MANILA -- Jong Baloria reset the single-game scoring record in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, but his rampage came up short as Pampanga dropped a 76-88 decision to Imus at the Imus City Sports Complex in Imus on Thursday night.
Baloria erupted for 36 points, eclipsing the previous mark of 35 set by fellow Lantern Michael Juico, but he lacked the needed support as they failed to sustain a good start and letting the Bandera, who outscored the Lanterns, 22-11, in the second quarter, to take a lead as high as 16 points to win at home.
Jerwin Gaco made 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal for Imus, which tied Davao Occidental for second place in the Southern Division at 5-3.
Wilson Baltazar was the only other double-digit scorer for the home side with 14, but balanced scoring did the trick for the Mike Orquillas-mentored squad as five other players tallied seven markers each to help give the former Ginebra player his fifth consecutive win as the current coach of the host.
Jimbo Aquino added 10 points, five rebounds, and two assists for Pampanga, but no other player made seven or more as the squad fell to 3-6.
In the first game, Muntinlupa survived a late surge from Parañaque to take a 77-76 win.
Appearing to be on their way to a blowout win after leading by as much as 31 points following a 28-point first quarter bomb, the Cagers found themselves in danger of dropping the match as the Patriots came to within just three points, 73-76, with five seconds to play.
But a split from Chito Jaime iced the game for Muntinlupa even as Harold Arboleda's quick triple came a bit too late.
Allan Mangahas led the Cagers, who remain unbeaten at 7-0, with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Dave Moralde added 14 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
Arboleda fired 21 markers with 10 boards, six dimes, and one steal for the Patriots, who fell out of a long logjam for fourth place, but they remain in Top 8 at 4-5. (PNA)
