By Ivan Saldajeno
BINAN--Muntinlupa opened 2019 on a high note as the team trumped Pasay, 80-67, at the resumption of the MPBL Datu Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena on the third night of the brand new year.
Having to move their home game to the said venue due to the unavailability of the Muntinlupa Sports Center, the Cagers stifled the Voyagers in the first quarter, limiting them to just 11 points, before dropping 31 markers in the third quarter to pull away from there.
Allan Mangahas made 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists for Muntinlupa, which moved up to 11-5, a full game ahead of Batangas City for second place in the Southern Division, with its second straight win.
Felix Apreku put up a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with two assists and one block, while Dhon Reverente came close to his own double-double with 13 rebounds and nine points alongside one assist, one steal, and one block.
Jason Opiso (17 markers and 13 boards) and Arvin Vitug (16 markers and 11 caroms) came up with double-doubles of their own for Pasay, which fell to a tie with Caloocan for 11th place in the Northern Division at 6-13, two games out of playoff positions.
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