Bacolod Master Sardines needed a second half surge to score an 89-80 win over the Soccsksargen Marlins during a Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup home game at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum last Saturday in Bacolod City.
Bacolodnon guard Nico Paolo Javelona top-scored for the home team with 27 points—19 of which came in the first half, while Mark Tallo tallied most of his 22 points in the second half.
Bacolod was forced into a tight battle with the Marlins going up by as much as eight points in the opening half until conversions from Javelona pulled the home side to within 45-44 at the half.
In the third, Bacolod went on a 12-3 run as newcomer Jerick Canada connected well with Tallo and Javelona, resulting in their largest lead of 12 points.
Soccsksargen narrowed their deficit by as much as seven points but free throw conversions from Erwin Santos sealed the win for the home team.
In the first game, Negrense small forward Mark Yee played inspired the Davao Occidental Tigers to a 76-71 victory over Basilan Steel./ASC, WDJ