MANILA – Bacolod City of Smiles fell short anew with their fourth quarter run as they bow to Valenzuela Classics VACARGO, 88-81, in the 2024 MPBL Season on Saturday night at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum.
Down 68-83 with over four minutes left, Bacolod City threatened to within 78-85 on inside conversions by Jebb Bulawan and Tricky Peromingan and three-pointers by Louie Vigil and Ian Pardo.
Valenzuela City countered with a split free throw and a two-pointer from Dennis Santos to make it an 88-78 count before Bacolod City closed the match with a three-pointer from Vigil.
Santos, who is returning from lengthy absence due to a back injury, finished with a career-high of 29 points, including five triples, to go with seven rebounds, two assists, and a block as Valenzuela improved to an 8-8 win-loss slate.
“Ginawa ko lang ‘yung best ko, ‘yung tiwalang ibinigay sa akin ng coaches at ng mga teammates ko, ‘yung tiwala nila hindi nawala kahit na matagal akong injured,” said Santos.
“Galing kami sa dalawang talo and bumaba ‘yung morale ng team kaya maganda talaga para sa team itong panalo na ito, ganito pa din ‘yung gagawin namin sa mga next games para makapag ipon kami ng panalo,” he added.
Mark Montuano added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Dean Paolo Hubalde finished with 12 assists, eight rebounds, seven points, and three steals for Valenzuela City.
Holding to a slim 29-23 lead after the opening quarter, Valenzuela City created separation from Bacolod City in the second period as they cruised to a 56-41 advantage at the half.
Valenzuela City went on to establish their largest lead of 17 points at 58-41 following an inside hit by Montuano, but Bacolod City slowly rallied back to cut the deficit to 75-64 before the Classics increased the lead anew to 83-68.
Vigil finished with a career-high of 35 points to go with 10 rebounds and six assists, Danny Marilao added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Tricky Peromingan contributed 10 as Bacolod City dropped to 1-15./PN
BOX SCORE:
VALENZUELA 88 – Santos 29, Montuano 18, Macion 9, Hubalde 7, Quinahan 6, Payawal 6, Lepalam 3, Martin 3, De Chavez 3, Lacap 3, Armenion 1, Rivera 0, Delos Santos 0, Diego 0.
BACOLOD 81 – Vigil 35, Marilao 12, Peromingan 11, Pardo 7, Bulawan 6, Casinillo 5, Ramos 3, Manalang 2.
Quarterscores; 29-23, 56-41, 75-64, 88-81.
