Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions arrested its three-game slide, eking out an 89-84 victory against Sarangani, Friday in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila City.
Up by just five points in the 1:55 mark of the fourth period, ex-pro Val Acuña made a four-point play from the right corner to extend Valenzuela’s lead to nine, 86-77.
“Niremind ko lang yung players ko na sa mga ganong situations, we don’t have to relax. We need to stick to the game plan and play hard, thankfully kumapit naman,” said Classic coach Ronjay Enrile.
Trailing 57-70 at the start of the fourth frame, the Marlins went on a 12-2 blitz to trim the deficit to three, 69-72 with 6:30 left.
Already leading 27-22, the Classic used a 27-18 second period to build a double-digit separation come halftime, 54-40.
Jaymar Gimpayan tallied 17 points, while Acuña added 16 as the Classic improved to 10-15, tying Quezon City for 10th spot, just 4 games behind eight-seed Caloocan.
Valenzuela star Paolo Hubalde registered 11 markers and 13 assists, tying the whole Sarangani squad in the dimes department.
Pari Llagas had 21 points and 17 boards while Jun Demapiles uncorked 16 markers and seven rebounds as Sarangani fell to 1-23, dead last in the league.
The Scores:
VALENZUELA-CARGA BACKLOAD SOLUTIONS 89 – Gimpayan 17, Acuña 16, Sta. Maria 12, Hubalde 11, Santos 9, Asuncion 8, Ruaya 7, Poligrates 3, Armenion 3, Diego 2, Ricafort 1, Martinez 0.
SARANGANI 84 – Llagas 21, Demapiles 16, Medalla 12, Catacutan 10, Estrellante 9, Eman 5, Clavel 4, Morada 3, Timon 2, Nocos 2, Macantal 0, Trinidad 0, Cabanog 0, Alih 0.
Quarterscores: 27-22, 54-40, 70-57, 89-84.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Thel Suliva
