QUEZON, Paranaque and Manila took different routes toward victories in the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Fifth Season last Saturday at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga.
The Quezon Huskers warded off Bacolod City of Smiles’ final assault to prevail, 63-56, for their fifth straight win in as many games and share the lead in the 29-team tournament.
The Paranaque Patriots trounced the depleted Bicol Volcanoes, 77-55, in the opener while the Manila Stars pulled off a 62-60 stunner over the Bataan Risers in the nightcap.
Kyle Drexler Neypes drilled in a short jumper with 8 seconds left as Manila finally notched a victory after four straight losses.
Bataan, which surged ahead, 29-14, and led for over 36 minutes had a chance to reverse the outcome, but Yves Sazon missed a triple as time ran out on the Risers, who absorbed their third straight defeat after winning their first two.
