By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negros Pau Muscovados got back on the winning track in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after a 102-88 victory over Bacolod City of Smiles at the Batangas State University Gymnasium on Thursday night, July 13.
Jason Melano waxed hot offensively with 23 points, including five three-point conversions, to go with 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and a block as the Muscovados improved to a 7-12 win-loss slate.
Jun Manzo chipped in 18 points, with two outside connections, along with five rebounds and five assists, while Bernie Bregondo contributed 12 markers and eight boards for the Muscovados.
Holding to a slim 27-25 lead after the first quarter, the Muscovados relied on inside hits by Mark Maloles and Robert Bartolo for a 40-29 lead, but Bacolod responded with eight straight points from Regie Boy Basibas to cut the deficit to 47-53 at the half.
Bacolod City went on a strong run to start the third quarter for a 58-56 lead, but three-pointers by Melano and Nemesis dela Cruz and back-to-back baskets from Lawrence Mallari allowed Negros to build a 78-72 advantage.
The Muscovados continued their run in the fourth quarter as they built an 83-72 lead on a triple by Leo James Ingles and two free throws by Mallari, but Bacolod managed to stay within 10 points on a basket by Justin Alano.
Negros went on to pull away with three-pointers from Melano and Manzo and inside connections from Maloles and Melano as the lead reached its largest at 100-82 with over a minute left.
“Nag-compose lang kami [nung fourth quarter]. Sabi rin ni coach [Bonnie Garcia] sa amin na dumepensa at ituloy ‘yung offense namin, maganda naman ‘yung naging run namin,” Melano said.
Domark Matillano finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Mark Sarangay and Basibas contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, as Bacolod City dropped to a 7-12 record.
The Muscovados will try to record their second straight win against Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers on July 19 at Ynares Center in Antipolo City, while Bacolod City faces Sarangani Marlins on the same day.
NEGROS 102 — Melano 23, Manzo 18, Bregondo 12, Ingles 8, Dela Cruz 8, Bartolo 8, Maloles 7, Gantalao 6, Longa 6, Mallari 6, Dionson 0, Pastias 0.
BACOLOD 88 — Matillano 17, Sarangay 14, Basibas 12, Alves 9, Koga 9, Menguez 8, Stevens 6, Alano 4, Sedillo 3, Magbanua 3, Cantimbuhan 3.
Quarterscores: 27-25, 53-47, 78-72, 102-88./ASC, WDJ