Sarangani moved closer toward a quarterfinal slot while Valenzuela reentered the upper half in the OKbet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 4th Season at the CSJDEM Sports Complex in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Friday.
In the other game, Caloocan stunned Rizal, 95-87.
Leaning on the hot hands of Paul Sanga, the Sarangani Marlins trounced the Bataan Risers, 92-80, to raise their record to 9-2.
Sanga scored 21 points and pulled down nine to lead the Marlins who pulled away, 83-60, despite the absence of crack guards Kyt Jimenez and Yvan Ludovice.
He got solid support from Donald Gumaru, Gabby Espinas, Tricky Peromingan, and Macky Acosta to deal the Risers their third win in 10 matches.
Bataan was led by Arvie Bringas who had 17 points and 16 rebounds.
Valenzuela XUR Homes Realty Inc. outlasted Muntinlupa, 85-80, to improve to 7-6.
Jaymar Gimpayan and Ronjay Buenafe towed Valenzuela to its third straight win with 17 and 16 points, respectively, followed by Andrey Armenion with 13.
Patrick Cabahug delivered five of his 12 points in the homestretch to hand Muntinlupa its fifth straight defeat for a 2-6 card.
Lord Hower Casajeros added 11 points as Valenzuela negated the 30-point explosion of Muntinlupa’s Domark Matillano.
Caloocan banked on Jomar Santos, Damian Lasco, John Lee Valin, and JR Raflores to subdue Rizal Xentromall, 95-87, in the nightcap.
Santos posted 17 points and 13 rebounds for Caloocan which improved to 3-7.
Rizal fell to 7-3 despite the 16-point effort of Keanu Caballero.
The MPBL goes to the Strike Coliseum in Bacoor City on Saturday with a triple-bill featuring Batangas City Embassy Chill against Manila at 5 p.m.
Other games pit Pasig against Quezon City MG Cars at 7 p.m. and Bacoor against Laguna Krah Asia at 9 p.m.
