MANILA – Bataan Risers made a triumphant start in the 2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup after beating Biñan City Krah Heroes, 75-62, on Monday night at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Jose Mari Presbitero led the way with 16 points and seven rebounds, while James Darwin Castro and Anton Asistio chipped in 14 and 13 markers, respectively, for the Risers.
Holding to a slim 14-13 lead, the Risers pulled to a 22-13 edge following a triple by Bacolodnon John Villarias. The Heroes rallied to within 20-22 but the Risers leaned on hits by Presbitero and Castro to build a 35-23 halftime edge.
The Heroes came to within 34-39 early in the third but back-to-back triples from Asistio followed by inside baskets from Leonard Santillan, Alfred Batino and Castro increased the Risers’ lead back to 54-45.
The Risers went on to build its largest lead at 62-47 at the onset of the fourth after a trey by Asistio. The Heroes came to as close as nine but shots from Presbitero and Castro increased the Risers lead back to double figures.
Macky Acosta was the lone double-digit scorer for the home team with 16 points, while Allan Mangahas fell short of a triple-double with his eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
In the first game, the Pasay Voyagers nearly wasted a double-digit lead before escaping with a 70-68 win over Navotas Unipak Sardines. Jan Jamon, Dhon Reverente and Ronnel Lastimosa had 14 points each for the Voyagers./PN
