Forward Robby Celiz and point guard Pamboy Raymundo did not play college ball together. But they share a special bond, winning an Asean Basketball League title with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas two years ago, before moving to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) to play for the Bataan Risers. Their partnership continued to flourish this season, this time with a new team in the General Santos City Warriors, who they are leading to a stunning improvement in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season.
The familiarity and chemistry between Raymundo and Celiz came in handy on Wednesday night as they led the Warriors to a gutsy come-from-behind victory on the road over the Pasay Voyagers, 76-69, at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
“It helps that we’ve been teammates the last three years and we are also good friends,” said the 6-foot-3 Celiz, a former National U player, who finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Celiz’s last two baskets came from superb setup jobs by the crafty Raymundo, a former San Sebastian standout, who took charge in the second half, scoring 17 of his 23 points to propel the Warriors to their 16th win.
The victory also allowed GenSan to leapfrog past Basilan and Zamboanga for third spot in the South division. Bacoor City earlier firmed up its hold of second spot in the South after dumping Marikina, 100-88, while Cebu notched back-to-back wins with a 95-89 conquest of Quezon City.