Manila Stars hand Muntinlupa Cagers first MPBL Datu Cup lost

FILE: Marvin Hayes received the ‘Powerade Best Player of the Game’ title with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. (Photo: Manila Stars Robust Energy Facebook)

Team Manila Stars handed the undefeated Muntinlupa Cagers their first Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup loss at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex on Wednesday, October 8. The score totaled at 100-86, the Stars breaking the Cagers’ eight-game winning streak.

Christopher Bitoon, Marvin Hayes, and Vence Laude were the biggest point contributors for the stars, Hayes receiving the ‘Powerade Best Player of the Game’ title with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

The Manila Stars were led by former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Coach Philip Cezar, who shared that the team initially found difficulty in playing at the opponents’ home court, comparing the Muntinlupeños to Ginebra fans. However, they reigned victorious in the end after their league-record of 32 fastbreak points as compared to only two for the Cagers.

Team Muntinlupa was led by University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Coach Aldin Ayo, who only recently joined the team as head coach.

The Cagers’ former coach Aldrin Morante just announced his transfer to the staff of the Pampanga Lanterns. Guard Allan Mangahas fought for victory at 23 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, while he was helped by teammates Chito Jaime, Felix Apreku, and Dave Moralde.

Earlier that night, the Pasay Voyagers went up against Imus Bandera, where they received a win at 79-75, Jan Jamon gaining his second ‘Powerade Best Player of the Game’ title in a row with 27 points in the game.

The Manila Stars’ next game is happening on October 27 against the Zamboanga Valientes at the Marist School Gymnasium in Marikina. On the other hand, Muntinlupa will face their Anta-Rajah Cup championship rivals, the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics, on October 18 at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City.