THE Cebu City Sharks failed to sustain its momentum from a home game victory as they fell victim to the Rizal Crusaders, 80-57, in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup on Monday night, Nov. 26 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Crusaders-Xentro Mall used a strong second half, anchored by a career-high game from Marco Balagtas, to pull away from the Casino Ethyl Alcohol-backed Sharks.
The Sharks had the lead for the first time after Edrian Lao converted a layup that put Cebu City ahead, 32-31, with 9:04 to play in the third quarter. It was short-lived though, as Crusaders were quick to regain the lead with a telling 22-10 run, capped by Balagtas’ two-pointer to end the third quarter with a double-digit, 53-42, edge.
The Crusaders lead ballooned to as much as 27 points in the fourth quarter.
Contrary to the final score, the first half was a close game as Sharks were only down by three, 28-31, at the half after trailing, 17-11, at the end of the first quarter.
Joel Lee Yu was the lone Shark to hit double figures with 15 points. Cesar Catli had eight points, while Lao, Alfred Ryan Codilla and Patrick Jan Cabahug each chipped in seven points.
Balagtas finished the game with 26 points in an efficient 10-of-13 shooting on top of 10 rebounds to help Crusaders snapped a four-game losing skid.
The Sharks, which came off a thrilling 77-75 double overtime win over the Laguna Heroes in a home game about a week ago, dropped to 6-10 (win-loss) slate at 10th place in the South Division.
After the 25-game elimination round, the top eight teams in each of the two divisions will advance to the playoffs. (RSC)