Sharks earn share of lead in Elite hoopla

CEBU, Philippines —  Prince Vaugh Malana sizzled with 20 points as the Sharks swallowed the Lions, 77-59, to earn a share of lead in the Elite Basketball Club Cebu Season 14 powered by Tough Gear Sportswear over the weekend at the Visayan Glass gym in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

RV Dolloso and Ian Ortega connived for 25 points for the Sharks, who forged a four-way traffic atop the standings with the Tigers, Eagles and Cheetahs with similar 4-2 win-loss cards.

After closing the first half with a 21-12 edge, the Sharks further mauled the Lions in the third period to pad their lead to 51-34 going into the last 10-minute mark of the contest. The Sharks never gave the Lions some breathing space the rest of the way.

Randy Pogoy posted 14 points but to no avail as the Lions suffered their fourth loss in six starts.

In the other games, Edward Saberon led a balanced attack with 25 points as the Rams survived the Cheetahs, 87-84, while Prince Panes charted 24 points to power the Panthers to a close 80-74 decision over the Wolves.

Mark Lubiano scored 17, while Harmsway Molina and Mark Matidios tallied 29 points in between them as the Rams evened their record to 3-3 in a tie with the Wolves and the Panthers, who also drew 38 combined points from Paul Salarda and Steven Sanchez.

Bryan Gumampong scattered 26 points, while Michael Tan and John Rodrigo fired 20 points apiece but to no avail as the Cheetahs fell to 4-2. EBV