Zamboanga puts on Q4 blast to down Caloocan

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Zamboanga came alive in the fourth quarter to defeat Caloocan, 72-67, in the MPBL Datu Cup at the STRIKE Gymnasium in Bacoor on Thursday night.

The Valientes struck back in the final frame after failing to sustain a good first quarter.

After going for a blowout in the first quarter with a 25-15 lead, Zamboanga was stifled in the next two periods, only making a combined 22 points as Caloocan took a 54-47 advantage entering the final quarter.

The Valientes, however, came alive in the final 6:10 of the game, going on a 17-2 run to drop the Supremos for good.

Reed Juntilla made 18 points, 13 coming in the fourth quarter including seven in the pivotal 17-2 blast, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and one steal for Zamboanga, which moved back to .500 at 7-7 and into a tie with Laguna and Parañaque, which will play Bacoor later Thursday, in fifth place in the Southern Division.

Paul Sanga made 20 points and two rebounds for Caloocan, which fell to 4-11.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno