THE Cebu City Sharks’ playoff dreams are still alive after picking up a much-needed win last Thursday night, Dec. 13, at the Strike Gym in Bacoor, Cavite. The Sharks outclassed Pasay Voyagers, 76-61, to stay in contention in the South Division of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup.
Rhaffy Octobre had a huge game for Cebu City with a double-double performance of 17 points and 13 rebounds on a 63 percent shooting clip.
Patrick Cabahug, who hit just one of eight from beyond the arc, scored 12 points along with seven boards. William McAloney logged nine points and 11 rebounds, while former Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) MVP Jaybie Mantilla added nine points along with five rebounds and six assists. Veteran big man Enrico Llanto also added nine markers coming off the bench.
Shaquille Alanes was the only Pasay player to hit double digits with 20 points and three rebounds, while Jaypee Belencion chipped in nine.
Cebu City immediately took an early 24-11 lead before halftime and made it 51-29 at halftime. Although the Voyagers did a better job in the second half, the Sharks protected the lead up until the final buzzer for the important win.
The Sharks improved to 7-11 and is currently ranked seventh in the Southern Division and 13th overall, while the Voyagers dropped to 6-11. EKA