PROVING steadier down the stretch, Val City-MJAS Zenith hacked out a thrilling 76-72 decision over gritty Muntinlupa yesterday in Group C of the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Dave Moralde came up with a game-high 18 points and five rebounds, while Andrey Armenion chipped in 15 markers, four boards, and three assists for Val City-MJAS Zenith.
Egie Boy Mojica, Patrick Cabahug, and Rey Villafranca also had 13, 13, and 10 points, respectively as Val City-MJAS Zenith evened its record at 1-1.
Val City-MJAS Zenith came off a 64-97 thumping at the hands of San Juan Go for Gold AICC last Dec. 11.
“I’m happy that my boys responded after noong nangyari sa amin in our game against San Juan. Sabi ko, kalimutan natin iyon, ibigay natin lahat ngayon, lalong-lalo na iyong puso,” coach Ronjay Enrile said.
“Wala naman kaming itinuro, wala kaming ibang ginawang game plan but the players, credit to them dahil naglaro sila ng may puso,” he added.
In the first match, Mindoro EOG-Burlington downed Bulacan 79-72 to gain the solo lead in Group D.
Jeramer Cabanag led five other teammates in double-figures with 15 points, while Ryusei Koga added 14.
James Castro had 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists, Alvin Baetiong contributed 12 points and Jeymark Mallari 10 as Mindoro EOG-Burlington scored a fitting follow-up to its 80-77 win over Manila last Dec. 12 to go 2-0.
In the other game, Caloocan Excellence nipped Negros 80-79 in Group A.
Joseph Peñaredondo fired 16 points and pulled down four rebounds, while Letran standout Pao Javillonar wound up with a double-double of 15 points and 19 rebounds for Caloocan Excellence.
