MPBL: Manila withstands Sarangani's late push for bounce back win

Carl Cruz plays big for the Manila Stars. MPBL

By Dugout Philippines

ORION, Bataan--The Manila Stars weathered the Sarangani Marlins' final rally to tally a 90-87 victory on Monday in the MPBL Sixth Season at the Orion Sports Complex.

With the score tied at 84, Enzo Navarro, Ira Bataller, and Pao Javelona canned a basket each against three charities by the Marlins to shove Manila SV Batang Sampaloc to a 4-2 record in the elimination round of the 29-team tournament.

The trios' joint effort preserved the game-long brilliance of teammate Carl Bryan Cruz, who posted 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists to earn best player honors.

Fil-Am CJ Mitchell and veteran big man Rabel Al-Hussaini, who got ejected for a disqualifying foul in the third quarter, contributed 14 points each for Manila Coach Gabby Severino. Ahmad Hanapi also delivered with 10 points.

Bataller backed Cruz underneath with 11 rebounds as Manila dominated the boards, 61-36.

Sarangani dropped to a 1-5 slate despite getting 17 points each from lanky Coy Alves and Ryan Isaac Sual.

The Marlins also drew 12 points from Megan Galang and 10 from Felix John Villarente.

Box Scores:

MANILA 90 - Cruz 25, Mitchell 14, Al-Hussaini 14, Hanapi 10, Umali 7, Javelona 5, Battaler 4, Tempra 3, Escandor 3, Navarro 3, Jamon 2, Cuya 0, Flores 0, Gonzaga 0.

SARANGANI 87 - Alves 17, Sual 17, Galang 12, Villarente 10, Jumao-as 9, Peralta 7, Kawamura 6, Madayag 6, Destacamento 4, Sta.Ana 0, Benedictos 0, Clarino 0, Diputado 0, Oftana 0, Callano 0.

Quarterscores: - 17-25, 42-41, 66-63, 90-87

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