Zamboanga and San Juan routed their respective foes to boost their quarterfinal chances in the OKbet-Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League 4th Season late Monday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Zamboanga displayed its bench depth when it crushed Laguna Krah Asia, 81-44, to raise its record to 10-3 in this single-round robin eliminations of this 22-team tournament.
San Juan also had an easy time as it dominated Marikina, 81-67, to book its eight win in 14 matches.
Jaycee Marcelino and Manuel Mosqueda fired 12 points apiece while Ralph Tansingco added 10 for Zamboanga, which zoomed ahead, 81-44, before allowing Laguna to deliver the game’s final basket.
With the outcome no longer in doubt, Zamboanga coach Vic Ycasiano had the luxury of shuffling his men with only one failing to buy a basket.
Sean Dillon was the only bright spot as he nailed nine points for Laguna, which tumbled to a 1-12 record.
Meanwhile, Judel Fuentes, Orland Wamar and Joseph Celso delivered the firepower for San Juan, which pulled away, 71-56, early in the fourth period to seal the easy victory.
Fuentes fired 22 points while Wamar and Celso delivered 14 and 10 markers apiece to push Marikina to their 10th loss in 13 matches.
Meanwhile, Pasig bested Manila, 75-70, to wheel back into quarterfinal contention.