MANILA, Philippines - Manila National U-MFT and Marikina Wangs pulled off contrasting results to jumpstart their title campaign at the start of the Filsports Basketball Association’s Second Conference at the Marikina Sports Complex Friday.
The Mica Tan-backed Bulldogs leaned on Francis Abarcar’s heroics in turning back First Conference champion Quezon City University, 64-55, Marikina slammed the Nic Belasco-led Pateros Austen Morris Associates, 86-70, to seize the early share of the lead.
The Second Conference was attended by FBA president and CEO LJ Serrano and commissioner and CFO Vince Hizon along with guest speaker Commission on Audit chairperson Michael Aguinaldo, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas deputy executive director Bernie Atienza, Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman and Pateros Councilor Daisy Reyes.
Abarcar, formerly of reigning NCAA champion San Beda, fired 15 points and plucked six rebounds in leading the Bulldogs while Cedric Labing-isa, formerly of NU, spearheaded Marikina with 22 points.
The games are televised via Aksyon TV, Aksyon International, Net 25 with some games at Fox Sports.