General Santos leaned on seasoned John Wilson to foil Paranaque, 89-83, and rev up its drive in the OKBet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Fifth Season at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Pasig City followed suit by repulsing Marikina’s final assault and prevailing, 71-66, in the nightcap of another triple bill in the single round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.
Flashing the form that made him the MPBL Lakan Cup Most Valuable Player, Wilson fired 33 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter that enabled the GenSan Warriors to regain control after the Parañaque Warriors clawed back 10 points down, 56-66, and moved ahead, 82-81, following a triple by Joshua Gallano in the final 1:15.
Parañaque couldn’t score after that, however, while Wilson drove in twice, Nico Elorde added two charities and Felix Apreku the final basket to push the Warriors to their 11th win against four losses while pulling down the Patriots to 7-10.
Wilson also posted seven rebounds, three steals and three assists to emerge the game’s best player. He was supported by Larry Rodriguez with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, plus two steals, and Jervy Cruz with 12 points and six rebounds.
Gallano ended up with 15 points and five rebounds for Parañaque, which also got 14 points from Keith Pido and 13 from Pari Llagas.
Like GenSan, Pasig City MCW Sports appeared headed for a cruise, 66-53, midway through the fourth quarter.
The Marikina Shoemasters refused to give up, however, and threatened at 66-68 following a short jumper by Felipe Chavez with still 1:25 left.
Pasig silenced Marikina the rest of the way and secured its 11th win against six losses with a basket from Robbie Manalang and a free throw from Michael Maestre.
Kenny Roger Rocacurva led Pasig with 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks, followed by Maestre with 12 points and 10 rebounds, Manalang with 12 points plus four assists, and Jason Ballesteros with nine points plus 16 rebounds.
Bicol finally ended its long futility record with a 96-93 victory over Oriental Mindoro in the opener.
With James Martinez posting a triple-double of 15 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds and Wowie Escosio carding 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, the Bicol Volcanoes surged ahead, 84-66, to secure their first win after 16 losses.
