VAYGAN'S CONSISTENCY, BOLOS EMERGENCE - THE SILVER LININGS IN MINDORO'S FIFTH DEFEAT

A dismal second half performance derailed the Mindoro Tamaraws to their fifth loss in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League - Lakan Season, against Basilan Steel, 105-89, Thursday night at the Caloocan Sports Complex.

SIX players scored in double figures for Coach Jerson Cabiltes, led by Shaquille Alanes' 16 markers and Gab Dagangon's 12 points and 12 boards. The victor also had 44 points off turnovers in this game.

Coming off a huge win against the Bicol Volcanoes in their previous outing, the Mindoro Tamaraws played with great confidence against a stacked Basilan squad in the first half with their fellow southern team.

Facing an eight-point deficit at halftime, coach Justin Tan and Coach Bengie Teodoro emphasized the need to create shots for one another just like how they ended the first quarter, where despite starting the game slow, home grown hero Rodel Vaygan stepped up and led Mindoro to fight back after being down, 7-2 in the early minutes, to a 14-13 lead at the end of one.

Returning from the mid game break, the Tamaraws responded with a continuous fight back in the midst of Basilan's attempt to stretch their advantage to double figures. However, Basilan was able to control the last five minutes of the third quarter as turnovers mounted for Mindoro to end the period trailing by double digits.

Come payoff period, Basilan never looked back as they stretch the lead to 27 points (95-68) midway through- pouncing on Mindoro's struggle in taking care of the basketball.

Despite being dealt with their worse setback in eight games, Mindoro Tamaraws head coach, Justin Tan saw some notable contributors that kept their hopes in tact for their Lakan Season campaign.

"Bright spot si Rodel Vaygan is very consistent. Talagang buwis buhay, kaya minsan ako na natatakot for him dahil every game talagang bigay todo siya." said Coach Justin in a post-game interview.

Rodel Vaygan finished with a game-high 28 points on top of 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 33 minutes of playing time for Mindoro.

Another welcome sight that the team owner/head coach lauded is the emergence of Nicol Bolos, who had the chance to showcase his talent with almost 20 minutes of playing time and did not disappoint in his first time playing big minutes.

Bolos made the most of the opportunity after going perfect from the field (5/5) and with his charities (7/7) to tally a season-high 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.

"Grabe yung puso niya. Yung puso niya nasa team talaga. Kahit sa ibang liga pag napapanuod ko siya talagang all out siya, so yun yung nakita natin tonight. "

Bolos, despite not getting the result he wanted to go with his best performance so far- sighted that staying ready was the key to his breakout game. "Mahaba yung playing time ko ngayon, kaya nag double effort talaga ako ngayon and nakuha yung 17 points na output." Nico's thoughts after his perfect individual output.

His grit and tireless efforts inside the shaded area against the likes of Jay Collado, Bobby Balucanag and Mark Anthony Bringas, gave him the much respect he deserved after hauling down five offensive boards, despite being undersized. "Ganun na talaga yung laro ko kahit sa ibang liga, talagang matakaw ako sa rebounds. Mas importante saakin yun kaysa points. Actually mas malakas bigs nila, pero tayo laban lang." he added.

Kerr Bangeles delivered 11 points and four rebounds, while Kim Cinco added eight points and four assists. Previous game's heroes in Sandy Ceñal and Joseph Brutas were held with just six points each in this game.

Next up on the Tamaraws' calendar is a road game against the Pampanga Giant Lanterns on August 14 (Wednesday) 8:30pm at the Angeles University Foundation Gym.