MANILA – Bacolod City of Smiles continued its losing skid in the 2024 MPBL Season with a 77-62 loss to Zamboanga City Family Sardines on Thursday night at the Olivares College Gymnasium in Paranaque City.
This was the Alex Cabagnot-mentored Bacolod City squad’s fifth consecutive defeat since notching their first victory of the season, an 84-81 escape over Sarangani Marlins on April 17.
Zamboanga City immediately dominated Bacolod City in the opening quarter as they established a 22-13 lead, but the latter had a strong second quarter to cut the deficit to 32-38 at the half.
Bacolod City continued its run in the third quarter as they rallied to within 37-40 on a basket by Tricky Peromingan, but Zamboanga responded with a run from Rey Barcuma and Jaycee Marcelino to widen the advantage to 57-43.
Zamboanga City went on to establish the largest lead at 61-43 on a connection by Marcelino early in the fourth before Bacolod City made the final score respectable with a late run.
Marcelino spearheaded the offense with 23 points, including a three-pointer, to go with four rebounds, one assist, and a block to be named Player of the Game for Zamboanga City.
“Siguro mas tumaas lang ‘yung adrenaline ko nung tinamaan ako sa ilong, kaya nung pagbalik ko, talagang ibinigay ko ‘yung best ko para maipanalo itong game,” Marcelino said.
Barcuma provided offensive spark off the bench with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, and Adrian Santos ended with 10 points and seven rebounds for Zamboanga, which improved to a 7-1 record.
Janjan Pastias finished with 12 points, including two triples, to go with two assists, one rebound, and a block, and Jacob Galicia contributed 10 markers as Bacolod City dropped to 1-7.
The Bacolod City of Smiles will have another tough opponent in their next game as they face Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards at six in the evening on May 23 at the WES Arena in Valenzuela City./PN
BOX SCORE:
ZAMBOANGA 77 – Marcelino 23, Barcuma 12, Santos 10, Publico 6, Alas 6, Terso 5, Gabayni 5, Strait 4, Apolonio 2, Tansingco 2, Mahari 2, Subido 0, Ignacio 0.
BACOLOD 62 – Pastias 12, Galicia 10, Sedillo 7, Canal 7, Ramos 5, Casinillo 4, Marilao 4, Pardo 3, Espanola 2, Ubalde 2, Peromingan 2, Salcedo 2, Galit 0.
Quarterscores: 22-13, 38-32, 57-43, 77-62.
