By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers overcame a fourth quarter run by Bacolod City of Smiles for a 90-79 victory in the 2024 MPBL Season at the Paco Arena in Manila on Tuesday night, August 13.
Leading by as much as 24 points early in the fourth quarter, the Golden Coolers were surprised by a huge run by Bacolod, which cut the deficit to as low as eight points at 71-79 on a triple by Jamel Ramos.
The Golden Coolers stopped the bleeding with conversions from Alwyn Alday, Riego Gamalinda and John Apacible before they sealed the victory with free throws from Kraniel Villoria.
John Winfred Gob II finished with 15 points, six rebounds, four blocks, and two assists as the Golden Coolers secured their third straight victory to improve to a 12-10 win-loss record.
“Gusto lang ng coaches na ipakita namin ang killer instinct namin and ipakita ‘yung intensity namin no matter the [win-loss] record ng mga makakalaban namin,” Gob said in his Player of the Game interview.
“Minsan kasi kapag ‘yung kalaban namin, ‘yung standings nila not up to par, nagre-relax kami, and naipakita naman namin sa larong ito na kaya naming mag-bounce back sa ganoong situation,” he added.
Villoria tallied a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds, Marvel Joy Jimenez unloaded five triples to end up with 15 markers, while Apacible contributed 12 points for Rizal.
“Ang biggest challenge siguro namin as a team is ‘yung cohesion namin, especially in closing out games. Siguro, we just have to trust each other, run the system, run the offense, para ma-preserve ‘yung lead,” Gob said.
Danny Marilao and Yvan Ludovice tallied 17 points apiece, while Rashawn McCarthy and Louie Vigil added 14 points each as Bacolod dropped to a 1-21 win-loss slate.
Bacolod City of Smiles will have another chance to snap their lengthy losing skid when they face Quezon City TODA Aksyon at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on August 19./ASC, WDJ
RIZAL 90 — Gob 15, Jimenez 15, Villoria 15, Apacible 12, Alday 7, Gamalinda 6, Serrano 5, Dela Cruz 4, Salcedo 3, Salazar 3, Timajo 3, Bernardo 2.
BACOLOD 79 — Marilao 17, Ludovice 17, McCarthy 14, Vigil 14, Antiporda 8, Peromingan 4, Ramos 3, Lopez 2, Pardo 0.
Quarterscores: 18-15, 48-36, 75-54, 90-79.