MPBL: Caloocan, Makati chalk up wins

MANILA, Philippines – Caloocan bunched seven points in the last five minutes to turn back Paranaque, 86-80, on Thursday and gain ground in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season at the Bacoor Strike Gym.

Veteran Mac Baracael drilled in a turnaround jumper and a triple in that span to preside over the Batang Kankaloos' sixth straight win and an 11-4 record in the single round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

Baracael ended up with eight points, all in the fourth quarter, to supplement Jeramer Cabanag's 20-point, four-assist, three-steal effort and Reil Cervantes’ 18-point, three-rebound output.

Caloocan stormed ahead in the third quarter, 58-42, but Paranaque clawed back behind Keith Pido and Jimboy Solis and knotted the count for the last time at 75 following a jumper by Jef Egan.

Paranaque, which tumbled to 7-9, got 19 points, four rebounds, three steals and three assists from Jielo Razon; 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks from Solis, 12 points and three assists from Pido, and 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists from Joshua Gallano.

Earlier, Sarangani nipped Marikina, 105-103, in overtime, while Makati routed Quezon City TODA Aksyon V Fresh, 92-70.

The Sarangani Marlins drew four points from main man Jeff Viernes, a triple from JP Cauilan, and two points each from Jessie Saitanan, Rafael Are and Jefferson Comia in the extension to subdue the Shoemasters and climb to an even 8-8 slate.

Viernes wound up with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists to earn best player honors anew. He was supported by Cauilan with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists, Comia with 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, Are with 14 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals, and Saitanan with 11 points, eight rebounds plus two steals.

Marikina, which forged overtime, 92-92, following a lay-up by Felipe Chavez, fell to 7-10. Marwin Dionisio, who fouled out, posted 22 points and nine rebounds, Chavez tallied 18 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Inand Van Fornilos notched 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Shoemasters.
The Makati OK Bet Kings, powered by Rob Celiz, Emman Calo and Marco Sario, led by as far as 90-65 before coasting to their 10th win against five losses.

Celiz recorded 24 points, four rebounds and three steals, followed by Calo with 18 points plus six assists, and homegrown Marco Sario with 11 points.

Quezon City dropped to 3-14 despite the 27-point, 5-rebound, 3-assist effort of John Karlo Melegrito.

The MPBL visits the Baliwag Star Arena on Friday with Negros tackling Nueva Ecija at 4 p.m., Quezon battling GenSan at 6 p.m. and Muntinlupa clashing with Bulacan at 8 p.m.