After a major revamp among its ranks, MJ Rangers found their winning form as they beat Western Union, 97-89, Sunday in the 2012 season of the Filipino Basketball League resumes at the Palau National gym.

With veteran skipper Jimmy Domingo calling the shots from the bench, the Rangers showed their top caliber as they dominated the first half by leading 52-41. From there they never backed down even if bigman Jay Naguit fouled out in the early minutes of the fourth quarter.

Rangers’ play maker Nico Hinoza paced his squad with 23 points while brothers Jay and Joemar Naguit added 16 and 15, respectively as they now sport a 6-5 win-loss record in the team standings.

Western Union made its last stand in the closing of the third canto as they trimmed the gap via 69-72 courtesy of a 28-20 output. But that was the closest they could get as Dennis Castro fueled them finishing with 30 markers as Erwin Senadre chipped in 21 as they absorbed their third setback for a 9-3 card.

In other games, Jaguars defeated Rams/Guardians, 79-53 and the Ilocandia Bulls drubbed the Choppers, 110-82.

Games will resume on July 29 with Choppers versus Hanpa Cardinals at 11 a.m. as MJ Rangers meet Surangel and Sons at 2 p.m. while the Ilocandia Bulls face Western Union in the main game at 3:30 p.m.

On the other hand, D’Originals moves on to the championship round after winning by forfeiture against FR Spoilers in the Master’s League.

According to FBL chairman Joseph Torres, Game One of the finals between D’Originals against 9-Ball Friendsters will be on July 29 at 12:30 p.m. Game Two of the best of three series will be on August 12 11 a.m. and Game Three (If necessary) will be on August 19 also at 11 a.m.

Losers Ocean View/PCGM will meet FR Spoilers for the consolation game on August 5 at 11 a.m.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)