Munti, Caloocan on top in Coke Hoopla

MANILA, Philippines - Muntinlupa held off previously unbeaten Pasig, 84-81, while Caloocan routed winless Makati, 101-89, to force a three-way tie for the lead in the first round of the Coca-Cola Hoopla inter-zonal stage at the Kolisiyum ng Bayan in Makati over the weekend.

Muntinlupa, Caloocan and Pasig finished with identical 2-1 (win-loss) slates, while Makati took its third straight loss in the tournament sponsored by Coca-Cola Export.

Meanwhile, action in the second round starts today at the Rizal High School in Pasig.

Muntinlupa blew a 37-15 lead and fell behind at 68-69 in the face of Pasig’s relentless attack courtesy of Julius Mark Pinili, Jeric Baylen, Elmer Labis and Ranniel Nudo.

But the South division champions recovered in time and countered with an 11-2 windup behind Kevin Racal, Piper Tan, Luigi Estpona and Avin Minoc to clinch the win.

The 6-foot-3 Racal, who has averaged in double digits since the start of the Final Four, scored a game high 30 points. Tan added 15, Estipona 11, and Minoc 5.

Pasig took its first loss after defeating Caloocan and Makati.

Caloocan, on the other hand, nearly squandered a 26-point lead, 61-35, as Makati closed to within 85-92. But Kevin Mendoza, Nestor Bantayan and Mouline Gonzales came through with timely hits to preserve the lead and the win for the North division champions.