BALANGA, BATAAN — Pasay continued its playoff push with a 61-50 victory over Bacolod-Master Sardines in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Cup at the People Center Capitol, Wednesday.
With the victory, the Voyagers upped their slate to 14-12. They are a step behind eight-running Caloocan-Victory Liner, who possesses a 14-11 standing, in the Northern Division.
Up by five points, 48-43, after the third canto, Pasay tightened its defensive screws. It then limited Bacolod to just seven points in the last frame.
This included a pivotal 11-5 rally sparked by Elmar Moradas, Jan Jamon, and Jaypee Belencion to end the match.
“Siyempre laking bagay nung panalo namin ngayon. Laking adjustments namin sa ensayo kasi kailangan namin dumepensa ng maayos, kasi napag-usapan namin doon sa training namin [na] mag-usap kami sa depensa,” said Jaypee Belencion, who fired 15 points built on three three-pointers laced with four rebounds.
Ron Lastimosa provided 13 points, while Jason Opiso and Moradas added 11 points apiece for Pasay.
On the other hand, no player from Bacolod hit the double-digit mark. Ben Adamos finished with nine points and eight boards.
The Master Sardines-owned squad are now on the brink, falling to a tie with Mindoro in the 11th spot of the Southern Division with identical 9-17 records.
Another loss for Bacolod, or a win by the eighth-running Bicol, ends its playoff hope.
The Scores:
Pasay (61) –Belencion 15, Lastimosa 13, Opiso 11, Moradas 11, Reverente 7, Inigo 2, Jamon 2, Hilario 0, Chan 0, de Villa 0, Ilagan 0
Bacolod-Master Sardines (50) – Adamos 9, Javelona 8, Camacho 7, Villahermosa 7, Tansingco 5, Haruna 5, Gayosa 3, Charcos 3, Canada 3.
Quarterscores: 13-15, 29-31, 48-33, 61-50
Story by Jonash Dannug
