LET THE GAMES BEGIN. Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League founder Manny Pacquiao (center) makes the ceremonial toss between host Pangasinan and Abra at the opening of the sixth season at Calasiao Sports Complex on Saturday (April 6, 2024). Pangasinan and Abra are among the three newcomers of the 30-team league. (Screenshot from MPBL Facebook)
CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Zamboanga won an overtime thriller against Valenzuela, 82-76, to open the 6th Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at Calasiao Sports Complex here on Saturday night.
In the second game between newcomers, Abra bested host province Pangasinan, 83-75, with former Philippine Basketball Association player Mac Tallo pouring in 14 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
Orin Catacutan's clutch three-pointer to force overtime was Valenzuela's last hurrah as Zamboanga regained its offensive rhythm late in the five-minute extension.
Catacutan kept Valenzuela in the game and tied the score with a clutch three with 33 seconds left in regulation.
He had the chance to win the game outright but another long three rimmed out before the final buzzer.
The game remained tight in the first three minutes of the overtime period, but a turnaround jumper from Jaycee Marcelino and two free throws from Renzo Subido secured the win for Zamboanga.
Marcelino led Zamboanga, which lost to Nueva Ecija in the 2022 finals and was ousted in the 2023 division semifinals, with 26 points on 12-of-21 shooting, eight rebounds, and one steal.
Rey Publico added 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from inside the three-point arc, three rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals.
In his return to the 5-of-5 circuit after starring for Manila Chooks in the 3x3 ranks, Dennis Santos led Valenzuela with 24 points, two rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
On Monday, the MPBL goes to Kamalig Coliseum in Orion, Bataan as Bicol battles Mindoro at 4 p.m., Marikina faces Negros at 6 p.m. and Sarangani takes on Bataan at 8 p.m.
Major rebound
Calasiao Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay said opening-day activities brought them economic gains and he hopes more tourists will be lured.
"We already felt its impact during the opening and first games. The puto (native rice cake) vendors said their products were sold out and they weren't expecting it, actually," he said in an interview.
Calasiao also boasts of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church, a baroque-style church located in Poblacion West and declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2001.
Macanlalay said Calasiao is prepared in terms of accomodation and security for succeeding game days.
"I think there will be six more games to be held in our complex and we are up for the challenge," he added.
Villa Visperas, a resident, said basketball fans like her are also happy that quality games are being brought to the town.
"Nakaka-proud and nakakatuwa kasi hindi na kailangan pumunta ng Manila para makapanood (We are proud and glad that we don't have to go to Manila to watch)," she said.
MPBL founder and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said the league will stay true to its goal to hone homegrown talents.
"There are challenges in the league but the Lord will help us get through all of them," he said, referring to past issues of game-fixing. (PNA)
