MANILA – Bacolod City of Smiles got their acts together in time to defeat Sarangani Marlins, 95-91, in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Wednesday evening at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Holding to a 20-point lead with nine minutes in the game, the Bacolodnons were stunned by a huge rampage from Sarangani, which tied the game at 88-all after a three-pointer from John Paul Cauilan.
Bacolod City restored order with a layup from Domark Matillano and a triple from Valandre Chauca for a 93-88 lead. Cauilan cut the deficit to 91-93 with another triple but John Cantimbuhan sealed the win for the Bacolodnons with a layup with a second left.
Chauca, who made a return to the lineup after three games, top-scored with 19 points, including four three-point conversions, as Bacolod City bounced back for an 8-12 win-loss slate.
Cantimbuhan and Christopher Menguez added 12 markers apiece, Matillano contributed 10 points, while Mark Sarangay ended with double-double 10 points and 12 rebounds for Bacolod City.
Cauilan drilled six outside conversions to finish with 20 points, Jefferson Comia contributed 13 markers, while Alex Desoyo had 11 markers as the Marlins dropped to 8-12.
The Bacolod City of Smiles will look to stretch their winning streak as they return to action at 6 pm on July 25 against Valenzuela City XUR Homes Realty Inc at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Negros Pau Muscovados saw their two-game winning run come to an end as they suffered a second half meltdown against home team Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers, 78-69.
The Muscovados managed to keep in step with the Golden Coolers in the opening half but the latter created separation in the second half to improve to 9-12. The Muscovados dropped to 7-13.
The Negrenses will have a lengthy break before resuming action for their home game against Manila Stars on July 29 at the University of St. La Salle Gymnasium in Bacolod City.
BOX SCORE:
BACOLOD 95 – Chauca 19, Menguez 12, Cantimbuhan 12, Sarangay 10, Matillano 10, Sedillo 8, Alves 8, Basibas 7, Koga 7, Alano 2, Stevens 0.
SARANGANI 91 – Cauilan 20, Comia 13, Desoyo 11, Sta. Ana 9, Calahat 9, Are 8, Escalambre 7, Monteclaro 6, Saitanan 3, Gabat 3, Shanoda 2, Cosari 0.
Quarterscores: 23-13, 49-34, 74-56, 95-91./PN
