By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno – PNA News
MANILA — Rizal Crusaders pulled away in the second half to take down Cebu City Sharks, 80-57, in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Monday night.
Behind a career game from Marco Balagtas, the Crusaders dominated the final 20 minutes of the game, outscoring the Sharks, 59-29, to complete the rout.
Balagtas finished with 26 points off the bench on 10-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from long range with 10 rebounds, one block, and one steal for Rizal, which stopped a four-game slide and moved up to 5-11.
Jerome Juanico added 15 points, one rebound, five assists, and one steal, while Eric dela Cuesta made 12 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Joel Lee Yu made 15 markers off the bench with four assists and one block for Cebu City, which fell to 6-10.
