Bacolod-Masters Sardines pumped life into to its playoff chances after outlasting Basilan-Jumbo Plastic, 96-89, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Cup on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Pao Javelona dropped 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists for the Masters Sardines-owned club — who moved up to the 11th spot of the Southern Division with a 9-16 card, four games behind eight-running Bicol.
“We’re not thinking of our chances, what we’re doing right now is to play and enjoy also to win as much as we can,” said Bacolod head coach Vic Ycasiano.
Down by seven points in the final canto, Allyn Bulanadi drilled a three-pointer while Jay Collado converted an and-one play to make it a two-point game for Basilan, 75-77, with 5:49 remaining.
Through Ben Adamos and Yankie Haruna, Bacolod managed to widen their lead to six points.
Bulanadi and Irven Palencia trimmed the deficit to two once more for Basilan, but Jeric Cañada and Javelona drained consecutive three-pointers, 89-81, to fend off the pesky Steel with under two minutes left.
Jess Villahermosa had 15 points while Cañada provided 14 markers founded on four triples.
Meanwhile, Bulanadi’s 33-point explosion went to waste as Basilan went down to 16-10 and is now tied in the fourth slot with Zamboanga, also in the Southern Division.
The Scores:
Bacolod-Masters Sardines (96) — Javelona 21, Villahermosa 15, Cañada 14, Haruna 14, Adamos 11, Camacho 8, Custodio 6, Gayosa 4, Tansingco 3, Charcos 0
Basilan-Jumbo Plastic (89) — Bulanadi 33, Collado 15, Dagangon 9, Lunor 6, Bautista 6, Palencia 4, Gabo 3, Alanes 3, Sorela 3, Dumapig 3, Hallare 2, Balucanag 2, Manalang 0
Quarterscores: 18-28, 48-53, 72-67, 96-89
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
