MANILA — The Basilan Steel and Pampanga Lanterns defeated their respective foes in no-bearing matches in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Gym on Tuesday night.
The Steel edged the Rizal Crusaders, 94-90, while the Lanterns blasted the Marikina Shoemasters at home, 91-76.
In the curtain-raiser, Basilan completely overturned a four-point deficit in the last two minutes with an 8-0 run to end the game.
Jojo Tangkay made 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block off the bench, while Dennis Daa added 19 points and six rebounds for the Steel, who moved up to 12th place in the Southern Division at 7-17.
Cris Dumapig, whose back-to-back jumpers sparked the endgame run, finished with 18 markers, 16 rebounds, one dime, and one block.
Marco Balagtas put up 19 points, five caroms, one swat, and one swipe for the Crusaders, who dropped to last place in the South as they closed their season at 7-18.
Meanwhile, Pampanga quickly repulsed Marikina in the first quarter, opening a 33-14 lead at the end of the period, and never looked back.
Michael Juico went 11-of-14 from the field for 23 points with four rebounds, three assists, and one block for the Lanterns, who moved up to 10-14.
Jong Baloria added 21 markers on 8-of-11 shooting with seven rebounds and three assists, while Allen Enriquez made 20 points on 7-of-9 field goals with 12 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal.
Yves Sazon made 23 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block for the Shoemasters, who fell to 8-17 to end their season.
All the four teams in action are already eliminated from playoff contention. (PNA)
