WITH its core made up of 3×3 players, Bicol-LCC Malls coach Aldin Ayo said the Volcanoes are still adjusting.
The results are proving otherwise.
Boosted by a fiery start and a sustained charge, Bicol-LCC Malls whipped Makati FSD 86-71 yesterday for its second straight win in Group B of the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Gunner Mac Tallo sizzled with 21 points built on five three-pointers, on top of three rebounds and four assists, while Ralph Tansingco added 15 markers and seven boards for the Volcanoes.
Veteran Mark Yee also had 14 and 13 as Bicol-LCC Malls improved to 2-1 and handed the Blazers their first loss for a 1-1 card.
The Volcanoes scored a big follow-up to their 80-68 victory over Laguna Krah Asia last Dec. 12.
In the other game, Iloilo United vented its ire on All-Star Bacolod, scoring an emphatic 85-62 drubbing to get back on track, while Sarangani shrugged off a slow start to beat struggling Muntinlupa 75-66 in Group C.
Chito Jaime set a tournament-best 28 points spiked by seven treys, and hauled down five caroms, while Mac Racho had 11 for the Royals, who hiked their record to 2-1 in Group A.
Jordan Sta. Ana showed the way for the Marlins with 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists, while Marvin Lee and Yvan Ludovice had 14 and 12, respectively as Sarangani improved to 1-3.
“We have the same problem from our first game, the adjustment from 3×3 to 5 versus 5, that was very evident in our first game because we treated that game just like 3×3. We took the first available shot and most of them were harried shots,” Ayo said.
“Right now, we’re just adjusting to the 5-on-5 game and environment. Good thing that the players are responding to the adjustments that we made. Hopefully, they become consistent because until now, we’ve noticed that that has been our problem, being consistent with what we do,” he added.
