Imus Braderhood turned hot as Paranaque cooled down in the second half and won pulling away, 82-60, on Saturday in Manny Pacquiao presents 1xBet-MPBL 2025 Season at the Gov. Andres B. Bernos Memorial Gymnasium in Bangued, Abra.
Trailing at the break, 30-33, the Braderhood, led by Mark Doligon and Kint Ariar, bunched 13 points to break free and proceed to their seventh win against nine losses in the round-robin elimination round of the 30-team tournament.
The 6-foot-3 Ariar, a former Letran Knight, wound up with 18 points, 17 rebounds and 2 assists to clinch best player honors over Doligon, who finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
Regie Boy Basibas also shone with 12 points and 13 rebounds and so did Jaypee Belencion 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists for Imus, which hardly missed the absence of Top Gun Jayjay Caspe.
For a while, the seven Patriots, led by homegrown Paolo Castro, held the Braderhood at bay, but were eventually overrun to their 13th defeat against a lone victory, when the Braderhood found their rhythm.
Castro posted 30 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, followed by James Mangahas with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists, and MJ Homo with 9 points, all from triples, and 9 rebounds.
The MPBL returns to the Cuneta Astrodome on Monday, June 16, with games pitting Manila against GenSan, Marikina against Caloocan at 6 p.m., and Davao Occidental against host Pasay at 8 p.m.
