By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo leaned on a strong start before holding off the Negros Muscovados, 93-85, in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Caloocan Sports Complex in Caloocan City over the weekend.

Paul Sanga delivered a season-high of 22 points, including six three-point conversions, to go with four rebounds and one assist as the Batang Kankaloo hiked their record to 15-9.

Gabby Espinas led the way for Caloocan with a double-double of 23 points and 13 rebounds to go with two assists and a block, while Reil Cervantes also had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.

After leading by as many as 25 points, the Batang Kankaloo were surprised by a huge fourth-quarter performance by the Muscovados, but they managed to convert some timely hits to preserve the win.

“Sa amin kasi, kahit na lamang kami after ng first half, hindi kami tumigil sa pagsunod sa game plan namin, at mas naging gutom kami nung second half kasi preparation na din para sa playoffs,” Sanga said during his Player of the Game interview.

“Kailangan lang talaga ready kami palagi kung anuman ‘yung dumating sa team namin, kasi parang mga empleyado [kami] dito, kailangan naming mag-work hard para masuklian ‘yung pagsisikap ng mga coaches at ng management,” he added.

Renz Palma top-scored for Negros with 17 points, Ryan Reyes finished with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Felipe Chavez, John Rey Villanueva and Jonjon Gabriel had 12, 11 and 10, respectively.

They dropped to 12-16./ASC, WDJ

CALOOCAN 93 — Espinas 23, Sanga 22, Cervantes 15, Inigo 7, Tayongtong 6, Calahat 6, Flores 5, Magat 4, Cabanag 3, Palencia 2, Matias 0, Laude 0, Bonsubre 0, De Mesa 0, Manlangit 0.

NEGROS 85 — Palma 17, Reyes 16, Chavez 12, Villanueva 11, Gabriel 10, Capobres 7, Lorenzo 3, Geolingo 3, Formento 2, Ramos 2, Peralta 2, Espanola 0, Gania 0, Longa 0, Atabay 0.

Quarterscores: 15-12, 44-34, 77-53, 93-85.