Starhorse-Basilan played minus former PBA stars Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and even new recruit Greg Slaughter but still got the job done – fast and easy.
With Emman Calo, Michael Alvarez and Gab Dagangon taking over the scoring cudgels, the Starhorse-Basilan Portmasters romped to 117-84 win over the Manila Batang Quiapo in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Bataan People’s Center in Balanga on Monday, July 14.
Jervy Cruz, who once played for Rain or Shine in the PBA, did not score much but his veteran presence was felt by everyone – reason why their offense was almost nonstop.
The management decided to give Santos and Cabagnot the much-needed hiatus in time for the team’s crucial matches and so was the 7-foot Slaughter who is still tying regain his fighting form after a long break from competitive basketball.
Sharp and deadly on both ends that resulted in numerous fast break plays, the Portmasters practically settled the outcome after taking a commanding 101-53 advantage.
With the win, the Portmasters evened their record at 9-9, but co-team owner Jackson Chua challenged his wards to keep on winning.
“I hope it could be the start of a winning streak,” said Chua. “We need to win at least 9 games if we are to advance to the playoffs.”
Calo paced Basilan with a triple-double 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to go with 2 steals, followed by Alvarez with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assits, and Dagangon with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists.
Jayson Grimaldo also shone for Basilan with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Jimboy Pasturan chipped in 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
In other games, the Mindoro Tamaraws nipped the Bataan Risers, 86-84, while the Bulacan Kuyas stunned Caloocan Batang Kankaloo, 85-83, and improved to 3-17.
