BAGUIO CITY -- GenSan and Basilan stunned their on-paper stronger Luzon foes as the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Datu Cup resumed action at the Jose Rizal University Gym in Mandaluyong on Tuesday night.
The Warriors shocked the Bulacan Kuyas, 56-43, while the Steel turned back the Mandaluyong El Tigre, 70-68.
GenSan, which only scored 12 points in the first half--four in the first quarter -- recovered mightily in the second half, outscoring Bulacan, 44-20, to steal the win.
Delmar Mahaling scored 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and four rebounds for the Warriors, who have now barged into the Top 8 at 4-4, tying with four other teams for fourth place in the Southern Division.
Jorey Napoles also scored 15 points alongside nine boards, three blocks, and one steal for the Kuyas, who fell to 6-3.
Basilan also recovered from a lethargic start to pull off an even bigger upset against Mandaluyong in the main game.
Limited to just 10 points in the first quarter while letting the El Tigre fire 26, the Steel slowly recovered in the final 30 minutes for the shock road win.
Tata Bautista made 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Basilan, which moved up to 4-5, tying idle Parañaque for ninth place in the South.
Despite putting up a team-high 14 markers for Mandaluyong, Ray-Ray Parks was held to 4-of-23 shooting as the team lost for the first time at home, and since the team fell on opening night against Muntinlupa. (PNA)
