MPBL: Gerald Anderson plays best game for Marikina

Gerald Anderson (photo from MPBL Facebook)
Gerald Anderson (photo from MPBL Facebook)

The Manila Stars continued to ran roughshod over their rivals in the MPBL Datu Cup and on Wednesday night, the Robust Energy Capsule-backed squad added the Pasay Voyagers to their growing list of victims, 115-85, at the San Anders Gym.

Aris Dionisio, the most consistent performer on the Stars side, dished out yet another impressive performance by tallying 16 markers on a steady 5-of-7 shooting from the field, towing Manila to its sixth win in seven games of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

The loss was the fifth in seven matches for the Voyagers.

Manila’s 115-point output was the biggest produced by any team in the young history of the league.

But Manila’s dominant performance was simply overshadowed by another shining star, who had a breakout performance in the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league in the country.

Gerald Anderson, one of the celebrity ballers seeing action in the tournament, knocked in two triples while picking up two steals in what was easily his best game in the MPBL Datu Cup, helping the Marikina Shoemasters in posting an 80-76 win over the Navotas Clutch.

It was the best game played by Anderson, who returned to peak form after being sidelined by a hamstring injury days before the opening of the new MPBL season.

Anderson finished with six points in 17 minutes of play, but his contributions earned praise from his head coach.

“I think he’s beginning to establish his confidence of playing in this league. Before, he was more focused on defense. But he can also shoot the ball. Hindi alam ng karamihan na si Gerald, key player ko talaga siya. Ang maganda pa sa kanya yung attitude niya,” added coach Elvis Tolentino of Marikina.

Leading the way for Marikina was Erwin Sta. Maria, the former star player of Mapua, who finished with 19 points and seven rebounds as Marikina improved its win-loss record to 4-3.