By Adrian Stewart Co

The Bacolod Master Sardines scored an 84-82 win in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League over Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines last Thursday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Pao Javelona top-scored for Bacolod with 27 points, including five triples; while John Paul Cauilan added 17 markers; Mark Tallo fell short of a triple-double with nine points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists; and Jopher Custodio and Justin Alano each contributed nine markers.
Down by as much as 13 points early in the third period, Bacolod went on a tear behind Javelona and Tallo to take a 59-58 lead on a Jan Colina basket; however, late hits from Zamboanga put them up 63-61 heading into the fourth.
Into the final quarter, Bacolod surged to a 68-63 lead on back-to-back conversions from Javelona and Cauilan. It further grew 80-74 on free throws from Javelona and Tallo.
Zamboanga made their last push and got to within two points but a three-pointer from Custodio, along with split free throws by Javelona, helped Bacolod escape with the win./ASC, WDJ