Athletics take opener on Teodoro’s heroics

MANILA, Philippines — Teytey Teodoro hit clutch baskets as Batangas City warded off Muntinlupa’s late charge to carve out a 70-64 victory and gain the headstart in the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup finals at the oven-hot Batangas City Coliseum in Batangas late Thursday.

Teodoro poured in 13 of his 20 points in the last quarter, including a crucial three-point play of Felix Apreku and a charity that anchored their 6-0 binge to close out the match in the opener of their best-of-five series for the inaugural crown.

The hosts, backed by Tanduay, actually blew a 10-point bulge in the last three minutes as the Cagers, supported by Angelis Resort, unleashed a 10-2 to tie the count at 64.

After Teodoro put the Athletics back on top at 68-64, the Cagers turned the ball over in their next possession, enabling Paul Varilla to scoot home for a breakaway layup for the final tally.

“One thing we want to avoid is complacency and that’s what happened to us,” said Batangas coach Mac Tan. “It’s a good thing we were able to hang on and win. But Game 1 doesn’t mean anything. It takes three wins to clinch the crowns.”   

Ex-pro Val Acuña contributed 14 markers for the Athletics who will be gunning for another win on a 2-2-1 finals format.