end, the Tigers turned back the Navotas Clutch, 94-74, to rise to 7-1, a full game ahead of the Bacoor Strikers.