The Bacolod Master Sardines made a bounce-back win as they edged the Basilan Steel in Filoil Flying V Center, 96-89.
Master Sardines’ Paolo Javelona paced his team with his 21 points, five rebounds and five dimes show. Yet, it was Jess Mar Villahermosa and Jerick Cañada led the Ilonggo squad to victory and the duo were named as the Best Players of the Game.
Villahermosa and Cañada had a combined 8-of-13 shooting from downtown and most of their long-range damage came in the third quarter where Bacolod outscored Basilan, 24-14.
Apart from that, their adjustment at the start of the second half particularly on limiting the touches of Allyn Bulanadi was successful.
In the first half alone, the new member of Gilas Pilipinas already made 22 points which is just a field-goal away to erase the 23 points first-half points set by San Juan Knights gunner John Wilson.
Bacolod only allowed Bulandi to score 11 points in that final two frames of the game. He has a total of 33 points to lead his squad in scoring along with his five rebounds.
With the victory, Bacolod has improved to 9-16 while Basilan tied with the Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines with 16-10 slate.
Bacolod vs Basilan Box Score
Master Sardines (96) – Tansiangco 3, Adamos 11, Javelona 21, Haruna 14, Villahermosa 15, Cañada 14, Camacho 8, Gayosa 4, Custodio 6
Steel (89) – Collado 15, Bulanadi 33, Gabo 3, Alanes 3, Dumapig 3, Hallare 2, Palencia 4, Dagangon 9, Lunor 6, Balucanag 2, Sorela 3, Bautista 6