Zamboanga raps Imus; Parañaque wins

MANILA, Philippines — Zamboanga Master Sardines and Parañaque won in contrasting fashion on Thursday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Olivarez College Gymnasium in Parañaque.

The Zamboangueños trounced the Imus Agimat VA Drones, 110-71, while the Parañaque Patriots scrambled past the Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers, 82-73, in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

With the victory, Zamboanga raised its win-loss record to 12-3 and stayed within sight of the leaders.

Barely ahead, 75-73, with one minute and 50 seconds to go, the Patriots scored the nightcap’s final seven points to climb to 9-6 while pulling down the Golden Coolers to 8-7.

JP Sarao drilled in a triple, Keith Pido added two free throws and Philip Manalang drove in with 40.6 seconds left to frustrate Rizal, which led at 39-30.