Basilan Starhorse went full speed in the second half and routed Imus Grumpy Joe, 106-78, on Saturday to bolster its voyage to the playoffs in the MPBL 2025 Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.
The Portmasters extended their hot run to four and climbed to 14-11, moving ahead of Binan Tatak Gel (13-11) in the round-robin elimination phase of the South Division of the 30-team tournament.
In other games, the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards led throughout and battered the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 89-65, while Wowie Escosio scored from under with a second left to lift Davao Occidental past Valenzuela City Magic, 84-83.
“Four wins in a row, it’s a big wow but we can’t be complacent. We need to stay focused in time for the crucial stage,” said co-team owner Jackson Chua of the Red Dynasty Restaurant.
Quezon Province paces the chase for the eight playoff spots in the South with a 20-4 slate, followed by Batangas (17-8), Zamboanga (17-8), Rizal Province (15-8), Gensan (15-10) and Mindoro (13-10).
Omar Larupay powered the Portmasters with 23 points, 15 in the last two quarters, 16 rebounds and 3 assists, supported by Emman Calo with 17 points, 14 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals.
Other Portmasters who delivered were Michael Alvarez with 16 points and 4 rebounds, Adi Santos with 11 points and 6 rebounds, Mario Barasi with 7 points and 2 rebounds, and Enzo Navarro with 6 points, 6 assists and 2 rebounds.
Imus, which tumbled to 9-16, got 16 points from Mark Doligon, 15 from Jaypee Belencion and 13 from Jayvee Dela Cruz.
