Cebu Sharks fall to Zamboanga in MPBL

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Sharks lost steam when it mattered the most on the way to absorbing a heart-breaking 58-61 loss to Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup on Monday night at the Marist School gymnasium in Marikina City.

Leading by seven after three quarters, 43-36, the Sharks wilted under a renewed endgame challenge by Zamboanga, which staged a searing 16-7 rally to wrest the upperhand, 52-50, for good midway in the last quarter.

The Sharks could only tie the count at 54-all on a basket by Victor Nunez at the final 3:12 mark as the Zamboangeños courageously held on their ground to scrape through a three-point victory.

The Sharks actually had a chance to send the game into overtime but Patrick Cabahug misfired his 3-pointer at the gameclock expired.

Despite the loss though, the Sharks are still in the running for a playoff spot in the Southern Conference with an 11-13 win-loss record.

Edrian Lao paced the Sharks with 12 points and five rebounds. Cabahug finished with 11 points, six boards and three assists, while William McAloney scored eight on top of  10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Ryan Buenafe scattered 13 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Ivan Villanueva, Reed Friar Juntilla and Robin Rono combined for total of 33 points for Zamboanga, which nailed its second straight win and 10th overall in 22 games to boost its playoff chances. EBV