MANILA – Negros Pau Muscovados got back on the winning track in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. It defeated Quezon City TODA Aksyon V Fresh, 77-61, over the weekend at the STRIKE Gym in Bacoor, Cavite.
Jason Melano was adjudged the Player of the Game after registering 17 points to go with five rebounds, five assists and four steals as the Muscovados hiked its win-loss record to 10-15.
Mark Maloles added 15 markers and three rebounds, while Camillus Altamirano ended with 13 points, including two three-pointers, to go with four steals.
Holding to a slim 16-11 lead after the first quarter, the Muscovados started to create separation in the second frame behind connections by Leo James Ingles and Altamirano for a 35-22 halftime lead.
The Muscovados pulled away further in the second half with Melano and Maloles converting from inside and Jonathan Gantalao Jr. and Robert Bartolo making their layups for its biggest lead of 17 points.
Errol Soriano tallied double-double 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kenji Roman contributed 14 markers and eight boards as the cellar-dwelling Quezon City dropped to 3-23.
The Muscovados hope to extend their winning streak to keep their playoff hopes alive as they battle Batangas City Embassy Chill at eight in the evening tonight at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City of Smiles (10-15) failed to sustain its uprising as it suffered an 87-80 defeat to General Santos Warriors (19-6) at the Bataan People’s Center in Orani, Bataan.
John Marion Wilson got the Player of the Game honors for General Santos with 20 points, Jervy Cruz added 15 markers, while Krystoffe Jimenez contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
John Cantimbuhan top-scored for Bacolod City with 14 points, Domark Matillano and Christopher Menguez added 12 and 11, respectively, while Mark Sarangay and Ryussei Koga ended with 10 points each./PN
BOX SCORE:
NEGROS 77 – Melano 17, Maloles 15, Altamirano 13, Bregondo 8, Ingles 6, Gantalao 4, Bartolo 4, Pastias 3, Mallari 3, Dionson 2, Dela Cruz 2, Longa 0.
QUEZON CITY 61 – Soriano 18, Roman 14, Lina 9, Benavides 9, Pedrosa 7, Flores 3, Berjay 1, Sumalacay 0, Bagon 0, Melegrito 0, Lo 0, Enriquez 0.
Quarterscores: 16-11, 35-22, 58-42, 77-61.
