CEBU CITY — Bacoor City pounced on a depleted Makati Super Crunch squad, 86-63, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Cup at the Southwestern University-Aznar Coliseum here, Saturday.
Despite a 32-day break, the Strikers did not show any rust. And it’s because of the tough sessions Chris Gavina held for the team.
“You know, we extremely prepared this last month. We knew Makati is the second top team in the north. It wasn’t going to be easy but we really committed to putting in the work,” said Gavina.
With Bacoor already up by 20 points heading into the final frame, Mark Pangilinan connected on two long bombs in a 10-0 run to give the Strikers their biggest lead of the game at 28, 77-49, with 7:20 left.
Ian Melencio, Dawn Ochea, and Pangilinan then took turns pummeling down the Super Crunch-backed squad.
Michael Cañete finished with 18 points and nine rebounds to keep Bacoor in second in the Southern Division with a 19-5 standing.
Michael Mabulac added 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Meanwhile, Gab Banal flirted with a triple-double, collecting 11 points, 14 boards, and eight assists.
Banal and Oping Sumalinog opened the flood gates on a 33-point opening quarter to give the Strikers a huge 22-point advantage, to turn the game to a lopsided affair early.
Makati, who played without Rudy Lingganay, Jeckster Apinan, and Jong Baloria, was led by Sedurifa with 19 points built on four triples.
The team also played without head coach Cholo Villanueva, who is out for personal reasons. Taking over the head coaching duties was Manny Mendoza.
Makati slid to the third spot of the Northern Division with a 20-5 win-loss slate.
The Scores:
Bacoor City Strikers (86) –– Cañete 18, Mabulac 14, Banal 11, Pangilinan 11, Demusis 9, Sumalinog 8, Melencio 6, Acidre 3, Ochea 2, Andaya 2, Ramirez 2, Aquino 0, Montuano 0, Acuña 0
Makati Super Crunch (63) — Sedurifa 19, Villanueva 11, Manlangit 10, Cruz 9, Asoro 8, Importante 5, Lacsamana 1, Lloren 0, Cayanan 0, Morales 0, Sta. Maria 0
Quarterscores: 33-11, 43-33, 67-47, 86-63
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
