By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Muscovados rode on another double-double performance from Renz Palma to defeat the Bulacan Kuyas, 83-64, in the 2024 MPBL Season at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Monday, August 12.

The former PBA forward finished with 22 points and 10 assists to go with nine rebounds and two steals as the Muscovados hiked their record to 11-12 for eighth place in the Southern Division.

“Talagang pinapahalagahan namin ang bawat laro namin, kasi gusto talaga naming maka-secure ng playoff spot, kaya talagang sinusunod namin ang instruction ng coaches,” Palma said.

“For me, nagawa ko naman ‘yung role ko for this game. Nakapag-contribute ako pati sa assist department, kaya ginagawa talaga naming maging consistent each game,” he added.

Buenaventura Raflores, Jr. also tallied a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Alvin Capobres, Jose Piero Longa and Jan Formento contributed 12, 11 and 10 markers, respectively, for Negros.

From a slim 19-14 lead after the opening quarter, the Muscovados started to create separation in the second period behind Palma and Raflores for a 42-29 halftime advantage.

The Muscovados went on with their offense in the second half, as the lead reached its largest at 25 points at 83-58 on a conversion by Capobres with two minutes remaining in the game.

John Cayno Carandang finished with 11 points, while Khen Osicos added 10 markers as the Kuyas dropped to a 2-21 win-loss slate./ASC, WDJ

NEGROS 83 — Palma 22, Raflores 13, Capobres 12, Longa 11, Formento 10, Reyes 9, Ramos 4, Espanola 2, Peralta 0, Lorenzo 0, Gania 0, Geolingo 0, Caunan 0, Chavez 0, Alcaide 0.

BULACAN 64 — Carandang 11, Osicos 10, Dada 9, Baltazar 9, Celis 6, Montero 5, Bangeles 5, Salindong 4, Viernes 3, Pastrana 2, Andales 0, Manzo 0, Benedictos 0, Samonte 0.

Quarterscores: 19-14, 42-29, 66-50, 83-64.