MANILA — Navotas scored an all-important MPBL Datu Cup win in its first game at home after quite some time, edging Basilan, 102-97, at the Navotas Sports Complex on Wednesday night.
The Clutch's 29-point second quarter outburst paved the way for them to build a lead as high as 15 points, which was enough to hold off the Steel, which still tried to snatch the road win.
Despite an error-prone game, Jai Reyes led Navotas, which opened a half-game gap over Quezon City for sixth place in the Northern Division, with 21 points, one rebound, six assists, and one steal, while Marlon Gomez added 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal.
Japs Bautista made 22 markers, two boards, and three dimes for Basilan, which slid to a tie with Rizal for last place in the Southern Division at 6-15, although both teams are just 2.5 games behind Laguna (9-13) for eighth place.
In the opener, GenSan remained red hot after turning back Zamboanga, 78-69.
The Warriors zapped the club - formerly known as the Valientes - which is set to be renamed as the Rapidos in the first quarter, opening a 21-10 before holding their opponent off down the stretch.
Jorem Morada posted a career-high 16 markers with three caroms, four assists, and two steals for GenSan, which now won for the fourth straight time and moved up to solo fourth place in the South at 11-9.
John Orbeta followed it up with a 15-point, eight-rebound, one-assist, one-steal, and three-block performance.
Robin Roño scored 19 markers, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block for Zamboanga, which fell to ninth place in the South at 8-12, although the squad is in a virtual tie with Laguna. (PNA)
