The Bacolod Master Sardines failed to stretch their winning streak in the 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup after recently falling to the Manila Stars, 87-70, at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Bacolod got off to a flat start in the opening half and were down 45-31 at the half before showing some life in the third period with a 14-6 run, cutting Manila’s lead to six points.
However, Manila replied with an 8-2 blast to restore a 59-47 edge before pulling away for good at the onset of the fourth quarter, where they delivered a 17-6 scoring run and took an 80-59 advantage.
“Dinagdagan namin ‘yung defensive intensity, kasi medyo nag-relax sila nung lamang na ng malaki, kaya nag-adjust kami defensively (We intensified out defense because they were somewhat relaxed and we adjusted defensively),” explained Manila head coach Tino Pinot.
Carlo Lastimosa top-scored for Manila with 22 points, while Mark Dyke chipped in 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Aris Dionisio added 17 points.
The loss left Bacolod with an 8-16 record and 4.5 games out of eighth place.
Despite the loss, Yankee Haruna paced Bacolod with 17 points, while Benedict Adamos and Bacolodnon guard Nico Paolo Javelona each tallied 11./ASC, WDJ