The two protagonists engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle for most of the way. The MLSDF Boomers pulled away for an early 15-9 lead, but USC rallied back in the second period to pull within a hairline at halftime, 24-25.
Re-energized after the short break, MLSDF Boomers outplayed the Baby Warriors in the third canto to take a six-point edge, 42-36, with 10 minutes left to play.
The USC Baby Warriors staged a last ditch rally in the windup, but the MLSDF Boomers kept their poise and composure until the final buzzer.
With the win, the MLSDF Boomers are now tied with their victims at second place in the overall standings with similar 2-1 win-loss cards.
In the other game, the Consolacion National High School (CNHS) Black Shama finally barged into the win column, but not without passing through some scary moments before disposing off sister-team Consolacion LGU Sarok, 70-67.
Thus, CNHS Black Shama snapped out of its two-game losing streak, while pushing further Consolacion LGU Sarok to the cellar without victory in three starts.
The scores
First game
MLSDF (53) - Bosque 10, Dinsay 9, Datan 8, E. Cabahug 7, Ybañez 7, A. Cabahug 6, Jacobe 5, Candari 1
USC (48) - Padillo 11, Velayo 10, Gallarde 10, Bercede 8, Palos 5, Bucayan 2, Ong 2
Second game
CNHS (70) - Mejares 13, Cañete 12, Medida 10, Tajanlangit 9, Ponce 9, Linao 8, Cabucos 4, Najarro 4, Arcenal 1
Consolacion Sarok (67) - Borlaos 14, Somosot 13, Valle 11, Marano 9, Villamor 8, Villarin 6, Dahil 4, Pilapil 2.