By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Bacolod Tubo Slashers pulled off a massive shocker in the MPBL, snapping a 13-game losing skid with a gritty 76-73 upset over the Basilan Starhorse Viva Port Masters at the Playtime FilOil Center on Monday night, August 4.

Bacolod weathered a furious fourth-quarter comeback by Basilan, who erased a 12-point deficit behind back-to-back three-pointers from Lorenzo Navarro that gave the Port Masters a 72-71 edge late in the game.

But the Tubo Slashers showed poise under pressure.

Aldave Canoy hit a go-ahead basket to reclaim the lead at 73-72, followed by a split free throw from Miles Canal.

Basilan threatened again with a free throw by Adrian Santos to cut the gap to 74-73.

Mart James Barrera and Mark Dubouzet then calmly converted from the line to widen Bacolod’s lead to 76-73.

Barrera sealed the win by blocking Emman Calo’s three-point attempt in the dying seconds.

Canoy finished with a team-high 15 points to lead Bacolod, while Mark Ray Malazarte added 14 and Dubouzet chipped in 13.

The victory improved Bacolod’s record to 3-18, finally ending their long drought.

Navarro and Gab Dagangon paced Basilan with 14 points apiece, while Calo contributed 11.

The loss dropped the Port Masters to an even 10-10 record and snapped their winning streak.

In the other game, the Abra Solid North Weavers continued their dominance with a lopsided 117-63 blowout of Manila Batang Quiapo, claiming sole leadership in the standings at 20-1.

Abra broke the game open with a 19-point blitz spanning the second and third quarters, stretching their lead to 78-46 and never looking back.

Dave Ildefonso powered the Weavers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

John Uduba had a monster double-double with 11 points and 16 boards, while Jolo Mendoza added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Veterans Mark Yee and Cyrus Austria also pitched in 10 points each./ASC, WDJ