MANILA--The Taguig Generals leaned on a strong finishing kick to defend its homecourt against visiting Solid San Juan, 89-83, in the Metro League (Reinforced) Second Conference Tuesday night at the Hagonoy Sports Complex in Taguig.
The Generals closed out the game with a sizzling 13-3 blast to turn a 76-80 deficit into a narrow six-point victory to Bacoor atop of the Southern Division with unscathed 2-0 records.
Four players scored in double figures for Taguig led by former pro-cager Jonathan Uyloan who put up 19 points, seven assists and five steals.
Import Emmanuel Ojoula also tallied a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds on top of two assists while Kevin Oliveria scored 10 points for the Generals, who squandered a 10-point lead in the third period.
However, it was Helino Francisco who served as the major difference for Taguig in the endgame as he nailed six of the team's last 13 points in the waning minutes.
On the other hand, San Juan just suffered its second straight loss despite another strong outing from Michael Canete with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists.
San Juan fell to 1-2 in the Southern Division of the M-League that is backed by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) with Barangay 143 as league presentor.
In the first game, the Quezon City Junior Capitals notched its second straight win against the still winless Manila-INGCO, 83-76.
Coming off a huge 88-80 victory against favorite Caloocan, the Capitals just would not be denied behind JJ Espanola who posted a game-high 24 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Jefferson Comia also racked up 16 points, four rebounds and three assists while John Mahari had 11 markers for QC which improved to 2-1 slate in the Northern Division.
James Castro, meanwhile, tallied 22 points but failed to get support as ex-pros Ronnie Matias and Carlo Lastimosa bled for just seven and four points, respectively.
Manila remained winless with 0-2 card in the Northern Division of this M-League that has Synergy 88, World Balance, Excellent Noodles and San Miguel Corporation as major sponsors.
The scores:
First Game
Quezon City 83 - Espanola 24, Comia 16, Mahari 11, Estoche 9, Asuncion 8, Mabayo 7, Melegrito 6, Riva 2, Baraquias 0, Delos Reyes 0, Belosillo 0, Vasallo 0, Macaballug 0.
Manila 76 - Castro 22, Celada 9, Alban 8, Matias 7, Arafat 7, Mendoza 5, Lastimosa 4, Laude 4, Acosta 4, Acibar 3, Collado 2, Orquina 1, Yu 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 12-18, 31-29, 57-50, 83-76
Second Game
Taguig 89 - Uyloan 19, Ojuola 14, Francisco 11, Oliveria 10, Mayo 6, Gilbero 6, Monte 5, Grevanni 5, Caduada 4, Guiyab 4, Alcantara 3, Lontoc 2, Gozum 0, Samporna 0.
Solid San Juan 83 - Canete 21, Miller 17, Castro 13, Saret 11, Danas 9, Abanes 4, Dada 3, Bautista 2, JC Escalambre 2, Elarmo 1, Jacunap 0, Clarianes 0, Astrero 0.