Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines reinforced their playoff bid with an 85-78 win against Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season at the Bahayang Pag-asa Gym in Valenzuela City, Tuesday.
Down by 19 points, 76-57, Jayson Varilla drained a three-pointer in the 7:38 mark of the fourth quarter to pump life into Valenzuela’s campaign. The former UE stalwart was able to ignite an 8-0 run to trim Zamboanga’s lead to 11 points, 76-65.
However, Alvin Pasaol went back in the game with less than four minutes remaining and scored four consecutive points for Zamboanga to fend off the home squad.
“I think we didn’t finish strong on this game. Of course, credit to Valenzuela for really protecting their own. [They’re a] Very well-coached and very disciplined team. Also, I think we need to work on how to finish our game,” said Reroma.
Pasaol dropped 24 points to go along with nine rebounds and four assists to give Zamboanga its third straight victory en route to a 16-10 record in the Southern Division — good for seventh in the tight race.
Santi Santillan chipped in 14 points and seven boards while Anton Asistio had 11 points built on two triples.
On the other hand, Paolo Hubalde led Valenzuela with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
Allan Santos contributed 12 points and seven boards. Meanwhile, Varilla and Poligrates ended with 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Carga Backload Solutions-backed team.
Valenzuela dropped their third consecutive game while sliding down to 16th in the Northern Division with a 9-16 record.
The Scores:
Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines (85) –Pasaol 22, Santillan 14, Reyes 12, Asistio 11, Manzo 7, Black 6, Villamor 4, Rono 4, Thiele 2, Bonsubre 1, Morido 0, de Vera 0
Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions (78) – Hubalde 16, Varilla 12, Santos 12, Poligrates 10, Acuna 8, Mabigat 6, Ruaya 4, Diego 4, Sta. Maria 3, Ricafort 2, Gimpayan 1, Martinez 0, Kalaw 0, Armenion 0,
Quarterscores: 21-18, 45-35, 71-55, 85-78
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Angela Davocol
