BACOOR — Manila-Frontrow utilized a huge fourth quarter rally to stave off Bacoor, 78-74, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, Monday at the Strike Gym here.
Up by five entering the second half, the Stars clicked on all cylinders, unloading a huge 17-3 blast — capped by Carlo Lastimosa’s layup off a turnover — to establish a 19-point lead, 61-42. But Bacoor battled back to within three via an Oping Sumalinog drive to cap a 20-4 blast, 65-62.
Manila then steadied its ship with an 11-4 counter-run, punctuated by a triple from Lastimosa to restore order the rest of the way, 76-66.
With the victory, the Stars improved to 24-5. They remain in pursuit of the top spot in the Northern division held by San Juan-Go for Gold at 24-4.
“Naging composed lang kami noong fourth quarter. Naging complacent kasi kami eh. Nilakad namin ‘yung dapat itinatakbo namin, doon kami nagkamali,” said Manila coach Tino Pinat.
Aris Dionisio spearheaded the Stars with 22 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Lastimosa punched in 18 markers, five boards, and three assists.
Meanwhile, Chris Bitoon did a little bit of everything with 11 points, eight dimes, five rebounds, and two steals.
On the other hand, RJ Ramirez paced Bacoor with 15 points and four rebounds. Mark Pangilinan and Sumalinog tallied 10 markers apiece.
Gab Banal was in uniform but did not play, as he had just arrived from Dubai earlier.
The Strikers slid to 23-6, one-and-a-half games behind Southern division top-seed Davao Occidental-Cocolife at 24-4.
The Scores:
Manila-Frontrow 78 – Dionisio 22, Lastimosa 17, Bitoon 11, Abrigo 7, Espinas 7, Dyke 4, Matias 3, Lee 3, Arellano 2, Hayes 2, Montilla 0, Go 0, Camacho 0.
Bacoor 74 – Ramirez 15, Sumalinog 10, Pangilinan 10, Demusis 8, Mabulac 6, Destacamento 6, Acuña 4, Cañete 4, Melencio 4, Montuano 3, Ochea 2, Aquino 2, Acidre 0.
Quarterscores: 24-24, 44-39, 65-55, 78-74.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
