Bulacan Kuyas-Mighty Sports made waves to bounce back from last game’s loss edging the gritty Imus Bandera-GLC Truck and Equipment in a record-setting 117-113 victory Thursday evening at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.
The momentous evening saw the sub-1 year Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) have its records set in the following categories:
It was the Mighty Sports’ Caesar Wongchuking backed Kuyas’ efficient 55% field goals that defined the rhythm for the entire game allowing them to finish with a game-leading 70 points in the paint.
Jason Melano led Bulacan with 22 points in 8-of-11 shots to go with 7 rebounds and 3 assists; Jovit Dela Cruz and Jason Gonzales gave 17 points apiece; Stephen Siruma contributed 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists; Jeric Cañada made a double-double with 12 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds; JR Taganas missed a triple-double but collared 26 rebounds (23 def. rebs.) to go with 9 points and 7 assists.
Mark Yee and Michael Mabulac’s respective records for most rebounds records were quickly broken by the Philippine’s version of Charles Barkley in Taganas, known for his deft hands and beefy build despite his height being more fit for a guard or small forward.
For Imus, Elmer Cabahug shone with 18 points and 5 rebounds; Jason Sollano finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds; both John Paul Sarao and Manansala added 15 each; while Ian Melencio barely made a triple-double with 8 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds.
The game saw Bulacan get back on its feet after an upsetting loss in their previous game with the GenSan State Warriors.
“It’s great because we won in front of our Bulakenyo crowd. This is really for them. We came from a tough loss and we want to send a message [to the other teams] and prove to the people of Bulacan that we can play very well,” said Kuyas head coach Britt Reroma in a post-game interview.
This win puts the Kuyas near the top of the Northern Division with a 7-3 record while the Banderas 4-game winning streak snapped making them drop to the middle of the Southern Division with a 5-4 card.
In the first game, league contender Muntinlupa Cagers easily topple Basilan Steel in a 99-75 victory.
Dhon Reverente led the Cagers with 14 points and 14 boards while Felix Apreku chipped in 14 points and 11 rebounds of his own to notch their eighth straight win.
Cagers remain undefeated at 8-0 while the Steel fell to 4-6.