MANILA – Negros Pau Muscovados pulled away in the second half to score a 102-88 triumph over Bacolod City of Smiles in the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Thursday night at the Batangas State University Gymnasium.
Jason Melano led the way with 23 points, including five three-point conversions, to go with 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and a block as the Muscovados improved to 7-12 win-loss slate.
Jun Manzo added 18 points, with two outside connections, along with five rebounds and five assists, while Bernie Bregondo contributed 12 markers and eight boards for the Muscovados.
Clinging to a slim 27-25 lead after the first 10 minutes, the Muscovados relied on inside hits by Mark Maloles and Robert Bartolo for a 40-29 lead but Bacolod responded with eight straight points from Regie Boy Basibas to cut the deficit to 47-53 at the half.
Bacolod opened the third quarter with a strong run to take a 58-56 lead but three-pointers by Melano and Nemesis dela Cruz and back-to-back baskets from Lawrence Mallari allowed Negros to build a 78-72 advantage.
The Muscovados continued its run in the fourth quarter as they build an 83-72 lead on a triple by Leo James Ingles and two free throws by Mallari but Bacolod managed to stay within 10 points on a basket by Justin Alano.
Negros went on to pull away with three-pointers from Melano and Manzo and inside connections from Maloles and Melano as the lead reached its largest at 100-82 with over a minute left.
“Nag-compose lang kami (nung fourth quarter). Sabi rin ni coach (Bonnie Garcia) sa amin na dumepensa at ituloy ‘yung offense namin, maganda naman ‘yung naging run namin,” Melano said.
Domark Matillano finished with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Mark Sarangay and Basibas contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, as Bacolod City dropped to 7-12 record.
The Muscovados will try to record its second straight win against Rizal Xentro Mall Golden Coolers on July 19 at Ynares Center in Antipolo City, while Bacolod City faces Sarangani Marlins on the same day.
BOX SCORE:
NEGROS 102 – Melano 23, Manzo 18, Bregondo 12, Ingles 8, Dela Cruz 8, Bartolo 8, Maloles 7, Gantalao 6, Longa 6, Mallari 6, Dionson 0, Pastias 0.
BACOLOD 88 – Matillano 17, Sarangay 14, Basibas 12, Alves 9, Koga 9, Menguez 8, Stevens 6, Alano 4, Sedillo 3, Magbanua 3, Cantimbuhan 3.
Quarterscores: 27-25, 53-47, 78-72, 102-88./PN
