Rizal Xentro Mall rolls; Pampanga bounces back

MANILA, Philippines — Rizal Xentro Mall sustained its strong start with a 71-69 dumping of Muntinlupa last Monday in the MPBL Sixth Season at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Revved up by an upset of defending national champion Pampanga last April 9, the Golden Coolers broke free midway of the fourth quarter en route to their second straight win.

Alwyn Alday shone for Rizal, now being coached by Ralph Rivera, with 24 points, including four triples, four rebounds, a steal and a block as homegrown John Apacible put in 18 points.

Muntinlupa, which dropped to 0-2, got 15 points from Jasper Longalong.

Pampanga barely avoided another setback through the heroics of Encho Serrano, who buried two free throws to seal the outcome against Marikina, 86-85, in the other game.

Marikina fell to 0-2.