Pampanga secures fourth slot; Bataan wins as David sizzles in return

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2020 02:47:56 +0000

GARY David

BALANGA CITY – Pampanga gained the homecourt edge, Cebu stayed alive, and Bataan sprang a surprise on Wednesday in the Chooks to Go MPBL Lakan Season at Bataan People’s Center here.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns glowed in the fourth quarter and trounced the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, 71-62, to tally their eighth straight victory and secure the No. 4 spot going to the North division playoffs.

Cebu Casino Ethyl Alcohol held Paranaque-Yabo Sports scoreless in the last five minutes to prevail, 79-70, and remain in contention for the eighth and last playoffs slot in the South division.

Already assured of a playoffs berth, the Bataan Risers bolstered their roster by reactivating resident gunner Gary David and got rewarded with an 82-76 victory over the Marikina Shoemasters in the nightcap.

David, still showing the shooting touch that made him a five-time PBA all-star, fired 16 points, including four triples, as the Camaya Coast-supported Risers surged ahead,  61-46,  after three quarters and were never headed to finish the elimination round with a  20-10 record, displacing Bulacan (19-10) at fifth spot in the North.

Bryon Villarias complemented David’s efforts with 19 points and 8 assists, while Gino Jumao-as contributed 10 points.

Way ahead, 73-52, the Risers saw the Shoemasters, who missed top gun Yves Sazon due to flu, move to within 75-81 through Daryl Pascual and Renato Ular only to fall short and tumble to 6-21.

Held to a 49-49 count after three quarters, Pampanga drew eight points from Levi Hernandez and four each from Michael Jui
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