RIZAL XentroMall sustained its strong start with a 71-69 dumping of Muntinlupa on Monday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Its morale boosted by an upset of defending national champion Pampanga on April 9, the Rizal Golden Coolers broke free midway of the fourth quarter en route to their second straight win in the 30-team tournament.
Alwyn Alday shone for Rizal, now being coached by Ralph Rivera, with 24 points, including four triples, four rebounds, one steal and one block.
Other Golden Coolers who delivered were homegrown John Apacible with 18 points plus five rebounds, Keith Agovida with 12 points plus three rebounds, Kraniel Villoria with nine points, six steals, five assists plus four rebounds, and Marco Balagtas with nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
Muntinlupa, which dropped to 0-2, got 15 points from Jasper Longalong and 13 points plus nine rebounds from Joshua Guiab.
Pampanga barely avoided another setback through the heroics of Encho Serrano, who buried two free throws to seal the outcome 86-85 with just a second left in the second game.
Carrying the offensive load in the absence of reigning league MVP Justine Baltazar, Serrano wound up with 29 points and two rebounds for the Giant Lanterns, who also drew 11 points and 13 rebounds from Jhaymo Eguilos and 10 points, four rebounds and three assists from MJ Garcia.
Marikina fell to 0-2 despite the 27-point, including seven triples, five-rebound output of Marc Andrei Igliane. Homegrown Eloie Tan tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, six steals and one block for the Shoemasters.
Quezon City TODA Aksyon cruised past Imus Aguimat 91-70 in the opener to likewise rise to 2-0.
