MPBL: Bacoor and Zamboanga whip rivals, Mindoro wins

Slowly but surely, the Mindoro Tamaraws are beginning to make their presence felt in the MPBL Lakan Season and on late Wednesday night, they were able to notch their third win in a row following a huge 70-68 win over the Iloilo United Royals at the People’s Center in Bataan.

Not getting their usual big contributions from their big three – Rodel Vaygan, Mac Baracael and Francis Camacho –, the Tamaraws got their production from unlikely sources.

Luigi Natada turned out to be a revelation in Mindoro’s latest win as he tallied 14 markers while Sandy Cenal went a rebound away from posting a double-double performance, adding 11 markers on top of nine boards.

“One game at a time lang,” said Justin Tan, head coach and team owner of Mindoro, which improved its win-loss record to 6-7 and moved to ninth spot of the southern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

The Tamaraws are just half a game behind eighth placer Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines, which went back to the .500 win-loss mark after dumping the Quezon City Capitals-Wemsap, 71-60.

Robin Roño presided on the team’s offense this time, leading the way with 20 points as Zamboanga gave its new coach Britt Reroma his first win since transferring from Bulacan.

Quezon City absorbed back-to-back losses and remained at 10th spot with a 5-7 record in the northern division of this fastest growing regional amateur basketball league put up by Senator Manny Pacquio with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

Bacoor blasted home team Bataan, 93-66, as team captain Chris Sumalinog erupted for 18 points on 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc.

The Strikers fortified their hold of the third spot in the southern division following their latest win and improved their win-loss slate to 10-3.