By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Biñan Tatak Gel sped away before coasting to a 72-64 victory over the Negros Hacienderos in the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at the Paco Arena in Manila.

In control throughout, Biñan built a 58-41 lead and foiled Negros’ final rally to rebound from back-to-back losses and level its slate at 2-2 in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 28-team tournament.

The Hacienderos came to within 60-65, but a tip-in by Jopet Soriano and a jumper by Carlo Lastimosa restored order, 69-60, with three minutes and 48 seconds left.

Lastimosa posted 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, and was chosen as the SportsPlus best player.

“It’s a must-win game,” Lastimosa said.

“We really have to prepare and adjust quickly,” he said, noting that virtually all the teams have gotten stronger this year.

Kenny Roger Rocacurva supported Lastimosa with 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Pamboy Raymundo scored with 10 points and three assists, while Marc Pingris posted six points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Negros absorbed their second straight defeat despite Jan Formento’s 20 points and two assists; Carl Joshua Alattica’s 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists; and Germy Mahinay’s 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists./ASC, WDJ