Zamboanga forward Alvin Pasaol relished the opportunity to play against Valenzuela again, having seen the team enjoy tremendous support from the crowd during its home games in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).When he got the chance again on Tuesday night, Pasaol backed up his words, playing like a man on a mission to propel Zamboanga to an 85-78 win and spoiling Valenzuela’s first home game at the newly built Bahayang Pag-Asa Gym.
“I have high respect for Valenzuela and its fans because they always have the wildest crowd in the MPBL,” Pasaol said after silencing the Valenzuela faithful with a 24-point, eight-rebound, four-assist output that propped Zamboanga’s playoff bid in the Chooks To Go MPBL Lakan Season. “I was really looking forward to this game.”Pasaol actually made his MPBL debut against Valenzuela in June when the burly forward was still playing for Bataan. That game ended with Bataan falling short in overtime against a Valenzuela team that fed off the energy from its crowd.
“It feels great to win in Valenzuela’s homecourt,” said Pasaol, who was acquired by Zamboanga two months ago in exchange for Reed Juntilla. “I love the challenge of playing against the home crowd.”Meanwhile, Davao Occidental solidified its hold of top spot in the South division after turning back Pasig Sta. Lucia, 75-71, behind Mark Yee, who fired 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.
It was Davao’s 20th win in 23 games this season, tying Datu Cup champion San Juan for the best record in the league.
Mark Cruz had 14 points and 14 assists as Pampanga trounced Pasay City, 75-65, in a battle of North division playoff contenders.
Dexter Maiquez chipped in 13 points and eight boards for the Giant Lanterns.