MANILA -- Manila momentarily took the solo second spot in the Northern Division of the MPBL Datu Cup after blowing past Pasig, 111-98, at the San Andres Sports Complex on Tuesday night.
The Stars quickly pulled the trigger in the first half, opening a 53-34 advantage by halftime
The Pirates came alive in the second half to move within six at one point in the third quarter but the Stars reopened the double-digit lead in the fourth and never looked back en route to another big win.
The Stars moved up to 17-4, a full game behind the Bataan Risers at the top of the North, although the San Juan Knights can force a tie with a win at home against the Parañaque Patriots on Wednesday night.
Chris Bitoon led seven Manila players in double figures with 18 points alongside two rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Marcy Arellano, on the other hand, tied a single-game league record with 15 assists along with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
Jonathan Aldave put up 18 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal for Pasig, which slipped to 3-17, putting the squad at the brink of outright elimination. (PNA)
