MANILA — Bataan set a Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup record in an 87-74 rout of Pampanga at the Valenzuela City Astrodome on Thursday night.
Behind a balanced scoring led by their shock troopers, the Risers, playing minus FIBA U23 3×3 World Cup player Jeepy Faundo, scored their ninth straight win, breaking a tie with the Muntinlupa Cagers for the longest winning run in the ongoing season.
A 24-9 second period set the tone for Bataan as the club turned a tight match after the first quarter into a blowout that saw the team extending the lead to as high as 22 points.
Gio Espuelas and Alfred Batino each scored 13 points, while Robby Celiz and Gab Dagangon each added 12 for the Risers, who are once again solo first placers in the Northern Division at 9-1.
Jong Baloria fired 25 markers for the Lanterns, who fell to 4-7. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
