Classic, Voyagers boost MPBL bid

MANILA, Philippines – Former pro Paolo Hubalde posted a triple-double and Renefold Ruaya scored a career-high 24 as the Valenzuela Classic subdued the Pasig Pirates, 95-88, Tuesday night in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Showing why the Classic rewarded him with a lifetime contract, the 37-year-old Hubalde tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists on top of six steals that keyed Valenzuela's fifth win against eight losses.

It was the 5-foot-11 Hubalde's first triple double and only the sixth in the 26-team league divided into the North and South divisions.

The Classic, with Chad Alonzo, Jaymar Gimpayan and Mikee Reyes also contributing in different ways, led from start to finish, pulling away by as many as 15 points, 58-43.

Alonzo notched 14 points and seven rebounds, Gimpayan added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Reyes chipped in six points and 12 assists for the Classic, who pulled down the Pirates to 2-11.

The Pirates got 17 points and 10 rebounds from Mark Andaya and 18 points each from Francis Camacho and Gerwin Gaco.

In the nightcap, the Pasay Voyagers resumed their gradual climb by nipping Mandaluyong El Tigre, 74-70.

Jan Jamon delivered the crucial points for the Voyagers who have won four of their last five games and are now at 6-8.

Yvan Ludovice led the Voyagers with 24 points, but it was Jamon who struck when needed most, drilling in 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Bobby Balucanag supported them with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

El Tigre suffered their sixth straight defeat and dropped to 6-7 despite having a big 65-43 edge in rebounds, 21 coming from Gian Abrigo and 10 from Antonio Bonsubre, who chipped in 12 points.

Poor free throw shooting spelled doom for El Tigre, who made only three of 13 tries that could have turned the game around.

The MPBL visits JCSGO Seed Dome in Cubao for the first time with a doubleheader pitting General Santos against Rizal at 7 p.m. and Quezon City against Manila at 9 p.m.