Cebu absorbs third straight defeat

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Classic absorbed their straight defeat via a close 63-61 decision against the San Juan Knights in the 7th Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) season on Monday night, March 24, at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

After Jameson Hiro hit a 3-pointer to pull Cebu within just two points in the final 35 seconds, they could have send the game into overtime but Dennis Santos and Limuel Tampus missed crucial shots that spelled their doom.

Dexter Maiquez came up with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds while Michael Calisaan contributed 10 points and seven rebounds in San Juan's rousing debut.

Santos tallied 14 markers on top of six boards, Tampus finished with 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, while added Hiro 12 points, five rebounds and two assists but their efforts went for naught as Cebu dropped to 1-3.

Cebu will once again try to get back on the winning track against the Manila Batang Quiapo on Saturday, March 29, at the University of Abra-Bangued Campus gymnasium.— (FREEMAN)