NUEVA Ecija offered a peek of its strength and fiery form at the expense of Val City-MJAS Zenith yesterday.
The fancied Rice Vanguards dumped Val City-MJAS Zenith 100-77 for their second win in as many games in Group C of the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Lefty playmaker Chris Bitoon led a balanced offensive attack with a team-high 16 points, to go with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Will Gozum barely missed a double-double of 16 markers and nine boards for Nueva Ecija.
Renz Palma and Byron Villarias also added 14 points each, and Roi Sumang 10 as the Rice Vanguards hiked their record to 2-0 in a tie with San Juan Go for Gold AICC.
In the second match, All-Star Bacolod drubbed Caloocan Excellence 85-65 to get back on track in Group A.
Nhomer Gonzales scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Kraniel Villoria had 13 and 10 for the Ballers.
Itchie Altamirano also contributed 13 points as All-Star Bacolod atoned for its 62-85 defeat to Iloilo United last Dec. 15 and improved to 3-1.
In the other game in Group D, Imus Buracai de Laiya bucked the absence of tactician Manny Torralba and trounced hard-fighting Mindoro EOG Burlington 77-70 for its third straight win and the solo lead.
Leo Najorda pumped in 21 points and five caroms, while Ian Melencio had 20 and five for the Bandera.
Jhaymo Eguilos also contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds as Imus Buracai de Laiya improved to 3-0 and handed the Tamaraws their first loss of the tourney for a 2-1 card.
