By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Muscovados leaned on a huge endgame run to defeat the Mindoro Tamaraws, 68-64, in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Caloocan Sports Complex on Tuesday night, June 25.

Down 58-61 after a three-pointer by Tamaraws’ Ken Bono with three minutes left, the Muscovados responded with back-to-back hits from Mark Atabay and Jan Formento to take a 62-61 lead.

The Muscovados increased the lead to 66-61 following free throws from James Una and Renz Palma, but the Tamaraws answered with a triple from Bono before Palma sealed the win with two free throws with four seconds left.

Jeremy Cruz led the way with 17 points, including three three-point conversions, to go with six rebounds, two assists and a block as the Muscovados snapped their losing skid to improve to a 5-10 win-loss slate.

Palma chipped in 16 markers, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block, while Formento came off-the-bench to contribute 12 points to earn the Player of the Game honors.

“Medyo disappointed ako dun sa last game ko kasi hindi ako naka-contribute. Kaya ang naging mindset ko lang this game is gagawin ko kung ano ‘yung maitutulong ko sa team,” Formento said.

“Sana maging simula na ito ng winning streak para sa amin. Itutuloy lang namin na mag-stick sa defense, and ‘yung communication inside the court,” the Bacolodnon said.

“Masarap talaga maglaro para sa home team,” he added.

Jhon Jerrick Caspe led the way with 18 points, Ilonggo Bono added 14 points and nine rebounds, and Bernabe Teodoro contributed 11 points as the Tamaraws dropped to a 4-11 record./ASC, WDJ

NEGROS 68 — Cruz 17, Palma 16, Formento 12, Raflores 6, Espanola 6, Una 5, Atabay 4, Longa 2, Lorenzo 0, Gabriel 0, Ramos 0, Capobres 0.

MINDORO 64 — Caspe 18, Bono 14, Teodoro 11, Vaygan 9, Ariar 7, Camit 2, Sombero 2, Rios 1, Aquino 0, Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 15-14, 28-32, 51-50, 68-64.