MANILA, Philippines –  at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan, Bacoor and Makati both achieved come-from-behind victories in the fifth season of the OKBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League).

The Strikers overcame a five-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter to defeat the General Santos Warriors, 74 to 68, using their offensive production from James Kwekuteye and Jhan Nermal.

In the nightcap of another triple header in the elimination phase of the 29-team competition, the Makati OKBet Kings stunned the San Juan Knights, 95-84, after coming back from a nine-point deficit in the last period.

San Beda standout Kwekuteye scored the game’s final six points, and prized Bacolod acquisition Nermal scored 12 of his game-high 23 points in the final frame to lead the Strikers to their sixth straight victory and a 10 to 1 record.

Bacoor remained third, just behind Pampanga (9 to 0) and Nueva Ecija (10 to 0), despite Kwekuteye’s nine points and 10 rebounds. Kwekuteye also had four assists and two steals.

With 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, Michael Canete also contributed for the Strikers.

Jervy Cruz scored 12 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for GenSan, dropping to 7 to 3, while Larry Rodriguez scored 12. John Wilson scored 16.

As Makati trailed San Juan 65 to 74, JC Cullar scored eight of the team’s 14 points in a row to help his team take the lead, 79 to 74.

The score was tied for the final time at 79 after San Juan responded with a jump shot by Paolo Javillonar and a triple by Orlan Wamar.

With only 51 seconds left, the Kings defeated the Knights with four consecutive triples from Cullar, Joseph Terso, Gab Dagangon, and Billy Robles in opposition to a jump shot by Javillonar, causing San Juan to suffer its third loss in ten games. The final score was 91 to 81.

87 to 70 was the final score as Rizal XentroMall defeated Bulacan to move to 3 to 9.

Ry Dela Rosa scored 15 points, Alvin Capobres scored 11, and Jeric James Pido scored 16 for Rizal. Jeric James Pido had 12 assists and four rebounds.

Despite the 22 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 points from Joseph Gabayni, Kentoy Segura, and Daniel De Guzman, Bulacan lost 6 to 6.