Cebu City Sharks nail first back-to-back wins in MPBL

The Cebu City Sharks nipped the Valenzuela CDO Idol Cheesedog Classic, 78-75, to sustain their climb in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup last Tuesday night at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Rhaffy Octobre sealed the outcome with four straight free throws in the last 12 seconds while William McAloney Jr. provided the offensive spunk with 21 points and 14 rebounds as the Sharks posted their first ever back-to-back wins and improved to 3-8.

Patrick Cabahug shattered the last tie at 72all with a layup en route to 13 points while Cesar Catli added 11 for the Sharks.

The Classic got 22 points from Chris de Chavez and 17 from Rocky Acidre but still fell to 3-8.

Meanwhile, the Bacoor Strikers struck hard under new coach Leo Isaac.

Powered by Gab Banal, the Strikers bested the Rizal Crusaders.

Isaac, former mentor of Blackwater Elite in the PBA, took over from Budds Reyes, who left the team with his coaching staff and player son Mikee Reyes.

Unfamiliar with his players, Isaac fielded all 15 at his disposal and was rewarded with the breezy victory, the Strikers leading by as many as 17 points, 61-44.

“Hindi naman ako nahirapan. Pulot-pulot lang, “said Isaac, former starting guard of Barangay Ginebra.

Mark Montuano and Bon Jovi Cipriano also delivered for the Strikers with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Crusaders, who got 14 points from James Patrick Anugan, fell to 4-8.

Congressman Strike Revilla, LGU partner of the Strikers, said he was disappointed with the actuation of Reyes' group.

“To me that was unprofessional,” said Revilla, noting that Reyes informed him of the resignation through text.

As such, Revilla said they’re open to let go Mikee Reyes, who earlier announced that he wanted to be traded. —