BICOL-LCC Malls vented its ire on Laguna-Krah Asia, 80-68, for a big bounce back win in the second day of the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Mac Tallo fired 18 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes of play as Bicol avenged its narrow 70-65 loss to Basilan in the opener of the MPBL as the country’s latest pro league.
Kent Lao and Ralph Tansingco added 14 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Volcanoes, who improved to 1-1 in Pool B.
“We played well today compared to our first match, but we are still a work in progress,” said mentor Aldin Ayo.
Kim Aurin was the lone bright spot with 13 markers for Laguna, which slid to 0-1.
Meanwhile, Nueva Ecjia and Rizal picked up first wins over Sarangani and General Santos, respectively.
The Rice Vanguards fended off Sarangani, 99-92, behind Michael Mabulac’s 17 markers while the Golden Coolers bested GenSan with a 73-66 win on Adrian Celada’s 23 points.
Nueva Ecija joined San Juan on top of Pool C with similar 1-0 cards while Rizal (1-0) gained a piece of Pool D lead with Imus (1-0). — John Bryan Ulanday