Sharks take on Patriots with eyes on first MPBL win

CEBU, Philippines — After faltering in their debut, the Cebu City Sharks will again try to score their first win in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup when they take on the Parañaque Patriots today at the Olivares College gym in Parañaque City.

The Casino Ethyl Alcohol-backed Sharks of coach Gilbert Castillo will lock up horns with the Patriots at 7:30 pm, right after the Bacoor Strikers will take on the Pampanga Lanterns in the 5:30 pm opener.

The Sharks lost in their first ever MPBL game to the Strikers, 71-76, last June 21 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

Interestingly, it was Cebuano cager Christopher Sumalinog donning the Strikers jersey who dealt the heaviest damage on the Sharks.

Sumalinog finished with 22 points on top of seven rebounds, two blocks, one steal and one assist to emerge as the second Player of the Week in the MPBL Datu Cup.

Up next for the Sharks is the Basilan Steel on July 12 and then the Manila Stars on July 24. (FREEMAN)