By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA—Makati equaled the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League record for the longest winning streak after trouncing Biñan, 76-65, at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
The Skyscrapers stifled the Heroes in the first half, limiting them to just 22 points, nine in the first quarter, while opening a lead as much as 21.
Biñan put up two comeback bids in the second half, one in the third quarter and another in the fourth, but Makati weathered both rallies and even countered them to seal the win.
John Rey Villanueva made 22 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and four steals for the now 20-4 Skyscrapers, who have now won 14 straight games, tying the current record held by the Bataan Risers.
The win also moved them one full game ahead of the Manila Stars and the San Juan Knights for second place in the Northern Division.
Jeckster Apinan added 15 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Ced Ablaza and Joseph Sedurifa each made 10 markers.
Makati can set the new MPBL record with a win against Quezon City on Monday night.
Michael Mabulac made 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, 15 rebounds, one assist, four blocks, and two steals for Biñan, which finished its regular season stint at 10-15.
The loss dropped the team to a full game behind Imus, which is playing QC as of posting, for eighth place in the Southern Division.
The Heroes can only hope that the Bandera lose their remaining games as well as those of the Marikina Shoemasters and the Parañaque Patriots to sneak into the playoffs.
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