Sharks stumble in MPBL debut
The Cebu City Sharks put up a gallant stand, albeit for losing cause against the Bacoor Strikers, 76-71, in their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup debut on Thursday night at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.
Swimming for the first time in the MPBL seawaters, the Sharks fished out a two-point edge after the first period, 19-17, only to find themselves trailing by four entering the locker room, 39-35.
Things got even bleak for the Cebuanos as they were pounded by the Strikers in the third canto, 24-14, that resulted into a 63-49 deficit entering the final 10-minute zone of the contest.
The Sharks, however, staged a courageous fightback in the windup to come threateningly close at two points, 72-70, on backto-back triples by John Abad with only 1:08 left to play.
Ironically, Cebuano hardcourt star Christopher Sumalinog playing for the Strikers doused cold water on the Sharks’ rally by sinking a crucial layup for a 74-70 Bacoor lead with 48 seconds to go.
The Sharks inched closer for the last time at 71-74 as Mikee Reyes and Gabriel Banal went 2-of-4 from the stripe in the final nine seconds to seal the deal for the Strikers.
Sumalinog led all scorers with 22 points and seven rebounds. Mark Montuño added 18 points and 10 rebounds, Reyes scored 15 on top of four assists and two rebounds, while Banal chipped in 11 markers laced with seven rebounds and six assists for the Strikers.
Cesar Catli paced the Sharks with 15 points and 10 rebounds but shot only 6-of-16 from the field.
Rhaffy Octobre finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Franz Arong had 11 points, six rebounds and two assists but to no avail for the Sharks.
The missing link for the Sharks was ex-pro Jondan Salvador, who was held off to a measly two points in only five minutes of play.
The Sharks won’t play again until July 3 against the Parañaque Patriots at the Olivares College gym in Parañaque City.