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Bacoor Dominates Batangas, Approaches South Division Championship

The Bacoor Strikers dominated the Batangas City Embassy Chill Athletics with an impressive 89-68 victory in Game 1 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Fifth Season South Division Finals at Bacoor City’s Strike Gymnasium on Monday.

Led by outstanding performances from James Kwekuteye, Jhan McHale Nermal, and Yvan Ludovice, who showcased their prowess with consecutive three-pointers, the Strikers rebounded from an early 6-10 deficit. They surged ahead in the first quarter, finishing with a 27-18 lead and maintained their momentum, putting them on the brink of securing their first championship in the 29-team league.

James Kwekuteye earned the Best Player honors with an impressive stat line of 25 points, including 6 three-pointers, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds. Supporting him were Nermal with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks, and veteran Mark Yee with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ludovice added 9 points, all from beyond the arc, along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Strikers further solidified their lead by sinking four consecutive three-pointers, breaking the game open to a 45-26 advantage late in the second quarter. Despite efforts from Batangas, the Strikers maintained control, ending the first half with a commanding 51-29 lead.

Bacoor extended their dominance in the third quarter, with a 6-point run led by Jhaymo Eguilos, pushing their lead to 64-37 with just over three minutes remaining. The Strikers showcased their offensive prowess by making 14 three-pointers compared to Batangas’ 10.

Coach Alex Angeles attributed their success to solid defense, stating, “Our defense serves as our fuel. We just fed whoever is hot.” The team will aim to close out the best-of-three series in Game 2 at the Batangas City Coliseum on Friday.

Notably, the Pampanga Giant Lanterns will contend for the North Division crown against the San Juan Knights at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the FilOIl Flying V Arena in San Juan.

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