Cebu Sharks fall to Laguna Heroes in overtime

CEBU, Philippines — The Casino Ethyl Alcohol-Cebu Sharks put up a gallant stand, albeit for a losing cause in overtime against the Biñan City Laguna Heroes, 81-85, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup last Wednesday night at the Pasig Sports Center in Pasig City.

Things went well for the Sharks in the extra five-minute period as they took an 80-77 lead but it did not last long as Laguna’s Kyle Neypes knocked in two consecutive 3-pointers to put the Heroes back on top, 83-80, for good with only 1:25 left to play.

Laguna’s ace playmaker Allan Mangahas settled the final tally for the Heroes with a floater in the final six seconds of the contest.

Mangahas finished with 24 points laced with 13 rebounds and eight assists, Mark Acosta banged in 13 markers, while Neypes scored 12 for the Heroes, who claimed their second straight win after kicking off their campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Patrick Cabahug scattered  20 points, Rhaffy Octobre finished with 18 points while William McAloney posted a solid double-double with 17 points and 19 rebounds but their efforts went to waste as the Sharks dropped to 2-2.

Up next for the Sharks are the Valenzuela SPV TOP Marketplace on July 11 at the Caloocan Sports Complex. (FREEMAN)