MANILA — Batangas City proved Muntinlupa why it is the reigning Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champion, prevailing, 82-71, in the rematch of last season’s finals at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos on Thursday night.
The Athletics broke away in the final period, dropping 29 points on the Cagers, as they reasserted their dominance as in the last season.
Dennice Villamor put up 15 points, eight rebounds, and two assists for Batangas City, which barged back to .500 at 6-6, tying Paranaque for fifth place in the Southern Division.
Moncrief Rogado added 14 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
Chito Jaime needed 21 attempts to end up with 20 points as Muntinlupa lost for the second straight time after an 8-0 start. ( Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
