By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Negros Muscovados continued their hot start in the 2024 MPBL Season after a 75-68 victory over the Bicolandia Oragons at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday afternoon, April 16.
Renz Palma spearheaded the offense with 20 points to go with four assists, one rebound, one steal, and a block as the Muscovados improved to a 3-0 card, their best start in the MPBL.
Jeremy Cruz connected with six three-point baskets to end up with 18 markers. Mark Atabay had a near double-double performance of 11 points and nine rebounds, while Hubert Cani ended with 11 markers for Negros.
Muscovados head coach Bonnie Garcia said their hot start in the competition can be credited to their much-improved commitment to defense, which was lacking from them last season.
“We emphasized defense. That’s our no. 1 priority, and then our commitment to win,” Garcia said in a post-game interview.
“We are winning because the players [are] responding to the system,” he added.
The Muscovados cruised to a 16-10 first quarter lead behind connections from Palma and Cruz.
The Negrenses maintained a 31-24 halftime lead with baskets from Atabay and Palma.
Negros continued their run in the third quarter as the lead reached its biggest at 43-30 on a conversion by Jeff Comia, but Bicolandia responded with a run to cut the deficit to 51-57.
The Oragons went on to tie the score at 57-all early in the fourth period, but the Muscovados got timely hits from Atabay, Palma, Cani, and James Una for a 67-57 advantage.
Marvin Lee top-scored with 18 points, including two three-point conversions, John Edcel Rojas added 14 markers and eight rebounds as the Oragons remained winless in three matches.
The Muscovados will have their first real test against Zamboanga Master Sardines at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on April 22 at 6:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ
NEGROS 75 — Palma 20, Cruz 18, Atabay 11, Cani 11, Ludovice 5, Una 5, Mahinay 2, Comia 2, Caunan 1, Capobres 0, Longa 0, Ramos 0.
BICOLANDIA 68 — Lee 18, Rojas 14, Go 8, Deles 8, Alanes 8, Burgos 5, Gallego 3, Reyes 2, Javier 2, Casajeros 2, Yu 0, Llarena 0, Macaballug 0.
Quarterscores: 16-10, 31-24, 57-51, 75-68.