The Makati Skyscrapers are off to a flying start in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after edging out fellow newcomers Basilan Steel, 77-65, in their first game in the Anta Datu Cup at the Baliwag Star Arena, Bulacan.
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Basilan seemed to be on their way to an easy victory after leading by as much as 12 points early in the first quarter. However, Makati buckled up defensively in the second half and stymied the Steel to overturn the deficit for a double-digit victory.
– After scoring only 33 points in the first half, Makati shifted their gears and bagged 47 in the second half (21 in the third quarter and 26 in the fourth).
– Jose Rizal University product Philip Paniamogan led the scoring for the Skyscrapers with 19 points, 14 of which came in the final two quarters. Former PBA D-League player Cedric Ablaza came out huge for the Makatizens as well, scoring 18 points off the bench on 8-of-11 shooting.
– Ex-pro Jojo Tangkay, 41, proved that age is just a number as he top-scored Basilan with 16 points on 66 percent shooting. He also finished with five assists and five boards, albeit on top of five turnovers.
– Thanks to their rock-solid defense in the second half, Makati forced Basilan to 34 turnovers at the end of the game. The Skyscrapers made 38 points off turnovers, a huge factor in the turnaround.
– While starters Mark Isip and John Rey Villanueva failed to score for Makati, the team got a much-needed boost from their bench. Led by Ablaza, the Skyscraper’s bench outscored the Steel’s reserve unit, 41-15.
– Makati made 31 attempts from beyond the arc, but only converted seven and ended with a 22 percent shooting clip from deep. Basilan, on the other hand, finished 4-of-10 from three-point territory.
– Next up for Makati is the Manila Stars at Batangas City Coliseum on June 28. Meanwhile, Basilan visits MPBL Rajah Cup semifinalists Valenzuela Classic at the Valenzuela Astrodome on June 30.
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