Games  today:

(San Dionisio Gym, Parañaque)

4  p.m. --  Manila vs. Valenzuela

5:30 p.m. --Pateros vs. San Juan

7 p.m. -- Parañaque vs. Quezon City

VALENZUELA  proved steadier at crunchtime to beat Quezon City, 99-96, in overtime in the Metro League Open basketball championships at the Hagonoy Sports Complex in Taguig.

The Workhorses scored the last six points in overtime-- a floating jump shot by Dan Natividad, a three-pointer by Kevin Espinosa and a split by Gianne Paulo Rivera -- to escape with the win over the Junior Capitals in a heart-stopping duel between two top teams in the North.

Before Valezuela's 6-0 windup, John Mahari completed a three-point play to put Quezon City ahead for the last time at 95-93 with only 1:26 left.

Erwin Sta.Maria  led all scorers with 32 points on 15-of-24 shooting while Espinosa added 19 points and six rebounds for Valenzuela, which improved to 5-1.

Espinosa also hit two free throws that sent the game into overtime, 87-all.

John Tayongtong missed a triple-double with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Gerry Esplana-coached Workhorses.

Roque Estoce Jr. had a team-high 26 points on 11-of-14 shooting and Jefferson Comia added 24 points, four rebounds and four assists for the  4-2 Junior Capitals of coach JP Ycasiano.

Overshadowed by Valenzuela's win were Manila, which  routed Las Piñas, 101-71; and Taguig, which outsteadied Parañaque, 88-83, in the tournament organized by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and supported by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Almel Orquina, Kenneth Acibar, Mark  Cruz,  Paolo Quiminales, Daniel Martinez and Mark Yu  scored almost at will to power the All Stars  of  coach Adoe Salazar and Mayor Joseph  Estrada to a smashing victory over the Home Defenders and a 6-1 win-loss record in the event which has  “mobile app ng  bayan”  Barangay 143 as presentor, Spalding as  the official ball and Team Rebel Sports as official outfitter.

Kervin Lucente almost singlehandedly carried the fight for Las Piñas with 23 points and 20 rebounds.

Joshua Icawat added 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and  three steals for the seven-player Home Defenders, who fell to  0-8.

Taguig had three players in double figures to stave off Parañaque and solidify its hold on the lead in the South.

The Generals of head coach Bing Victoria and Mayor Lani Cayetano  upped  their  record to 5-2

M-League commisisoner Glenn Capacio said the top four teams from each group will advance  to the division semifinals  after the eliminations where teams play each other once including those in the other division.

Lou Gatumbato is the deputy commissioner.

Major sponsors are Synergy 88, San Miguel Corp., World Balance, Frabelle Foods, Summit Mineral Water, Alco Plus, Gerry’s Grill, Excellent Noodles, glitter.ph, SM Supermalls and Nature’s Spring.