By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Bacolod City of Smiles almost got their entire roster back but still suffered an 80-74 defeat to the Muntinlupa Cagers ELBURG Paramount in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum on Saturday night, June 8.
After competing with just six players during their lopsided 115-64 loss to the Abra Weavers on June 3, Bacolod suited up with 12 active players against the Cagers.
Watchmen Daily Journal learned from a source that the management of Bacolod City of Smiles had already settled their financial obligations with their players, which led to their return for the Cagers game.
“Naayos na, nabayaran na ‘yung mga players,” a source said.
“Unti-unti nang bumabalik ‘yung mga players, pati na rin ‘yung mga homegrown players na umuwi sa Bacolod City,” he added.
With their almost complete lineup, Bacolod was able to keep in step with Muntinlupa as they turned a 10-19 first quarter deficit into a 35-39 score at the half behind connections from Danny Marilao.
Bacolod continued their momentum in the third quarter as they took a slim 57-56 lead on a conversion by LA Casinillo before Muntinlupa quickly regained the advantage at 58-57.
The Bacolodnons kept the match close in the fourth quarter at 66-67 on connections from Casinillo and MacLean Sabellina, but consecutive shots from Alfred Flores allowed Muntinlupa to establish a 73-66 lead with three minutes left.
Bacolod still made their last push, cutting the deficit to 70-73, but Muntinlupa responded with a three-pointer and a layup by Flores for a 78-70 edge with more than a minute left.
Flores top-scored for Muntinlupa with 21 points, including two three-pointers, to go with six rebounds and an assist, while Joshua Marcos contributed 19 as they improved to a 4-8 win-loss slate.
Casinillo led the way for Bacolod with 16 points, Jacob Galicia added 14 markers, while Marilao and Alfred Sedillo ended with 10 points apiece as they dropped to a 1-11 record./ASC, WDJ
MUNTINLUPA 80 — Flores 21, Marcos 19, Moralde 7, Cuevas 6, Batac 5, Bongay 5, Guiab 4, De Leon 4, Capacio 4, Buenaflor 3, Sombero 2, Vento 0, Arenal 0, Gonzales 0.
BACOLOD 74 — Casinillio 16, Galicia 14, Marilao 10, Sedillo 10, Ramos 7, Sabelina 5, Galit 4, Salcedo 4, Peromingan 2, Manalang 2, Pardo 0, Partosa 0.
Quarterscores: 19-10, 39-35, 58-57, 80-74.