CEBU City bounced back in a big way following a humiliating loss as the Sharks beat last conference’s champion Batangas City, 72-66, on Thursday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Batangas City Coliseum.
The Sharks, who went scoreless in the first period and went on to lose by 31 to Manila in its previous outing, made sure to start strong this time.
Cebu took a 22-7 lead in the first quarter and held on for the big win.
Rhaffy Octobre had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Sharks, who picked up their first win after going 0-4 to start their maiden conference.
Cesar Catli had 12 points for the Sharks, who led by as many as 20 points.
Moncrief Rogado had 11 points, while Val Acuna had 10 points for the Athletics, who slipped to 2-3.
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