By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tubo Slashers faltered to the Bulacan Kuyas, 69-63, in a battle of cellar-dwelling teams in the 2025 MPBL Season at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga on Tuesday night, June 10.

Joseph Celso finished with a career-high of 20 points, to go with 14 rebounds and two blocks, to be named Player of the Game as the Kuyas notched their second win in 16 games.

“Trinabaho talaga namin itong panalo na ito. Sa practice, talagang go hard kami kasi gusto talaga naming manalo this game,” Celso said after the win.

“Gusto pa po namin na manalo pa po at maipakita ‘yung talent ng team namin,” he added.

Ilonggo John Rey Sumido top-scored for the Kuyas with 22 points, including four three-pointers, to go with five rebounds.

Joseph Marquez delivered seven points and four rebounds.

The Kuyas were able to rely on their outside shooting, converting eight of 17 attempts, to subdue the Tubo Slashers, who only managed to make four of their 22 three-point tries.

Mark Rey Dubouzet top-scored for the Tubo Slashers with 15 points, to go with three assists and two rebounds.

Chester Saldua chipped in 14 markers, while Jaycee Sam Adjei had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

They dropped to a 2-11 record.

Meanwhile, Cyrus Tabi scored 15 points, to go with six rebounds and four assists, to be named Player of the Game as the Pasay Voyagers (9-7) defeated the Valenzuela City Magic (4-12), 81-66.

On the other hand, defending champion Pampanga Giant Lanterns (11-4) outdueled the Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers (9-6), 74-71.

Archie Concepcion led the way for Pampanga with 22 markers./ASC, WDJ

BULACAN 69 — Sumido 22, Celso 20, Marquez 7, Jumao-as 6, Bulawan 6, Umpad 4, Espiritu 3, Osicos 1, Gonzaga 0, Ibe 0, Serrano 0.

BACOLOD 63 — Dubouzet 15, Saldua 14, Adjei 10, Movida 8, Pastias 7, Canal 6, Soriano 2, Aquino 1, Sobrevega 0, Intia 0.

Quarterscores: 8-6, 28-23, 47-42, 69-63.