Caloocan closing in on playoffs

Almond Vosotros struck the hardest in the final period as Caloocan stunned Muntinlupa, 79-72, on Saturday night to close in on a playoff spot in the North division of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup at Strike Gym in Bacoor City, Cavite.

The former La Salle star poured in 10 of his 17 points in the final period, joining forces with fellow guard Cedric Labing-isa as the Supremos unleashed a furious finish to close out the elimination round with an 11-14 record.

Caloocan is in eighth spot only because of its winning percentage as No. 6 Quezon City (10-11) and No. 7 Navotas (10-12) have yet to finish their assignments.

But even if No. 9 Pampanga (9-14) and No. 10 Valenzuela
(8-14) end up with the same record as Caloocan, the Supremos will still clinch the last playoff berth as they beat both the Classic and Lanterns.

Center Rene Pacquiao also contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Labing-isa finished with 13 for a Caloocan team that finished in last place in the previous season.

After starting the season with a 7-0 record, the Cagers are struggling to regain their form, losing nine of their last 15 games.

While they remain in second spot in the South, the Cagers could yield that position to a resurgent Batangas City Athletics squad, which trounced Bacoor, 70-62, in the second game.