Cebu falls to Navotas Crunch in MPBL

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Sharks put up one big fight in the early goings of the game but lost fire in the second half on the way to drop a 73-83 decision to the Navotas Crunch in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup last Saturday night at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

Trailing by five in the first 10 minutes of play, 18-23, the Sharks fought back with savvy to seize the upperhand, 28-29, on a basket by Jayford Rodriguez off an assist by Jaybie Mantilla but the Crunch hung on to a slim 42-40 lead at halftime.

The Crunch then made a huge third quarter run to crack a double-digit edge, 62-51, heading into the final 10-minute mark of the contest.

The Sharks couldn't trim the deficit even just to a single figure as the Crunch staged a 13-5 blitz to virtually put the victory in the palm of their hands, 80-62, with 3:06 left to play.

Marlon Gomez brough the heaviest damage on the Sharks with 20 points and six rebounds. Jai Reyes finished with 13 points and passed out 10 assists, while Gino Jumao-as added 12 points and seven boards as the Crunch bettered their record to 7-9.

Fil-Australian William McAloney came up with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks, while Rodriguez tallied 10 points and five rebounds but to no avail as the Sharks suffered their second straight loss and 11th overall against only six wins. (FREEMAN)