Marlins Hold Off Bacolod's Late Surge to Secure Narrow Win and Even Record

10 hours ago

Sarangani 10ACT survived a late rally from Bacolod, holding on for a 96-94 victory on Monday to strengthen their campaign in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season at the One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.

The Marlins seemed in control, leading by 15 points at 95-80 with just 2:48 remaining. However, Bacolod’s Masskaras mounted a fierce 14-point run, limiting Sarangani to only a single free throw during that stretch. Despite the late scare, the Marlins' lead held firm, as they evened their record at 1-1 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 28-team, two-division tournament.

Carl Bryan Lacap paced Sarangani with 20 points, including five three-pointers, along with four rebounds and two assists. The Marlins reached their largest lead of the game at 53-42 late in the second quarter, thanks to Lacap's consistent shooting.

Karl Duremdes earned Player of the Game honors after contributing 11 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists in just under 15 minutes of play.

“It’s just effort,” Duremdes, son of MPBL president Kenneth Duremdes and a member of the league’s broadcast team, said. “I did my part while shaking off some rust.”

King Destacamento added 12 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, while Lacap also had 11 points and two rebounds in a well-rounded performance.

Despite the loss, Bacolod’s Ian Melencio delivered another spectacular effort with 37 points, 10 assists, six rebounds, and three steals. Melencio had earlier powered Bacolod in their comeback win over Imus on April 14, finishing with 34 points, 18 assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.

Hance Lleva also contributed 21 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks for Bacolod.

Sarangani surged early, taking a commanding 66-38 halftime lead, with Lacap scoring eight points and Duremdes adding seven.

The tournament continues Tuesday at the Caloocan Sports Complex, with Quezon Province facing Binan at 4 p.m., Abra Solid North battling Paranaque at 5 p.m., and Negros taking on Caloocan at 8 p.m.