Bacolod keeps MPBL postseason hopes alive with narrow Bicol win

Yankie Haruna attempts a layup

Bacolod Master Sardines kept themselves in postseason race of the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go/MPBL Lakan Season, fending off Bicol LCC Stores in overtime, 76-72, Monday at the Imus Sports Complex.
After Volcanoes big man Chris Lalata made the first two points of the extra period at the 4:30 mark, Bacolod's defense clamped on their foes, holding them scoreless for the remainder of the game.

The trio of Pao Javelona, Ben Adamos, and Edgar Charcos punched in the buckets for the Master Sardines-backed squad.

"That's what I am trying to make in this team, a defensive team, kasi I am more of a defensive coach. Ngayon ko lang talaga nakuha yung mga players na gusto ko na susunod sa sistema," Bacolod coach Vic Ycasiano said.

Ralph Tansingco had fifteen points and five rebounds, while Adamos added eleven markers and seven boards as the Master Sardines-backed Bacolod improved to 8-15 for 11th place in the South division.

Javelona sent the game to overtime after he made a floater with 9.3 ticks left in the fourth frame, tying things up at 70. Bicol had the chance to win the game in regulation, but Ronjay Buenafe never got a chance to take a shot in the ensuing play.

Yankee Haruna, Jopher Custodio, and Jess Villahermosa each punched in ten points for Bacolod.

Alwyn Alday paced the LCC Stores-backed Volcanoes with 23 points, seven boards, and seven dimes.

Bicol saw their five-game winning streak snapped as they slipped to 13-12.

The Scores:

BACOLOD-MASTERS SARDINES 76 - Tansingco 15, Adamos 11, Villahermosa 10, Custodio 10, Haruna 10, Javelona 8, Charcos 7, Saitanan 4, Gayosa 1, Cañada 0, Camacho 0, Reyes 0, Cauilan 0.

BICOL-LCC STORES 72 - Alday 23, Ongteco 12, Lalata 11, Buenafe 9, Garcia 6, Aldave 4, Mondragon 4, Gusi 3, Guerrero 0, Olea 0, Manalang 0.

Quarterscores: 21-13, 43-34, 57-53, 70-70, 76-72.