CEBU-CASINO Ethyl Alcohol’s pursuit of a playoff berth continued after it blew away Imus, 101-76, in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season, at the Alonte Sports Arena on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020.
The win allowed the Sharks to even up their win-loss record to 13-13, just a game behind eighth-running Bicol-LCC Stores which own a 15-13 mark.
Former University of the Visayas standout Rhaffy Octobre led the onslaught with a double-double outing of 19 points on an efficient 8-of-13 shooting to go with 10 rebounds. PBA-bound big man Will McAloney and fiery defender Joel Lee Yu contributed 13 points apiece while Kraniel Viloria and John Ubalde connived for 21.
“Ang mindset kasi namin dito, defense talaga. Last four practices namin, nakukuha na nila yung lahat ng gusto kong mangyari, I hope mag tuloy tuloy hanggang makaabot sa playoffs,” said Cebu coach Noynoy Falcasantos.
Ahead by eight after the first, Cebu opened the second canto with a 13-5 blast to erect a 16-point advantage, 42-26 at the 6:11 mark, and it was all Cebu after that as they led by as much as 29 points, 97-68.
As great as the starters were for Cebu, its bench was even better, putting up a remarkable 62 points to spark their team to the victory.
RJ Deles scored 12 points, while Jojo Cunanan posted 11 points, five rebounds, and four assists as Imus ended its campaign at 6-24. Gerald Anderson unloaded 10 markers, eight boards, and five dimes.
In what could be his final game in his storied basketball career, Jayjay Helterbrand was forced to sit out due to a right hamstring injury. (JNP)