BATANGAS – In a battle of also-ran squads, Yankie Haruna lifted Bacolod-Master’s Sardines against Valenzuela-Backload Carga Solutions, 83-78, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season at the Batangas State University here, Wednesday.
Down by three points with under three minutes remaining in the match, Valenzuela’s Jaycee Asuncion drained a three-pointer to lock the scores at 76-all.
Unfortunately for Valenzuela, Yankie Haruna took over for Bacolod. With 1:59 left on the clock, the former Benilde stalwart converted a floater to separate his squad. Haruna then went 2-of-4 from the line to give Bacolod a four-point cushion, 80-76, with 54.8 ticks left.
Edgar Charcos sealed the deal for the Master’s Sardines-backed squad in the 45-second mark with a fast-break layup.
“They played well. But sa akin still, they ran the plays that we’ve been practicing. I’ve been telling them, we have the last four games. We can still win the last four games, nothing to lose,” said Bacolod head coach Vic Ycasiano.
Charcos spearheaded a balanced offensive attack, tallying 14 points and four assists for Bacolod, who remains in the 11th spot of the South Division with a 10-17 standing.
Jopher Custodio chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds, while Haruna provided 11 points and eight boards.
On the other hand, Paulo Hubalde posted 17 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three steals for the 11-17 Valenzuela. Jayson Varilla and Val Acuna added 14 points apiece in the loss.
The Scores:
Bacolod-Master’s Sardines (83) – Charcos 14, Custodio 13, Haruna 11, Villahermosa 10, Canada 8, Camacho 8, Tansingco 5, Reyes 4, Adamos 3, Santos 2, Cauilan 2, Gayosa 0, Bernardo 0, Dela Cruz 0
Valenzuela-Carga Backload Solutions (78) – Hubalde 17, Varilla 14, Acuna 14, Asuncion 10, Gimpayana 9, Mabigat 8, Santos 4, Ruaya 2, Ricafort 0, Armenion 0, Velasco 0
Quarterscores: 19-25, 34-39, 59-53, 83-78
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Nicks Hernandez
