Regent-Shark hang tough in the final quarter for a 67-65 decision over Cebuana Lhuillier while Blu All-Purpose overpowered Casino Rubbing Alcohol, 81-61.
Jon-Dan Salvador topscored with 17 points but Jam Alfad and Gary David delivered the crucial blows as Montana nipped Skygo Rifers, 78-75, to keep its hold of the solo lead.
The Jewellers were up at 74-65 with 3:02 remaining in the game when Mike Manigo drilled in a jumper and a triple while Joseph Roland Quinahan sank two freethrows as the Riders threatened at 72-74 with 1:41 left.
Alfad followed up a miss by Jenkins Mesina, grabbed the rebound following Manigo’s failed attempt and sent David to the hoop to virtually secure the victory, 78-72, with 47 seconds left.
Regent-Shark likewise enjoyed a 59-46 margin after three quarters when 6’5 Jan Montalbo and streak shooter Junnel Maglasang scattered six points apiece while ex-pro Stephen Padilla fired a triple to trim the gap to just a hairline, 65-66, with 14 seconds to go.
Rysal Castro’s split off Braulio Lim in the final 13 seconds provided relief for the Cheeseballs as the victory was sealed when Padilla muffed a buzzer-beating three-point attempt.
Far from their first two outings, the Detergent Kings played with a different zest behind Lou Gatumbato, Mike Garcia and Mel Latoreno who joined efforts with Marlon Legaspi and the hardworking Aries Dimaunahan for a 61-46 third quarter upperhand.
Gilbert Castillo completed a three-point play, 49-61, hoping to revive the Alcohol Master’s momentum but that was spoiled as Blu All-Purpose mercilessly unveiled another 13-0 blast that posted a biggest lead of 25 points, 74-49, with 4:50 remaining.
The best Casino could do was trim the deficit to 19, 59-78, with 37 seconds left.