MPBL: Cortes steps up, keeps Cebu in playoff hunt
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MPBL: Cortes steps up, keeps Cebu in playoff hunt
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 04, 2020 01:07 PM PHT

MANILA, Philippines -- With their backs against the wall, Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol faced one of the top teams in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season in 1Bataan-Camaya Coast.
MANILA, Philippines -- With their backs against the wall, Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol faced one of the top teams in the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season in 1Bataan-Camaya Coast.
Their already difficult task got even harder as one of their key players, Rhaffy Octubre, had to sit out the game due to a stiff neck. Octubre was averaging 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Their already difficult task got even harder as one of their key players, Rhaffy Octubre, had to sit out the game due to a stiff neck. Octubre was averaging 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
Fortunately for Cebu, skipper Harold Cortes was more than capable of stepping up. He scored a game-high 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. He added four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Fortunately for Cebu, skipper Harold Cortes was more than capable of stepping up. He scored a game-high 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. He added four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
With Cortes leading the way, the Sharks stayed alive and stunned the Risers, 75-65, at the Strike Gym in Bacoor on Monday night.
With Cortes leading the way, the Sharks stayed alive and stunned the Risers, 75-65, at the Strike Gym in Bacoor on Monday night.
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With Cebu leading by 15 points, Bataan opened the fourth quarter with 7 straight points to trim the deficit to just 8, 56-48, before the homegrown Cebuano checked back in and steadied the ship for the Sharks.
With Cebu leading by 15 points, Bataan opened the fourth quarter with 7 straight points to trim the deficit to just 8, 56-48, before the homegrown Cebuano checked back in and steadied the ship for the Sharks.
"Sabi kasi sa akin ni coach noong pinasok ako, dapat daw i-guide ko ang team. Dapat daw 'yung lamang namin, hindi na nila maibaba para sigurado na ang panalo," said Cortes.
"Sabi kasi sa akin ni coach noong pinasok ako, dapat daw i-guide ko ang team. Dapat daw 'yung lamang namin, hindi na nila maibaba para sigurado na ang panalo," said Cortes.
Cortes anchored the 14-3 run that allowed Cebu to put the game away for good. He had 8 points in that spurt, including two three-pointers.
Cortes anchored the 14-3 run that allowed Cebu to put the game away for good. He had 8 points in that spurt, including two three-pointers.
Sharks coach Nonoy Falcasantos had no doubt that the 33-year-old guard could be relied upon, especially when their lead dwindled.
Sharks coach Nonoy Falcasantos had no doubt that the 33-year-old guard could be relied upon, especially when their lead dwindled.
"Si Harold kasi, pagdating talaga sa mga crucial stretch, kailangan ko siya lalo na't nawawala na si Jaybee (Mantilla), kapag dinodoble, hindi na ma-control ang bola, kaya kinailangan kong ipasok si Harold," he said.
"Si Harold kasi, pagdating talaga sa mga crucial stretch, kailangan ko siya lalo na't nawawala na si Jaybee (Mantilla), kapag dinodoble, hindi na ma-control ang bola, kaya kinailangan kong ipasok si Harold," he said.
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In order for Cebu to clinch a spot in the post-season, they have to win their two remaining games against Parañaque-Yabo Sports and Batangas-Tanduay. Gensan-Burlington or the Athletics should also lose all of their remaining games.
In order for Cebu to clinch a spot in the post-season, they have to win their two remaining games against Parañaque-Yabo Sports and Batangas-Tanduay. Gensan-Burlington or the Athletics should also lose all of their remaining games.
In other games, Davao Occidental-Cocolife shrugged off also-ran Nueva Ecija, 86-79, while Manila-Frontrow escaped Bacoor in a battle of powerhouses, 78-74.
In other games, Davao Occidental-Cocolife shrugged off also-ran Nueva Ecija, 86-79, while Manila-Frontrow escaped Bacoor in a battle of powerhouses, 78-74.
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website).
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