THE PLAYERS of the Cebu City Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol admitted feeling blown away by the amount of support that they received during their recent homestand against the Makati Skyscrapers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League last Saturday.
With a supportive and boisterous crowd egging their every move from start to finish, the Sharks pulled off a 68-64 win, their second in 10 games so far in this season.
Afterwards, the players were at a loss for words for the amount of the support they got in their very first home game this season.
“It really had a huge difference on all of us. It was actually my first time to play in that kind of environment. I never had that in the Cesafi,” said
William McAloney, the former University of San Carlos big man who was pivotal in helping the Sharks snap their losing slump. “I was wowed by the crowd the moment I entered the gym. There were just so many people!”
McAloney had a solid game with 13 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block.
“It’s really great playing in front of your hometown crowd. It just feels like they will have your back no matter what happens,” the left-handed center said.
While most teams in the league have already had several home games, Cebu City has only had one but sources have indicated that they will have a few more next month and then in January.
“It’s really different when you have your home crowd. It gives us confidence. It makes you want to play ever harder,” said wingman Iron Suano.
Stud shooting guard Patrick Jan Cabahug added that when the pride of the Cebuano is at stake, it’s an entirely different ballgame.
“We’re playing for the pride of the Cebuanos so it really drives us to play our best and hardest,” he said.