Home game played crucial role in Sharks’ resurgence in MPBL

The Cebu City Sharks-Casino Ethyl Alcohol feel like they are starting to figure things out after they won their second straight game by beating the Valenzuela Idol Cheesedog, 78-75, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Star wingman Patrick Cabahug said that their recent two-week stay in Cebu revitalized their spirit after previously winning just one of their first nine games in their maiden venture in this league founded by boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

“Management made a great decision letting us all go home to Cebu for two weeks and just practice there,” shared the former University of the Visayas (UV) standout who scored the basket that put Cebu City ahead for good against Valenzuela. “That was when our chemistry started. After winning back-to-back games, the morale of the team is very high.”

The Sharks trailed by nine early but got clutch points from Cabahug and Rhaffy Octobre down the stretch to help get them the win and raise their win-loss record to 3-8.

Help in the shaded lane is also on the way for Cebu City with their recent acquisition of ex-UV stud Edrian Lao from the dispersal draft earlier this week.

The team’s resident big man, William McAloney, expressed his excitement at having Lao, who previously played for the Davao Occidental Tigers.

“We’re all excited to have him on the team. He’s a very strong defender and I know he can help us bigs,” said the University of San Carlos product who continued his string of strong play with 21 points and 14 rebounds on Tuesday night.

“It won’t take him too long to get used to how we play since we know one another already. He’s a Cebuano so it will be easy for him,” the left-handed 6-foot-5 big man added.

Next up for the Sharks will be a date with Marikina, which features actor Gerald Anderson on October 27 in a game that will be held in Zamboanga.