by Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA
The Bataan Risers wasted no time in dealing the Caloocan Supremos a sound 91-71 beating at the start of their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) playoff series at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga on Tuesday night.
Bataan raced to a 28-9 first quarter lead, and despite Caloocan starting to get going in the second, the former zapped the latter anew in the third, en route to the blowout at home.
Byron Villarias garnered 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two steals to lead the Risers, who are now 1-0 up in their best-of-three clash.
Gab Dagangon added 15 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
Alfred Batino (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Pamboy Raymundo (11 points, 11 assists) each contributed double-doubles as well.
Damian Lasco put up 14 points, two rebounds, one steal, and one block for Caloocan.
Almond Vosotros, who only returned home from Thailand at about 1 a.m. Tuesday, added 13 markers, five rebounds, and five assists.