Bicol-LCC Malls punched its playoff ticket after eliminating Marikina, 86-65, in Pool B of the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Volcanoes, who were just leading by six after the third period, opened the final frame with a 9-0 blast to take a 65-50 advantage in the 7:27-mark.
Bicol eventually outscored Marikina, 30-15, in the fourth and led by as much as 25 points, 86-61, after a Mark Cruz three with 51 seconds remaining.
“We already had four games so hopefully natagtag na yung rust and makakuha na ng rhythm and sana yung mga sets namin both in offense and defense sana tumigas na,” said Volcanoes head coach Aldin Ayo. “Hopefully we learn from our last four matches.”
Mac Tallo had an all-around outing for Bicol with 19 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Ralph Tansingco added 14 points and five rebounds in the win while Cruz and Dennis Santos added eight apiece.
On the other hand, Von Tambeling led the way for the also-ran Marikina with 12 and six boards.
Ato Ular only scored seven points but grabbed 17 rebounds while Yves Sazon was limited to just eight markers on 4-of-12 shooting.
With Bicol (3-1) already in the playoffs, Basilan (2-0) and Makati (2-1) will fight for the final spot while Marikina (1-3) and Laguna (0-3) are already eliminated.
The Scores:
Bicol-LCC Malls (86) – Tallo 19, Tansingco 14, Cruz 8, Santos 8, Marcelino 7, Huang 7, Pericas 6, Lanete 6, Yee 6, Luib 4, Lao 1, Gabawan 0.
Marikina (65) – Gonzales 12, Tambeling 12, Sazon 8, Ular 7, Carurucan 7, Espanola 6, Sumalacay 5, Casajeros 5, Pascual 2, Mendoza 1, Palattao 0, Tolentino 0.
Quartercores: 16-13, 38-30, 56-50.
