MANILA – Bacolod City of Smiles continued its struggle in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League after bowing to San Juan Knights, 80-69, on Tuesday night at the Laguna Sports Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
It was the fourth consecutive defeat of the Bacolodnons as they dropped to 3-7 in the standings, while the Knights continued its strong start this season with their sixth win in eight games.
Both teams traded leads in the opening quarter until the Knights took a 16-12 lead but Bacolod responded with baskets from James Mangahas and John Lemuel Pastias to take a 20-19 edge.
Bacolod and San Juan exchanged baskets anew to start the second quarter until the latter came up with a run behind Egie Boy Mojica, Michael Calisaan and Marwin Taywan to take a 33-24 advantage.
San Juan went on to build a 38-26 lead after a three-point play by Jeff Tajonera but Bacolod went on a rally behind Ryussei Koga, Domark Matillano and Alfred Sedillo to cut the deficit to 35-38 at the half.
Bacolod were still hanging around at 43-45 early in the third quarter but San Juan pulled away behind seven straight points from Ron Dennison to establish a 63-48 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The Bacolodnons attempted to come close early in the final quarter but San Juan managed to keep their opponent at bay behind timely conversions from Taywan and Nikko Panganiban.
Calisaan had a near double-double showing for San Juan with 15 points and nine rebounds, Dennison chipped in 13 markers, while Reeve Ugsang had double-double 10 points and 11 boards in the win.
Koga top-scored for the slumping Bacolod City with 16 points, six assists, one rebound and a steal, while Matillano contributed 13 markers and five boards in the defeat.
Bacolod City of Smiles will have another chance to return to win column when they face Imus SV Squad at four in the afternoon on May 22 at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.
BOX SCORE:
SAN JUAN 80 – Calisaan 15, Dennison 13, Ugsang 10, Nocum 8, Panganiban 8, Mojica 6, Tajonera 6, Taywan 6, Wamar 3, Soberano 2, J. Javillonar 2, Ubalde 1.
BACOLOD 69 – Koga 16, Matillano 13, Sedillo 8, Chauca 8, J. Mangahas 7, Alves 6, Pastias 5, Alano 3, Cantimbuhan 2, Sarangay 1, Stevens 0, Menguez 0, Pabilona 0.
Quarterscores: 19-20, 38-35, 63-48, 80-69./PN
