CEBUANO hoops star Macmac Tallo will be trying his best to keep it together as he and the rest of Bacolod Master Sardines are set to take on his hometown squad, the Cebu Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at the University of St. La Salle gym.
Arguably, Cebu’s finest basketball talent since June Mar Fajardo, the former PBA draft pick was picked up by the expansion squad prior to the start of the season to be the face of their franchise.
Asked about how he felt about taking on a squad that represented his own hometown, the 25-year old struggled to find the words to aptly describe the impending situation.
“Actually, I really don’t know what to say because I love Cebu and I also love Bacolod,” said the former two-time Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. Most Valuable Player right before their game, which was still being played as of this writing.
“I’m just going to be professional about it kasi after this game, everything will just go back to normal.”
Tallo adds that it would be intriguing to face off against players that he has gone to battle with and against, both in the Cesafi and in other tournaments around the region.
“Aside from playing against them, I’ve also played with them in other leagues. We have a relationship as friends. So I guess, I will just enjoy playing them again. We are rivals on court, but friends outside,” he said.
The Cebu-Bacolod clash is a crucial one for both teams as they are currently tied for ninth place in the South division standings with similar 6-10 win-loss slates.
Meanwhile, Cebuano Reed Juntilla continues to fit in perfectly with his new team, the Bataan Risers, as he led them to an easy 102-71 victory over the hapless Soccsksargen Marlins on Wednesday evening, Oct. 16, 2019.
Recently traded from Zamboanga, the University of the Visayas product showcased his entire repertoire as he compiled 18 points, five rebounds and five assists to help Bataan win and improve their win-loss card to 10-8.
Juntilla was not the only Cebuano to do well for Bataan during Wednesday’s game as former Southwestern University big man Bernie Bregondo registered a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds along with four assists and two steals. JNP