By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Bacolod City of Smiles sustained another defeat in the 2024 MPBL Season with a 95-77 beating of the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards at the WES Arena in Valenzuela City on Thursday night, May 23.
This was the Alex Cabagnot-mentored Bacolod squad’s sixth consecutive loss since notching their first victory of the season, an 84-81 escape over the Sarangani Marlins on April 17.
The Rice Vanguards immediately dominated Bacolod in the opening quarter as they established a 27-16 lead.
Nueva Ecija maintained their aggression in the second period as the lead reached 48-35 at the half.
Bacolod showed some life in the third quarter as they turned a 56-38 deficit into a 62-70 score with conversions from JM Manalang, Jacob Galicia, Tricky Peromingan, and Danny Marilao.
However, Nueva Ecija quickly restored order in the final quarter as conversions from Ilonggo Billy Ray Robles, Negrense Robby Celiz and Clark Derige gave them the largest lead at 22 points.
Robles spearheaded the offense with 19 points, on 8-of-10 field goal shooting, to go with seven rebounds, three steals, two assists, and a block to be named Player of the Game for Nueva Ecija.
John Brylle Bahio posted a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Celiz contributed 11 markers, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal for the Rice Vanguards, which remained perfect after seven games.
Galicia finished with 14 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Marilao contributed 12 points and three rebounds as Bacolod dropped to a 1-8 win-loss slate.
The Bacolod City of Smiles will have another tough opponent in their next game as they face the Bulacan Kuyas at the Batangas City Coliseum on May 29 at 6:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ
NUEVA ECIJA 95 — Robles 19, Bahio 11, Celiz 11, Collado 9, Mocon 8, Costelo 7, Derige 6, Bitoon 5, Cosejo 5, Arenas 2, Duremdes 2, Calo 2, Magbuhos 2.
BACOLOD 77 — Galicia 14, Marilao 12, Ubalde 8, Pastias 7, Manalang 7, Peromingan 7, Casinillo 6, Espanola 5, Galit 4, Pardo 4, Partosa 3, Ramos 0, Salcedo 0.
Quarterscores: 27-16, 48-35, 70-63, 95-77.