Makati clinches maiden franchise win in Datu Cup over Basilan

MANILA, Philippines – Down in the first half, the Makati Skyscrapers still managed to snatch their first win in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup over the Basilan Steel, 77-65, on Tuesday, June 19 at the Baliuag Star Arena in Bulacan.

Cedrick Ablaza connected an easy jumper with 22 ticks left in the game that led to the  victory in the single round robin elimination round of the MPBL Datu Cup.

Philip Paniamogan topscored for the Skyscrapers pumping 19 points and one rebound.  Ablaza unloaded 18 points, 7 rebounds and two assists from the bench while Rudy Lingganay Jr. and James Mangahas conjoined 11 points for the team.

Makati overcame a rough start which was plagued by struggles on defense, however, with Jeckster Apinan’s fast break layup in the second half opener, the Skyscrapers got their first lead in the game, 34-33. This advantage swelled after dropping a 9-0 bomb, leaving Basilan at 39-33.

Basilan rose and regained its lead, after a 10-0 run powered by Jercules Tangkay’s consecutive shots and Mark Ababon’s easy layup, 43-42. Ablaza answered with a quick basket followed by a corner triple by Mangahas that led to Makati’s repeat domination at 46-43.

Coming in the last two minutes of the game, Makati preserved a 9-point lead of 69-60.

Tangkay chalked in 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Basilan Steel. Dennis Daa also helped with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Mark Ababon, who was dominating the first quarter with consecutive fast breaks, made 11 points and three rebounds.

The Scores

Makati (77) – Paniamogan 19, Ablaza 18, Lingganay 11, Mangahas 11, Lasquety 6, Apinan 6, Importante 2, Isip  0, Villanueva 0, Manlangit 0.

Basilan (65) – Tangkay 16, Daa D. 15, Ababon 11, Acosta 7, Dumapig 5, Foronda 4, Lusdoc 2, Daa F. 2, Garcia 2, Bautista 0.

Quarter Scores: 11-19, 30-33, 51-48, 77-65

– with reports from Carla Molina/Rappler.com