Mon Fernandez headlines MPBL tribute to Cebuano hoop legends

Mon Fernandez, whose new PBA Finals MVP award has been named after him, will be honored by the MPBL on Saturday night. PBA Images (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA—Cebuano players who have made their mark in local basketball will be honored by the MPBL on Saturday after the first game between Mindoro and Zamboanga at the Cebu City Coliseum.

Ramon Fernandez, a four-time PBA MVP and part of a record 19 champion teams, and a multiple-time national team member, heads the 21 honorees to be given plaques of recognition for their contribution to the upliftment of the sport.

Also to be feted are Bonel Balingit, Elmer "Boy" Cabahug, Peter Naron, Marcelino "Terry" Albarillo, Rodolfo Jose "Bong" Abad Jr., Hilario "Larry" Villanil, Calvin Tuadles, Alfonso "Al" Solis, Lowell Briones, Alexandro "Jojo" Lim, Maximo "Mad Max" Delantes, Wilfredo "Willy" Generalao, Norberto "Titing Manalili Sr., Rogelio "Roger" Yap Jr., Junthy L. Valenzuela, Cresencio "Dondon" Ampalayo, Manuel "Manny" Paner, Ramon "Montoy" Singson, Jercules "Jojo" Tangkay and Reynaldo "Reyns" Yncierto.

MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta and Operations Head Zaldy Realubit said this is just the initial batch and other deserving Cebuano cagers will similarly be feted in the future.

Parañaque escapes Negros

Domark Matillano drilled in a jumper with 3.8 seconds left to lift the Parañaque Patriots past the Negros Hacienderos, 95-94, on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

The 5-foot-11 find from the Philippine Merchant Marine School completed Parañaque's comeback from as far as 38-57 down early in the third quarter and handed the Patriots their second win against 18 losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 27-team tournament.

Negros had a chance to reverse the outcome, but Achie Inigo missed a buzzer-beating triple, and the Hacienderos slipped to 1-14.

James Mangahas posted 20 points, 12 in the third quarter, and 6 rebounds to clinch the SportsPlus best player honors over Jomar Santos, with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Matillano, with 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds.

Other Patriots who delivered were homegrown Paolo Castro, with 13 points and 2 rebounds, Marlon Monte, with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Ryusei Koga, with 9 points and 9 rebounds.

Negros fell to 1-14 as Michael Alvarez's 27-point, 7-rebound, 2-assist effort and Reymar Caduyac's 17-point, 9-assist output and 6-rebound output went for naught.