Mendoza, who postponed an important business trip to the United States for this crucial game, said beating Montana for their fifth straight win was a big moral boost.
"Again, it’s pure hardwork. This win is really important because it gave us confidence going into our game against Welcoat Paints," said Mendoza.
Hapee Toothpaste notched its third win in eight matches as it trounced Ateneo-Pioneer Insurance, 72-56, in the second game. The Insurers suffered their fourth defeat against two wins.
Hardworking forward Francis Zamora came up with his most impressive game in a long while, putting in 12 points and 12 rebounds but it went for naught as the Jewellers absorbed their sixth loss in eight outings.
Dondon Mendoza led all scorers with 19 points, including five points in a crucial stretch in the fourth quarter where the Jewellers tried to make a run.
While the 6-foot-4 Mendoza got the job done in the shaded area, playing assistant coach Rey Mendez and league returnee Anastacio Mendoza took care of the backcourt chores.
Mendez scored six of his 14 markers in the final period while Mendoza, part of the Ana team which copped the 1998 Centennial Cup crown at the expense of powerhouse Tanduay Gold, had a conference-high 11 asssists which went with 10 points and five rebounds.
Ana squandered a 55-45 lead at the start of the final canto but recovered in time. – Joey Villar