Batangas, Quezon City fives squeeze through

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas City and Quezon City met stiff resistance before subduing their opponents on Wednesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

South Cotabato, meanwhile, was ruthless in a 105-65 dumping of Imus.

The Batangas Tanduay Rum Masters proved steadier in the homestretch and bested Bulacan, 76-68, while the Quezon City TODA Aksyon rallied past Muntinlupa, 81-74, to join the early leaders in the 30-team league.

Levi Hernandez, Cedric Ablaza and Dawn Ochea joined forces as Batangas couldn’t break away and had to thwart Bulacan’s siege.

Hernandez wound up with 19 points, including five in the fourth quarter, Ablaza poured 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Ochea ended up with 15 points six rebounds and two steals for the Rum Masters.

Veteran Paolo Hubalde carried the fight for Bulacan with 18 points, including seven in the fourth. He also collected four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Only John Carandang, however, provided offensive support with 10 points plus four rebounds.

Trailing 44-54, Quezon City banked on Rhinwill Yambing and homegrowns Chino Mosqueda and Rafael Are to turn the game around.