By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Muscovados failed to sustain their fiery start as they bowed to the Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX, 91-72, in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Pangasinan on Saturday night, July 27.

The Muscovados were scorching early as they took a 23-14 lead behind early conversions from Buenaventura Raflores Jr., but Biñan leaned on conversions by Kenny Rogers Rocacurva and Rommel Cañaleta to cut the deficit to 21-25.

After going down 25-33 early in the second period, Biñan leaned on the baskets by Jonathan Grey and Rocacurva to tie the count at 33-all before surging ahead at 45-39 with connections from Rocacurva and Anthony Helterbrand.

Biñan continued their rampage in the third quarter with conversions from Rocacurva, Grey and Joseph Peñaredondo, as the advantage grew to 71-51 entering the fourth quarter.

The Muscovados opened the fourth quarter with a run to cut the deficit to 64-75, but Biñan responded with six straight points from Rocacurva and inside hits from Jean Marc Pingris to increase the lead back to 19 points.

Rocacurva provided a spark for Biñan as he finished with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds to go with two assists to earn the Player of the Game honors.

“Siguro naging swerte lang ako kaya naka-perform ako ng ganito,” Rocacurva said in a post-game interview.

“Siguro ipagpapatuloy lang namin ‘yung pagsunod namin sa game plan para tuloy-tuloy din ang panalo namin,” he added.

Grey added 14 markers, Jeric Pido and John Murphy Raymundo contributed 11 markers apiece, while Cañaleta contributed 10 markers as Biñan improved to an 11-7 win-loss slate.

John Rey Villanueva and Renz Palma finished with 12 points apiece, while Raflores added 11 markers, four rebounds and four assists as the Muscovados dropped to a 9-12 record with the defeat.

The Muscovados will attempt to bounce back when they face the Sarangani Marlins at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on August 5 at 4:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ

BIÑAN 91 — Rocacurva 22, Grey 14, Raymundo 11, Pido 11, Cañaleta 10, Peñaredondo 7, Helterbrand 6, Pingris 6, Maestre 2, Gimpayan 2, Manalang 0, Baetiong 0, Actub 0.

NEGROS 72 — Villanueva 12, Palma 12, Raflores 11, Reyes 9, Gabriel 6, Española 6, Capobres 4, Peralta 4, Formento 3, Chavez 2, Cruz 2, Gania 1, Longa 0, Ramos 0.

Quarterscores: 21-25, 45-39, 71-51, 91-72.