By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Bacolod City of Smiles survived a late run by the Sarangani Marlins for an 84-81 victory in the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season at Paco Arena in Manila on Thursday, April 18.
Leading by as much as 19 points in the opening half, Bacolod was surprised by a huge second half uprising by the Marlins, which managed to cut the deficit to 81-82 with a split free throw from Jomar Madayag with a minute left.
However, Sarangani wasted multiple opportunities to get the lead after missing their shots before Tricky Peromingan converted two free throws with a second left to increase Bacolod’s lead to 84-81.
Leobert Andrew “LA” Casinillo led the way for Bacolod with 20 points, including two three-point conversions, to go with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals as Bacolod improved to a 1-2 win-loss slate.
Peromingan contributed 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a block, while Jacob Galicia finished with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Bacolodnon squad.
Ryan Sual tallied 23 points, including six three-point conversions, while Madayag added 17 points, eight assists and five rebounds as the Marlins dropped to a 1-2 win-loss slate.
The Alex Cabagnot-mentored Bacolod squad will attempt their second straight win against the Davao Occidental Tigers at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila on April 23 at 6:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo United Royals sustained their second consecutive defeat (1-2) after a 72-66 loss to the Parañaque Patriots (3-0) at the Caloocan Sports Complex in Caloocan City.
John Rey Villanueva led the way for the Patriots with 19 points, including three three-point conversions, Ilonggo Keith Pido added 12 markers, while Jielo Razon contributed 10 points in the win.
Crispin John Cansino top-scored for Iloilo with 21 points, eight rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while Negrense Mark Nonoy contributed 21 markers and four steals in the loss./ASC, WDJ
BACOLOD 84 — Casinillo 20, Peromingan 12, Galicia 11, Galit 8, Marilao 7, Pastias 6, Canal 6, Sabelina 4, Partosa 3, Sedillo 2, Espanola 2, Manalang 2, Ubalde 1, Pardo 0, Solomon 0.
SARANGANI 81 — Sual 23, Madayag 17, Villarente 9, Roque 8, Oftana 7, Bulawan 5, Sta. Ana 4, Diputado 3, Destacamento 2, Peralta 2, Alves 1, Callano 0, Felipe 0.
Quarterscores: 24-24, 53-34, 66-56, 84-81.