Xentro Mall kept its stranglehold of the lead in the Ballout Sports Season 2 after clipping M7-RPBY, 89-85, at the Marikina Sports Center.

Troy Mallilin posted a double-double performance of 13 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Golden Coolers in getting back into the win column.

The Golden Coolers picked up their fifth win in six games to keep the solo lead in the provincial division of this tournament headed by former national team coach Joe Lipa, who serves as tournament commissioner.

Also winning were school-based teams Strong Group University of Makati and AMA University.

University of Makati endured a late rally by Philippine Navy before escaping with an 89-88 squeaker.

Justin Sanchez and Alwyn Alday each tallied 21 points while Christian Jake Agoncillo came off the bench and produced 13 for University of Makati, which improved its win-loss record to 4-2 to join Marikina on top of the NCR division.

James Martinez recorded a triple-double performance of 34 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists while powering AMA to a dominant 84-69 triumph over Antipolo in this tournament supervised by Ronald Magtulis, head of basketball operations, and assisted by Robert de la Rosa.