By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Negros Muscovados overcame an upset attempt by the Sarangani Marlins for a 102-94 triumph in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna on Monday night, August 5.
Leading by as much as 18 points early in the game, the Muscovados were surprised by a huge run by the Marlins to cut the deficit to 94-97 on five straight points from Ryan Sual.
The Muscovados extended the lead to 99-94 on a conversion by Ryan Reyes before they secured the victory after a three-pointer by Felipe Chavez with three seconds left in the game.
Renz Palma finished with 22 points, including two three-pointers, to go with eight assists, five rebounds and two steals as the Muscovados improved to a 10-12 win-loss slate.
According to Palma, they were reminded by Muscovados head coach Bonnie Garcia to maintain their winning attitude as they hope to solidify their hold on the no. 8 spot in the Southern Division standings.
“Talagang kailangan naming ipanalo every game, kasi sabi nga ni coach, huwag naming sayangin ‘yung opportunity na manalo para ma-maintain namin ‘yung no. 8 spot,” Palma said.
“Lahat talaga nag-uusap-usap na dapat pahalagahan namin ‘yung kapit namin sa no. 8 spot, and nagagawa naman namin pare-parehas at nagagawa namin inside the court,” he added.
Jonjon Gabriel chipped in a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, Chavez contributed 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Alvin Capobres and Reyes had 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Sual finished with 32 points, including six three-point conversions, Larce Christian Sunga added 17 markers while Jeymark Mallari contributed 10 points as the Marlins dropped to 4-16.
The Muscovados will aim for their second consecutive victory as they face the Bulacan Kuyas at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on August 12./ASC, WDJ
NEGROS 102 — Palma 22, Gabriel 19, Chavez 16, Capobres 12, Reyes 10, Raflores 8, Formento 4, Lorenzo 3, Geolingo 3, Gania 2, Peralta 2, Espanola 1, Villanueva 0, Longa 0, Ramos 0.
SARANGANI 94 — Sual 32, Sunga 17, Mallari 10, Alves 8, Callano 7, Destacamento 6, Diputado 5, Hayes 4, Madayag 3, Celso 2, Kawamura 0, Dacara 0.
Quarterscores: 25-19, 45-37, 79-63, 102-94.