By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Ronjay Buenafe introduced himself to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League community by leading Mandaluyong's third quarter barrage that helped blast Quezon City, 87-76, on Thursday night at the Ynares Sports Arena.
In a designated home game but had to be moved due to the unavailability of the Jose Rizal University Gymnasium in Mandaluyong, the El Tigre found a new gem in Buenafe, who last played for the NLEX Road Warriors in the Philippine Basketball Association, draining back-to-back triples that sparked their impressive third quarter showing.
After QC limited Mandaluyong to just 34 points at halftime, the latter responded with 33 third quarter points and eventually deposed the former in the former in the fourth quarter by stretching the lead to as high as 16, 85-69.
Buenafe finished with 15 points, 11 in the game-turning third period, two rebounds, three assists, and one steal for the El Tigre, who snapped a five-game losing streak and moved back up to above .500 at 7-6.
Janus Lozada also put up 15 points with three rebounds and six assists.
Junjun Bonsubre added a double-double of 13 points and 18 rebounds with four assists, one block, and two steals.
Alwyn Alday made 12 markers, one rebound, one dime, and one swipe for the Capitals, who fell to 3-8.
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