MANILA – AllStar Bacolod Ballers BingoPlus returned to their winning ways in the 2022 Filbasket Summer Championship with an 84-75 beating of Danao City-MJaS Zenith on Saturday night at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City.
Edrian Lao spearheaded the offense with 15 points to go with three rebounds, one assist and a block. The Ballers finished the elimination phase with 7-4 win-loss record.
Negrense Mark Yee chipped in 10 points, five rebounds and five assists. Joel Lee Yu and Alwyn Alday also chipped in with 10 markers apiece for Bacolod.
The victory was also a welcome sight for Bacolod heading into the playoffs after suffering back-to-back losses to Family Brand Sardines (79-70) and Muntinlupa Angelis Resort (80-77).
The Ballers surged to a slim 17-14 lead with consecutive baskets from Lee Yu but Danao City answered back with shots of their own to trim the deficit to 19-18.
Bacolod went on a hot start in the second frame behind Jan Casino and Alday for a 33-24 lead. Danao City cut it to six but conversions by Lao widened the lead to 44-34 at the half.
The Ballers went on to build a 54-40 advantage in the third canto on back-to-back hits from Lao and Yee. Danao City trimmed it to seven but free throws by Jboy Solis made it a double-digit spread anew.
The Ballers opened the fourth period with consecutive shots from Lao as the lead reached its largest at 77-61. Danao City made its last push but could only come to as close as eight points.
Patrick Cabahug top-scored with 21 points, former Bacolod player Jaycee Adjel chipped in 11 markers, while Johnnel Bauzon also had 11 points for Danao City (3-8).
Up next for the Ballers is their quarterfinals encounter with AFP-FSD Makati Cavaliers at SJDM Sports Complex, Bulacan today where the Bacolodnons own a twice-to-beat incentive.
BOX SCORE:
BACOLOD 84 — Lao 15, Yee 10, Lee Yu 10, Alday 10, Villoria 9, Albo 9, Solis 8, Ilagan 5, Casino 4, Garcia 2, Gonzales 2.
DANAO CITY 75 — Cabahug 21, Adjel 11, Bauzon 11, Meca 9, Apreku 8, Basibas 7, Ugsang 4, Armenion 2, Rios 2, Quilatan 0, Cudal 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18, 44-34, 57-48, 84-75./PN
