The Bacolod Master Sardines fell 82-65 on Saturday to the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the ongoing 2019-2020 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League-Lakan Cup at the Angeles University Foundation gymnasium in Angeles City.
After Michael Juico and Mark Cruz led Pampanga to a 30-14 lead in the first quarter, they went on to lead by as much as 25 points, taking a 71-46 edge off conversions from Larry Muyang with over seven minutes left in the game.
“Maganda kasi pumunta sa playoffs ng nanggagaling sa panalo (It’s great because the win got us in the playoffs),” said Giant Lanterns head coach Bong Ramos.
The coach also shared the message he extended to the team, noting: “We develop our character going to the playoffs and we want to have a winning attitude.”
“‘Yun ang ginagawa namin (That’s what we did),” he added.
Cruz delivered an all-around game with 16 points, 12 assists, and four rebounds; while Juico finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists; and Jerick Fabian and Dexter Maiquez each chipped in 12 points.
Meanwhile, Jess Mar Villahermosa spearheaded the Bacolod City side with 17 points along with five turnovers; while Yankee Haruna contributed 14 points, six boards, and two assists./ASC, WDJ