Zamboanga Master Sardines thwarted South Cotabato, 85-83, to wrest the solo lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Sixth Season at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila on Monday, April 29.

Burly Joseph Gabayni poured nine points in the last 3:20 to power Zamboanga to its fifth straight win in as many outings.

With Zamboanga trailing 68-70, Jaycee Marcelino scored on a drive, drilled in a triple and then fed twin brother Jayvee Marcelino for another incursion that put Coach Louie Alas’ wards ahead.

Michole Sorela pushed South Cotabato to within 72-75, but Gabayni bunched five points against a basket by Marwin Dionisio to restore order, 80-74, with 2:30 left.

South Cotabato, formerly Gensan, threatened anew at 80-75 following back-to-back triples by Val Acuna and Kyle Tolentino, only for Gabayni to knock in a short jumper that pulled down the Warriors to a 2-3 record.

Jaycee, the 2022 MPBL MVP, finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Jayvee chipped in 13 points, eight boards and four assists.

Gabayni, for his part, had 16 points and seven rebounds.

Kyle Tolentino scored 15 points in a losing effort for South Cotabato, while Marwin Dionisio and Enzo Joson added 11 points apiece. Larry Rodriguez had 10 points, while Jammer Jamito chipped in four points apart from 12 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Quezon Province turned back Manila SV Batang Sampaloc, 70-65.

Judel Fuentes finished with 17 points and four rebounds while Xyrus Torred added 11 points for Quezon, who erased a 60-62 deficit en route to its third straight win.

Manila slid to 3-2 despite the 18-point effort of Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

Caloocan also jumped into the winning column with an 80-73 win over Bacolod City of Smiles.