By Adrian Stewart Co
The Bacolod Master Sardines suffered an 84-65 defeat to the Bataan Risers in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup last night at the Valenzuela Astrodome.
The loss came ahead of their upcoming home game on October 17 against the Cebu City Sharks on October 17.
Bacolod trailed 12-3 early in the game but managed to narrow the gap to 12-11 on hits from Mark Tallo before Bataan pulled away anew and built a 19-11 lead after the first period.
The Bacolod City side continued to struggle in offense and were outscored by the Risers, 20-14, in the second period. The latter went on to establish a 39-25 halftime advantage.
Bacolodnon guard John Byron Villarias top-scored for Bataan with 25 points, including six triples; while Reed Juntilla added 21 markers, with four outside baskets.
Despite the loss, Tallo finished with 14 points for Bacolod, while Jess Mar Villahermosa added 11./ASC, WDJ