Despite their formidable performances, teams from Iloilo and Bacolod City failed to continue their strong start after they were beaten during the 2023 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League over the weekend.
Bacolod City of Smiles suffered a 90-72 defeat to Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards before a huge crowd in Bataan People’s Center
The Bacolodnons had a good start after a 24-13 start behind early hits from Domark Matillano, Mac Montilla and Justine Alano but the pressing defense of the Rice Vanguards allowed them to cut the deficit to 23-27.
Extending the lead to double digits at 33-23 in the second quarter via back-to-back jumpers by Coy Alves, Bacolod couldn’t get well in the shaded area with the Rice Vanguards relying on consecutive hits by Emil Renz Palma to make it 30-33.
Bacolod were still up 43-42 at the half, but Nueva Ecija turned things around in the third canto behind Bobby Balucanag, Michael Juico and Palma as they surged to a 67-60 advantage.
Both teams started the last frame with lots of missed shots. Nueva Ecija then held Bacolod scoreless for the first four minutes of the final quarter as they increased the lead further to 76-61 behind connections by William McAloney and free throws by Balucanag.
Taking advantage on the misfires of the opposing team, defending champions Rice Vanguards narrowed the lead further as it reached its largest at 22 points late in the game after a basket by homegrown player Rich Guinitaran.
McAloney starred with 17 points, Palma and Juico chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively, while Chris Bitoon had 13 assists to go with three points as the Rice Vanguards improved to 2-0 slate.
Montilla and James Mangahas, meanwhile, spearheaded Bacolod with 11 markers apiece as they slumped to 0-2 record after suffering their second straight come-from-behind defeat.
Meanwhile, Iloilo United Royals-Cocolife failed to outplay Bulacan Kuyas as they were held in the fourth quarter, suffering an 85-76 defeat at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Kuyas outscored the United Royals, 27-17, in the fourth quarter to steal the win in a tight encounter, giving the Ilonggos their first defeat in the tournament.IMT Sports
