By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Bacolod City of Smiles scored a lopsided 84-66 victory over slumping Laguna Krah Asia Heroes as they returned to their winning ways in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on Monday, August 14.

John Cantimbuhan was hailed as the Player of the Game after finishing with 16 points, including two three-point conversions, to go with five rebounds, three assists and a steal for Bacolod.

“Napag-usapan namin before the game na dapat lahat kami mag-contribute [against Laguna],” Cantimbuhan said. 

“Kailangan maidala namin ‘yung confidence into our next games, kasi naghahabol kami sa playoffs spot,” he added.

Regie Boy Basibas added 11 markers, Mark Sarangay posted double-double 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Coy Alves also had 10 markers as Bacolod snapped its two-game losing skid to improve to a 10-14 record.

Bacolod opened the game with eight early points from Carl Magbanua as they established a 15-10 lead. Laguna tried to keep it close, but consecutive points from Cantimbuhan widened the Bacolodnons’ advantage to 26-19.

Bacolod continued to widen the advantage in the second frame behind baskets from Cantimbuhan and Valandre Chauca for a 37-26 lead before it widened to 44-33 at the half on successive points from Basibas.

Laguna continued with its offensive struggle in the third quarter, which Bacolod took advantage with conversions from homegrown players Domark Matillano and Alfred Sedillo as the lead widened to 64-48.

Bacolod went on to build its largest lead at 70-52 on inside shots from Justin Alano and Alves. Laguna closed the gap to 13 points several times, but Bacolod answered with hits from Sedillo and Cantimbuhan to preserve the win.

Jerome Garcia posted double-double 16 points and 10 rebounds, Mico Bren Pallares added 12 markers, while Floyd Dedicatoria finished with 10 points as Laguna dropped to 3-22.

The Bacolod-based squad hopes to extend their winning run and improve their playoffs chances as they battle General Santos Warriors at the Bataan People’s Center in Orani town on Saturday, August 19.

BACOLOD 84 — Cantimbuhan 16, Basibas 11, Alves 10, Sarangay 10, Magbanua 8, Sedillo 6, Menguez 6, Matillano 6, Alano 6, Chauca 5, Stevens 0, Koga 0.

LAGUNA 66 — Garcia 16, Pallares 12, Dedicatoria 10, Pontejos 9, De Vera 4, Quiminales 4, Mendoza 3, Celis 3, Anonuevo 3, Mescallado 2, Santiago 0.

Quarterscores: 26-19, 44-33, 64-48, 84-66./ASC, WDJ