Zamboanga stays perfect, raps Negros

MANILA, Philippines — Zamboanga Masters Sardines trounced Negros Muscovados, 88-73, last Monday to grab solo lead in the MPBL Sixth Season elimination round at the Alonte Sports Arena.

Other games saw Pampanga sustain its recovery with a runaway 96-72 victory over Mindoro and debuting Biñan repulse Abra, 65-60, in the nightcap.

The Zamboangueños took control from the start and pulled away in the third quarter to tally their fourth straight win in as many starts in the country’s top regional league.

With Joseph Gabayni frolicking inside and twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino hitting their strides, Zamboanga led by as big as 80-51 in the fourth quarter before coasting to another convincing win under coach Louie Alas.

Gabayni poured 10 of his 17 points in the last 10 minutes while Marcelino contributed 10 points. The Muscovados sputtered in offense, with only Hubert Cani notching twin digits with 14, and dropped to 3-1.

Unlike Zamboanga, Biñan Ratak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX walked the tightrope and banked on the steady play of Jeric James Pido to push down Abra to a 2-2 card.