MANILA – All-Star Bacolod Ballers Bingo Plus hacked out a 77-69 triumph over Armed Forces of the Philippines Cavaliers in the 2022 Filbasket Summer Championship on Sunday at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Muntinlupa City.
Edrian Lao spearheaded the offense with 14 points to go with nine rebounds as the All-Star Bacolod notched its fourth straight victory to improve to 5-2 win-loss slate.
Alwyn Alday chipped in 12 markers, including three outside conversions. Negrense Mark Yee and Joel Lee Yu contributed 10 markers apiece for the Ballers.
The Cavaliers set the tone early as they build a 19-12 advantage on back-to-back hits by Lord Casajeros, the Ballers trimmed it to 17-19 on a triple by Jerome Garcia and twinner by Lee Yu.
Bacolod turned things around in the second period with outside baskets from Albo and inside conversions from Lao, Richard Albo and Kraniel Villoria for a 36-34 halftime advantage.
The Ballers stayed afloat in the third quarter with conversions from Yee and Lao. The Cavaliers had its response to remain within striking distance and be down just 55-50.
The Bacolodnons continued its run at the onset of fourth quarter to make it a double-digit spread at 63-53 with perimeter conversions from Lao, Alday and Viloria.
The Cavaliers made its last push as it cut the deficit to 61-68 but two free throws by Lao followed by back-to-back conversions by Lee Yu gave the Ballers its largest lead at 72-61.
“The team made a change on its defensive adjustment that caught Makati off-guard. That momentum shift the driver’s seat to the Ballers,” said team manager Leo Bat-Og.
Jake Diwa finished with double-double 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jess Mar Villahermosa and Casajeros added 15 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Cavaliers dropped to 4-3./PN
