Bacolod bounced back, venting its ire on Caloocan with an 85-65 romp in the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational powered by TM, Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Nhomer Gonzales finished with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the field along with 14 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Ballers, who were coming off a deflating 62-88 loss from Iloilo yesterday.
“Ang nakita ko lang is kailangan matuto kami sa pangyayari last game kasi parang ‘di kami yun e,” said Bacolod head coach Alex Angeles.
“So ito talaga yung tunay na laro namin yung dumidipensa kami, umiistop. Hindi namin problema yung offense. Basta we make sure na we stop every possession,” he added.
Already up by 13 points entering the fourth frame, the Ballers pounced on a helpless Caloocan in the fourth. Kraniel Villoria then knocked down two free throws to spread the lead to 22, 83-61, with 1:58 remaining.
Viloria delivered 13 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Ichie Altamirano chipped on 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Bacolod is now at 3-1 in Pool A while Caloocan dropped to 1-2. Pasig-Sta. Lucia kept its unbeaten 2-0 slate, while Iloilo (2-1), Bacoor (1-2), and Negros (0-3) followed.
On the other hand, Damian Lasco led the way for Caloocan with 16 points and for rebounds.
Mon Mabayo added 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Pao Javillonar had eight markers and 14 boards.
Bacolod will take on Sta. Lucia next on Saturday at 9:30 AM. Meanwhile, Caloocan will also have Pasig-Sta. Lucia as its next opponent tomorrow at 12:00 PM.
The Scores:
Bacolod (85) – Gonzales 18, Viloria 13, Altamirano 13, Bayquin 7, Pastias 6, Tulipas 6, Guillen 6, Comia 5, Soriano 5, Montuano 4, Dionson 2, Dela Cruz 0.
Caloocan (65) РLasco 16, Mabayo 13, Javillonar 8, Pe̱aredondo 8, Labing-isa 8, Esguerra 8, Matias 3, Gil 1, Rosagas 0, Raflores 0, Escobal 0, Sablan 0.
Quarterscores: 20-20, 48-32, 64-51, 85-65
