The Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers relied on the second-half exploits of John Apacible to turn back the Muntinlupa Cagers, 79-61, in the 2024 MPBL season on Monday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Apacible finished with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-9 field goal shooting to go with five rebounds as the Golden Coolers secured their second victory in as many matches this season.
“Sinunod lang namin ‘yung naging instruction sa amin ng coaches (during the halftime break), and also we just do kung ano ‘yung nasa gameplan namin for this game,” said Apacible, who was named Player of the Game.
Alwyn Alday top-scored for Rizal with 24 points, 20 of which came in the first two quarters, while Keith Agovida added 12 markers as they scored a follow-up to their 78-71 victory over defending champions the Pampanga Giant Lanterns last week.
From a slim 41-38 halftime lead, the Golden Coolers got consecutive inside conversions from Apacible to start the third quarter as they created separation from the Cagers, 64-55.
The Cagers still attempted to come close at the onset of the final quarter, but the Golden Coolers pulled away anew with hits from Jerie Pingoy and Agovida as the lead reached its biggest at 75-57 on a conversion by Apacible.
Jasper Longalong finished with 15 points, while Joshua Guiab added 13 points and nine rebounds as the Cagers dropped to 0-2.
The post John Apacible heats up in second half as Rizal wallops Muntinlupa first appeared on Fastbreak.
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