BACOOR CITY — Playing in front of its home fans, second-seed Bacoor City put up an inspired performance, devouring seventh seed GenSan-Burlington, 95-72, to take a 1-0 edge in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan quarterfinals, Wednesday at the Strike Gym here.
The Strikers were scorching right from the get-go, rolling to a blistering 20-4 start — eight coming from Datu Cup MVP Gab Banal, alongside three dimes. They never looked back after that, with their advantage never dwindling below eight points.
High-leaping Nick Demusis put the exclamation point in the contest with a one-handed tomahawk dunk to give his side its biggest lead of the game at 23.
Reigning MVP Gab Banal top-billed for the Strikers with 20 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
“Our last game against GenSan, their guards got going early. That’s why we neutralize the ability of their guards to attack us inside,” said Bacoor coach Chris Gavina, recalling their hard-fought 87-75 win last January 20.
Michael Mabulac added a double-double of 15 markers and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Oping Sumalinog had 13 points, five boards, three dimes, and three steals.
Guards Ian Melencio and RJ Ramirez also contributed 10 points apiece.
Robby Celiz paced GenSan with 17 markers and eight rebounds, while Pamboy Raymundo delivered 16 points and nine boards. Mikey Williams chalked up 15 markers in 18 shots, to go with eight dimes and five boards.
The Strikers look to advance to the next round when they face the Warriors on Monday, February 24, at the Basilan City Gymnasium.
The Scores:
Bacoor City 95 – Banal 20, Mabulac 15, Sumalinog 13, Ramirez 10, Melencio 10, Montuano 7, Cañete 7, Pangilinan 6, Acidre 3, Demusis 2, Aquino 2, Andaya 0, Destacamento 0.
GenSan-Burlington 72 – Celiz 17, Raymundo 16, Williams 15, Cabanag 10, Masaglang 4, Orbeta 3, Mahaling 2, Goloran 2, Basco 2, Bautista 1, Landicho 0.
Quarterscores: 24-9, 45-26, 69-54, 95-72.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
