By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Bacolod City of Smiles’ John Cantimbuhan drilled a go-ahead basket as they prevailed over Bulacan Kuyas, 85-84, in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City over the weekend.
The Bacolodnons were up at 83-81 after a three-point play by Valandre Chauca, but Bulacan countered with back-to-back baskets from Buenaventura Raflores, Jr. and Jerick Fabian to take an 84-83 lead with 55 seconds left.
Bacolod had multiple chances to take the lead before becoming successful with a second left with Cantimbuhan’s one-hand basket from a pass by Justin Alano. Bulacan still had an opportunity to snatch the win, but Jeremy Cruz fumbled his triple try at the buzzer.
Cantimbuhan ended up with six points to go with eight assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block as Bacolod City returned to their winning ways to improve to a 6-9 win-loss slate.
Chauca led the Bacolodnons with 22 points, including two outside hits, to go with five assists and three rebounds, while newcomer Regie Boy Basibas, and Mark Sarangay had 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
The Bacolodnons will aim for their second consecutive victory as they face the Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife in a battle between two Western Visayas-based squads at the Bataan People’s Center on Saturday, June 24.
Raflores finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, Fabian chipped in 12 markers, while Renz Capulong contributed 11 markers as Bulacan dropped to a 5-9 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, Negros Pau Muscovados failed to extend their winning streak as they suffered a 77-71 defeat at the hands of Muntinlupa Cagers as they dropped to a 5-10 win-loss slate.
John Louisse delos Santos tallied double-double 12 points and 11 rebounds, John Amores and John Sarao chipped in 12 markers apiece, while John Cedrick Abis ended with 11 points for the Cagers.
Jason Melano finished with double-double 29 points and 11 rebounds to go with two assists, two blocks and a steal, while Nemesis dela Cruz added 19 markers for the Muscovados.
BACOLOD 85 — Chauca 22, Basibas 13, Sarangay 11, Alano 9, Matillano 8, Koga 8, Sedillo 6, Cantimbuhan 6, Menguez 2, Stevens 0, Magbanua 0.
BULACAN 84 — Raflores 19, Fabian 12, Capulong 11, Guevarra 9, Dela Torre 8, Cruz 8, Segura 6, De Guzman 4, Sebastian 3, Toribio 2, Codinera 2, Vegiga 0, Alcoriza 0, Yuzon 0.
Quarterscores: 26-24, 41-50, 63-70, 85-84./ASC, WDJ