Zamboanga Sikat and Pasay thwarted separate rivals on Thursday to keep in step with Quezon Province in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The Zamboanguenos derailed the Cebu Greats, 74-70, in the second game while the Pasay Voyagers repelled the Bacolod Tubo Chargers’ repeated rallies to prevail, 96-84, in the nightcap of another triple-bill in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team, two-division tournament.
The Quezon Huskers battered the Sarangani Grippers in the fourth quarter and won, 94-77, in the opener to raise their record to 20-4 and tighten their hold of the top spot in the South Division.
Zamboanga, powered by JP Cauilan, Abdul Sawat and Alvin Capobres, climbed to 17-8, second behind Quezon in the jostling for South playoff positions.
Sinking 6 of 9 triple attempts, Cauilan finished with 20 points plus 6 rebounds; Sawat 16 point, 4 rebounds and 4 assists, and Capobres 10 points.
Jun Manzo posted 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, but couldn’t prevent Cebu from skidding after a five-game run as only Mac Tallo provided support with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
Bothered by a hamstring injury, Cebu gunner Paul Desiderio went scoreless after a 3-minute and 53-second stint.
With Christian Fajarito at the helm, Pasay pulled away, 90-76, midway through the fourth quarter en route to a 17-8 slate that assured it of a playoff spot in the North Division, being led by Abra (22-1), Nueva Ecija (22-2) and San Juan (21-2).
