By Adrian Stewart Co
Bacolod BingoPlus survived a huge scare from Valenzuela Xur Homes Realty Inc. before pulling off a 68-67 victory in the 2022 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season over the weekend at the STRIKE Gym in Cavite.
Comfortably ahead at 66-54 with over four minutes left following a triple by Jhan Nermal, Valenzuela got conversions from Jaycee Sam Adjel, Patrick Cabahug and Jaymar Gimpayan to trim the deficit to 63-66.
Nermal widened the lead for Bacolod at 68-63 with 29 seconds left via two free throw hits but Valenzuela rallied to within 67-68 on back-to-back conversions from Cabahug and Gimpayan.
Bacolod still gave the Valenzuela an opportunity to snatch the victory after two missed free throws by Alwyn Alday at the final six seconds but the latter was unable to put up a shot at the buzzer.
Nermal finished the game with 20 points, including three outside conversions, to go with five rebounds, as Bacolod snapped its two-game losing skid to improve to 8-6 win-loss slate.
Joel Lee Yu contributed 11 markers, Negrense Mark Yee struggled with his seven points but managed to haul 12 rebounds, while Raymund Ilagan contributed nine markers and 10 boards for Bacolodnons.
“It was another nerve-wracking game but luckily Bacolod pulled this one off,” said Bacolod team manager Leo Bat-og. “Valenzuela gave us a scare and our players missed free throws in the endgame.”
Cabahug top-scored for Valenzuela City with 15 points, including three outside conversions, while Lord Hower Casajeros chipped in 12 markers to go with two rebounds and two assists.
The Bacolod BingoPlus will hope for its second straight win when they battle Caloocan Excellence at 5:00 p.m. on September 2 at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City.
This was one of the final games of the Bacolodnons in Manila before they go on a Mindanao trip against Gensan Warriors on September 5, Quezon City MG Cars on September 6, Muntinlupa Cagers on September 9, and Sarangani Marlins on September 10.
BACOLOD 68 – Nermal 20, Lee Yu 11, Ilagan 9, Soriano 8, Yee 7, Solis 4, Jeruta 3, Alday 2, Dionson 2, Lao 2, Pastias 0, Dela Cruz 0, Albo 0.
VALENZUELA 67 – Cabahug 15, Casajeros 12, Buenafe 8, Gimpayan 7, Santos 6, Baguio 6, Villafranca 5, Quilatan 4, Alvarez 2, Adjei 2, Meca 0, Apreku 0, Pasculado 0, Ruaya 0.
Quarterscores: 12-13, 27-33, 51-44, 68-67./ASC, WDJ
