By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Parañaque trampled Rizal in the first half and took a 59-47 win in their MPBL Datu Cup clash at the Bataan People's Center in Balanga on Tuesday night.
The Patriots kept the Crusaders scoreless for the rest of the first quarter following back-to-back baskets from Mark Benitez and limited them to just seven points in the next period.
Despite also struggling to score, Parañaque's tough defense held fort despite the offense beginning to pick up in the second half.
Mac Montilla led the Patriots, who moved up to fourth place in the Southern Division at 7-6, with 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
Jestoni Loyola added eight points, one rebound, one assist, and three steals.
Peter Banzali made 15 points, eight rebounds, and one assist for the Crusaders, but he too had five of their 23 total turnovers.
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