Manila, Pampanga hold on to joint first spot in FBA

MANILA, Philippines – Manila NU-MFT overpowered Pateros Austen Morris, 58-47, while Pampanga Foton trounced Marikina Wangs, 75-66, Tuesday night to remain at joint first in the Filsports Basketball Association Second Conference at the Trinity University of Asia Gym in Quezon City.

The Bulldogs ran the Associates to the ground with a dose of Issa Gayle scoring 14 points and a defense that held the latter's troika of Nic Belasco, Jawhar Purdy and Chris Cofield to just a combined 20 points after averaging 60 together in their last three games that resulted to wins.

The Toplanders, for their part, drew strength from Marlon Gomez, who had 18 points and eight rebounds, in turning back the Deliverers and nailing their sixth victory against two defeats for a share of the lead with the Mica Tan-backed Bulldogs.

The Malolos Mighty Bulsu edged the Quezon City UP Maroons, 75-74, to boost its semifinal bid.

Mark Pangilinan and Dominic Fajardo took turns in firing 19 and 18 points, respectively, to lead the Mighty Bulsu to their third triumph against five losses, which was good for a four-way logjam at No. 3 with Pampanga Foton, Pateros Austen Morris, Marikina Wangs and QC UP.

Eric Altamirano, Willie Miller, Nic Belasco, Ali Peek, FBA CEO LJ Serrano, COO Claudia Perrine were all present along with commissioner and CFO Vince Hizon, who celebrated his birthday on the same day.

The games are televised via Aksyon TV, Aksyon International, Net 25 , Net 25 International Channel and Fox Sports International with Korgivit E and Titan as major sponsors.