Cebu plunges back to defeat

CEBU, Philippines — The Casino Active-Cebu City Sharks could not sustain the momentum of their breakthrough win against the Batangas City Athletics last week, plunging to a 64-71 defeat at the hands of the Davao Occidental Tigers in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League  (MPBL) Anta Datu Cup last Tuesday night at the Strike Gymnasium in Bacoor, Cavite.

Hoping to nail back-to-back wins, the Sharks had a good start and even led by four at the end of the opening quarter, 17-13.

The Sharks stayed on top at the break, 36-35, behind the hot hands of John Abad who dropped 11 of his 13 points in the first half.

However, after fighting on an even playing field in the third period, the Sharks wilted under a roaring offensive by the Tigers at the endgame.

Tied at 52-all going into the final period, former PBA players Bonbon Custodio, Leo Najorda and Mark Yee took matters into their own hands as the Tigers took full control of the match in the crucial stretch. They finished with a combined total of 35 points.

Down by six points at the final two-minute zone, the Sharks threatened for the last time at 64-67 on a triple by Patrick Cabahug as Custodio quickly replied with a jump shot before Najorda and Billy Robles calmly sank their free throws to ice the game.

Robles churned out 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists, but it was Custodio who was honored as Player of the Game with 13 points, five rebounds and assists.

The Tigers now holds an even 3-3 record after snapping out of their three-game skid, while the Sharks, led by Cabahug with 14 markers, fell to a 1-5 hole.

Up next for the Sharks are Manny Pacquiao’s GenSan Warriors on August 23 still at the Strike Gymnasium. — EBV