NUEVA Ecija Capitals shrugged off a slow start to bring down 1Munti, 92-73, for its fifth straight victory in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) President’s Cup at the Central Recreation & Fitness Center in Quezon City.

Billy Ray Robles, Axel Doromal, and Roi Sumang spearheaded a well-balanced scoring attack for the Capitals, who went on a 10-0 run to shatter a 52-52 deadlock and take a 62-52 lead.

The Capitals, also known as the Rice Vanguards in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), extended their lead to as many as 76-56 by the end of the third frame. They outscored 1Munti 30-14 during this period.

The Capitals ofbusinessman-sportsman Bong Cuevas and coach Jerson Cabiltes, even established a 25-point advantage in the fourth quarter, 85-60, with 6:17 remaining.

Robles finished with 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting and three rebounds in 13 minutes of play, Doromal collected 11 points and three assists while Sumang contributed 10 points, five assists and three rebounds.

“Yun nga pinag-usapan nga namin nung halftime, We need to make a run already. We need to create separation in third quarter,” said Cabiltes.

“Still need to face the strong teams. You cannot gauge it from five-zero. Marami pang games. So other teams are picking up,’ added Cabiltes.

“I’m giving everybody a chance to get a feel of the ball game. And I’m trying different combinations each game. So that when the times comes na may malakas kaming kalaban, ready na kung sino magkakasabay sa court.”

Michael Juico and Byron Vilarias chipped in with eight points each, Michael Mabulac had seven points and Will McAloney and Nat Cosejo added six points each.

Emman Calo and JP Maguliano also had five points each.

Joining the scoring parade were Robby Celiz, Harvey Pagsanjan,Chris Bitoon, Kris Gurtiza and Jay Collado.

Vincent Alves, John Cantimbuhan and Reneford Ruaya led the losing effort for 1Munti.

Alves finished with 15 points and six rebounds, Cantimbuhan had 15 points and 10 rebounds while Ruaya added 15 points, and seven rebounds.

Michael Macion contributed with 11 points and five rebounds.

Nueva Ecija will gun for its sixth straight win when it meets Pureblends CV Siniloan Daruma Dragons on Dec. 14 at the Paco Arena.

The scores:

Nueva Ecija Capitals (92) – Robles 11, Doromal 11, Sumang 10, Juico 8, Vilarias 8, Mabulac 7, Cosejo 6, McAloney 6, Calo 5, Maguliano 5, Celiz 4, Pagsanjan 4, Bitoon 3, Gurtiza 2, Collado 2.
1Munti (73) – Alve 15, Cantimbuhan 15, Ruaya 15, Macion 11, Ingles 6, Koga 3, Quiminales 3, Balbuena 3, Salapuddin 2, Geralao 0, Flores 0, Quinto 0.
Quarterscores: 25-24, 46-42, 76-56, 92-73.